Las Vegas is the world’s entertainment capital: themed casino resorts, residencies and Cirque shows, celebrity-chef restaurants and pool parties, with the desert and some of America’s greatest national parks on the doorstep. It can also be expensive if you’re not careful. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Las Vegas guides.
Top things to do in Las Vegas
- Walk the Strip at night, taking in the Bellagio fountains, the neon and the Venetian canals.
- The Sphere is the giant LED globe, with immersive films and concerts inside.
- A big show: Cirque du Soleil, a residency or a magic show.
- The High Roller is a 30-minute observation wheel ride, from $28 by day.
- Fremont Street is old Vegas, with the LED canopy and the Viva Vision light show.
- The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam are the classic day trips. See Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.
- Red Rock Canyon is a scenic drive and hiking area just 30 minutes from the Strip.
See all 20 best things to do in Las Vegas, our list of free things to do, or compare Las Vegas shows and tours.
Where to stay in Las Vegas
- Center Strip (Bellagio, Caesars, Cosmopolitan, Venetian) is the most walkable and iconic.
- South Strip (MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Luxor) has big pools and is close to the airport.
- North Strip (Wynn, Resorts World, Fontainebleau) is luxury, a bit spread out.
- Downtown and Fremont are cheaper rooms with old-school Vegas character.
- Off-Strip and non-gaming hotels often have no resort fees and give better value.
Read our full Las Vegas area guide, or check hotel prices in Las Vegas.
Getting around Las Vegas
The Strip looks walkable on a map, but the resorts are huge, so distances are longer than they seem, especially in the summer heat. Use the free trams (Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur, and Bellagio–Park MGM), the Las Vegas Monorail along the east side, the Deuce bus (24 hours: $6 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours, $20 for 3 days), or Uber and Lyft. Rent a car only for day trips.
Airport to the Strip
| Option (LAS → Strip) | Cost (2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi, zone 1 (South Strip) | $21.25 | 10–15 min |
| Taxi, zone 2 (Center Strip) | $25.25 | 15–20 min |
| Taxi, zone 3 (Caesars to the STRAT) | $29.25 | 15–25 min |
| Uber / Lyft | Varies with demand | 15–25 min |
Zone fares are from Vegas Always (2026), plus any credit card fee and tip. Full details are in Las Vegas Airport to the Strip.
Best time to visit Las Vegas
March to May and October to November bring warm, pleasant weather for the pools and the desert. Summer regularly passes 40°C (104°F), which is fine for pools but tough for walking and hiking. Prices depend more on conventions and big events than on the season, and midweek is usually much cheaper than weekends. Read the best time to visit Las Vegas.
Money, entry and practical tips
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying. Apply only on the official esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The fee rises to $40.62 from 16 October 2026 (VisasNews). You must be 21 or over to gamble or drink. Tipping is expected: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink, and $1–5 for housekeeping and valets. Read our guide to resort fees and saving money in Vegas. Get a USA eSIM and travel insurance, because US medical costs are very high.
Las Vegas guides
- 20 best things to do in Las Vegas
- Free things to do in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas itinerary: 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas resort fees and how to save
- Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Airport to the Strip
- Best time to visit Las Vegas
Another US favourite: see our Miami travel guide, with South Beach, the Everglades and Key West.
Road trip idea: Los Angeles is about 4–5 hours’ drive from Las Vegas. See our Los Angeles travel guide.
FAQ: Las Vegas travel
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
Three nights covers the Strip, a show, Fremont Street and one day trip. Four or five days lets you add the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon without rushing.
Is Las Vegas expensive?
It can be. Resort fees, parking, shows and drinks add up fast. Midweek stays, off-Strip hotels and the many free attractions keep costs down.
Can you walk the Las Vegas Strip?
Yes, especially the Center Strip, but resorts are farther apart than they look. Use the trams, the monorail or the Deuce for longer stretches, and carry water in summer.
How old do you have to be to gamble in Las Vegas?
21, which is also the legal drinking age. Under-21s can walk through casinos, but they can’t linger at the tables or slots.
Plan your trip to Las Vegas
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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