Go up in the stratosphere. Take a helicopter ride. Watch the fountains at Bellagio. Walk through the Venetian. Go to one Show. Don't take the cards all the people on the street are trying to hand you. Sit and play and watch a game in a sportsbook. If you are young, go to the pool area at the Hard Rock Casino and look around. That is a few off the top of my head.
If you're going to see one show, see Mystere or Zumanity. Penn & Teller are pretty cool to. Go to Hilton SB and catch a game. It is the biggest in Vegas. Absolutely go to Stratosphere tower, they have cool rides at the very top that suspend you right over the city. If you like double deck BJ, not many casinos have it. As far as restaurants, I go to steakhouses a lot and I can honestly say there isn't a bad one on the strip. I don't think you'll find better steakhouses anywhere in the country.
One more thing, STAY ON THE STRIP. Most visitors don't really realize that Vegas really does extend past the strip and in the downtown area, right off the strip, there are some BAD areas. Very very very bad. Behing the Statosphere for example is awful, just filthy. If you take a cab to or from there you'll see what I mean as they usually take the back way to avoid traffic.
Have fun out here and thanks for contributing to our economy.
One more thing, STAY ON THE STRIP. Most visitors don't really realize that Vegas really does extend past the strip and in the downtown area, right off the strip, there are some BAD areas. Very very very bad. Behing the Statosphere for example is awful, just filthy. If you take a cab to or from there you'll see what I mean as they usually take the back way to avoid traffic.
Have fun out here and thanks for contributing to our economy.
Go to In n Out and order a monster style double double.
If you like Japanese teppanyaki/hibachi style cooking, check out Musashi's on Paradise just north of Flamingo.
Of course on your first trip it's important to knock out all of the tourist attractions early. The Bellagio fountains are great, find a Cirque show to see (I used to prefer "O" but was kinda ehhh on my last run through, now I would either see Mystere or Love (if you like the Beatles) if given the chance), the Strat tower or Mix @ Mandalay Bay offer great views.
Other than that...just make sure you aren't playing any 6/5 double deck or shoe blackjack. It's a damn shame that this is even allowed but so many people are oblivious to payouts and will play a table simply because the limits are acceptable.
Finally, ask for help because EVERYBODY in town has an opinion. Tip for good service (ALWAYS) and go out of your way to thank people. A lot of people in Vegas do thankless jobs and I've received some awesome service (like having a dropped wallet returned to me at 3AM by a bellman because I had tipped him 4 hours earlier or a cellphone left in a cab returned simply because we talked to our driver about his day for 10 minutes on the way to dinner) by simply being nice to people.
A few things to know:
- The $20 trick is a hoax. You can get just as nice of an upgrade (if you're just wanting a higher floor/better view) by asking. I've tried this in all sorts of ways and my results are better when I don't make it awkward for anybody by "being cool" (read douchy) and slipping them a $20. Just ask and if they hook you up than tip them $5 for a nice view or $20 for a room level upgrade.
- Take a quick look at a map and know the basic roads of Vegas. That way you can tell a cab driver which route to take you to a particular spot. Cab drivers (like most of the city) are hurting right now and won't hesitate to "long haul" you to make a few extra $$. From the airport to say Mirage, it can cost you an extra $10/12 if they tunnel you vs taking Koval or Paradise.
- Vegas has lots of amazing food. From great buffets (Wynn is my favorite but it ain't cheap) to local restaurants (Rosemary's or Musashi's are my favs) to high end, celebrity chef joints (too many to name). Ask for recommendations from locals or simply try things out on your own. Every trip I try to go to 1 or 2 off strip places I've never been to so that I can "expand my horizons." Then again when you visit 5 or so times a year...you need some variety in your life to keep sane! ^<<^
As an extension of my last comment, the best thing I can recommend is to do what you want to do. There is so much to see and do that you can't possibly do it on one trip. Most importantly, there is a Vegas for just about everyone so go out there, live a little and find yours! Enjoy! :toast:
edit - Sorry for the long post. I've helped 5 people book trips (most of them for this week) in the last 2 days and I've been rather nostalgic about Vegas lately. Hell I haven't been back since March 26th and don't have another trip date locked down yet!
If you like Japanese teppanyaki/hibachi style cooking, check out Musashi's on Paradise just north of Flamingo.
Of course on your first trip it's important to knock out all of the tourist attractions early. The Bellagio fountains are great, find a Cirque show to see (I used to prefer "O" but was kinda ehhh on my last run through, now I would either see Mystere or Love (if you like the Beatles) if given the chance), the Strat tower or Mix @ Mandalay Bay offer great views.
Other than that...just make sure you aren't playing any 6/5 double deck or shoe blackjack. It's a damn shame that this is even allowed but so many people are oblivious to payouts and will play a table simply because the limits are acceptable.
Finally, ask for help because EVERYBODY in town has an opinion. Tip for good service (ALWAYS) and go out of your way to thank people. A lot of people in Vegas do thankless jobs and I've received some awesome service (like having a dropped wallet returned to me at 3AM by a bellman because I had tipped him 4 hours earlier or a cellphone left in a cab returned simply because we talked to our driver about his day for 10 minutes on the way to dinner) by simply being nice to people.
A few things to know:
- The $20 trick is a hoax. You can get just as nice of an upgrade (if you're just wanting a higher floor/better view) by asking. I've tried this in all sorts of ways and my results are better when I don't make it awkward for anybody by "being cool" (read douchy) and slipping them a $20. Just ask and if they hook you up than tip them $5 for a nice view or $20 for a room level upgrade.
- Take a quick look at a map and know the basic roads of Vegas. That way you can tell a cab driver which route to take you to a particular spot. Cab drivers (like most of the city) are hurting right now and won't hesitate to "long haul" you to make a few extra $$. From the airport to say Mirage, it can cost you an extra $10/12 if they tunnel you vs taking Koval or Paradise.
- Vegas has lots of amazing food. From great buffets (Wynn is my favorite but it ain't cheap) to local restaurants (Rosemary's or Musashi's are my favs) to high end, celebrity chef joints (too many to name). Ask for recommendations from locals or simply try things out on your own. Every trip I try to go to 1 or 2 off strip places I've never been to so that I can "expand my horizons." Then again when you visit 5 or so times a year...you need some variety in your life to keep sane! ^<<^
As an extension of my last comment, the best thing I can recommend is to do what you want to do. There is so much to see and do that you can't possibly do it on one trip. Most importantly, there is a Vegas for just about everyone so go out there, live a little and find yours! Enjoy! :toast:
edit - Sorry for the long post. I've helped 5 people book trips (most of them for this week) in the last 2 days and I've been rather nostalgic about Vegas lately. Hell I haven't been back since March 26th and don't have another trip date locked down yet!
VS - just spent a day last week on the way back from a west coast sales trip. I've been to that city so many times i can't count that high, as most of the conventions for work that i attend are in that town.
#1. FOOD, FOOD, FOOD. Besides gambling (knowing you that won't be a problem), this city is all about the food. Everybody has their own favorites, but mine, by far and away, is Hugo's Cellar in the basement of 4Queens downtown. It is normally ranked by the locals at the top or damn close to it for restaurants. Try the Hot Rock if you go for an appetizer. Also, the wine steward (jon) is absolutely awesome to chat with ~ if you're into wine this guy is the guy to speak with. Other favorite joint to eat at is Picasso's in Bellagio. Very French, very "foo-foo" food but some very creative cuisine. As for other food, you can't go wrong with most of the buffet's on the strip ~ they'll cost you a bit but i haven't had a bad one yet.
#2. While the Hilton has been listed as the biggest, i personally prefer Caesars sportsbook for watching a game. With the NBA playoffs going on you're going to see great reactions from the crowds for those games. You'll have an absolutely fantastic time there.
#3. Nightlife. Yeah - be prepared to drop a ton of dough but get yourself into Tryst in the Wynn casino.
#4. Stay away from the strip clubs. Insane prices for everything from a soda to a beer or any mixed cocktail. It's just not worth it. If you want any, ehem, evening entertainment (don't know if you're bringing your girl), grab a limo (from just about anywhere) and have the driver hook you up. PM me and i'll send you over the company and driver i've used more than a few times.
#5. Sign up and get slot cards from all the casinos you visit and USE THEM. If you want a comp, ASK FOR IT. You've got to pipe up and ask for what you want. I've been turned down when i've had more than enough play sometimes, and there are time's when i've been rewarded with full RFB when i shouldn't have been. Overall you can qualify for the buffet's pretty easily but it could be some work to get the others.
#6. Drive the strip at night and just take in the sights. Or better yet, combine the drive on the strip with a limo and some everning, errr, entertainment.
#7. If you're crazy enough rent an Elvis Costume and walk around any of the casino's and autograph every as Elvis. It doesn't matter if your fat elvis or skinny elvis - just be Elvis for a few hours.
Other list to do:
Tommy Bahama store in Planet Hollywood mall
Margaritaville cafe in the Hilton
Bahama Breeze restaurant
freemont street experience
Top-less pool at mandalay bay
Dale Chihuly glass sculpture Bellagio Lobby
Flower display in the Bellagio right past the lobby
Fountains at Bellagio
Any Cirque-du-sol show
Check and see if there are any boxing matches going on and attend
Side trip (helicopter) to the Grand Canyon
Skydiving (real or fake - there's a spot on, i think convention center drive, that has the fake skydiving (where you fly over a large wind machine).
There is never a dull moment in Lost Wages errr Las Vegas
#1. FOOD, FOOD, FOOD. Besides gambling (knowing you that won't be a problem), this city is all about the food. Everybody has their own favorites, but mine, by far and away, is Hugo's Cellar in the basement of 4Queens downtown. It is normally ranked by the locals at the top or damn close to it for restaurants. Try the Hot Rock if you go for an appetizer. Also, the wine steward (jon) is absolutely awesome to chat with ~ if you're into wine this guy is the guy to speak with. Other favorite joint to eat at is Picasso's in Bellagio. Very French, very "foo-foo" food but some very creative cuisine. As for other food, you can't go wrong with most of the buffet's on the strip ~ they'll cost you a bit but i haven't had a bad one yet.
#2. While the Hilton has been listed as the biggest, i personally prefer Caesars sportsbook for watching a game. With the NBA playoffs going on you're going to see great reactions from the crowds for those games. You'll have an absolutely fantastic time there.
#3. Nightlife. Yeah - be prepared to drop a ton of dough but get yourself into Tryst in the Wynn casino.
#4. Stay away from the strip clubs. Insane prices for everything from a soda to a beer or any mixed cocktail. It's just not worth it. If you want any, ehem, evening entertainment (don't know if you're bringing your girl), grab a limo (from just about anywhere) and have the driver hook you up. PM me and i'll send you over the company and driver i've used more than a few times.
#5. Sign up and get slot cards from all the casinos you visit and USE THEM. If you want a comp, ASK FOR IT. You've got to pipe up and ask for what you want. I've been turned down when i've had more than enough play sometimes, and there are time's when i've been rewarded with full RFB when i shouldn't have been. Overall you can qualify for the buffet's pretty easily but it could be some work to get the others.
#6. Drive the strip at night and just take in the sights. Or better yet, combine the drive on the strip with a limo and some everning, errr, entertainment.
#7. If you're crazy enough rent an Elvis Costume and walk around any of the casino's and autograph every as Elvis. It doesn't matter if your fat elvis or skinny elvis - just be Elvis for a few hours.
Other list to do:
Tommy Bahama store in Planet Hollywood mall
Margaritaville cafe in the Hilton
Bahama Breeze restaurant
freemont street experience
Top-less pool at mandalay bay
Dale Chihuly glass sculpture Bellagio Lobby
Flower display in the Bellagio right past the lobby
Fountains at Bellagio
Any Cirque-du-sol show
Check and see if there are any boxing matches going on and attend
Side trip (helicopter) to the Grand Canyon
Skydiving (real or fake - there's a spot on, i think convention center drive, that has the fake skydiving (where you fly over a large wind machine).
There is never a dull moment in Lost Wages errr Las Vegas
ya wanna see the closet thing to an "old time" sportsbook, go to Imperial Palace. Everything still done with grease pencils, best selection of wagers, and if they're not busy the ticket writers are cool to talk with.
When you are through there, go up the street to the Flamingo and walk through the garden in the rear of the property. Some cool stuff to look at, and you're walking the same ground the Bugsy Segal walked when he built the place 60 yrs ago. Back then, it was in the middle of nowhere...
Almost forgot. O'sheas, a little grind joint in the same neighborhood, has $1 michelobs 24 hrs a day at the bar...
Finally, say hi to Coach K. Vegas is his home away from home in the off season.
When you are through there, go up the street to the Flamingo and walk through the garden in the rear of the property. Some cool stuff to look at, and you're walking the same ground the Bugsy Segal walked when he built the place 60 yrs ago. Back then, it was in the middle of nowhere...
Almost forgot. O'sheas, a little grind joint in the same neighborhood, has $1 michelobs 24 hrs a day at the bar...
Finally, say hi to Coach K. Vegas is his home away from home in the off season.
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