Welcome to Las Vegas!
Las Vegas is a shimmering seductress promising excitement, revelry, and fortune.
A town literally built to entertain, the ‘Sin City’ of today is so much more than the gamblers den of mobsters and rat packs it once was. Enjoy world-class shows, attractions, dining, and more!
How to get to Las Vegas
McCarran International Airport (LAS) is the most popular way to arrive in Las Vegas. Shuttles run from LAS to The Strip for $7 one-way. A Taxi or Ride Share from LAS to The Strip will run you approximately $20. (Tip: Ask to take surface streets for a shorter, cheaper trip.)
By Road
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Interstate 15 (I-15) is the best way to go if you're driving into Vegas. If you're heading straight to The Strip, exit onto Tropicana Avenue or Spring Mountain Road rather than perpetually-congested Flamingo Road.
Jump inside a half-million-dollar sports car and take it for a few laps at Speedvegas.
Part stage show, part circus, part modern dance, part acrobatic - Cirque du Soliel is like no other show on earth.
Grab the controls of a real stunt plane (with the guidance of an instructor) at Sky Combat Ace.
Visit the Stratosphere tower for some of the world's most intense thrill rides, including the appropriately-named Big Shot, X-Scream, and Insanity.
For a breath of fresh air, visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Local etiquette in Las Vegas
Greeting
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A firm handshake is always appreciated – unless you’re close friends, in which case it might be seen as overly formal.
Tipping
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Tipping is expected for most services, including tipping your casino table dealer. 15-20% is standard for food service, bars, and cabs. To tip your casino dealer (for great personality or help, not for winning or losing), place a bet for them.
Gestures
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Holding all fingers down save for your middle finger (the one between index and ring finger) is considered quite rude.
Toasting
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While not expected, a short toast to the host of a private gathering is typically received well.
Other
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Is it legal to drink alcohol from an open container in Las Vegas? Actually, that’s a popular myth – it’s not strictly legal. But the police tend to “look the other way” all the same.
What's the weather like in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas gets very little rainfall, and while July and August are considered “monsoon” season, this is little more than tongue-in-cheek, referencing the occasional light afternoon shower. Spring and Fall are generally mild and comfortable, with the desert winter getting relatively chilly (although rarely below freezing), and Summers getting quite hot.
How to get around in Las Vegas
Public Transport
Public buses (the RTC) operate from 5AM - 2AM daily. Have exact change on hand, or pre-buy boarding passes from vending machines.
Renting a Car
Driving can be tricky, owing both to Las Vegas' notoriously aggressive drivers as well as the frequency of drunk tourists sliding behind the wheel. Parking can also be a challenge.
Public Transport
The Las Vegas Monorail provides convenient transportation between many of the Las Vegas Strip casino resorts, including MGM Grand, Bally's, Paris, Flamingo, Caesars, Harrah's, LINQ, the Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate, and SLS.
Taxi
Although you'll rarely if ever get in trouble for it, it's actually illegal in Las Vegas to hail a cab from the street. Nearly every resort, casino, shopping mall, or other large establishment will have a cab stand from which you can request a taxi.
Ride Share
Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft operate in Las Vegas, and can be considerably cheaper than taking a taxi. Beware of surge pricing (it can get outrageous.)
Where should I eat in Las Vegas?
BREAKFAST RESTAURANTS IN LAS VEGAS
Mr. Mamas ($)
American Cafe / Diner
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Cali Omelet, French Toast, Pancakes, Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs
Mr. Mamas Website
Omelet House ($$)
American (Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free friendly)
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Pumpkin bread, lobster omelet
Omelet House Website
Tableau ($$$)
American / European Fusion
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Eggs benedict, pastry basket
Tableau Website
BRUNCH RESTAURANTS IN LAS VEGAS
The Egg & I ($)
American (Vegetarian and Vegan friendly)
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Eggs benedict, banana nut muffins, french toast
The Egg & I Website
Eat. ($$)
American Cafe
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Truffled egg, cinnamon biscuits
Eat. Website
Bouchon ($$$)
French
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Croque madame, beignets
Bouchon Website
LUNCH RESTAURANTS IN LAS VEGAS
Monta Noodle House ($)
Japanese
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Ramen, pork belly, fried rice
Monta Noodle House Website
Juan's Flaming Fajitas & Cantina ($$)
Mexican / Southwestern
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Fajitas, shrimp tacos
Juan's Flaming Fajitas & Cantina Website
The Capital Grille ($$$)
American Steakhouse
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Steaks, calamari
The Capital Grille Website
DINNER RESTAURANTS IN LAS VEGAS
Evel Pie ($)
Pizzaria
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Pizza, rattlesnake sausage
Evel Pie Website
Oyster Bar at Palace Station ($$)
Seafood
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Oysters, bouillabaisse, etouffee
Oyster Bar at Palace Station Website
Le Cirque ($$$)
French
INTERLINERS LOVE THE:
Foie gras, degustation menu
Le Cirque Website
Other eats and bites in Las Vegas
Stripchezze
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Try the sandwiches
Fukuburger
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Try the burgers
Dazzling Bistro
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Try the french pastries
Truck-N-Yaki
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Try the japanese food
Bellagio Patisserie
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Try the chocolate ice
Bouchon Bakery
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Try the macaroons
Freed's Bakery
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Try the bavarian cream
Things to do in Las Vegas
Cirque du Soleil ($49+)
Part stage show, part circus, part modern dance, part acrobatic - Cirque du Soliel is like no other show on earth. Cirque du Soleil Website
Speedvegas ($39+)
Jump inside a half-million-dollar sports car and take it for a few laps at Speedvegas. Speedvegas Website
Sky Combat Ace ($249+)
Grab the controls of a real stunt plane (with the guidance of an instructor) at Sky Combat Ace. Sky Combat Ace Website
Stratosphere ($35+)
Visit the Stratosphere tower for some of the world's most intense thrill rides, including the appropriately-named Big Shot, X-Scream, and Insanity. Stratosphere Website
Red Rock Canyon ($30+)
For a breath of fresh air, visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. Red Rock Canyon Website
Las Vegas festivals and parades
APRIL
Vegas Uncork'd
A food festival hosted by top chefs, including wine tastings, amazing dinners, and cooking demonstrations.
APRIL
Viva Las Vegas
A return to Vegas’ rockabilly heyday. Expect pool parties, live music, dancing, and classic car shows.
JUNE
Electric Daisy Carnival
The self-described “largest EDM festival in the world” brings over 350,000 enthusiasts to Vegas for three nights of wild partying and hot music.
JUNE
Rise Festival
A celebration of life, the earth, and humanity, Rise Festival is a unique gathering which ends with every attendee releasing a floating lantern up to the black desert sky.
JULY
World Series of Poker
High-stakes professional players, famous celebrities, and even casino employees compete against each other in over 40 tournaments, with the total purse numbering in the millions.
What's the nightlife like in Las Vegas?
Photo © Chateau at Paris
Chateau at Paris
(website)
A two-story nightclub with French-inspired decor and rooftop views of the strip, Chateau provides a classic (albeit lively) backdrop for an exciting evening.
DON'T MISS:
Chateau is the only Vegas nightclub with a rooftop - it's worth it for the views alone!