What are the must do things for first time visitors to Las Vegas?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

The usual things you will want to see for FREE in Vegas are:

1. The volcano erupt in from of the Mirage Hotel

2. The show (spectacular) in from of the Treasure Island Hotel

3. Number one on my list is to watch the fountain displays in from of the Bellagio hotel, usually runs every 15 minutes on summer nights; runs continuously until about midnight. Each show is different so stay and watch at least 2 or 3

4. Go down to Freemont street and see the light show. There are usually 2 or 3 different shows, starting after dark and lasting about 5 or 10 minutes each.

5. Go to the MGM Grand hotel to see the Lion habitat.

6. Go to the Mirage hotel to see the white tigers that Sigfred and Roy used.

7. Go to the RIO hotel to see the Mascarade in the Sky show. It runs every 90 minutes starting about 3:00 PM.

8. Go in Ceasars' Palace and walk through the forum shops to the first fountain (its spectacular) the take the first fork to the left to go see the aquarium.

9. Go into the Flamingo hotel to see their animal habitat with flamingos and penguins.

10 The Excalibut hotel also has a free light show at night outside.

If you like thrill rides, there are roller coaster rides at the NY,NY hotel, at the Sahara Hotel/Casino, and rides for those with a strong heart at the top of the Stratesphere Casino/hotel.

There is a movie theater in the Palms (multiplex) and also another on the strip across the street from The Monte Carlo, near the MGM. There is a place called Game Works below the Coke experience that has all type video games.

Then there's shopping at Fashon show mall right next to Treasure Island or you can drive about 45 miles south on I-15 to Primm, NV (at the Calif border) and there's a BIG outlet mall and some casinos.

If you like to bowl, there are alley's in The Gold Coast Hotel/Casino (beside the RIO) and in the Orleans.

I recommend the shows at Bally's, "Jubilee" (there is a "top covered" version for families at about 7:00PM) and at the MGM, "KA". These will run about $90 to $100 each; that's the going rate for production shows there now. You can try for discounted show tickets at a booth in the building with the coke bottle, for Coke World and the M&M factory. They are same day tickets; have never done this but see people doing it. You will probably be stopped many times by folks in a number of hotels trying to offer free stuff in exchange for listening to time share presentations. They will get on your nerves. But if you don't mind sitting throug a time share you can get free show tickets or some cash.

If you are a Star Trek Fan, go to the Hilton (off the strip) for "STar Trek The Experience"; it cost about $25.

Go to the Statisphere Hotel at the North end of the Strip and got to the top of the tower (its about $10 admission) to get a great view of Vegas. If you would like a nice romatic dinner (reservation required) reserve dinner there and during your meal the restaurant will rotate 360 degrees.

You can see most of the stuff on the strip by walking, so you don't need a rental car. There is a free monorail between Bellagios and the Monte Carlo Hotel and also another free one between Excalibur and Mandalay Bay. The one on the opposite side of the street you have to pay to ride. There is a free bus between Harrah to the RIO Hotel that runs every half hour. There is also a free bus that you can get outside the Barbery Coast Casino that will take you to the Orleans and some other off strip casinos.

Plan which hotels/casinos you want to visit each day so you can make the most of your walking and the free monorails and schuttles. When you get there you will probably have in your hotel room a free guide to the city called either "What's ON" or "Las Vegas Today". These are helpful guises as they have a map of the city with the hotels marked, plus useful coupons. Some coupons will give you a free souviner from certain hotels; you just have to take the coupon to the hotel.

Do join all of the players clubs because they are your ticket to lower priced return trips. They will email you or regular mail you specials. The players clubs are free; all they want to see is your driver's license.

If you want to some other things:

Go to Red Rock Canyon. Its about 20 miles West of Las Vegas out Charleston Blvd (you can pick up that street at the north end of the Strip) Its a scenic drive-through park. Go early, not in the heat of the day; there's no shade.

Drive about 30 miles southeast of Vegas and go to Hoover Dam; the National Park Service offers tours (@ $15.) there and its interesting stuff. Go on past Hoover dam to Boulder City and then to Lake Meade for a swin. Also, there are tour companies that will take you on a cruise of the river below the Dam. Check the web sites below.

Its a long drive (about 2 hours), but you can drive up I-15 to Zion National Park and back in one day.

The drive to the Grand Canyon is 5 hard hours on mostly 2 lane road with trucks and campers (a short way on I-40). You can drive there and back in one day if you leave early morning, like 6:00-7:00 Am. That will put you there about noon and you will have 4 or 5 hrs before starting back and egtting back to Vegas about 11:00PM. I recommend staying overnight at the Canyon (there are plenty of motels near there, like Best Western, Ramada, Quality inns) and drive back the next day.

Drive about an hour and a half south of Vegas on I-15 and take RT-127 to Death Valley National Park (total drive may be 3 hrs each way).

The hotel buffets are now pretty expensive so if you want to order and eat less try one of the Denny's (one near the Casino Royal The other across from the Monte Carlo) for meals. There are also McDonalds and Burger King (in O'Sheas) on the Stip near Harrahs. You can get breakfast and dinner buffets a few dollars less at the Imperial Palace and at the Gold Coast. There is a food court in the Monte Carlo, in NY, NY, and in the Palms Hotel (across the street from the RIO.

flipafonic

Definitely get a player's club card if you are looking to gamble a bunch. I got one for the first time on my last trip and played enough at the tables to have 3 nights comped.

Rosebuds

go to every casino and eat the buffet @ the Belagio...Wonderful!!!

rebekah

The Flamingo was one of the first hotels built... it is really unique. Ceasars Palace is gorgeous with lots of shopping to do there. MGM has some good restaurants. The Mirage and Treasure Island have cool shows at night in front of them. There is a car museum in one of the hotels and it has Marilyn Monroe's pink cadillac... really cool.

KC Kole

The first thing to do is pre-book your trip. Savings are tremendous and if you prepay your expenses you don't need to worry about using FUN money for the fun.

Next thing I would say is to budget your money by the days you will be there. Gambling is an expense, so don't count on winning money to continue the enjoyment of Las Vegas. If you win, tuck it away. You can always go big and blow it all on the last day, but remember it might be nice to keep a few bucks for the travel back home.

If you plan on losing the winnings are a plus and the losing won't hurt so bad. There is a lot of stuff to do,so have fun.

Paul H

There are so many things to do there it is amazing, but I recommend going to the top of the Statosphere Tower - the view is spectacular. Also see the Liberace Museum, where two of Franz Liszt's pianos are located, and visit the Bellagio Art Museum. There's tons more, but this is a good start.

larythebear

see hover damm, watch the pirates of the carribean show in front of treasure island, watch the fountain in front of beliagio, ride the rollercoaster in new york new york, and there is a ride simulator in the luxor that is outstanding enjoy dont for get paris eifel tower

Erdelac

cheap buffets
shows
walking around at night
csi miami
shops
strippers
gaming rooms
weekend poker tournaments
star gazing - last time i was there i saw Uma!!!

rogdogg187

Gamble. Walk the strip. Im not much into strip clubs. Go see the free shows on the strip. Treasure Island has a pirate show, and the Bellagio has a water show. Both are pretty cool and they are free. If you like clubbing, go to a club at a strip hotel. These clubs are nice, unlike the ones you find in your city. Get trashed and have fun

flamingo_sandy

Sandy’s Vegas Guide

Things to remember:
1.Drinks are free when you’re gambling. Sitting at a bar and playing a few dollars in a poker machine will get you a free drink. Sitting at a machine in the casino will get you the same. Tipping the waitress or bartender a dollar or two will keep her coming back. If you walk up to the bar and order drinks, you’re going to pay lots more, even for soda or bottled water.
2.Player’s Cards: Before you begin gambling, get a player’s card. Most places offer sign up deals (a coffee cup, a free meal, assorted coupons). If you get a card where you’re staying and you use it while you’re gambling, you can “save” the points and use then toward your room when you check out. Some casinos will combine accounts for married couples, some don’t. I always get a card in my name and ask for a second card. I play with one and my husband plays with the other. That way all the points are going to one card, and accumulate faster. Plus … you’ll get offers in the mail for your next trip!
3.Beware of time-share people! As you walk through the hotels and along the strip, you’ll be approached by people who want to give you free show tickets, free tours, free meals, etc. These are time-share sales people. They promise freebies in exchange for an hour of your time. I warn everyone about this but some people just don’t listen. A friend of mine decided an hour of her time was worth giving up in exchange for a show. So her and her husband accepted, were put on a bus and taken to a “presentation” and weren’t bought back for SIX hours. Their only escape would have been to take a cab back to the strip but that would have been expensive and they wouldn’t have gotten their “free” show tickets. The best way to get these people to lose interest in you and move on to the next person is to say, “Thanks, but we’re leaving tonight.”
4.Free Pulls: Some of the casinos offer “free pulls” on a special slot machine as you walk in the door. There are usually no strings attached, you pull the lever and win something. Usually it’s a key ring or a hat; sometimes it’s a free buffet. Sometimes it’s a coupon for a “fun book” (a book of coupons for that casino). To get the fun book, you can be sure you’re going to have to walk to a far, far corner in the casino. They want to get you WAY inside.
5.$40 for $20: Some casinos offer $40 in slot play for $20. What they don’t tell you is that it’s on a bank of “special” machines, and you can’t cash out for cash. Instead, you play the $40 and then choose a prize based on the credits. So before you hand over your $20, take a look at the prizes being offered. If there’s something in there that’s worth paying $20 for – have fun. If not, keep walking.
6.Valet: If you’re going to be renting a car while you’re there, valet parking is the way to go. For a $2 tip, you can park at a hotel or casino and visit the nearby hotels and casinos.
7.Bus: If you use the busses that run up and down the strip, put your wallet in your front pocket. Vegas is the favorite vacation spot for pick-pocketers, too.
8.Cabs: Cabs are more expensive than a bus, but faster and less waiting. Almost all hotels have a cab line outside one of their doors, a line of cabs waiting for the next fare. A hotel employee will whistle for the next cab in line when you ask for a cab.

Things to see (and most are FREE!):
1.The Freemont Street Experience: Every night there is a light and music show that stretches for blocks. It’s an amazing thing to see … and it’s FREE. Freemont Street is in downtown Vegas, you’ll need to take a cab if you don’t have a car. The street is blocked off from traffic and you can stand in the street and look up and watch the show. (Another place to keep a close check on your wallet.) There’s a different show every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:00 or 8:30 PM. Show times and pictures can be seen at: http://www.vegasexperience.com/ Be sure to check out the video! Freemont Street also has performers and kiosks all along it. Lots to see and worth a trip. Downtown used to be nasty and scary, but they’ve cleaned it up and it’s clean and safe now. Just don’t wander too far off Freemont on any of the side streets. You probably wouldn’t want to anyway, most of the action is right on Freemont.
2.The Fountains at Bellagio: Don’t miss this! It’s a 900-foot long row of fountains that “dance” to music. The songs change, and it’s awesome to see. More info at: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/bellagiofountains.html While you’re there, go inside and check out the conservatory. Very impressive!
3.Caesars Forum Shops: If you feel like strolling through Rome, check out the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This is also where the talking statues live. More info on the shops and a link to info on the talking statues at: http://www.vegas.com/shopping/forumshops.html
4.The Canal at the Venetian: This is pretty amazing and a MUST see. You feel like you’re in Italy as you stroll along the canal and visit the shops. You can even take a gondola ride. Check out the Canal Shoppes at: http://www.venetian.com/shoppe/index.cfm and get information on the gondolas at: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/gondola.html?f=m0at&t=stripat
5.The Volcano, The Tigers and The Aquarium at The Mirage: If you go up the moving walkway and through the front door at the Mirage, you’ll see the white tiger. Pretty cool to see. Head through the foliage to the front lobby and check out the wall behind the check-in desk. It’s a HUGE salt-water aquarium. In front of the hotel there is a huge waterfall that turns into an erupting volcano (loud, bright, and hot!) at night. A trip to Vegas without seeing the volcano erupt just wouldn’t be a trip to Vegas. http://www.themirage.com/
6.The Wildlife Habitat at The Flamingo: An outdoor habitat located within the Flamingo. You can watch the penguins play and see the live flamingos (still haven’t figured out how to kidnap one) plus lots of other birds, fish, and turtles. http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/wildlifehabitat.html
7.Masquerade Village at The Rio: Masquerade Village is inside the casino at the Mirage. There is a parade in the sky with music and dancing and lights that’s pretty cool to see. This is located off the strip, too far to walk, but there is a free shuttle that goes from Harrah’s to Rio and back. More info and a video at: http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_07.html
8.The Eiffel Tower at Paris: You can take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/eiffeltower.html?f=m0at&t=stripat

Other Info:
You can find a map of the strip and downtown Las Vegas here: http://www.vegas.com/map.html

You can find a show guide here: http://www.vegas.com/shows/index1.html?key=show01 This site has a search engine that allows you to enter the dates you’ll be in town.

Some GOOD sources of Las Vegas info:
www.vegas.com
http://www.lasvegas24hours.com/
http://www.vegasfreedom.com/do/index.jsp

hailtotheredskins1

You MUST MUST MUST go to Ceaser's Palace and walk through the Forum and see the talking statues.

bttrfly_grrl

A boat tour of Lake Mead and a tour of Hoover Dam

Blue Man Group is possibly the best show I've ever seen!

Eat at least one really nice meal that isn't a buffet or $12.99 surf and turf special.

Get a quicky wedding!

BobTheBizGuru

Fremont Street Experience (do this at night)
Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay
Star Trek Museum at the Hilton if you are a Trek fan
Bellagio Fountains
Check out the art at the Venetian Hotel
Roller coaster at the New York New York Hotel
The tower at The Stratosphere Hotel

Melissa B

There is SO MUCH to do. If ur 21 go get a acoholic drink and walk on the strip. Yep it's legal..went I went the first time my mouth hit the floor when I saw ppl with drinks out in the open and cops didn't even stop them. Makes u feel rebellious. For a LV concert definetly hit the Blue Man Group at the Venecian. And the Fremont Street Experience is so much fun!!! Just take ur time and if u go during the summer make sure u drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Just have fun....u'll go back again!!

TKO

food!!! they have the best resturants in the US

cosmic_convoy

hover dam

nquizzitiv

Visit some sites that are just a short ride outside of Las Vegas, like Hoover Dam or Lake Mead. Las Vegas is also just a few hours away from the Grand Canyon.

robbet03

Cirque Du Soile and The Blue Man Group

since its summer im going to say suntan it up and hit the strip!

nativeamer

Las Vegas, so exciting...don't know until i get there!

Red Rock Canyon...Everyone goes to the casinos but make sure you don't miss everything else Vegas has to offer.

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