- I visit Las Vegas often and have learned which tourist traps to avoid, plus what to do instead.
- I always get off the Strip to visit local gems in Chinatown and the Arts District.
- I've saved money by skipping cabs to use use public transportation and finding happy-hour deals.
Las Vegas is a city with dazzling lights, endless entertainment options, and a dynamic energy that keeps drawing me back.
But like any major tourist destination, it has its share of pitfalls — those overpriced, overhyped attractions that eat into your budget and time without delivering real value.
After countless trips with my fiancée, I've learned to spot the tourist traps from a mile away and how to get the most value out of every visit.
If you want to have a truly unforgettable Vegas experience, I suggest you avoid these six things (and try my go-to alternatives).
Don't stay cooped up in the casino all day. Instead, get off the Strip and explore.
It's easy to get caught in the casino bubble, spending all your time gambling and dining at the same few spots within your resort. While thrilling for a bit, it can blind you to the true diversity of Vegas.
Before your trip ends, make sure you leave the casinos (and the Strip).
Discover the Downtown Arts District — it's one of my favorite places to visit because I always find something new there. The independent galleries, vintage shops, wineries, and breweries are all worth a stop.
The Container Park, an open-air dining and entertainment complex, is also nearby — just look for the giant fire-breathing praying mantis structure at the entrance.
Forget those sugary "yard" drinks and check out the local happy-hour specials.
Those oversized, brightly colored "yard drinks" are a novelty, but they're typically loaded with sugar, mediocre liquor, and an inflated price. You can get them if you want a souvenir cup, but don't expect a quality cocktail.
Fortunately, Vegas is a mixology playground with a legendary happy-hour scene. Instead of ordering sugary concoctions, we seek out the countless happy-hour specials with discounted craft cocktails, premium wines, and delicious small plates at a fraction of the regular cost.
Carson Kitchen in the Arts District and Màs Por Favor, a speakeasy in Chinatown, are two of our favorite places to grab drinks at happy hour.
Consider skipping the gondola ride at The Venetian. Instead, visit the Fountains of Bellagio.
The gondola rides at The Venetian promise a taste of Venice, but they often deliver long lines for a short, often crowded ride. I'm not sure it's worth paying a hefty price for a fleeting moment of romance that quickly dissipates.
Instead, we head over to the Fountains of Bellagio for an iconic and free spectacle. Every 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the time of day), the choreographed water show moves to the music.
We usually grab a spot along the railing, or if we're feeling especially indulgent, we'll book a table at Spago or The Mayfair Supper Club, which overlooks the fountain.
While at the Bellagio, I also love visiting its conservatory and botanical gardens, a free attraction that changes exhibits every season.
Bypass the expensive chain-restaurant meal and embark on a foodie tour instead.
When I first visited Vegas, I'd default to familiar chain restaurants or overpriced hotel dining, often paying premium prices for something I could get anywhere.
However, Las Vegas is home to some of the world's best chefs and an incredibly diverse local food scene.
These days, I go on foodie tours instead. After my first one with Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, I was hooked. (And yes, the tours really do live up to the name.)
There are so many to choose from — like a guided tour of Chinatown speakeasies or a visit to several celebrity-chef restaurants. On one tour, we received VIP service at eateries both on and off the Strip for a fraction of the cost of a chain-restaurant meal.
If you're a frequent traveler, stop paying for rooms and parking — join a casino rewards program.
Paying full price for hotel rooms and daily parking fees can quickly inflate your budget, especially if you visit Vegas frequently.
However, seasoned visitors know that you can unlock incredible perks by joining a casino rewards or loyalty program. Every major casino group has one, from MGM Rewards to Caesars Rewards.
By signing up and using your card when you gamble (even low stakes), eat, or shop at certain properties, you'll earn points that translate into comped rooms, discounted rates, and even free parking.
The more you play and spend, the better their offers become. I've found this is a simple strategy that easily turns expenses into freebies.
