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Chapel

Entertainment

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Tower

Suggested Itineraries

Frommer’s

In One Day

In Two Days

In Three Days

In Four Days or More

Vegas by Air

Off the Beaten Track

Over-the-Top Vegas

Guy's Getaway

Cirque du Soleil

Casinos in Vegas

Some Tips

Taxicab Fares and Fees

Cheap Eating

Free Drinks

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http://off2vegas.com/transit.html

Airport Shuttle

Unless you have booked an all-inclusive package that includes airport shuttles you will need transportation to your hotel.  Several shuttle companies operate from McCarren International Airport to the Las Vegas strip, downtown Las Vegas, Boulder Highway and the outlying hotels. Travel arrangements can be made outside of the baggage claim area for one-way or round trip transport. Round trip fares are slightly less than double the one-way fare. Approximate round trip fares per person are as follows:

Strip hotels--$8.00

Downtown hotels--$10.00

Off strip hotels--$13.50

Reservations are recommended for timely return to airport.

Trolleys

The trolley bus travels from The Stratosphere to the South Strip area, it does not travel to Fremont Street. Trolley bus fare is $1.50 exact fare only with hours of operation between 9:30am to 2:00am on a 20 minute schedule. The trolley bus does serve the purpose of transport and is generally less crowded than the CAT buses but be forewarned, has uncomfortable wooden seats (nostalgic I suppose) and stops at every major hotel along the strip making transport very slow.

Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas monorail runs from the MGM Grand Hotel to Sahara Ave. The Las Vegas Monorail operates 7 days a week from 7:00am to 2:am Monday - Thursday and until 3:00am Friday - Sunday, Each car on the Monorail holds 72 riders seated and 152 riders standing with the approx. time to ride from one end of the 4 mile long Las Vegas strip is being 14 to 16 minutes, depending on the speed of boarding and unboarding passengers. The monorail tickets can be purchased at vending machines located inside each station and at station hotel properties.

Monorail ticket prices are as follows (Normal Fare Rates):

• 1 ride pass $5.00
• 2 ride pass $9
• 10 ride pass $35
• 1 Day pass $8 (Summer Special)
• 3 Day pass $40
• Children 5 and under FREE (rates as of May 2007)  

1 ride pass is good for 1 entry to monorail system

10 ride pass good for 10 entrances, any station(s). This pass is valid for 1 year from first use.

1 day pass offers unlimited entrances, any station(s) is valid for 24 hour period from first use.

3 day pass offers unlimited entrances, any station(s) is valid for 72 hour period from first use.

Getting Around (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013020015.html)

Is that The Mirage or Just a Mirage? -- Maybe it's the desert that makes distances here so deceiving, or the fact that the buildings are so darned big that it makes them seem closer than they really are. But getting from point A to point B always seems to take much longer in Las Vegas than you think it will. We can't count the number of times we've said, "Here we are at The Mirage/Treasure Island/Bellagio and we have dinner/business/show tickets for Caesars/The Mirage/the Monte Carlo next door. We'll leave about 15 minutes before we need to be there." Thirty-five minutes later, after negotiating the casino crowds at our hotel, trekking through to the exit, using the moving sidewalk, tram, or our feet to get to the next stop, finding the entrance, negotiating the crowds there, and getting lost . . . we finally arrive. Barely. The moral of the story is to always give yourself extra time, even if you're just going next door.

It shouldn't be too hard to navigate your way around. But remember, between huge hotel acreage, increased and very slow traffic, and lots and lots of people -- like you -- trying to explore, getting around takes a lot longer than you might think. Heck, it can take 15 to 20 minutes to get from your room to another part of your hotel! Always allow for plenty of time to get from point A to point B.

By Car

If you plan to confine yourself to one part of the Strip (or one cruise down to it) or to Downtown, your feet will suffice. Otherwise, we highly recommend that visitors rent a car. The Strip is too spread out for walking (and Las Vegas is often too hot or too cold to make strolls pleasant), Downtown is too far away for a cheap cab ride, and public transportation is often ineffective in getting you where you want to go. Plus, return visits call for exploration in more remote parts of the city, and a car brings freedom, especially if you want to do any side trips at your own pace.

You should note that places with addresses some 60 blocks east or west of the Strip are actually less than a 10-minute drive -- provided there is no traffic.

Having advocated renting a car, we should warn you that traffic is getting worse, and it's harder and harder to get around town with any certain swiftness. A general rule of thumb is to avoid driving on the Strip whenever you can, and avoid driving at all during peak hours (8-9:30am and 4:30-6pm), especially if you have to make a show curtain.

Parking is usually a pleasure because all casino hotels offer free valet service. That means that for a mere $1 to $2 tip, you can park right at the door, though the valet usually fills up on busy nights. In those cases, you can use the gigantic self-parking lots (free on the Strip, nominal fees Downtown) that all hotels have.

If you're visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver's licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you may want to consider obtaining an international driver's license. Also, international visitors should note that insurance and taxes are almost never included in quoted rental car rates in the U.S. Be sure to ask your rental agency about additional fees for these. They can add a significant cost to your car rental.

Renting a Car -- National companies with outlets in Las Vegas include Alamo (tel. 877/227-8367; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel. 800/230-4898; www.avis.com), Budget (tel. 800/527-0700; www.budget.com), Dollar (tel. 800/800-3665; www.dollar.com), Enterprise (tel. 800/261-7331; www.enterprise.com), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131; www.hertz.com), National (tel. 800/227-7368; www.nationalcar.com), Payless (tel. 800/729-5377; www.paylesscarrental.com), and Thrifty (tel. 800/847-4389; www.thrifty.com).

Car rental rates vary even more than airline fares. The price you pay depends on the size of the car, where and when you pick it up and drop it off, the length of the rental period, where and how far you drive it, whether you purchase insurance, and a host of other factors. A few key questions could save you hundreds of dollars.

• Are weekend rates lower than weekday rates? Ask if the rate is the same for pickup Friday morning, for instance, as it is for Thursday night.
• Is a weekly rate cheaper than the daily rate? Even if you need the car for only 4 days, it may be cheaper to keep it for 5.
• Does the agency assess a drop-off charge if you don't return the car to the same location where you picked it up? Is it cheaper to pick up the car at the airport than at a Downtown location?
• Are special promotional rates available? If you see an advertised price in your local newspaper, be sure to ask for that specific rate; otherwise, you may be charged the standard cost. Terms change constantly, and reservations agents are notorious for not mentioning available discounts unless you ask.
• Are discounts available for members of AARP, AAA, frequent-flier programs, or trade unions? If you belong to any of these organizations, you may be entitled to discounts of up to 30%.
• How much tax will be added to the rental bill? Local tax? State use tax?
• What is the cost of adding an additional driver's name to the contract?
• How many free miles are included in the price? Free mileage is often negotiable, depending on the length of the rental.
• How much does the rental company charge to refill your gas tank if you return with the tank less than full? Though most rental companies claim these prices are "competitive," fuel is almost always cheaper in town. Try to allow enough time to refuel the car yourself before returning it.

Some companies offer "refueling packages," in which you pay for an entire tank of gas up front. The price is usually fairly competitive with local gas prices, but you don't get credit for any gas remaining in the tank.

Many available packages include airfare, accommodations, and a rental car with unlimited mileage. Compare these prices with the cost of booking airline tickets and renting a car separately to see if such offers are good deals. Internet resources can make comparison-shopping easier.

Surfing for Rental Cars -- For booking rental cars online, the best deals are usually found at rental-car company websites, although all the major online travel agencies also offer rental-car reservations services. Priceline (www.priceline.com) and Hotwire (www.hotwire.com) work well for rental cars; the only "mystery" is which major rental company you get, and for most travelers, the difference between Hertz, Avis, and Budget is negligible. Also check out Breezenet.com, which offers domestic car-rental discounts with some of the most competitive rates around.

Demystifying Renter's Insurance -- Before you drive off in a rental car, be sure you're insured. Hasty assumptions about your personal auto insurance or a rental agency's additional coverage could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars -- even if you are involved in an accident that was clearly the fault of another driver.

If you already hold a private auto insurance policy in the United States, you are most likely covered for loss of or damage to a rental car, and liability in case of injury to any other party involved in an accident. Be sure to find out whether you are covered in the area you are visiting, whether your policy extends to all persons who will be driving the rental car, how much liability is covered in case an outside party is injured in an accident, and whether the type of vehicle you are renting is included under your contract. (Rental trucks, sport utility vehicles, and luxury vehicles may not be covered.)

Most major credit cards provide some degree of coverage as well -- provided they were used to pay for the rental. Terms vary widely, however, so be sure to call your credit card company directly before you rent. If you don't have a private auto insurance policy, the credit card you use to rent a car may provide primary coverage if you decline the rental agency's insurance. This means that the credit card company will cover damage or theft of a rental car for the full cost of the vehicle. If you do have a private auto insurance policy, your credit card may provide secondary coverage -- which basically covers your deductible. Credit cards do not cover liability or the cost of injury to an outside party and/or damage to an outside party's vehicle. If you do not hold an insurance policy, you may want to seriously consider purchasing additional liability insurance from your rental company. Be sure to check the terms, however: Some rental agencies cover liability only if the renter is not at fault; even then, the rental company's obligation varies from state to state. Bear in mind that each credit card company has its own peculiarities; call your own credit card company for details before relying on a card for coverage.

The basic insurance coverage offered by most car rental companies, known as the Loss/Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), can cost as much as $20 per day. The former should cover everything, including the loss of income to the rental agency, should you get in an accident (normally not covered by your own insurance policy). It usually covers the full value of the vehicle, with no deductible, if an outside party causes an accident or other damage to the rental car. You will probably be covered in case of theft as well. Liability coverage varies, but the minimum is usually at least $15,000. If you are at fault in an accident, you will be covered for the full replacement value of the car -- but not for liability. In Nevada, you can buy additional liability coverage for such cases. Most rental companies require a police report in order to process any claims you file, but your private insurer will not be notified of the accident. Check your own policies and credit cards before you shell out money on this extra insurance because you may already be covered.

Drive in Style -- If the idea of tooling around Las Vegas in a pedestrian rent-a-box just doesn't sound appealing, you can always indulge your fantasies by going with something more exotic.

Several companies in Las Vegas specialize in rentals of high-end, luxury vehicles -- the kinds of rides that normally are reserved for the rich and famous.

Rent-a-Vette Exotic Car Rentals (tel. 800/372-1981 or 702/736-2592; www.exoticcarrentalslasvegas.com) has a fleet from makers such as Lamborghini, Bentley, Ferrari, and Porsche, plus a stable of their namesake Chevrolet Corvettes. They even feature an Aston Martin Vantage, if you want to work out your inner James Bond while buzzing between casinos. Rates start at about $400 per day and go up from there -- sometimes, way up. The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder will set you back a cool $1,445 per day, or roughly what you'll pay for 5 nights in a room at Bellagio or Wynn Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Exotic Car Rentals (tel. 866/871-1893; www.vegasexoticrentals.com) offers a similar line-up plus some big-guy toys such as Hummer H2s and Cadillac Escalades. And if you prefer Elvis over James Bond they even have some classics, such as a 1970 Cadillac Deville Convertible. You will need to supply your own Viva Las Vegassoundtrack.

By Taxi

Because cabs line up in front of all major hotels, an easy way to get around town is by taxi. Cabs charge $3.30 at the meter drop and 20¢ for each additional 1/12 mile, plus an additional $1.80 fee for being picked up at the airport and time-based penalties if you get stuck in a traffic-jam. A taxi from the airport to the Strip will run you $15 to $23, from the airport to Downtown $18 to $25, and between the Strip and Downtown about $12 to $18. You can often save money by sharing a cab with someone going to the same destination (up to five people can ride for the same fare). All this implies that you have gotten a driver who is honest; many cabbies take you the long way around, which sometimes means the shortest physical distance between two points -- right down the Strip -- but longest time on the clock and, thus, meter. Either way, you could end up paying a fare that . . . let's just say a new pair of shoes would have been a much more fun way to spend that jackpot. Your only recourse is to write down the cab number and call the company and complain. They may not respond, but you can try.

If you just can't find a taxi to hail and want to call one, try the following companies: Desert Cab Company (tel. 702/386-9102), Whittlesea Blue Cab (tel. 702/384-6111), or Yellow/Checker Cab/Star Company (tel. 702/873-2000).

By Monorail

The first leg of a high-tech monorail opened in 2004, offering riders their first and best shot of getting from one end of the Strip to the other with a minimum of frustration and expense. The 4-mile route runs from the MGM Grand, at the southern end of the Strip, to the Sahara, at the northern end, with stops at Paris/Bally's, the Flamingo, Harrah's, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Las Vegas Hilton along the way. Note that some of the actual physical stops are not particularly close to their namesakes, so there can be an unexpected -- and sometimes time-consuming -- additional walk from the monorail stop to wherever you intended to go. Factor in this time accordingly.

These trains can accommodate more than 200 passengers (standing and sitting) and make the end-to-end run in about 15 minutes. They operate Monday through Thursday from 7am until 2am and Friday through Sunday from 7am until 3am. Fares are $5 (!!!) for a one-way ride (whether you ride from one end to the other or just to the next station); discounts are available for round-trips and multiride/multiday passes.

Feelings are mixed about the monorail, which isn't generating the ridership as expected. A variety of behind-the-scenes issues, mostly having to do with money, may change the way it's run, extend the route, or even shut it down altogether, although that seems highly unlikely. None of this will happen before 2010, and even if it does change, it may not be in such a way that you will notice.

By Public Transportation

The no. 301 bus operated by CAT (tel. 702/CAT-RIDE [228-7433]) plies a route between the Downtown Transportation Center (at Casino Center Blvd. and Stewart Ave.) and a few miles beyond the southern end of the Strip. The fare is $1.75 for adults, 75¢ for seniors 60 and older and children 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and under. An all-day pass is $4 ($2 for seniors and children). CAT buses run 24 hours a day and are wheelchair-accessible. Exact change is required.

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) recently launched a service called The Deuce (tel. 702/CAT-RIDE [228-7433]; www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/transit/deuce/), a fleet of modern double-decker buses that run the length of the Strip into downtown and near the airport. A one-way ride is $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors 60 and older and children 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and under. For $7, you get an all-day pass that lets you get on and off as many times as you like and also lets you ride all the other RTC buses all day. They even provide recorded color commentary as you sit in the mind-numbing traffic-jams that plug up the Strip most of the time. Exact change is required.

At this writing, it was unclear if the Vegas.com Arrow, classic streetcar replicas, will still be in operation. Let's hope so -- the old-fashioned, dark green vehicles are nice on the eyes and better still, air-conditioned. Like the buses, they run northward from Hacienda Avenue, stopping at all major hotels en route to the Sahara (not to the Stratosphere or Downtown), and then they go back from the Las Vegas Hilton. Trolleys run about every 15 minutes daily between 9:30am and 1:30am. The fare is $2.50 for a single one-way ticket or $6.50 for an all-day pass (free for children 4 and under). Exact change is required.

There are also a number of free transportation services, courtesy of the casinos. A free monorail connects Mandalay Bay with Luxor and Excalibur, and a free tram shuttles between The Mirage and Treasure Island. Given how far apart even neighboring hotels can be, thanks to their size, and how they seem even farther apart on really hot (and cold and windy) days, these are blessed additions.

Chopper Tom's Traffic Tips

"Chopper" Tom Hawley has watched Las Vegas grow since he was a little kid catching lizards in the desert, back in the '60s. A self-described "traffic geek," Tom reports from the helicopter and from the studio most mornings and afternoons in Las Vegas, on KVBC-TV/Channel 3. For further information on the following projects, tips, and much more, stop by Channel 3's website, at www.kvbc.com, and click "Traffic."

• Monorail Mania: This 4-mile system is a larger, faster, and more modern version of the Disney hand-me-down that used to run between the MGM and Bally's. The Las Vegas Monorail now has seven stations sprinkled from the MGM to the Sahara, with a one-way fare running $5 per person. (Discounts are available for multiple trips.) You may have heard about some less-than-glorious months for the system, but we're happy to report that as of this writing, things seem to be in fine working order. The bad news is that the monorail has probably scuttled planned extensions to Downtown and the airport, at least for now.
• People Movers Galore: Las Vegas has a greater variety of independent people-mover systems than any other city in the world, and they're a great way to get around without having to get into your car. In addition to the people movers at McCarran Airport, a variety of trains will take you from hotel to hotel. The Mandalay Bay Train whisks you from the Tropicana walkways to the Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay hotels. Smaller shuttles operate between The Mirage and Treasure Island and between the Circus Circus Big Top and East Tower. A new train is set to connect the Monte Carlo and Bellagio with CityCenter.
• Spaghetti Bowl: The "Spaghetti Bowl" is what locals call the mess where I-15 intersects U.S. 95. The entire thing was reconstructed in 2000, but some studies indicate that it's carrying more traffic than it was designed for, so don't expect a congestion-free ride.
• U.S. 95 Widening: A 7-year project to widen the west leg of U.S. 95 (connecting to the busy northwest valley) is now complete. Though still busy in weekday rush hours, this freeway hasn't moved better in 20 years.
• Keep Your Feet off the Streets: Local engineers have been trying to improve traffic on the Strip by separating the cars from the pedestrians. The first overhead pedestrian walkways opened at Tropicana Avenue, in 1995; similar bridges were completed at Flamingo Avenue, in 2000, and Spring Mountain, in 2003. Future pedestrian bridges will be installed at Sahara and Harmon.
• Do D.I. Direct: Most visitors seem to get a lot of mileage out of the Strip and I-15. But, if you're checking out the local scene, you can bypass both of those, using Desert Inn Road, which is now one of the longest streets running from one side of the valley to the other. Plus, the 2-mile "Superarterial" section between Valley View and Paradise zips you nonstop over the interstate and under the Strip.
• Grin and Bear It: Yes, there are ways to avoid traffic jams on the Strip. But at least these traffic jams are entertaining! If you have the time and patience, go ahead and take a ride along the Strip from Hacienda to Sahara. The 4-mile drive might take an hour, but while you're grinding along, you'll see a Sphinx, an active volcano, a water ballet, and some uniquely Vegas architecture.
• Rat Pack Back Doors: Frank Sinatra Drive is a bypass road that runs parallel to the Strip from Russell Road north to Industrial. It's a great way to avoid the traffic jams and sneak in the back of hotels such as Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Monte Carlo, and Bellagio. On the other side of I-15, a bunch of high-end condo developers talked the city into rechristening a big portion of Industrial Road as Dean Martin Drive. It's still called Industrial from near Downtown to Twain, and it lets you in the back entrances to Circus Circus, Treasure Island, and others. It's a terrific bypass to the Strip and I-15 congestion.
• Beltway Bypass: The 53-mile 215 Beltway was completed in 2003, wrapping three quarters of the way around the valley, allowing easy access to the outskirts while bypassing the Resort Corridor. While the initial beltway is done, some portions still need to be built out from half-beltway and frontage road systems to a full freeway -- a process that will take until 2013.
• That Dam Bridge: In 2002, work began on a magnificent bridge over the Colorado River to handle traffic between Arizona and Nevada. It was supposed to be done in 2008, but a construction mishap has pushed that back to at least 2010. If you want to visit Hoover Dam, watch out for delays of an hour or more approaching the construction zone. The best advice is to start your trip by 8am, and especially to avoid midday on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Catch the CAT: Some locals complain about Citizens Area Transit (CAT) bus service in certain neighborhoods. But the Strip routes are frequent and well serviced, running around the clock from the South Strip Transfer Terminal to the Downtown Transportation Center in the north. The no. 301 runs every 10 minutes during busy hours, and there's also a limited-stop express bus (no. 302) every 15 minutes. Other routes go for $1.25, but the 301 and 302 are the CAT's gravy trains and cost $2. Exact change, please.

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Suggested Itineraries

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When you visit Las Vegas, you certainly won't be lacking in things to do. But the sheer enormity of the city and its laundry list of sights, attractions, restaurants, shows, recreation, and other activities could leave even the most intrepid traveler feeling a little overwhelmed.

The following itineraries are designed to help narrow the big list down a little while maximizing your time. This way you can spend less energy planning and more simply having fun. Each has a theme, but you can always mix and match to create your perfect Las Vegas getaway.

Instead of a step-by-step tour, the itineraries are broken down by morning, afternoon, and nighttime activities with multiple suggestions for each, again allowing you to customize your vacation in a way that makes sense for you.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013010007.html

In One Day

Spend most of the day casino-hopping. These are buildings like no other (thank goodness). Each grandiose interior tops the last. You'll want to see Wynn Las Vegas, no longer the newest thing going thanks to The Venetian's Palazzo annex, but the latter is less of a destination in and of itself. But also be sure to see The Venetian, Bellagio, The Mirage, Treasure Island, Paris Las Vegas, Caesars Palace (including The Forum Shops and the talking statues), New York-New York, MGM Grand, and the exteriors of Excalibur and Luxor. Then at night, take a drive (if you can) down the Strip. As amazing as all this is during the day, you just can't believe it at night. Aside from just the Strip itself, there are Bellagio's water fountains, which "perform" to various musical numbers, the dreadful (and even though it's free, still not worth the money) sexy sirens vs. pirate battle at Treasure Island, and the newly refurbished volcano explosion next door at The Mirage. Eat at a buffet and have a drink at the top of the Stratosphere, goggling at the view from the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Oh, and maybe you should gamble a little, too.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013010007.html

In Two Days

Do more of the above, as you may not have covered it all. Then do something really Vegasy and visit the Liberace Museum. The Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage is also worth a look, in that it's unexpectedly not Las Vegas. At night, take in a show. We think KÀ, O, and Mystère, productions from the avant-garde Cirque du Soleil, are the finest in Vegas, but there are plenty to choose from, including a selection of Broadway babies, such as Phantom, and divas galore, including Cher and Bette Midler. Though buffets are still the most Vegas-appropriate food experience, genuine haute cuisine by celebrity chefs has invaded the town and you should take advantage of it. Bartolotta, Fleur de Lys, Bouchon, and Picasso are our top choices (not to mention Joël Robuchon and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand, if you can afford the supreme pleasure), but you can't go wrong with Alex, Alizé, or Aureole, plus there are branches of Olives, Pinot Brasserie, and the Border Grill. Be sure to leave some time to go Downtown to check out the much more affordable casinos in the classic Glitter Gulch and to visit the Fremont Street Experience light show.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013010007.html

In Three Days

By now you've spent 2 days gambling and gawking. So take a break and drive out to Red Rock Canyon. The panoramic 13-mile scenic loop drive is best seen early in the morning, when there's little traffic. If you're so inclined, spend some time hiking here. If you want to spend the entire day out, bring lunch from nearby Red Rock Resort, and then do a stop at nearby Bonnie Springs Ranch, where you can enjoy a guided trail ride into the desert wilderness or enjoy the silliness at Old Nevada.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013010007.html

In Four Days or More

Plan a tour to Hoover Dam. Leave early in the morning, returning to Las Vegas after lunch via Valley of Fire State Park, stopping at the Lost City Museum in Overton en route. Alternatively, you can rest up by spending the day by the hotel pool or going to the hotel spa. At night, presumably refreshed and purged of toxins, hit the casinos and/or catch another show. Even if you aren't a big fan of magic, Lance Burton is a wonderful show for a reasonable (by current Vegas standards) price, or there is the arty weirdness of the Blue Man Group at The Venetian, or Jubilee!, if your trip won't be complete without a topless revue. You can also feast at dinner, because you certainly haven't tried all there is. There is some great work being done by restaurants not associated with brand-name chefs, such as Rosemary's, Alizé, and Andre's.

As you plan any additional days, consider excursions to other nearby attractions such as Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon. Inquire about interesting possibilities at your hotel's tour desk.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013010007.html

Vegas by Air

Most people are satisfied with the views of Las Vegas from terra firma. Walking or driving up the Strip, especially at night, is a requirement for the first-time Vegas visitor.

But, for some, there is no better way to see Sin City in all its neon glamour than from the air. If you are one of these intrepid souls, then a helicopter tour of Las Vegas is what you're looking for.

There are more than a dozen competing companies offering tours of the city and surrounding areas, and most offer the same type of services at very similar prices. We're including a few of the more well-known companies below, but comparison shopping and checking out safety records are highly encouraged.

Maverick Helicopters (tel. 702/628-5838; www.maverickhelicopter.com) is one of the most well-known tour operators in Las Vegas. Their large fleet of ECO-Star helicopters has one of the best safety records in the business, and they offer a variety of packages, including twilight and night flights over the Strip. If you want to venture farther, Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon packages are available. Rates start at around $99 and go up from there, depending on the length and distance of the tour you choose. Most include transportation to and from your hotel.

VegasTours.com (tel. 866/218-6877; www.vegastours.com) features a similar list of air adventures, including a nighttime flight over Vegas and several to the Grand Canyon; while Papillon Tours (tel. 888/635-7272; www.papillon.com) does not only offer helicopter tours, but also airplane and ground excursions as well.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013010007.html

Off the Beaten Track

It's really hard to overlook the Strip -- after all, a number of people have spent billions and billions of dollars to ensure that you don't -- but there are still some surprisingly unusual and captivating sights to see in and around Las Vegas. This itinerary is designed to help you discover them. You will need a car to do this tour.

Mornings

Those pricey buffets at the casinos may offer you truckloads of food but even the ones at the out-of-the-way hotels are the very definition of "discovered." Instead, go to the edge of downtown Las Vegas for a true coffee shop experience at Tiffany's. The lunch counter, nearly last of an iconic and dying breed, inside a pharmacy, serves up healthy portions of stick-to-your-ribs food at a price all the cheaper when you compare it to breakfast at your hotel.

Walk off that breakfast by exploring the nearby Gateway District, home to a number of art galleries and studios, bravely taking a stance against prefab, soulless Vegas. You might take special note of The Arts Factory, a collection of art spaces. If it's the first Friday of the month, you could come back and stroll here in the evening, as that's when the galleries open their new exhibits.

Springs Preserve is a remarkable destination, literally living with nature and ecological concerns. The interpretive center examines the history of the region as related to water consumption, which sounds "dry" but really isn't. Need proof? Try the so-real-you-are-there flash-flood exhibit or the 3-D movie theater that puts you atop the Hoover Dam as it is being built. Outside are trails through the wetlands, animal habitats, and other exhibition halls dealing with the environment and recycling. The place is informative, entertaining, and absolutely vital in this day and age, and you can't believe that something of this quality and social significance is anywhere near Vegas.

Afternoons

We have a soft spot for old school, or should we say in this case, alte Schule, and Cafe Heidelberg is just that sort of place. We're talking schnitzel. We're talking red booths. We're talking German beer. We are not talking $45 hamburgers with Kobe beef and truffles. Get the picture?

From there, we're recommending a trifecta of only-in-Las Vegas museums. Begin with The Atomic Testing Museum. It's about more than just the 5 minutes when the bomb was awesome (apparently people really thought that -- they have photos that you won't believe; check out the one of Miss Atomic Bomb), instead tracing the history of the atomic age and focusing specifically on the aboveground nuclear testing that occurred just outside of Las Vegas. It's a fascinating and sobering experience.

The polar opposite of that, with absolutely nothing sober about it, is The Liberace Museum. Oh man, do we need to say more? Okay . . . bejeweled. Also be-sequined. Liberace was an entertainer from an era when that meant something, and his shamelessness is fully on display here.

If you want to take a drive, the Clark County Heritage Museum is a bit out of the way, but it's a sweet look back at Vegas before, you know, all the stuff. This place really was interesting before it got really interesting, and this institution, with both indoor and outdoor exhibitions, showcases it in its own low-key but still engaging way.

If you want to skip the latter, consider taking in the afternoon show by Mac King at Harrah's Las Vegas, considered one of the best shows in Vegas and a good value for the money. King is an illusionist and comedian of great personal charm, who still practices magic that doesn't require computer technology. You can often get discounted (or even 2-for-1) tickets in local magazines or at the players' club desk at Harrah's.

Nights

Now we'll send you far west to a place only foodies tend to know about, Rosemary's Restaurant. The chefs/owners spent a lot of time cooking in New Orleans and working with celebrity chef Emeril, and their clever southern-inspired dishes show that off. It's one of the best restaurants in town. Or you could go east for a true Vegas experience at Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens. Once owned by Liberace, they serve classic Italian-American food in a room that still screams Liberace.

For post-dinner drinks, you can join local punks and alt-rockers at the beer-soaked Double Down Saloon. If that skews too young, join the old and the old-at-heart at the delightfully seedy Champagne Cafe. Both are Vegas institutions.

If that's a little too sleazy for you, there is a burgeoning bar scene right next to downtown with the new-ish Griffin, Beauty Bar, and The Downtown Cocktail Lounge all within steps of each other. Each has its own vibe, mostly populated by locals, so try them on for style and see which one fits.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013020886.html

Over-the-Top Vegas

Las Vegas was built on the idea that "average" and "normal" were adjectives that should never be used to describe the city. They don't just build a hotel here; they build the biggest hotels in the world. And then they throw a roller coaster or a volcano or a $500-per-person golf course or a $400-per-meal restaurant into the mix. Vegas is all about extravagance, so this itinerary will help you find the biggest of the big, the wildest of the wild, and the most outrageous, over-the-top experiences the city has to offer.

Mornings

You're going to have a busy day of excess so it's important to start out with a hearty breakfast to keep your energy level high. Room service is always an option -- there's nothing quite as extravagant as having people bring you food without ever getting out of bed -- but if you feel like getting out and about try the sumptuous brunch buffets at Wynn Las Vegas or Bellagio. Both offer an almost mind-boggling amount of food, all of which is a cut above your standard buffet. Handmade omelets and crepes, freshly baked breads, and heaping mounds of bacon, sausage, and even steak will go well with your unlimited mimosas. At more than $30 per person, the price will remind you that this is no pedestrian all-you-can-eat experience.

The a.m. hours are the best time to schedule your outdoor activities. Not only are crowds often lighter, as a lot of people sleep in (it is a vacation after all), but temperatures are more moderate, especially in the summer when an afternoon stroll down the Strip can emulate a trek across the desert. So use this time to catch some rays poolside or, if you are recreationally minded, work up a moderate sweat with a round of golf.

To fit with this over-the-top theme, consider staying at hotels where the experience of sunbathing is taken to a different level, such as The Four Seasons, where they provide chilled towels and have people walking around spritzing you with Evian water (at your request of course). Or, if you are a guest of Wynn Las Vegas orEncore, you can play the links at the Wynn Las Vegas Golf Club for a princely sum of $500 per person.

End your morning with a visit to a spa for some pampering and luxuriating. The Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace offers virtually every massage, aromatherapy, skin-care treatment, and relaxation technique known to man -- some of which will cost you more for 30 minutes than you are paying for your hotel room. Soak in the Jacuzzi or sit in the unique ice room before heading out for the rest of the day.

Afternoons

If you worked off your breakfast with all that massaging and lying around by the pool, you'll need to find a good lunch spot to refuel. Belly up to the Burger Bar in Mandalay Place and order the Kobe beef patty topped with black truffles, and voila! You have spent $45 on a burger. Congratulations!

Then it's off to the shopping malls where the true excess can really begin. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, and the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood are all filled with high-end retailers that are designed to drain your checking account and max out your credit cards. Pick up a little bauble at Harry Winston Jewelers or a pair of those "Sex in the City"-endorsed Manolo Blahnik shoes. Or if you're feeling that a $100,000 diamond tiara just isn't "over the top" enough, then head to the Ferrari-Maserati dealership, at Wynn Las Vegas, to get something to park in your driveway that will make the neighbors really jealous.

If those are a little out of your price range, consider going the completely opposite direction at the Bonanza Gift and Souvenir Shop. Billed as the largest souvenir shop in the world, this is the place where you can find pretty much anything -- from tacky to, well, more tacky -- emblazoned with the words "Las Vegas" on it. The kitsch factor here is off the charts.

Finally, experience some of the quintessential, only-in-Vegas attractions such as riding a gondola through a shopping mall at The Venetian, watching the Fountains of Bellagio put on a water ballet, or visiting the Liberace Museum to see the life of a man who practically invented "over the top."

Nights

Start your evening with a meal at Joël Robuchon, the multi-Michelin-star-winning darling of the foodie world -- and with good reason. It'll only cost you a mere $300 a person (and that's before wine) to find out why.

Next you'll want to see a show, and you should focus on those that can only be seen here. If Bette Midler or Cher is in town, you should seize the opportunity to catch one of their spectacle-sized concerts at Caesars Palace, because they aren't playing anywhere else. Or check out any of the Cirque du Soleil productions that are Vegas-only experiences, the best of which are O, at Bellagio, and KÀ, at MGM Grand. Each is set in its own multimillion-dollar theater, with stage sets -- a giant pool and an enormous revolving platform, respectively -- unlike anything you are likely to have seen before.

Nighttime is the best time for getting the true Strip experience, so how about renting a limousine (maybe one of those super-stretch Hummers, if you are feeling really crazy) and instruct the driver to just cruise Las Vegas Boulevard. Hanging out of the sunroof with a cocktail in your hand is discouraged, but people do it anyway.

Most of the Vegas club scene starts late (11pm or midnight), so have your driver take you to one of the hip hot spots such as XS, at Encore, or Tao, at The Venetian. These are see-and-be-seen places, so dress to impress, and be on the lookout for a celebrity or three hanging out in the VIP areas. You can drop a grand easily if you want to sit at a table with bottle service.

If it's more of the classic Las Vegas vibe you're looking for, try Peppermills, with its retro-'70s/'80s interior. So cheesy, it's hip again.

Your penultimate stop should be in the spot that makes Vegas tick, the casino. Yes, there are casinos all over the country now, but there's nothing quite like tossing the dice at a craps table at Caesars Palace or spinning the reels in the high-limit lounge at Encore Las Vegas.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013020428.html

Guy's Getaway

Not every trip to Vegas with the guys needs to get as crazy as the movie The Hangover, but if you're looking for a real man's man experience, no other city does it quite like this one. Whether it's a bachelor blowout weekend or just an excuse to blow off steam without your significant other giving you disapproving glances, this itinerary is designed to explain why they call this place "Sin City."

Mornings

You were probably out late the night before and there may have been alcohol involved so start your morning with a hearty guy's breakfast at Hash House a Go Go. Their huge portions of twisted farm food are chest-poundingly substantial, and they even have a specialty called "O'Hare of the Dog that Bit You" -- a Budweiser served in a paper bag with a side of bacon.

To get your body in shape for the day ahead, spend the morning taking advantage of the various sports and recreation options available around town. Nearly every hotel has a fitness center and some, such as Bally's and the Flamingo, offer full tennis courts. If you're a fan of the fairway, head over to Bali Hai golf course, located conveniently on the Strip, for 18 holes and some wheeling around in their GPS-enabled golf carts. Or, if you need something more extreme, visit the Adventure Spa, at Red Rock Resort, where you can arrange everything from rock climbing to horseback riding to river rafting.

If you're serious about your gambling, then late mornings are a great time to hit the casinos as well. The crowds are thinner, so you'll usually be able to find a table or a slot easily, while the blackjack limits are often lower so you can save money for your big day ahead.

Afternoons

The name Dick's Last Resort isn't meant to be descriptive -- but it is the place where obnoxious and unruly behavior rules the day. Waiters are abusive, portions are large (usually fried and served in buckets), and the atmosphere is party-hearty.

Daytime is playtime in Las Vegas where the newest trend is to have nightclub-worthy experiences during the afternoon at some of the hotel pools. Bare Pool Club at The Mirage, Tao Beach at The Venetian, and Wet Republic at the MGM Grand are all open to the general public (for a cover charge) and include everything from live DJs to fully stocked bars, and certainly a bevy of bikini-wearing partiers (hopefully female, but you never know, it is Vegas after all).

Next, head back to the casino for a little sports book action. You can place a wager on just about any type of sporting event in existence (Cricket, anyone?), and, depending on the season and the day of the week, you might be able to catch a game in action. The sports books at The Mirage and Caesars Palace are always good options for their huge screens and high energy, but you may want to consider the M Resort, which has the only sports book in the city currently offering in-running betting. Popular in the U.K., this means that you can not only wager on the outcome of the game but also place bets during the game as well.

And if you need to get your adrenaline flowing, consider one of the serious thrill rides in town, such as the Manhattan Express Roller Coaster at New York-New York, or, to prove how much of a man you really are, the extreme rides atop the 1,000-foot Stratosphere Tower, at the Stratosphere Hotel. You can play a little game and make whichever of your friends who screams the loudest while on Insanity: The Ride buy the first round of drinks later that night.

Nights

We know we already sent you to some sports books but go back to the only one that is a real restaurant. The 45,000-square-foot Emeril's Stadium is a sports bar on steroids, with 100 flatscreen TVs and a menu crammed with highlights from Mr. Lagasse's American and Creole cuisine.

Now for some nighttime entertainment. If you want class, try the choreographed erotic stylings of Crazy Horse Paris, at the MGM Grand, where the girls actually strip and tease and get pretty naked. If you want crass, go for Crazy Girls, at the Riviera, where taste is not on the menu. But if you want it "just right," go for the peek-a-boo fairy tale Peepshow, at Planet Hollywood, which usually has some comely C-List celebrity such as "Girls Next Door" star Holly Madison or former Spice Girl Mel B in the partially clad cast.

Time to hit the dance floor. The Playboy Club at the Palms is an obvious place to start, but Tao, at The Venetian, is where the action really is. The party gets started late in Vegas, so you might want to start at a bar or two, such as Coyote Ugly, at New York-New York (just like the movie only you pay more), or Hogs and Heifers, in Downtown Las Vegas.

What's that? You haven't had enough gambling? Well, while you're at the Playboy Club, you can play some games of chance in their boutique gaming salon, or you could head over to Caesars Palace to the Pussycat Dolls Lounge, complete with lingerie-clad dealers at the blackjack tables and go-go girls in cages.

And if you want more girly action, there are strip clubs a-plenty. You're a guy; you'll know which one appeals to you most.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/lasvegas/0013020429.html

Cirque du Soleil

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Casinos in Vegas

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Some Tips

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Mandalay Bay

1. Hussong's Las Vegas located in the Mandalay Place. A few tacos, some chips and salsa and you have a good, cheap meal.Add in a Margarita and the price goes up.

2. House of Blues, at the Mandalay Bay. My idea of a great cheap meal: A bowl of House of Blues gumbo and a the Caprese Sandwich that includes Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes, Roasted Pepper Relish on Toasted French Bread with Pasta Salad

Also try, Burger Bar, The Deli at the Sports Book

Luxor

3. Backstage deliat the Luxor Hotel. It’s simple and easy and open for a large portion of the day. You can get a cheap bagel sandwich to start the day or have a decent sized club sandwich for lunch at around $10

My wife loves the $9 Cobb salad and my kids can split a $3 hot dog.

Also, Tacos and Tequila can be an alternative

Excalibur

4. Regale Italian Eatery at the Excalibur. Family style eating is the best way to go, grab a huge portion of Spaghetti and meat sauce or the sausage and peppers. The kids will eat and there might be enough for your mother-in–law to try to sneak in a free meal.

Also, Food Court on the second floor, Hot Dogs, Crispy Cream, Pizza, McDonalds.

MGM Grand has plenty of fantastic high end restaurants but it also has a few great places to save a buck on good food.

5. witchcraft,this is a deli with a large dose of adrenaline, everything is kicked up to another level. Have anything with red meat and you will realize that sandwiches do not have to be simple packages of quick fast food. A brief culinary experience awaits you in any of their sandwiches and if you are smart, you take some extra bread just so that you can “munch” on it the rest of the day.

6. Rainforest Café,This is easily one of the most surprising restaurants in Las Vegas for me. The breakfast menu is very good and very affordable. Stay away from the steak and eggs, it will be come an addiction.

7. Stage Deli. Your best bet at the Stage deli is a bowl of soup and a big piece of crusty bread. Well, toss in a beer as well and you are set for way under $25.

The New York/New York Hotel and Casino offers plenty of good eating choices and a fair amount of options when looking to save a some money.

8. Gonzalez Y Gonzalez located in the village eateries will satisfy your craving for Mexican food, Most of the entrées are under $15 and you can easily fill up on appetizers that are all under $10.

9. I’l Fornaio

10. Chin Chin

Also, Village Eateries, pizza, sandwiches, fish and chips and plenty more.

The Monte Carlo has a great food court for low cost meals as well as three places where you can get away from fast food and still stay under $25.

Tropicana Las Vegas

11. Bacio Pasta & Vino Comfortable, good and reasonably priced italian in th enewly remodeled Tropicana Hotel.

Also they have a couple of cafes that will do the trick for cheap.

12. Monte Carlo Pub and Brewery

13. d.Vino

14. Dragon Noodle Company

15. Noodles at the Bellagio Hotel.

Planet Hollywood Hotel

16. P.F. Changs

17. Cheeseburger in Paradise

You can also go outside and have a Pink's Hot Dog or a a quesadilla at Cabo Wabo

18. Earl of Sandwich at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas

19. Margarittaville at the Flamingo Las Vegas

Caesars Palace

20. Planet Hollywood

21. Cheesecake factory

Also, Cypress Marketplace, upscale food court

23. Carnegie Deli at the Mirage and Canters at Treasure Island are two deli’s where you can share a meal with a friend and still have a little left over. It’s inexpensive if you consider that ordering one item will usually more than an ample amount of food.

24. Toby Kieth’s I Love This Bar and Grill at Harrah’s

Kerry Simon's KGB Burger is a decent alternative if you stay away from alcohol and the many delicious sides.

Venetian Hotel and Casino

25. Postrio at the Venetian

has a burger at lunch time that is worth the $15. It’s pricey, but I would spend the money and have a beer and still come in under $25

26. Taqueria Cañonita at the Venetian has a Two Taco plate that comes with rice and beans. Add in the chips and salsa and you fly under the radar at less than $20, order a beer and you can still squeeze by under $25.

27. Maggiano’s at the Fashion Show Mall

29. Lucky’s at the Statosphere Hotel is a hotel coffee shop but it is cheap and the food is good. Sometimes you get generic entreés and average food at coffee shops but Lucky’s at the Stratosphere is worth a trip to the end of the Las Vegas strip.

30. Roxy’s Diner at the Stratosphere Hotel.

31. Florida Café on the Las Vegas Strip.

Read more: http://govegas.about.com/od/cehapeatinginlv/a/25forunder25.htm

As you may know drinks are free in Las Vegas as long as you’re dropping money into a machine or playing at one of the table games. You can, however, score free drinks if you’re watching someone else play or if you’re just standing around in the Casino. The trick is to tip well. It sounds simple but if you’re sitting at the 25 cent slots tip the waitress $2 dollars and I will guarantee you she will be back by the time you’re next drink needs to be ordered. What I typically do is tip the waitress $5 right off the bat just so that she understands “I’m not a cheap ass”. This goes a long way. After the initial tip, $1 is all that’s needed. If you’re winning drop a few more dollars in. If you’re playing at a one of the tables the chances are good you will see more waitresses come by but just to be sure pop in a good tip and you will easily have your fill of adult beverages.