Help a Vegas virgin out!
September 13, 2011 2:17 PM Subscribe
It's going to be my first time in Las Vegas. Help me make my 5 days there awesome and super memorable.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning, and I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Travelers: Please tell me what you did your first time that was good fun?
Locals: Are there any out of the way destinations or tasty food places that are not to be missed and also where should a tourist absolutely not find themselves?
Staying 2 nights at the Bellagio and three nights at Bally's. I'm not much for gambling, but plan to give it at least one shot. There are two of us, and we are open to pretty well everything from the relatively mundane to grand adventures.
Our budget is pretty decent, so let's say admission prices below $50/ea, shows for around $125 or less and the Zero G Plane is sadly out of the question unless the gambling thing works out well.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning, and I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Travelers: Please tell me what you did your first time that was good fun?
Locals: Are there any out of the way destinations or tasty food places that are not to be missed and also where should a tourist absolutely not find themselves?
Staying 2 nights at the Bellagio and three nights at Bally's. I'm not much for gambling, but plan to give it at least one shot. There are two of us, and we are open to pretty well everything from the relatively mundane to grand adventures.
Our budget is pretty decent, so let's say admission prices below $50/ea, shows for around $125 or less and the Zero G Plane is sadly out of the question unless the gambling thing works out well.
I thought Ka was one of the most amazing shows I've ever seen, some truly jaw-dropping stunts and moving set magic. You actually don't want to sit too close to the stage, or you'll miss alot of stuff. Midway back in the center is ideal.
For out-of-the-city stuff, I thought Red Rock Canyon was really pretty.
posted by nomisxid at 2:26 PM on September 13, 2011
For out-of-the-city stuff, I thought Red Rock Canyon was really pretty.
posted by nomisxid at 2:26 PM on September 13, 2011
Seconding Fremont Street.
posted by TallulahBankhead at 2:32 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by TallulahBankhead at 2:32 PM on September 13, 2011
I've eaten at and enjoyed Joel Robuchon, e by Jose Andres, Bouchon for breakfast, Le Cirque and Sage. I don't love LV, but there are amazing places to eat.
I've never eaten at any of the buffets. Chowhound might be a good resource.
I enjoy Penn and Teller's act but it's not exactly fresh. The Las Vegas Springs Preserve museum is interesting.
posted by Ideefixe at 2:43 PM on September 13, 2011
I've never eaten at any of the buffets. Chowhound might be a good resource.
I enjoy Penn and Teller's act but it's not exactly fresh. The Las Vegas Springs Preserve museum is interesting.
posted by Ideefixe at 2:43 PM on September 13, 2011
Valley of Fire is similar to Red Rock Canyon for an out-of-the-city trip.
Cultivate and catch up on your people watching, because y'all are going to see some freaky shit. The last time I was in Vegas I was with a friend, and our first night we did nothing but walk around and look at stuff, and that was good enough -- we spent about ten minutes just watching the different rituals the guys at the craps tables went through before tossing their dice.
Some of the casinos have arcades for kids, too -- that may be a cheaper way to have a little fun, catching up on Galaga or Dance Dance Revolution or Skeeball.
Track down the shops in the Caesar's Palace casino, and see if they still have an FAO Schwarz there -- when I was there, their window display was an animatronic display of Steiff teddy bears enacting scenes from Gladiator. Tracking down other window displays is probably going to be equally as wild.
Have a drink in CIRCUS CIRCUS and subtly quote Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas a lot and see if anyone even notices.
There is a water slide park somewhere in Las Vegas, and it will probably still be warm enough to enjoy it.
As for the gambling: The only gambling I did was play slots; I saved up all my pocket change for about a month and just carried that around with me, and used it in the slots. Every so often, as I wandered, I'd drop a few nickles into a slot machine, and if I lost, I shrugged and walked away; if I won anything, even if it was only a dime, I cashed out and walked away. I gradually worked my way through the $7 in change over the course of my trip, and then on my last quarter I made $20. I cashed out, and blew it all on a buffet the next day -- but that means I can honestly say that I doubled my money in Las Vegas. (The moral: set aside a bunch of money as your "gambling money," and you can either take money out or put winnings in. When it's gone, it's gone, and so stop. And don't take it seriously.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:46 PM on September 13, 2011
Cultivate and catch up on your people watching, because y'all are going to see some freaky shit. The last time I was in Vegas I was with a friend, and our first night we did nothing but walk around and look at stuff, and that was good enough -- we spent about ten minutes just watching the different rituals the guys at the craps tables went through before tossing their dice.
Some of the casinos have arcades for kids, too -- that may be a cheaper way to have a little fun, catching up on Galaga or Dance Dance Revolution or Skeeball.
Track down the shops in the Caesar's Palace casino, and see if they still have an FAO Schwarz there -- when I was there, their window display was an animatronic display of Steiff teddy bears enacting scenes from Gladiator. Tracking down other window displays is probably going to be equally as wild.
Have a drink in CIRCUS CIRCUS and subtly quote Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas a lot and see if anyone even notices.
There is a water slide park somewhere in Las Vegas, and it will probably still be warm enough to enjoy it.
As for the gambling: The only gambling I did was play slots; I saved up all my pocket change for about a month and just carried that around with me, and used it in the slots. Every so often, as I wandered, I'd drop a few nickles into a slot machine, and if I lost, I shrugged and walked away; if I won anything, even if it was only a dime, I cashed out and walked away. I gradually worked my way through the $7 in change over the course of my trip, and then on my last quarter I made $20. I cashed out, and blew it all on a buffet the next day -- but that means I can honestly say that I doubled my money in Las Vegas. (The moral: set aside a bunch of money as your "gambling money," and you can either take money out or put winnings in. When it's gone, it's gone, and so stop. And don't take it seriously.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:46 PM on September 13, 2011
I loved O which is at Bellagio. And I was dubious that it would be worth the money. It really was!
If you have a car, a ride out to Red Rock (2nding above suggestion) or up to Valley of Fire is worth doing if you want to see some beautiful desert scenery. And youcan also see the Hoover Dam (which also was more enjoyable than I thought).
For food off strip, Thai restaurant Lotus of Siam on E. Sahara is well regarded & very tasty despite being in a run down strip mall.
For cocktails, my current favorite is Vesper in the Cosmopolitan which also has a tasty buffet as well as the Vegas outpost of the awesome Jaleo
Gawking at the over the top casino architecture is lots of fun, too.
For gambling are you looking at slots, table games, or poker?
posted by pointystick at 2:47 PM on September 13, 2011
If you have a car, a ride out to Red Rock (2nding above suggestion) or up to Valley of Fire is worth doing if you want to see some beautiful desert scenery. And youcan also see the Hoover Dam (which also was more enjoyable than I thought).
For food off strip, Thai restaurant Lotus of Siam on E. Sahara is well regarded & very tasty despite being in a run down strip mall.
For cocktails, my current favorite is Vesper in the Cosmopolitan which also has a tasty buffet as well as the Vegas outpost of the awesome Jaleo
Gawking at the over the top casino architecture is lots of fun, too.
For gambling are you looking at slots, table games, or poker?
posted by pointystick at 2:47 PM on September 13, 2011
I would say don't miss the water show that happens in front of the Bellagio Hotel. There are about 4 or 5 different music shows choreographed to water, and it is amazing. They run on about a 20 or 30 minute schedule after it gets dark. Even better, it is free!!!!
posted by snoelle at 2:47 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by snoelle at 2:47 PM on September 13, 2011
I loved all the glitz and glimmer, but I woke up around six during my stay. I got out shortly before sunrise in the chilly dawn looking for coffee and when the sun creeped up and suddenly kicked me in the face, I realized I was in the middle of a fucking desert!
That was my favorite Las Vegas moment.
And yeah, In-N-Out Burger. And the toilets in Ceasar's palace.
posted by ouke at 2:53 PM on September 13, 2011 [2 favorites]
That was my favorite Las Vegas moment.
And yeah, In-N-Out Burger. And the toilets in Ceasar's palace.
posted by ouke at 2:53 PM on September 13, 2011 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: I have notorious bad luck at gambling. It always seems that both I and the people with me are destined to lose if I even so much as set foot on the casino floor. My boyfriend enjoys slots and blackjack casually, so he'll probably nip down to the casino at the hotels.
posted by empatterson at 3:14 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by empatterson at 3:14 PM on September 13, 2011
Grab up all your quarters and head to the Pinball Hall of Fame on 1610 E Tropicana Ave. It's an easy bus ride. They have pinball machines dating back to the 50s, and all the machines on the floor are operable. You will find an occasional loose flipper or flabby bumper, but generally the machines are kept in not-quite-excellent condition. Certainly competition-level condition. Most of the staff are former slot machine technicians from the pre-electronic days.
All the major Strip resorts have shopping areas, and some are quite huge. I am not a huge shopper but the shopping circle in Planet Hollywood could occupy me for 3 or 4 hours every few weeks. The Shoppes at Caesars is so massive that I can still get lost in it.
If you take the bus to Fremont Street downtown, do not get off anywhere between the Stratosphere and downtown. Only a couple really bad pockets along that corridor, but for the most part, you won't find anything of interest in there anyway. It is the old residential/commercial zone of Vegas.
Like most anywhere, thai or phillipine restaurants are run by actual thai or phillipine families. (The same cannot be said of other ethnic restaurants, especially in LV.) I mention this because Las Vegas now has a phillipine food wholesaler in town that imports a lot of fresh island and southeast asian seafood and produce as well as other SEA foods. This is as close to authentic as you can get in the US, and you can find a number of places just off the Strip.
posted by Ardiril at 3:18 PM on September 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
All the major Strip resorts have shopping areas, and some are quite huge. I am not a huge shopper but the shopping circle in Planet Hollywood could occupy me for 3 or 4 hours every few weeks. The Shoppes at Caesars is so massive that I can still get lost in it.
If you take the bus to Fremont Street downtown, do not get off anywhere between the Stratosphere and downtown. Only a couple really bad pockets along that corridor, but for the most part, you won't find anything of interest in there anyway. It is the old residential/commercial zone of Vegas.
Like most anywhere, thai or phillipine restaurants are run by actual thai or phillipine families. (The same cannot be said of other ethnic restaurants, especially in LV.) I mention this because Las Vegas now has a phillipine food wholesaler in town that imports a lot of fresh island and southeast asian seafood and produce as well as other SEA foods. This is as close to authentic as you can get in the US, and you can find a number of places just off the Strip.
posted by Ardiril at 3:18 PM on September 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
If you haven't been to the Grand Canyon, the helicopter rides from Vegas would be well worth your while. They fly you over the Hoover Dam in a bubble-glass type helicopter, then fly you over and down into the Grand Canyon. You land on a plateau well below the edge (and well above the bottom.) You walk around on the plateau for a bit and then they take you back.
By far the best thing I've done on three trips to Vegas--but I haven't been to Red Rock or Valley of Fire.
posted by lockedroomguy at 3:36 PM on September 13, 2011
By far the best thing I've done on three trips to Vegas--but I haven't been to Red Rock or Valley of Fire.
posted by lockedroomguy at 3:36 PM on September 13, 2011
A lot of the casinos offer free gambling lessons on weekday mornings- poker, roulette, craps. Check around for schedules, this can be helpful.
Freemont Street is a ball (we were in Vegas a few weeks ago and they added a freakin' ZIPLINE, which I regret not doing), particularly if you enjoy cheap gambling. We found a $2 blackjack table (for where) that kept us occupied for sometime.
Pick up any tourist attraction coupon books you can and flip through them- you might get ideas you hadn't thought of, or find coupons for something you were already planning to do. Vegas also has a half-price ticket booth with many locations on the strip.
There are club promoters who can get you on the guest list for clubs if you're willing to go early. We used this guy and found his services very helpful. You feel like a baller walking past everybody in the General Admission line.
Gotta eat at the Peppermill! The food is great and reasonably priced, too.
You know what I felt wasn't really worth our time? The "Pawn Stars" pawn shop. It's in a weird location, between the Strip and Downtown, and we had to walk a few blocks after getting off the bus in the hot, hot sun. It was so crowded inside you could barely see.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:02 PM on September 13, 2011
Freemont Street is a ball (we were in Vegas a few weeks ago and they added a freakin' ZIPLINE, which I regret not doing), particularly if you enjoy cheap gambling. We found a $2 blackjack table (for where) that kept us occupied for sometime.
Pick up any tourist attraction coupon books you can and flip through them- you might get ideas you hadn't thought of, or find coupons for something you were already planning to do. Vegas also has a half-price ticket booth with many locations on the strip.
There are club promoters who can get you on the guest list for clubs if you're willing to go early. We used this guy and found his services very helpful. You feel like a baller walking past everybody in the General Admission line.
Gotta eat at the Peppermill! The food is great and reasonably priced, too.
You know what I felt wasn't really worth our time? The "Pawn Stars" pawn shop. It's in a weird location, between the Strip and Downtown, and we had to walk a few blocks after getting off the bus in the hot, hot sun. It was so crowded inside you could barely see.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:02 PM on September 13, 2011
Seconding KA. I've seen O as well and both are great shows, but KA knocked my socks off.
posted by ajackson at 5:00 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by ajackson at 5:00 PM on September 13, 2011
I've never eaten at any of the buffets. Chowhound might be a good resource.
My dad lives there, and have been there recently. The Chowhound research on buffets did not yield any advice. Your best bet is to try to contact a local foodie since buffet information gets stale fast in town. (The Chowhound recommendation for my last trip to the buffet had me paying for food that I considered inedible.)
Red Rock Canyon gets a +1 if that's your thing. It's wonderful, especially in the early morning.
If firearms are an interest, you can spend some time plinking... with HK MP5s, Uzis, and other submachine guns.
posted by Hylas at 5:07 PM on September 13, 2011
My dad lives there, and have been there recently. The Chowhound research on buffets did not yield any advice. Your best bet is to try to contact a local foodie since buffet information gets stale fast in town. (The Chowhound recommendation for my last trip to the buffet had me paying for food that I considered inedible.)
Red Rock Canyon gets a +1 if that's your thing. It's wonderful, especially in the early morning.
If firearms are an interest, you can spend some time plinking... with HK MP5s, Uzis, and other submachine guns.
posted by Hylas at 5:07 PM on September 13, 2011
The buffet of the moment is the Cosmopolitan's Wicked Spoon.
posted by zepheria at 5:30 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by zepheria at 5:30 PM on September 13, 2011
Two "non standard" things that I really enjoy are the Thai restaurant Lotus of Siam (seemingly a MeFi favorite) and the Double Down Saloon (not for everyone).
posted by outlaw of averages at 5:38 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by outlaw of averages at 5:38 PM on September 13, 2011
Another vote for the Pinball Hall of Fame. They do have change machines there, so you don't actually have to bring a sack of quarters.
posted by tomboko at 6:25 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by tomboko at 6:25 PM on September 13, 2011
I love the Cosmopolitan, and second the advice that Vesper is the best quality cocktail bar in town right now. Also seconding the recommendation for Bouchon, but I'd go there for brunch...the chicken and waffles are out of this world. Hell, everything there is out of this world.
Play some blackjack, play some slots, but don't chase your money. If you stick to a budget and realize that you'll lose it all (but have fun doing it) you'll be fine on the gambling front.
posted by griffey at 7:04 PM on September 13, 2011
Play some blackjack, play some slots, but don't chase your money. If you stick to a budget and realize that you'll lose it all (but have fun doing it) you'll be fine on the gambling front.
posted by griffey at 7:04 PM on September 13, 2011
I'm not a big fan of Thai (or Vegas, really), and I have to enthusiastically nth Lotus of Siam. Oh. My. Gawd. Their drunken noodle sea bass is heaven.
posted by moira at 7:27 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by moira at 7:27 PM on September 13, 2011
Yes on Lotus of Siam... though I think it's gone downhill a little bit since it expanded.
An even more enthusiastic yes for Firefly on Paradise, which is fantastic, has amazing sangria, is relatively inexpensive, and always full of locals.
I've been meaning to check out Todd's Unique Dining (warning, autoplay sounds), too. It tends to be well regarded by people who know.
I was also going to recommend Rosemary's, but it turns out, they closed this summer, which is terrible news. If you can find out where chef Michael Jordan wound up (obviously, his name makes him difficult to search for), you'd do well to go there.
I rather like Craftsteak as well, but it will hurt the wallet.
posted by toxic at 8:11 PM on September 13, 2011
An even more enthusiastic yes for Firefly on Paradise, which is fantastic, has amazing sangria, is relatively inexpensive, and always full of locals.
I've been meaning to check out Todd's Unique Dining (warning, autoplay sounds), too. It tends to be well regarded by people who know.
I was also going to recommend Rosemary's, but it turns out, they closed this summer, which is terrible news. If you can find out where chef Michael Jordan wound up (obviously, his name makes him difficult to search for), you'd do well to go there.
I rather like Craftsteak as well, but it will hurt the wallet.
posted by toxic at 8:11 PM on September 13, 2011
I recommend the Beatles Love show. Also the Bouchon Bakery in the Venetian is a quick and cheaper way to experience some very good food instead of the full-blown Bouchon restaurant.
posted by calgirl at 8:21 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by calgirl at 8:21 PM on September 13, 2011
Neon museum / boneyard tour was pretty cool.
Nthing the Pinball Museum and Fremont Street Experience.
Hoover Dam is a nice short trip that won't take up the whole day.
There is an all day bus tour that goes to the Grand Canyon, offers a helicopter ride to the base, a quick float on the river, and then off to the Skywalk. It's a long day, but fun.
I also liked the Cirque shows La Reve, Zumanity and Love.
If you can, definitely get tickets for Absinthe, which is playing in a tent in front of Caesars. Try to get in the front row if you can! The show is really fun.
posted by Raymond Marble at 8:26 PM on September 13, 2011
Nthing the Pinball Museum and Fremont Street Experience.
Hoover Dam is a nice short trip that won't take up the whole day.
There is an all day bus tour that goes to the Grand Canyon, offers a helicopter ride to the base, a quick float on the river, and then off to the Skywalk. It's a long day, but fun.
I also liked the Cirque shows La Reve, Zumanity and Love.
If you can, definitely get tickets for Absinthe, which is playing in a tent in front of Caesars. Try to get in the front row if you can! The show is really fun.
posted by Raymond Marble at 8:26 PM on September 13, 2011
CRAFTSteak at MGM had the most glorious braised beef short ribs that I've ever tasted.
I'll nth Bouchon and note that they have a little coffee stand downstairs that sells very well done French macaroons.
posted by mmascolino at 7:34 AM on September 14, 2011
I'll nth Bouchon and note that they have a little coffee stand downstairs that sells very well done French macaroons.
posted by mmascolino at 7:34 AM on September 14, 2011
As for buffets, my rule of thumb now is not to eat at one that is less than $20. This excludes breakfast buffets, but at those too, you get what you pay for. Overall, I think Las Vegas visitors now will not miss anything by skipping over the buffets.
Do not eat at any of the Circus Circus buffets at all. Steam-tabled canned and frozen food with too many kids running around with no other energy outlet. Oddly though, the steak house across the corridor for years had the best Sunday brunch going. Expensive as hell, but worth it.
posted by Ardiril at 1:46 PM on September 14, 2011
Do not eat at any of the Circus Circus buffets at all. Steam-tabled canned and frozen food with too many kids running around with no other energy outlet. Oddly though, the steak house across the corridor for years had the best Sunday brunch going. Expensive as hell, but worth it.
posted by Ardiril at 1:46 PM on September 14, 2011
We hit the Bellagio buffet, but we went at about 1:30 or so. Because it's the lunch buffet, it has about 90% of the stuff the dinner one has, but it's significantly cheaper. And, it was quite good.
Madame Tussaud's House of Wax is only worth it if you find cheap tickets.
If you're a Beatles fan, the "Love" show at the Mirage is amazing. No bad seats in the house.
posted by liquado at 1:42 PM on September 15, 2011
Madame Tussaud's House of Wax is only worth it if you find cheap tickets.
If you're a Beatles fan, the "Love" show at the Mirage is amazing. No bad seats in the house.
posted by liquado at 1:42 PM on September 15, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Don't miss in n' out burger.
posted by TheBones at 2:26 PM on September 13, 2011 [2 favorites]