Community Chat

[adamlambert]

Anyone have fun, cheap things to do in the Vegas area? I'll have a car in March.  Now I read the strip hotels charge for parking. It's so expensive!!

going to the pinball museum. Any ideas? Thanks.  Going to the NASCAR race. 

[Puzzle Piece]

Vegas isn't inexpensive like it was in the past.  It's a city known world wide and it makes dough with all the visitors dropping by.  Who do you think pays the light bills?  All the visitors by dropping their money at the various venues and casinos. 

Check with the AAA to see if they offer any tips on how to inexpensive activities. 

[Desertdi]

None than I can think of offhand.......................

[Bridgegal]

Since you will have a car, drive up to Mt. Charleston for lunch.  There may still be snow on the mountain tops in March.   Beautiful scenery from there.

[Carmie]

Just walking through the different hotels and casinos is quite an experience.  There are free buses that will take you from some casinos to others.  CIrcus Circus and Rio both have free shows at different time of the day. Other casinos have shows like Treasure Island outside at predetermined times.

VIsit Fremont Street at night.  There are street vendors and artists and entertainers plus the overhead light show is nice.

You can drive to Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam, both are interesting places.  The Grand Canyon is not so far away.., we always drive there for the day... a long day.

There are many free and inexpensive things to do in the area.  You can search online for other ideas. There are dedicated websites for Las Vegas with tons of info from real people who love Vegas.

Wear comfortable shoes.  We park at a hotel and walk the strip end to end with no problem.  There is also a shuttle $ that will take you up and down the strip.

Have fun!  

[Alter Ego]

Is this your first trip to Vegas?

Mine are the obvious ones, so may be the things you've already done.

Fountains at the Bellagio, indoor garden at the Bellagio (not a must see, but if you have time), Forum Shops at Caesars to see the moving statue shows (they had two last I was there), volcano erupting at the Mirage, pirate show in front of Treasure Island (if they still have it), and the Venetian shops to see the gondoliers. I think Wynn may also have some sort of light show, but don't recall if it's worth going just to see. Vegas is always changing- I didn't go, but I think a new hotel opened across from Caesar's, Linq, that has a big enclosed Ferris wheel in back (there is a charge - don't know how much).

There are also places where you can get 50% off of that night's shows - I know one used to be at the Fashion Show Mall, but think there are a few other locations too.

IMO, Vegas is expensive - but I don't gamble to get anything back and I like going to the restaurants and shows! I don't go often.

[StylishLady]

You might want to check this out:

http://www.cheapovegas.com/

We haven't been the Las Vegas in years, the last 2 times for wedding. DH talks about going out to visit the Pinball Hall of Fame. He's a pinball guy.

[patbz]

Agree with @AlterEgo and have a few to add.  There are free tours and samples at Ethel M and a marshmallow factory.  The Ferris Wheel is worth it at night ($20 ballpark) and the discount ticket place (day of event only) also offers restaurant discounts.  Not all hotels charge for parking, although most on the strip do;  we stay at the Orleans which has free parking (Station hotels are free parking).  I always get a foot massage (places are everywhere near Chinatown) which including a $10 tip (expected) is $30 an hour.  There is a great outlet mall near Palace Station.  We always eat at Battistas Hole in the Wall (Vegas Italian food institution) where complete dinner, including all the wine you can eat, is $20-$40.  Another great place is Carnegie Deli (inside Mirage) where you can split a Woody Allen and get an egg cream for you and a friend for under $40.  Some of the hotels on strip are worth site seeing (Wynn, Bellagio, Caesars).  If you can, splurge on a great buffet (Cosmopolitan, Wynn, Caesars, Rio).

[sandraskates]

I second that Fremont Street recommendation. Go at night and make sure you see at least one of the canopy light shows. It's spectacular. Old Las Vegas hotels and gambling establishments, along with litte bars, line Fremont Street so there are lots of side attractions too.

If you're staying at a hotel on the strip you can take a bus to Fremont St and avoid driving. The buses can be crowded but I've never felt unsafe.

Enjoy!

[Scooby Doo]

Nothing in Vegas is cheap.  Yes, it now costs $13 to $18 just to park at hotels on the strip.  There are lots of places to go gambling outside of the strip.  The light show on Fremont Street is free and there might be a free concert.  The Mob Museum is within walking distance of Fremont Street, costs arount $20 to get in.   Walking the Forum at Ceasars Palace is interesting.  I always go to the gardens at Bellagio and take lots of pictures.  The water show out front is always popular.  The High Roller ferris wheel at the Linq can cost up to $50 plus a tip for the bartender.  I like to stay at the north side of the strip.  I can walk from Ceasars, Ballys, Planet Hollywood, Bellagio, and the 2 malls.

Food is expensive on the strip, so if you have a car I'd plan on eating outside the strip.