Vegas advice needed...

[halcyon]

So, I'll be making my first visit to Las Vegas for four days starting this Sunday. I won't have access to a rental car, so I'll have to use cabs or whatever to get around. I also have a few obligations and things I'll have to be doing while in Vegas. That said, I anticipate I'll have some good free time. Since I've never been to Vegas and haven't done any research about it, does anyone have any advice for things I should try to do or see?

We're staying in the MGM Grand and thats about all I know. This isn't a trip with a wife or girlfriend so nothing romantic or date oriented required.

[westofyou]

You won't need a car. Try and walk if you can. Cabs on the weekend on the strip can stand still.

[Roy Tucker]

I've heard gambling is big there.

[edabbs44]

Hey, just got back from the MGM this week. First time LV visitor as well. What types of things are you looking for info on? I was all over the strip. If you want, send me a PM and I'll answer whatever I can.

[Puffy]

Olympic Garden. Thats all you need to know.

[RBA]

You can see a do a lot just by walking. There is also a tram (with fees) from the MGM and makes stops down the strip to the Sahara Hotel (across from the big Tower). Some hotels/casinos have partners and they shuttle people for free from one casino to another, ie the Coast Casinos that include the Orleans and Rio. Stop by one of their hotels for a free shuttle.

[LincolnparkRed]

I am a big fan of the Bellagio, granted I haven't been in 3 yrs now but it just seemed more relaxed than MGM or New York/New York. We stayed at Paris but unless you want to go up the mock eiffel tower don't bother going in. Not much to see or do. Hope this helps some.

[15fan]

Go to the top of the Stratosphere and ride the ride that shoots straight up in the air. Think it's called something like the Big Shot. It's absolutely awesome.

Unless you're afraid of heights.

[jmcclain19]

We always try to stay somewhere on the MGM/New York-New York/Excaliber corner and then just hop around to those casinos while we are there.

There is also a (most of the time working) light rail style tram that goes from the MGM up to the Sahara, which covers most of the strip. So if you want to go up to the Bellagio/Paris/Caesars area, you can.

All of the major intersections on the strip have raised walkways, so you can cross the street without having to wait at a stop light or fear idiots running you down.

While you are at the MGM - check out a few of the nearby casinos - Luxor, Mandalay Bay & New York New York. All have bars, restaurants and stuff to do that is unique to that casino and quite fun.

New York-New York's Nine Fine Irishman and Coyote Ugly pubs are personal favorites.

The only ones outside that area I would say are "must sees" are the Bellagio, Paris-Las Vegas and the Venetian. All are amazing works of architecture and a site to see.

[dabvu2498]

Seafood buffet @ Bellagio

Everything else pales in comparison. Even the 2.99 ribeye at the Imperial Palace.

PS: Don't gamble on the strip!!!

[M2]

I'm a fan of the downtown strip. It's chintzy beyond belief, but the folks down there seem to be having a lot more fun. The rollercoaster at New York-New York is pretty cool too (and they've got an amazing arcade there). The architecture inside the Venetian and the Aladdin is fairly impressive. The nighttime free entertainment (prancing fluids in front of the Bellagio, the volcano in front of the mirage, the pirate show in front of Treasure Island) makes for a quick diversion. Cirque du Soleil shows aren't cheap, but if you're going to spend a bit on some entertainment and haven't ever seen one of their shows, it can be pretty cool. There's a decent bar called Drink off the Strip (out behind the Flamingo somewhere, take a cab).

One warning on walking in Vegas, objects in front of you can be a lot farther off than they appear. Six miles can look like six blocks. If you're going to hoof it, make sure you've got a solid pair of shoes under your feet. I broke in a pair of Doc Martens loafers walking from my hotel to the convention center once (put about ten miles on my dogs that day) and I was wringing blood out of my socks that night.

[dabvu2498]

One warning on walking in Vegas, objects in front of you can be a lot farther off than they appear. Six miles can look like six blocks.

One other warning about walking in Vegas. They say it's a dry heat... true... if you get out of the pool, you'll be dry before you get to your towel. But it's still really frickin hot, especially at the time of year you're going to be there. Good cabbies know how to avoid actually driving on the strip and it's worth a couple extra bucks if the strip is jammed.

[toledodan]

been there several times to bowl. by staying at the MGM you are staying at the best end of the strip IMO. i would try and avoid the cabs if you can. if they know you don't know much about vegas they will take you the long way around and rack up a big fare. since you will be there for 4 days i would just use one of them to make it up to the other end. its the older end of the strip but does offer some things the newer casinos overlook. also like everyone said it is very hot(dry heat) so if you are out make sure to pop in and out of the casinos to keep cool. have fun!

[RBA]

Stay away from Shifty's Bar on Sahara. You might get cut.

[westofyou]

The rollercoaster at New York-New York is pretty cool too

Especially 10 minutes after you get married.