Beginner’s Guide to Las Vegas

Here at dealchecker we’ve seen lots of Las Vegas deals popping up at the moment, as subscribers to our Real Deals will have noticed. This neon metropolis in the middle of the desert can be a confusing place for first time visitors so here are our tips on doing it right:

Please Gamble Sensibly!

Gambling man

by sampsyo

Don’t ruin your holiday by blowing all your money on the first night! Set aside daily amounts you can afford to lose and stick to it. You’ll find minimum bets are lower during the day so if you want to keep the stakes down this is a great time to dabble. Big spenders get complimentary rooms, drinks and food but this is NOT a good reason to flash all your cash at once! Look out for the free gambling lessons at the big casinos if you want to brush up your skills.

Eat Well

IMG_4097.JPG

by axio

Buffets are everywhere but generally filled with mediocre fare, but try the Bellagio at lunch for a great price on tasty food, or for the hot ticket of the moment try The Wicked Spoon. The Lotus of Siam offers great Thai food or for tapas and cocktails head to Firefly. If you win big it might be a great time to check out Craftsteak at the MGM Grand, and Bouchon is also making a name for itself when it comes to traditional sit-down dining.

Where to Drink

http://www.flickr.com/photos/feastguru_kirti/6130496130/

by Kirti Poddar

Now, drinking and gambling probably shouldn’t go hand in hand but there’s no harm in indulging a little afterwards is there? Vesper is widely regarded as the best cocktail bar in town, but you can also try Mix at the top of Mandalay Bay which boasts amazing views alongside potentially vertigo-inducing toilets!

Free Things in Las Vegas

Liberace Museum

by julialat34

If you’ve spent (lost!) all your cash then there are plenty of free things to do all over Vegas. Top of most people’s lists are the Bellagio Fountains which have music and light shows every evening. The Bellagio also has a fine art collection and a botanical garden. The Fremont Street Experience takes neon to another level, or for something a little different, try the Liberace Museum, home to many of his most spectacular outfits.

See A Show

Insect Acrobatics at OVO! by Cirque de Soleil

by eschipul

Why not unwind with some great entertainment! Beatles fans will want to take in “Love” at the Mirage and for a great family-friendly spectacular see Cirque de Soleil’s O. If you want some more traditional big feathers and glitz then see the showgirls at Bally’s Jubilee, it’s probably not wholesome family fun though!

Alternative Las Vegas

Lucky JuJu Pinball Night

by BeerNotBombs

Some of the casinos have video game arcades where you can find some low-stakes fun like Dance Dance Revolution, or take it back to the old days with the Pinball Hall of Fame. Don’t be put off by the name, you can still play all of them. If you want to enjoy yourself American style then the shooting range will let you hire guns and try them out!

Nearby Sights

Red Rock Canyon Nevada

by exothermic

Why not see a little of the area whilst you’re in Las Vegas? There are day trips to the Hoover Dam, or you can take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. For a more active day out try climbing in the Red Rock Canyon, or head to the Springs Preserve for something a little gentler.

Top image by stevendepolo