Guide to Las Vegas: how to get there and where to stay, what to see and where to go in the evening. The most interesting in Las Vegas: latest reviews and photos, places to see, branded entertainment and shopping.
According to toppharmacyschools, Las Vegas is a place where bills always rustle, coins jingle and jackpots glow enticingly. This is the point of attraction for ladies with a decollete, their rich companions, gambling old ladies – and, of course, all kinds of tourists. Having grown in just 20 years in the heart of the desert, the city of Las Vegas is the “gambling capital” of the United States. It has more than 100 complexes that combine gambling establishments, hotels, shopping centers, and concert halls. The city lives only on the profits from casinos and hotels and stuns any visitor with a riot of advertising and luxury. Many travelers dream of being here to visit the famous Fremont Street and the Strip and feel the pulse of this sleepless city.
Surprisingly, the history of Vegas began with a mistake: in 1829, a trading caravan lost its way and almost died of thirst under the scorching sun. One of the volunteers who went in search of a well found an oasis with artesian water. This area and the city that appeared on it were given a name, translated from Spanish meaning “fertile valleys.”
How to get to Las Vegas
There are no direct flights from Russia to Las Vegas, it is most convenient to get there with a transfer in New York, Los Angeles, Zurich or London. A flight with two stops will be cheaper. Aeroflot, Virgin America, Jetblue Airways, British Airways, Swiss and others fly from the capital. The minimum travel time is 17 hours.
Some airlines offer flights with a change of airport, in which case a large margin of time is needed.
Las Vegas is served by the very large and busy McCarran Airport. It is located 8 km from the center and consists of two terminals (1 and 3), between which a free tram runs: the green line is the route from Terminal 1 to gates C, the blue line is from Terminal 1 to gates D, and the red line is from Terminal 3 to exits D.
From airport to city
Shuttle buses, public buses and taxis run to the tourist part of Las Vegas. Shuttle stops are located at exits 7-13 of Terminal 1 and at the zero level of Terminal 3. Regular buses No. 108, 109, as well as the Westcliff Airport Express and Centennial Express also leave from the zero tier. Tickets can be bought from the vending machine or from the driver.
To leave by taxi, you need to exit Terminal 1 through doors 1-4, in the second terminal, the parking lot is located on the east side in the arrivals area (you can follow the signs). A trip from the airport costs 40-50 USD depending on the distance.
Transport
Public transport in the city is represented by buses and the Las Vegas Monorail. Buses run both in the central part and in remote areas, the fare depends on the direction and duration of the trip. In the center, transport runs around the clock every 10-15 minutes. A ticket for 2 hours, a day or 3 days with an unlimited number of transfers can be bought from vending machines or from the driver.
There are big traffic jams on the roads in the morning and evening hours.
The monorail is 7 stations connecting the largest casinos and hotels in the city, besides, such trips allow you to avoid traffic jams. Opening hours: from 7:00 to 2:00 on weekdays and until 3:00 on weekends. Tickets for a single trip, 1 or 3 days are sold in vending machines at the stations.
Traveling by taxi is convenient, but due to crazy traffic, it is impossible to predict how long it will take to travel. The trip costs 15-20 USD, besides, it is customary to leave a tip – 10%. In most cases, you can pay by card, but it’s better to check in advance if there is a terminal in the car. In the city center, cars park along roadsides where hotels and casinos are located, or you can simply catch it by raising your hand.
Vegas has a well-developed network of bike paths, there are many rental companies, including city rental, at any of the stations of which you can take and leave a bike. This company was launched to solve the so-called “last mile problem”, when residents choose their own car, since public transport stops are far from their home or office.
Paying for a whole month is cheaper than 3 days of daily rent, so for those who are going to spend several days in Las Vegas, it is more profitable to take a long subscription.
Las Vegas Hotels
The main source of income for Las Vegas is hotels and casinos. Therefore, there are many accommodation options in the city and all of them guarantee excellent service and good living conditions. In addition to classic hotels, you can stay in hostels, motels, apartments or even rent a villa. A cozy room in a “three-star” hotel will cost from 80 USD, accommodation in 4 * – 125 USD, and the most luxurious hotels rent rooms for 150-230 USD and more. The dream of all tourists is to settle on the Strip or Freeman Street, but it is the most expensive there.
The most famous and literally amazing hotel is Bellagio, where they filmed the film “Ocean’s 11”. Those who dream of meeting a celebrity should stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, musicians love this place, however, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will be noisy and fun. A gold nugget weighing 25 kg awaits guests in the Golden Nugget lobby, the Paris Hotel has a copy of the Eiffel Tower, New York New York has almost all the sights of this city, and The Mirage even has its own “active” volcano.
Rent a Car
Opinions about whether a car is needed in Las Vegas differ polarly: some believe that it is indispensable, others that it will become a burden. For those who plan to rent a car, it is more convenient to do it right at the airport, where there are counters of Hertz, Avis, Budget, Advantage, Enterprise, Dollar, Alamo, etc. They can also be found in Las Vegas itself. You will definitely need a car if you go out of town and explore the natural attractions of the state.
There are often traffic jams in the city, but there are no problems with parking: there are many places, not only in paid parking lots, but also in free ones. The police treats tourists at the wheel kindly, if the driver does not violate traffic rules. Otherwise, communication will be correct, but loyalty should not be expected.
In no case should you hide from the scene and offer to “solve the issue on the spot.” Fines in Las Vegas are high, so it’s best to play it safe, including not driving after a couple of cocktails.
