Las Vegas, Nevada's desert city - Mecca for gamblers and shows.
Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. It is known for its casinos and glamorous shows and events. For gamblers it is the Mecca par excellence. Tourists are attracted to the city all year round. I'll be honest: I never wanted to visit "Sin City" - Las Vegas. I didn't care about the city, the gambling or the shows.
Nevertheless, we decided to visit the city of gamblers during our 3-week California road trip. Once in a lifetime you just have to be there and watch how Americans enjoy drinking in public, sprinting between one-armed bandits with several credit cards at the same time and sipping iced margaritas.
So I've written down everything you need to know before visiting Las Vegas. I also asked Johannes a few questions. He's been to Las Vegas countless times and has some insider tips for Las Vegas:
First time in Las Vegas?
If you are in Las Vegas for the first time, I recommend visiting some of the casinos and the top sights in Las Vegas on the Strip. Even though a lot of it is very touristy. Before my visit to Las Vegas, I wasn't interested in the city in the Nevada desert at all. On the road trip, I preferred to see other places. Gambling is not my thing, nor are the big hotels and glamorous shows.
Nevertheless, we decided to stay in the city of gamblers for 3 nights. It was an interesting experience, even though I was out of money after a few minutes at the one-armed bandit.
How long to stay in Las Vegas?
I recommend staying at least 3 days in Las Vegas. If you go on excursions or explore cool spots off the Strip during the day and don't hit the Strip until the evening, you won't make it to see all the hotels and casinos. The buildings are huge, have many shops and a huge casino area. It's often a labyrinth and we got lost more than once. Plan a lot of time for that alone.
Top sights in Las Vegas
Of course, you can't come to Sin City without checking off the most famous sights. Be sure to explore the Strip, home to all the world-famous casinos, where you'll also see the amazing Bellagio Fountain, Luxor Pyramid and Eiffel Tower!
Here you'll see the highlights of "Paris", such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, before taking a glass lift 46 floors into the sky to the top of the Eiffel Tower! Don't forget your camera, it's worth it.
Las Vegas Strip
By day, just one big wide street that you never actually have to cross. The paths are laid out in such a way that you have to cross just about every hotel and the casino inside. Getting lost is included.
At night, the Strip lights up and flickers on every corner. People in costumes and disguises, always with a drink in their hand and limousines driving up and down the Strip. A freak show.
Explore Las Vegas on foot first
After your arrival and a short refreshment at the hotel, I advise you to explore the city on foot. Let yourself drift and explore the Strip on foot. I'm telling you: You won't get lost just once in one of the huge hotels with casinos. That's deliberate. After all, the sound of the jingling coins is supposed to encourage you to take a seat at the gaming table yourself.
I've stopped counting how many times we got lost in Caesars Palace alone. Despair eventually gave way to exhausted laughter. Try to see as many hotel complexes as possible.
The Venetian Hotel makes you feel like you're in Venice and is also the largest hotel on the Strip. Besides a canal on which you can ride a gondola - just like in Venice - there are, for example, artists offering free street performances all day long. The difference to Venice: it smells better.
Other hotels worth visiting: Mirage Hotel (for years it hosted the famous Siegfried & Roy show with the white tigers), Bellagio (gigantic water features, just my favourite hotel because it's simply stylish), Caesars Palace (because I got lost in it so many times, known from the movie Hangover, which I'm sure everyone has seen) and the Paris Las Vegas.
From the replica Eiffel Tower you have a wonderful view of the Strip and the surrounding hotels: Excalibur (replica Disney castles), Luxor Hotel (Sphinx and the pyramid) and New York (with replica New York skyline).
The Strip in Las Vegas by day - not half as impressive without the flickering illuminated signs as it is by night (Image: nito / Shutterstock.com)
Bellagio and the water features in front of it
My absolute favourite hotel is the Bellagio. We didn't spend the night here because it was always too expensive during our Las Vegas visits. But when I enter the lobby, I imagine George Clooney striding down the wide staircase in the film Ocean's Eleven. I could watch the water games at the fountain after dark for hours.
One of the most beautiful sights in Las Vegas is the fountain games at the Bellagio in the evening.
Neon Museum in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a little mecca for neon signs. Sure, at nightfall it lights up and flashes on every corner. At "The Neon Boneyard Park" of the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, you can find the remains of neon signs of all kinds.
At one time or another, these signs were placed at locations on the Las Vegas Strip. Every year new signs are added. More and more of them are restored and glow in the evening.
On the website of the Neon Museum you can book tickets for tours. Prices range from $20 to $28 dollars. Depending on the time of day. I recommend visiting at sunset, so you can experience the Neon Museum during the day as well as at night. In the afternoon you will see all the signs in good light, but keep in mind that you are in the desert and the temperature can be 40 degrees.
Address: The Neon Museum, 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North
Opening Hours: Check website as they vary by season.
Tickets are released about a month in advance and are very popular. So book book!
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is one of the coolest attractions
High Roller Ferris Wheel at LINQ
Do you want to see Las Vegas from above? You can ride the High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ, America's tallest Ferr is wheel at 163 metres (included in Las Vegas passes ). The ride takes 30 minutes and the cabins are air-conditioned. From the top you have a cool view over the city.
A sunset ride is ideal, when night falls and everything along the Strip flashes and lights up.
Both Las Vegas sightseeing passes include a free ride on the attraction:
High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ in Lsa Vegas
Take a Helicopter to the Grand Canyon
One of the top sights near Las Vegas is the Grand Canyon. If you don't have time to drive there, book a helicopter tour. The tour takes you to the Grand Canyon for a day.
First you fly through the canyon, land in the valley and then you can watch indigenous people doing traditional dances (I found it a bit touristy). Afterwards you have a picnic at the edge of the canyon with great views. Before heading back, you can walk the cool skywalk and get another great view. The tour is not cheap, but very worthwhile if you don't have much time to drive to the Grand Canyon. The views from the top are gigantic!
Helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon
Just 27 km outside of Las Vegas lies the impressive Red Rock Canyon. In the middle of Nevada's high desert.
The 21 km long panoramic road through the canyon requires a toll, but is well worth it! The rock formations and play of colours are beautiful.
A toll panorama road leads through Red Rock Canyon.
Stratosphere Las Vegas
From the top of the Stratosphere Tower you get a wonderful 360° panoramic view of the Strip and the city in the Nevada desert.
The largest free-standing tower with observation deck in the USA is definitely worth a visit. Admission costs $30 and with the Las Vegas Go Explorer Pass you can even go up the tower for free.
The Stratosphere Tower towers over everything in Las Vegas and is one of the best attractions. From the top, you have the perfect 360° panoramic view of the city and the desert. 
Panoramic view from the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas Programme for 3 days
You've only got three days and you're wondering what you must see in Las Vegas? Here's our handy guide to 3 days in the city of entertainment. Las Vegas is packed with interesting and curious sights as well as exciting attractions. So of course it's hard to choose, because time is always limited.
We'll do that part for you and show you the must-see places.
This 3-day itinerary includes:
Big Bus Tour
High Roller
Helicopter tour of the Las Vegas Strip
Hollywood Cars Museum & Liberace Garage
Banachek's Mind Games
Neon Museum
Day 1
With so much to see and do in Vegas, it's hard to guess where to start. So in the morning, take a hop-on hop-off tour with Big Bus and get to know Las Vegas off the Strip. You'll see the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, the LINQ boardwalk, Treasure Island, Stratosphere Tower, the Arts & Antiques District and downtown, as well as all the exciting sights of the Strip.
During the tour, a live guide provides entertaining and informative information about this special city - including its history. You can disembark along the way, or stay on board for the entire 2.5-hour loop and enjoy the sights through the window. We often do this in new cities to get an overview.
Note: The tour with the Hop-on Hop-off bus is included in the Explorer Pass Las Vegas and the All-Inclusive Las Vegas Pass included.
In the afternoon, it's time to see Las Vegas from above. Among other things, you can ride The High Roller Ferris Wheel at LINQ, the highest Ferris wheel in America at 163 metres (also included in the passes). The ride takes 30 minutes and the cabins are air-conditioned.
Las Vegas skyline with the largest Ferris wheel in the USA.
At sunset you can marvel at the glowing lights of the Strip. Either from the Ferris wheel, or - if you feel like it - on a helicopter flight over the Strip. helicopter flight over the Strip at night. at night. It's incredible to see the neon signs from above. A great experience (you can also fly during the day, but it's more spectacular in the evening).
Afterwards, it's off to one of the hotel bars.
Day 2
Las Vegas is not only known for its casinos and crazy nightlife. There is also plenty to do during the day, as the city is peppered with fantastic museums and attractions.
Men love the Hollywood Cars Museum & Liberace Garage, with some cars you know from Hollywood movies: Cars from the James Bond 007 movies, Herbie, the Batmobile, the A-Team car or from a Duke for all occasions.
Then you can take part in the Fremont Street Walking Tour tour. You'll learn all about the beginnings and rise of Las Vegas. The tour takes you to the place where the city was founded in 1905. The historic Fremont Street area of downtown is home to the famous Golden Nugget, Vegas Vic and the craziest wedding chapel in Las Vegas at Neonpolis. Viva Las Vegas!
At sunset, you should visit the NEON Museum. We love coming to this place at this time of day.
In the evening you can catch a show on the Strip or go back to one of the legendary bars or clubs on the Strip.
Day 3
Today it's time for a trip into the desert. You'll be spoilt for choice: take a helicopter to the Grand Canyon (including a skywalk stop), a hot air balloon over the Mojave Desert or a car to Red Rock Canyon, just a few kilometres away. It's hard for us to make a recommendation, because everything is a highlight. Maybe you have 1-2 days more time and can do several excursions.
Useful info for Las Vegas
Arriving in Las Vegas
Whether you arrive by rental car or by plane, you will be amazed when you arrive in Las Vegas. In the middle of the desert, the glittering city of Las Vegas suddenly rises up. Especially at dusk and at night, you can see the glow from afar.
Save on admission to the attractions with the Explorer Pass Las Vegas or the all-inclusive Las Vegas Pass from Go City.
Get a 2 or 3-day Las Vegas pass and save big on individual admissions. Plus, with a sightseeing pass, you won't have to wait in line at the ticket booth.
Check out all the other Las Vegas highlights and what to expect here:
Hannes was always drawn to the flashing and glittering city of Las Vegas in the US state of Nevada during his MBA studies in San Diego. Even after his return to Germany, he regularly visits Sin City - a little gambling is always fun...
So here are some of his tips for Las Vegas:
1.What place can you not find in any travel guide about Las Vegas?
In a city that is a tourist attraction in itself, it is of course difficult to find a spot that is not recommended by some travel guide.
But if you want to risk a look beyond the glittering facades, order a taxi and let it take you to the In'n'Out Burger on the other side of the Strip. There you get excellent burgers and an impression of real life away from the casinos and luxury hotels of this city.
2. Las Vegas smells to you like....
If you ask ten people what Las Vegas smells like, you'll probably get ten different answers. Each person associates the gambling metropolis in the Nevada desert with a different scent.
The reason is as simple as it is obvious: the big hotels on the Strip all have their own specific scent. The venerable Flamingo Hotel & Casino, for example, smells somewhat sweet, almost kitschy, while the Venetian has an elegant, subtle scent. So almost each of the hotels has its own scent, which is as unique as the different themed worlds of the hotels themselves.
3) How do you recognise a real local in Las Vegas?
By the friendliness. This is certainly not because the people of Las Vegas are a particularly friendly species. Rather, it is the history of the city that is reflected in the character of the people. Las Vegas is a city built on fun, entertainment and gambling. Almost every resident is directly or indirectly involved in the city's entertainment machinery.
And in this, the service providers, be it dealers in the casino, waiters or taxi drivers are omnipresent. And since the idea of service and the associated friendliness towards the customer is more pronounced in the USA than in Germany, this is one of the traits that you will notice most quickly.
4 Transport in Las Vegas: What is the best way to get from A to B in Las Vegas?
With a car in Las Vegas, you're almost as lost as you are in the endless maze of the city's casinos. If you just want to get from A to B on the world-famous Strip, walking is usually the fastest way. However, you should not underestimate the distances, as the footpaths partly lead through the casinos and hotels and therefore the beeline and the actual distance differ greatly.
Another advantage of walking: you see an incredible number of bizarre and interesting people on your way along Las Vegas Boulevard.
If you do have to take a taxi, I advise you to use the "Uber" service. Download the app on your smartphone. Use the code "ubervielunterwegs" to get a free ride the first time (worth up to €10). My absolute favourite ride service, which is usually cheaper than taking a taxi. Alternatively, check out Lyft. Sometimes this service is cheaper than UBER.
The best way to get from A to B in Las Vegas is on foot. But beware: you can get lost very quickly.
5) What is the best way to get from the airport to the city centre in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas International Airport is located directly at the southern end of the Strip. At each terminal you will find taxis that will take you directly to your hotel in a few minutes. Depending on the location of the hotel on the Strip, you will pay between 15 and 25 dollars.
Here, too, I advise you to either use the Uber service (see point 4). As an alternative for groups or if you want to be really comfortable, I advise you to book an airport shuttle in Las Vegas. I often use Rent-a-guide because they only offer licensed drivers.
Book a shuttle here
My favourite meal in Las Vegas is?
The legendary Chicken Bellagio at the Cheesecake Factory at Caesars Palace. Breaded chicken breast with a light parmesan crust and basil pasta with a light pesto cream sauce. Simply irresistible!
7.Where can I get the best food and drinks in Las Vegas?
Best buffet: Wicked Spoon Buffet at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Best Pasta: Maggianos in the Fashion Show Mall
Best Burger: Cheeseburger in Paradise at the Planet Hollywood Hotel
Best Drinks: Ghost Bar at the Palms Hotel
8.where is the best place to relax in Las Vegas?
There is no time to relax in Las Vegas. However, you can use the countless pools in the hotels to relax and unwind. Although only hotel guests are allowed to enter, you can simply assure the security that you want to play a round of blackjack in the pool area (yes, there are gaming tables here too) and you're right in the middle of the wet fun.
9. Which hotel and bar in Las Vegas is the best place to go out and party?
The best night out in Las Vegas starts at the Ghost Bar at the Palms Hotel. A little off the Strip, this rooftop bar is an absolute highlight to start the night relaxed and with a breathtaking view over the Strip.
Then it's on to the Encore Hotel. There, the XS nightclub awaits with a pool landscape and world-famous DJs. If you are still hungry after partying, you can have a snack at the Cafe Bellagio in the hotel of the same name.
XS nightclub with pool area 
10: Where can I find the best bargains in Las Vegas?
If you want to go to a show in Las Vegas, you can buy your tickets on the same day at various outlets on the Strip. You can find a bargain or two at ticket agencies such as ½ Price Tix (link) or Tickets 4 Tonight (link). However, you have to be flexible, as only remaining tickets are offered here.
For almost all events in Las Vegas there are always cheap tickets at ticketnetwork.com, especially for popular events it is worth booking the tickets before your Las Vegas holiday.
As a tourist, you can certainly also find bargains on drinks in the casinos. It's important to know that anyone who tries their luck at the slot machines or gaming tables gets free drinks (including cocktails, for example). So it is advisable to try your luck at a cheap slot machine and enjoy free cocktails at the same time.
Don't forget: Cocktail waitresses expect at least $1 tip per drink.
11. 5 things that belong in every travel suitcase when I travel to Las Vegas:
Swimming trunks: The big hotels also have a paradisiacal pool landscape. The ideal way to cool off when the temperature climbs above 40 degrees in summer.
Sunglasses: the sun shines more intensely and brighter here than elsewhere, which is also due to the glittering facades of the hotels that reflect the sun.
A camera: taking photos is a must in Las Vegas. Be it the famous Las Vegas sign at the southern end of the Strip or the world-famous hotels. There is always something to snap.
Headache pills: After a long night in the city's clubs and bars, you could do with an Apsirin the following day.
A big wallet: Las Vegas is also the city of consumption. Be it in the shops, restaurants, clubs or casinos. It is advisable to take a little more cash with you.
Hannes in front of the famous Las Vegas sign
12: Your best moment in Las Vegas?
With good friends and a cool drink in the Ghost Bar, the view of the brightly lit city and a good song in my ear. An incomparable feeling.
13. only in Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers a huge variety of themes in the smallest of spaces. Where else can you go from ancient Egypt (Luxor Hotel) to ancient Rome (Ceasar's Palace) in just a few minutes? From the Eiffel Tower (Paris Hotel), the canals of Venice and St Mark's Square (Venetian Hotel) are just a stone's throw away. Sure, Las Vegas is a make-believe world, but once you get into it, you quickly succumb to the fascination.
14. 3 things you must see in Las Vegas:
The city in the dark from afar: A sea of lights in the middle of the deserted desert, an amazing sight.
The Neon Sign Museum: This is where the neon signs of the city's old hotels and casinos are stored, telling stories of a bygone era
One of the city's shopping malls, for example the Fashion Show Mall. Gigantic shopping experience in the middle of the city
15 Every tourist in Las Vegas is guaranteed to buy...
A souvenir of the legendary Las Vegas movie Hangover. Whether it's a mug, shirt or cap, anyone who has seen the film and is on holiday in Las Vegas can't avoid it. A little tip: In the shop of the Venetian Hotel you can buy the original playing cards from the casinos. A perfect souvenir or souvenir for friends.
Recommendation: Travel guide for Las Vegas
Marco Polo Las Vegas
The Las Vegas travel guide by Marco Polo is compact with insider tips and an app for smartphones to receive updates.
In addition to the highlights of Sin City, you'll learn more about the Strip, themed hotels and where you can find a piece of the Berlin Wall.
In my opinion, the best travel guide to Las Vegas currently on the market.
Travel Know How USA Southwest
If you are travelling through the southwest of the USA on your own with a rental car, I advise you to buy USA Southwest (with Las Vegas and California). Great tips, many maps, but few photos. With this guide you are well prepared for Las Vegas and a road trip through California and Nevada.
In my opinion, the best guidebook for individual travel currently on the market.
Save money in Las Vegas
1st Sightseeing Pass for Las Vegas
Do you know about city passes for city trips? They often save you money when you want to visit a few attractions and go on tours. There are 2 city passes for Las Vegas: Go Explorer Las Vegas and the All-Inclusive Las Vegas Pass.
With these passes, you pay the price for a certain number of attractions or the validity for a number of days. Once you are there, you can visit all the attractions included without having to pay admission again. This saves you a lot of money.
Attractions included in the pass:
Stratosphere Observation Deck with VIP Access
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Las Vegas for one day
A meal at Planet Hollywood Restaurant
Admission to the Eiffel Tower for the day at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel
Vegas Rockstar Club Tour
CSI: The Experience Tour
Hoover Dam Tour (free)
Vegas! The Show
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas (free of charge)
and many more. See all attractions here.
All attractions included in the Go Explorer Pass (available for 2 to 7 attractions).
All attractions included in the All-Inclusive Pass Las Vegas
2. coupon books
Throughout America, you can save by getting coupons from coupon books (available in every hotel or motel) or for Las Vegas, check this website for online coupons to secure discounts: travelvegas.com/coupons/.
Most of these are coupons for restaurants, bars, shows and nightclubs.
3. player cards for gamblers
Some hotels have joined forces to offer so-called "player cards". By playing in the affiliated hotels you get points. You can then redeem them at restaurants, hotels, activities and shows in Las Vegas. The cards are free and you should get them if you plan to gamble regularly.
There are two types of point system: MLife Playerscard (from Aria) and the Total Rewards Playerscard. Check the linked websites for detailed information on participating hotels and casinos.
Finding a cheap place to stay in Las Vegas?
One thing first: If you're already travelling in the USA, you've probably already noticed: Americans love coupon books. Here you can find lots of discount codes for accommodation on the Strip.
During my first stay, we were able to get a cheap room at the time-honoured and, in my opinion, best-located Flamingo. The hotel is right in the centre of the Strip, opposite Caesars Palace and the Venetian. Perfect and cheaper than the newer hotel complexes.
When there are big events in Las Vegas (boxing matches, concerts, ...), rooms become scarce, especially on weekends. Therefore, you should definitely book a room before your trip to Las Vegas. I use booking.com as a booking platform.
Alternatively, you can check Airbnb to see if you can rent a private flat on the Strip at a reasonable price. From experience, it's not worth renting a room off the Strip. You will always need money for a taxi or to park your rental car somewhere for a fee. This not only costs time and nerves, but also a lot of money.
Top tours and attractions around Las Vegas
Withdraw money without foreign fees in Las Vegas
Nobody uses cash in Las Vegas, except to tip the waiters in the casino so you get more and more free drinks when gambling. Therefore, I advise you to get a credit card before you travel so that you can withdraw money in America without having to pay foreign fees when withdrawing money. These fees add up quickly. I speak from experience.
In 2023, the best credit cards are the GenialCard from the Hanseatic Bankthe VISA Card the DKB Bank (as active customer) and the awa 7 credit card (???? "Green" product of the Hanseatic Bank). With these cards, you can withdraw money free of charge from ATMs and pay locally without paying foreign fees abroad in foreign currencies! With both credit cards you can make contactless payments and use Apple Pay and Google Pay. Here you will find all tips on the best travel credit card 2023 with comparison.