The “Sin City” is a one-of-a-kind urban environment. In other articles of City Escapes, I sometimes mention how some cities exude charisma and a particular character unique to them.
Imagine if the major tourist cities of the United States were people gathered at a dinner table for Thanksgiving. Amongst all these diners such as Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago, Las Vegas would be the black sheep uncle who arrives late, drunk, bursting through the door, breaking something, and probably trying to grope New Orleans.
Thrust in the middle of the Nevada desert, surrounded by the Death Valley, the Mojave Desert, and the Valley of Fire, this city defies all odds of even existing. Instead, it is one of the most opulent, developed, luxurious, and excessive cities in the world. A true cathedral in the desert.
While the city itself resembles many other US urban centers, the relatively small Las Vegas Strip is what gets all the attention and steals the show. Within the immense casinos and resorts, it hosts some of the best shows and entertainment in the world. From jaw-dropping circus shows to impossible magic shows to regularly hosting world-famous singers and party-all-night clubs with the world’s best DJs,
Extravagant and unapologetically over the top, Las Vegas offers a silent contract to its visitors: “give me all your money and I’ll give you a good time”.
Bucket List
What to expect
USA Info & Stats
- Language: English is the official language and most commonly spoken.
- Population: 328+ million (2019)
- Timezone: [UTC -10, UTC -5]
- Ethnic Make-up: White American (72.4%), African American (12.6%), Native American (0.9%), Asian American (4.8%) (2010 Census)
- Religion: 70-78% Christian
- Political System: Constitution-based federal republic
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Credit Cards: Almost anything can be paid with credit cards and ATMs are extremely common.
- Electricity: Socket Type A and B (“US” style..doh), 120±6 volt / 60 hertz.
- Tipping Customs: 15-20%
- Haggling Culture: Not common
Weather
Las Vegas has an arid climate. Summers are dry, sunny, and extremely hot. The lack of humidity, however, keeps the temperatures from feeling too hot. In summer, the temperature can reach 40 °C, which drops to 20°C at night.
In winter, the temperatures are much lower, ranging from 15°C to 4°C.
The area is subject to summer monsoons, which can easily lead to dangerous flash floods in the desertic surrounding areas of the city.
Money
The currency is the US Dollar (USD).
The exchange rate from US dollars is 1 USD = 1 USD.
Credit cards are widely accepted, like in other large US cities. On the Vegas Strip in particular and especially and understandably inside the casinos, one can find at least two ATMs basically anywhere.
Prices: The city is not expensive in itself and especially when it comes to hotels, the sheer number of high-standard hotels creates very competitive prices. That being said, the city is fundamentally a place where people go to spend money, and even without considering the gambling aspect, the high number of attractions and things to do will certainly take a toll on your wallet.
Tipping: Tipping follows the standard US tipping conventions (10 – 20%). It is also customary to be more generous than usual when it comes to tipping, given the high level of service provided everywhere.
Getting around
Regarding the Strip, walking is basically the best way to travel. However, despite it being basically only a single road, the Strip is deceptively long, and walking from one building to another can take quite some time.
Alternatively, the monorail can be used to travel through the Strip.
Taxis are also extremely easy to find, although traffic on the Strip can be pretty high and should be accounted for when planning transports to specific destinations.
Outside the center, the best transport method is going around by car.
Safety
Safety: Las Vegas is another city where safety varies a lot based on area and neighborhood. Statistically, the mugging and robbery rate is three times the national average. If you visit as a tourist, you will probably remain on the Strip, which understandably has an enormous amount of security and CCTV. Here, the biggest risk is pickpocketing. Scamming is present but cannot be called proper scamming as it involves more street artists or beggars.
Natural risks: The biggest risk comes from the heat. As said, the climate is dry, and this can lead to fires. Given the arid surroundings, the brief but intense summer rains easily lead to flash flooding.
Emergencies number: 911
Tips & Impressions
- It can’t be said that hotels on the Strip are cheap, but the level of comfort, size of the rooms, and general luxury make the stay feel like a bargain. That is, of course, without considering the money that I spent during the empty hours at the casinos downstairs.
- Especially in the evening, things can get quite hectic, with people walking from one large casino to the other. I underestimated the walking distances and missed a show on two nights just because I thought that half half-hour walk was enough to get to the specific place.
- The range of visitors is staggering, from the clothes to the style, interests, and general looks. It is common to see groups of people who look like models going to their evening venues, with people in sweatpants and carts just running from one poker machine to the next. The same can be said for the streets, where the general glamour is opposed by debauchery and general drunkenness, as well as homeless people.
Deals for Las Vegas
Where to stay
Luxury
Boutique & Eco-friendly
Budget & Local experience
Travelogue
I spent much longer than a weekend in Las Vegas and hopped between the various casino hotels on the Strip. There isn’t much to say in terms of a travelogue. I went to a couple of magic shows, and clubs, and enjoyed the good restaurants.
I stayed at the Nobu Hotel in Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Ballys, The Sahara, as well as an apartment in the city outskirts.
