Our top sights in Las Vegas at a glance
"Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" Sign
The Neon Museum
The Stratosphere Tower
The High Roller
Strolling the Strip
The Casinos
The Fremont Street Experience
The famous Las Vegas shows
Tip: To explore Las Vegas and all its spectacular sights for less, we recommend the Las Vegas Explorer Pass from Go City(order here*).
1. the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign
There's a lot you can see and do in Las Vegas. At the top of the list of top attractions is definitely a photo at the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. As you can imagine, there are hundreds of people waiting to take a picture of themselves and the city's landmark. So a little patience is necessary.
The sign has been welcoming visitors since 1959 and is one of the few relics of the past that has survived the rapid changes that Las Vegas has always undergone.
The sign is particularly cool in the evening, of course, when the colourful neon lights shine. If the evening hustle and bustle is too much for you, it's best to come in the early hours of the morning. When the others are sleeping it off, the place in front of the sign is often deserted.
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is one of the top sights in Las Vegas.
2 The Neon Museum
Once again, the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign plays a role. The neon sign was designed by US artist and graphic designer Betty Jane Willis. But the city's landmark was not Willis' only work.
Some of her work and neon signs by other designers from the 1930s to the 1960s can still be seen today at the Neon Museum(website). Tickets are often sold out weeks in advance. So it pays to be quick.
Admission prices
Without guided tour: 22 dollars
With guided tour (60 minutes): 28 dollars
"Brilliant" (with music and light effects, 30 minutes): $23
Combi guided tour + Brilliant: $42
Photo tour for photographers: 50 dollars
3. the Stratosphere Tower
At 350 metres, the Stratosphere Tower at the northern end of the Strip is the tallest structure in Las Vegas and without question one of the top sights in the city.
From the observation deck on the 110th floor (at least that's what it's sold as, of course, a tower doesn't have any floors) you have a great view over the city and the Strip with its mega-hotels. You should definitely enjoy the sunset from up there in the evening.
Las Vegas by night. The whole city is one big sight
There is also an upscale restaurant. The Top of the World turns 360 degrees in 80 minutes. Dress code in the evening: gentlemen in a suit with shirt without tie, ladies in a smart evening dress or business suit (no jeans, no sneakers). In any case, you should make a reservation! Top of The World is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm.
For something a little more casual, head to Bar 107 Skyloung for a great view of Las Vegas. Many say the Skybar has the best cocktails in town. The Skybar is open daily from 4pm to 4am. Happy hour is between 4 and 7 pm (when the wickedly expensive cocktails ($15) are not quite as expensive). From Wednesday to Sunday, DJs play between 11 pm and 3 am and heat up the atmosphere.
But that's not all: a real thrill awaits you on the roof of the Stratosphere Tower!
On the Sky Jump, you are attached to a rope and float (but very, very quickly) down into the depths. It's pure adrenaline! The jump from a height of 252 metres costs 119.99 dollars. Guests of the Stratosphere Hotel get a 20 percent discount (you can book the hotel here*).
On X-Scream, you sit in a kind of roller coaster car that goes over the edge of the roof and then bends downwards. This is what it feels like when you crash your car down the Grand Canyon (which I hope you don't).
Insanity is a kind of chain carousel that spins over the edge of the roof at a height of about 250 metres. You shouldn't be afraid of heights.
The fourth attraction is Big Shot. Here you are catapulted 40 metres into the air. At the turning point you are weightless for a moment - a breathtaking feeling. I still have the grin on my face today.
Pure adrenaline: Insanity spins 250 metres above the ground.
Opening hours of the observation deck (including the thrill attractions on the roof)
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 - 01:00 hrs
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 - 02:00 hrs
Admission prices
Access to the observation deck: $25
Access to observation deck + 1 attraction: $25
Access to the observation deck + 2 attractions: $30
Access to observation deck + 3 attractions: $35
Single ride attraction: $15
Flat rate access viewing platform + attractions: $39.95
Friday, Saturday and Sunday each ticket is $5 surcharge
Our very special hotel tips in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, you will find countless top hotels at a fairly reasonable price. The only time it gets really expensive is at the weekend, when you're going all out and renting a whole penthouse, or when there's a big trade show like CES. Otherwise, you can get top hotels in the 5-star category for as little as 100 euros a night.
The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas* is highly recommended. The 5-star hotel is located directly on the Strip and pampers its guests with a huge spa. From the Skybar, you have a great view of the Eiffel Tower of Paris Las Vegas and the Ferris wheel.
Another top address is The Palazzo at The Venetian* (5 stars). You stay in a huge suite with a magnificent view of the city. Of course, there is also a large spa area.
The Vdara Hotel & Spa at Aria* (5 stars) is similarly luxurious. Let yourself be pampered in the spa or enjoy the view over the city.
You can stay much cheaper in less impressive 4-star hotels. Two of the best hotels in this category are the Treasure Island* and the New York-New York*.
4 The High Roller
At 167 metres, The High Roller is currently the largest Ferris wheel in the world - much higher than the London Eye and larger than the Singapore Flyer. It is located opposite Caesars Palace between The LINQ Resort and Casino and the Flamingo Hotel.
The ride in the enclosed cabin takes about half an hour. For an extra charge, you can ride in a cabin with an open bar - drinks are then included. If you haven't had enough after the Ferris wheel ride, you can take a death-defying plunge down the zipline.
Of course, we can't miss this top attraction.
Opening hours & admission prices
Daily 11:30 am to 2:00 am
Daytime Ride $25
Daytime Ride with open bar $40
Night Ride (from 6pm) $37
Night Ride (from 6pm) with open bar $52
Tickets via the internet are up to $5 cheaper
Children and youth pay less
5. nightly stroll along the Strip
A stroll along the world-famous Strip in the evening is part of every trip to Las Vegas. Even though Las Vegas is a world of make-believe and you experience the misery of many people in the USA at first hand, you should simply have walked along the Strip once in your life.
You'll pass drunks, beggars, hustlers, hat players, bald Latinos with prison tattoos and evil eyes, countless party people from all over the world and huge mega-hotels. Despite the crowds, things are generally relaxed.
Besides the replica of the Eiffel Tower of Paris Las Vegas, the fountains of the Bellagio are the absolute highlight for us on the Strip, which is actually called Las Vegas Boulevard. Huge water fountains shoot up into the sky to melodious music.
The Las Vegas Strip at night - a must on any Las Vegas trip.
The fountains in front of the Bellagio attract thousands of visitors every evening and are definitely one of the top highlights of the desert metropolis.
There is a lot to discover on the Las Vegas Strip
The most impressive hotels on the Strip
Las Vegas is a city out of the box. Classic historical sights, such as those you know from European cities like Paris, Prague or Vienna, do not exist in Las Vegas. Instead, Las Vegas tries to captivate visitors with ever more imposing hotel complexes and best Vegas Suites.
It is quite impressive to stroll through a replica of the lagoon city of Venice in the Venetian, for example. Gondolas with singing gondoliers sail along the canals of the Venetian and even St Mark's Square has been recreated. Of course, such a replica is nowhere near the original - but it is certainly a fun way to pass the time.
The Venetian houses a replica of the Italian lagoon city of Venice (Grand Canal Shoppes) and is an absolute must-see for us in Las Vegas.
The Bellagio enchants with a magnificent fountain and light show. The Bellagio is also home to the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a beautiful indoor garden complex that is redesigned several times a year. There is no entrance fee for either attraction.
Ever wanted to see a volcano erupt? The Mirage delivers a pretty good volcano show every night with its "Volcano" (8pm, 9pm & 10pm, no admission).
The New York-New York is modelled on the New York skyline. The highlight is the roller coaster "The Big Apple Coaster", which runs until 23:00 or Friday and Saturday until 24:00 (single ride $15).
The Paris Las Vegas catches the eye from afar with a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
The Luxor is reminiscent of ancient Egypt. The large glass pyramid and the many statues are particularly impressive.
The Venetian is definitely one of the must-see attractions in Las Vegas.
The Luxor takes visitors back to ancient Egypt and is a top attraction on the Strip.
The Adventure Dome
We get asked all the time if the Adventure Dome is worth it. It depends: For children, the indoor amusement park with carousels and roller coasters is certainly fun. But if you're familiar with the big folk festivals in Germany like the Munich Oktoberfest (why you absolutely have to visit the Oide Wiesn ) with all the rides, you're sure to find the Adventure Dime completely awful. We would rather spend the money on the rides on something else.
6. the casinos
A trip to Las Vegas must include a visit to at least one of the huge casinos. But be warned! 50, 500 or even 5000 dollars will melt like butter in the sun within minutes. Nevertheless, this sight must not be missed on any Las Vegas trip.
Of course, there are always a few lucky gamblers - but most of them gamble away their money in the hotel gambling halls. A tip: If you play long enough at one station, the barmaids will provide you with free drinks (of course, an appropriate tip is obligatory).
The size of the casinos is truly gigantic. You can easily stay here for days, everything is taken care of and there is no "closing time". The money must roll! Maybe some of you have been wandering through the dimmed casino world for ages - it's easy to get lost in the huge catacombs of gamblers.
You can hardly get past the slot machines without throwing something in at least once.
7 The Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience is considered a "must see" by many. During the day, however, we find the Fremont Street Experience, which is a replica of the "old" Las Vegas, pretty lame. You only have fun in the Fremont Street Experience in the evening, when street musicians set the mood and everything flashes and lights up.
You'll find casinos, bars, restaurants, small shops and lots of partying people. The highlight is the light show above the visitors' heads. Every now and then you will also see a shadow in the sky. A zipline runs through the covered pedestrian zone.
Fremont Street is quite unspectacular during the day. In the evening, however, it gets crowded, loud and colourful. Then this place is definitely one of the city's top sightseeing attractions.
8. the famous Las Vegas shows
The shows in Las Vegas are second to none. In no other city in the world is the visitor presented with such a wide programme of really wicked shows. Unfortunately, tickets are relatively expensive. But there are six last-minute Tix4Tonight outlets on the Strip. You can save a lot of money here if you are a little flexible in your choice of show.
You can also order tickets online, usually at a lower price. There's nothing you can't find in Las Vegas. Magic shows, erotic shows, acrobatics, comedy, musicals and lots of concerts by well-known artists - simply everything a holidaymaker's heart desires.
Kà by Cirque du Soleil
The famous Cirque du Soleil alone has seven shows in Las Vegas. We highly recommend the show Kà at the MGM Grand. We were absolutely thrilled. The imposing theatre alone - built just for this show - will blow you away. The construction and conception of the show cost 165 million dollars - and you can see that in every second. The performance of the acrobats is also indescribable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5Q2rS9Zyk
Our show tips in Las Vegas
Absinthe (Caesars Palace)
All Shook Up - Tribute to the King (Planet Hollywood)
Aussie Heat (Planet Hollywood)
Blue Man Group (Luxor)
Chippendales (Rio)
Criss Angel Mindfreak (Planet Hollywood)
David Copperfield (MGM Grand)
Magic Mike Live (Luxor)
Kà by Cirque du Soleil (MGM Grand)
Le Reve (Wynn)
Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil (Mandalay Bay)
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil (Treasure Island)
O by Cirque du Soleil (Bellagio)
Paranormal - The Mindreading Magic Show (Caesars Palace)
Penn and Teller (Rio)
R.U.N. by Cirque du Soleil (Luxor)
Raiding The Rock Vault (Hard Rock Hotel)
Tenors of Rock (Planet Hollywood)
The Beatles "Love" by Cirque du Soleil (Mirage)
Thunder From Down Under (Excalibur)
V - The Ultimate Variety (Planet Hollywood)
Vegas! The Show (Planet Hollywood)
X Burlesque (Flamingo)
Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil (New York-New York)
Five things you must do in Las Vegas
Explore the Strip in the evening
Challenge the one-armed bandit to a duel
See one of the big shows
Take a photo at the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign
Look out over the city from the Stratosphere Tower
The best shopping tips in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a great place for a shopping spree. In the huge shopping malls and outlets you will find everything your heart desires that is rare and expensive in Europe. However, European brands are no bargain in the USA either.
Think about customs when entering Germany. Officially, goods for private use (!) worth 430 euros per person may be imported duty-free from the USA to Germany (this is called the travel allowance). For children and young people under 15, the duty-free allowance is 175 euros. Incidentally, it is not possible to add up the travel allowance. "We treated ourselves to this together" does not work with customs. The expensive iPhone cannot be shared and can only belong to one person. You are also unlucky if your luggage is forwarded. In this case, taxes are payable on goods worth 22 euros or more.
In the Las Vegas Premium Outlets North(website; Google Maps), brands such as Adidas, Armani, Bally, Boss, Diesel, Dolce & Gabanna, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger compete for customers with low prices. If you don't find anything here, you probably already have everything. There are 150 stores in the outlet. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, on Sunday until 8 pm.
The Las Vegas South Premium Outlets(website; Google Maps) are home to 140 stores. Personally, we think the Las Vegas Premium Outlets North are better. But you'll just have to see which brands you prefer. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, on Sunday until 8 pm.
The Fashion Show Mall(website; Google Maps) is the largest mall in the city. There are several other malls and the mega-hotels on the Strip also have plenty of shops. But to live out your shopping frenzy and make your credit card give up, we definitely recommend the huge Fashion Show Mall with over 250 shops, eight large department stores and 25 restaurants all under one roof. The Fashion Show Mall is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.
More than 170 shops and numerous restaurants await you in the Miracle Mile Shops shopping centre directly on the Strip.
Venice was the model for the Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian. You will find numerous shops, boutiques and cafés in the lagoon city.
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace take you back to ancient Rome. You'll find everything your shopper's heart desires in the 160 shops.
If you are on holiday in Las Vegas, you absolutely have to visit M&M's World almost directly at the MGM Grand. There are large and small M&M's in all imaginable variations. It's also a great gift idea, by the way. We were so flashed the first time in the shop that we don't want to withhold this tip from you.
About 40 miles south of Las Vegas on Interstate 15 near Primm is the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas(Google Maps). However, the outlet is no longer what it used to be. It makes no sense to drive there from Las Vegas.
Shopping is a must in Las Vegas.
Eating and drinking well in Las Vegas
Buffet
If you're really famished, we can recommend the Medley Buffet at The Orleans(→ website; → Google Maps). For relatively little money (relative for Las Vegas) you can fill your stomach with all kinds of delicacies. Breakfast (Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) is $11.99, lunch (Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) is $14.99 and dinner (Sunday to Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) is $20.99. Every Friday, the Steak & Shrimp Dinner is available from 4pm to 8pm for $25.99. Otherwise, on Friday and Saturday there's only an all-day pass for $37 and $33 respectively.
Dining with a view
As already mentioned in the section "Adventure Stratosphere Tower", there is an upscale restaurant in the tower called Top of the World(website). The restaurant is extremely (!) expensive; two people will quickly pay $300 or more. And the food is not even exceptionally good. You pay mainly for the view and the experience. If money is no object, why not? Reservations are a must!
You have the same great view at Bar 107 Skylounge (website), also in the Stratosphere Tower. The cocktails cost 15 dollars, but are really delicious and yes, the view is a dream. Happy hour is between 4 and 7 pm.
Hamburger
What food is typical of the USA? Hamburgers. There are lots of burger joints in Las Vegas. You can't really go wrong. But there are some very special top tips. Everyone still raves about the burger chain In-N-Out Burger. You'll find a total of 15 branches in Vegas, one of which is right on the Strip next to the Flamingo. The Habit Burger Grill is also popular. One branch is located in the Fashion Show Mall. In New York-New York you will find a branch of the trendy burger chain Shake Shack - also a hot tip.
You must try the burgers at Gordon Ramsay Burger in the Planet Hollywood Hotel. Here you get freshly prepared and quite unusual burgers. However, this and the name Gordon Ramsay - one of the most famous chefs in the world - also has its price. And if you don't make a reservation, you'll have to wait forever.
Pizza
Pizza is always a good choice. We find the pizzas in the California Pizza Kitchen very tasty. Admittedly, California Pizza Kitchen is a big chain, but the food is really delicious. There are three branches on the Strip, one of them in the Fashion Show Mall. Another top tip is the small pizza bakery Secret Pizza in the Cosmopolitan. The name says it all. The shop is well hidden. Look for it on Level 3 in the Boulevard Tower. By the way, you'll find many other great restaurants in the Cosmopolitan. Unfortunately, none of them are cheap.
The best day trips in Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon(Google Maps) is located just 30 kilometres west of Las Vegas in the Spring Mountains and is a popular destination for holidaymakers in Las Vegas. The canyon with its red rock formations gives you a small impression of the southwest of the USA. A nearly 21-kilometre Scenic Drive (suitable for cars) leads once in a circle through a small part of the huge area. There are numerous hiking trails and picnic areas in Red Rock Canyon. For campers there is the Red Rock Campground.
In Red Rock Canyon you can see rock formations, opuntia (a cactus), josua trees, helmet quail (a type of bird), bighorn sheep, donkeys and, if you are lucky, desert tortoises.
Entrance fees
15 dollars entrance fee per car
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is the oldest and largest state park in Nevada. Opened in 1935, the park is located only about 80 kilometres northeast of Las Vegas and is a popular destination. The Valley of Fire State Park is a miniature of the American Southwest. It is definitely worth staying here for a night (camping sites are available) and enjoying the beauty of this natural wonder for a little longer than just a few hours.
One of the absolute highlights in the Valley of Fire is the Firewave (Google Maps), to which a short hike leads. The hike, which is now signposted, starts at the car park on Mouse's Tank Road (GPS: N 36 29.290, W 114 31.737 → Google Maps).
Another highlight is Elephant Rock, which is located at the east entrance of the park(Google Maps). From the large car park, you can reach Elephant Rock, which looks very much like an elephant, on foot in just a few minutes.
Entrance fees
10 dollars entrance fee per car
The Firewave in the Valley of Fire was considered an absolute insider tip for a long time.
Elephant Rock is one of the absolute highlights in the Valley of Fire.
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead
The Hoover Dam(website; Google Maps) - about 45 minutes from Las Vegas by car - was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of its time and is still impressive today. The 221-metre-high structure was completed in 1935 and dams the Colorado River into Lake Mead. If you are interested in the technology, you can book a guided dam tour.
At the nearby Lake Mead Marina, you can rent a boat or a jet ski and speed across the reservoir. You can also use sheer muscle power to kayak or SUP across the lake. Water skiing, wakeboarding and other water sports are also available at Lake Mead. At neighbouring Boulder Beach, many visitors jump into the water to cool off a bit. However, the beach is very rocky and not really nice. Camping chairs or thick mats and water shoes are a must. There is also a picnic area and a campground (Boulder Beach Campground). Entrance to Lake Mead National Recreation Area(website) is $25 per vehicle (valid for seven days).
Opening Hours & Entrance Fees Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam: daily 5:00 - 21:00 (except Thanksgiving & Christmas)
Visitor Centre: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Power Station: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
Parking: $10
There is free parking one kilometre away in Arizona (Upper Lots).
Visitor Centre: $10
Hoover Dam Tour: $30 (no reservations possible)
Power station tour: 15 dollars, children (4 to 16 years) 12 dollars
The Hoover Dam is already an impressive structure. If you are interested in technology, you should definitely plan a day trip from Las Vegas
Grand Canyon South Rim
The Grand Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in the world, is a good 270 miles from Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the four-hour drive takes you through a rather boring landscape most of the time. The Grand Canyon makes up for the long drive. When you stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon for the first time, you won't be able to stop marvelling. That's a promise!
I recommend spending at least one night at the Grand Canyon. The largest canyon in the world is especially beautiful in the evening and morning light. Be sure to bring warm clothes. When it's 40 degrees in Las Vegas, it can get very cold at the Grand Canyon in the evening and in the morning. There are numerous viewpoints at the Grand Canyon that you can drive to directly. You can also hike into the canyon if you feel like it. However, the tours are long and demanding.
Entrance fees
35 dollars entrance fee per car
Sunset at the Grand Canyon Southrim
Death Valley
From Las Vegas you should plan about two and a half hours by car to Death Valley National Park. Unfortunately, the drive is not particularly exciting. The fastest way to Death Valley is via Highway 95 or Highway 160. The heat in Death Valley will literally beat you. The thermometer sometimes rises to 50 degrees. Far and wide there is no cooling shade in sight and the strong wind unfortunately does not cool you down either. Quite the opposite.
Your first stop in Death Valley should be Zabriskie Point(Google Maps), which is best known for the 1970 film of the same name by Italian film director Michelangelo Antonioni. The flick is considered a tribute to the flower power and hippie movement of the late 1960s.
A great spot is also Badwater Basin(Google Maps). Badwater Basin is a depression that lies 86 metres below sea level. This makes Badwater the lowest point in North America. Everywhere you look, you see salt desert. The salt makes what little water there is undrinkable - hence the name Badwater ("bad water"). Believe it or not, there are even animals and plants living in the basin, such as the Badwater snail.
Another highlight are the huge sand dunes of the Mesquite Plain. The light-coloured sand piles up metres high. This place could also be somewhere in Africa. Nearby is the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. Here you can get more information about Death Valley.
Entrance fees
25 dollars entrance fee per car
Zabriskie Point in Death Valley. The day trip is worth it for this view alone.
The Badwater Basin in Death Valley is a top photo spot.
The Mesquite sand dunes are set against a dreamlike backdrop
Grand Canyon West Rim Skywalk
Just for the sake of completeness, we mention the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon(Google Maps), a good two hours by car from Las Vegas. The Skywalk is a viewing platform that towers over the rim of the Grand Canyon. For us, something like this is pure rip-off and also disfigures nature. The Grand Canyon is so incredibly impressive - why do you need a glass platform for which you have to pay a lot of money and on which masses of visitors crowd? That makes no sense at all to us.
Buses and trains in Las Vegas
The USA is the country of car drivers. Las Vegas is not much different. You notice that even as a pedestrian on the Strip. Again and again you have to cross the huge streets on pedestrian crossings. It's annoying. At least there are a few buses and even an elevated train.
Deuce on the Strip
The double-decker bus Deuce on the Strip (to the provider's website) stops at every major hotel on the Strip and runs around the clock between Freemont Street and Mandalay Bay, between midnight and 9 am even to the South Strip Transfer Terminal. On the way there is the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. Between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. the bus runs every 15 minutes, at other times every 20 minutes. At least in theory. I have waited up to an hour for the bus.
The Strip & Downtown Express (SDX)
The Strip & Downtown Express (SDX) follows the same route as the Deuce on the Strip, but makes fewer stops and is therefore faster. In addition, the express bus only runs between 9am and midnight.
The 2-hour ticket for the bus costs 6 dollars, the 24-hour pass costs 8 dollars. The 3-day ticket is available for 20 dollars. You can also pay for the ticket by smartphone(website).
Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail (to the operator's website) runs between MGM Grand on the south Strip to SLS Las Vegas on the north Strip, stopping at Bally's & Paris, Flamingo & Caesars Palace, Harrah's & The LINQ, Convention Center and Westgate. However, the route does not run directly along the Strip, but partly quite far away. The trip is only worthwhile if you want to go from the north to the south or vice versa.
The trains run daily from 7 am at four to eight minute intervals. Closing time is midnight on Monday, 2am from Tuesday to Thursday and 3am from Friday to Sunday. A single ticket costs 5 dollars, a day ticket 13 dollars.
Tip: The best way to get to the big fairs like CES is to take the monorail to the Convention Center. It's much cheaper than taking a taxi and much faster (on trade fair days you can hardly get around by taxi).
Taking a taxi in Las Vegas
Unfortunately, there are also some not so honest taxi drivers in Las Vegas. We experienced this on a trip from the city centre to the airport. Instead of driving through the city, the driver took the much longer route via the freeway - which added 20 dollars to the bill. After a friendly enquiry, we got the money back. But if you don't know that, you can easily get ripped off. Our tip: Ask at the hotel for the cheapest route to the airport.
On the road in Las Vegas with Uber, Lyft and Co.
The alternative to taxis are driving services such as Uber or Lyft. We have only had positive experiences with Uber and can highly recommend the service. The vehicles arrive as agreed, the drivers are nice and you know in advance what the ride will cost. When booking a ride, make sure that you get a fixed price in the app. If you book at very short notice or for long journeys, you may not get a fixed price.
Driving a rental car through Las Vegas
Driving your own car through Las Vegas? That's not much fun - but sometimes there's no other way. Especially on the Strip, getting around during rush hour is a disaster. A lot of patience is called for. In the early morning hours, however, you can get around quickly.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has a subtropical desert climate. This means that while it is scorching hot during the day - especially from June to August - it can get very cold at night. Especially in the winter months, it can be uncomfortable in the desert city.
Nevertheless, Las Vegas is popular with visitors all year round. Of course, life usually takes place in the big hotels. Special dates when hotel prices also skyrocket are the consumer electronics trade show CES in January, the Project Fashion Trade Show in February and August, the NASCAR weekend in March and the National Finals Rodeo in December. Las Vegas is also a popular destination on New Year's Eve.
How to get to the city from McCarran International Airport
In Las Vegas, you land at McCarran International Airport. The airport is located south of the Strip. Taxis are available in front of Terminals 1 and 3 to take you to your hotel. For the ride to the Strip you have to expect 17 to 20 dollars plus tip. If the driver takes the much longer highway (which should not be necessary most of the time), the ride will cost around 35 dollars.
A good alternative are driving services like Uber or Lyft. The ride with Uber and Co is usually cheaper than with a taxi. The city's transport authority also operates a ridesharing service called Trip to Strip(website), which also serves the airport.
There are also numerous private shuttle buses from the airport (Terminals 1 and 3) to the city. A ride to the Strip costs $11 to $16, depending on the provider. You can book the tickets in advance, for example with Supershuttle or → BellTrans. We haven't tried this yet. However, the experience reports on the internet tend to speak against the private shuttle providers.
The city bus lines 108(timetable & route) and 109(timetable & route) leave from Terminal 1(Level Zero). However, the buses do not cross the Strip and are not really useful for most travellers. Terminal 3 (Departure Level) is served by the Westcliff Airport Express and the Centennial Express (CX)(Timetable & Route). The CX stops on the Strip at the Treasure Island level (South Las Vegas Boulevard/ Spring Mountain Road). The 2-hour bus ticket costs $6.
How much do flights to Las Vegas cost?
Although a twelve-hour flight away, flights to Las Vegas are comparatively cheap. With a little luck and research, you'll pay less than 500 euros for the route Frankfurt - Las Vegas. As a rule, however, you have to reckon with 600 to 700 euros. Connecting flights are slightly cheaper than direct flights.
How long does the flight from Germany take?
The flight time to Las Vegas is extremely long. A direct flight takes about eleven and a half hours. With a stopover, the flight to Las Vegas from Germany usually takes between 13 and 20 hours. For such a long flight, we highly recommend headphones with active noise cancellation. It will make your flight a lot more relaxing. You'll never want to fly without them again - we promise!