10 Las Vegas Tips You Probably Haven’t Heard Before

Planning a trip to Sin City? If so, make sure you’re properly prepared.

Las Vegas can be a tricky place for newcomers. Once you get there, it’s easy to throw your money away and fall into tourist traps.

In 2016, the average visitor spent $827 per trip. You can expect to pay about $319 for food and drink alone. If you’re gambling, the costs will add up.

Good planning can go a long way toward reducing your expenses. Who says you can’t have fun without breaking the bank?

Don’t worry – we got you covered! Here are 10 Las Vegas tips you probably haven’t heard before:

1. Get FREE Entry to Over 50 Attractions

First-time visitors want to see everything and enjoy their trip to the fullest. Unfortunately, this can be expensive.

With the Go City Las Vegas Pass, you can see over 50 attractions for free. This ticket is available for one to five days. Each option has a different price.

Basically, you pay a one-time fee to get free access to the hottest spots in Sin City. It’s a fantastic way to save money and skip the lines.

Before starting your trip, check out the sights included in this offer. Plan your itinerary accordingly.

The High Roller, the Stratosphere Tower, and Vegas’ Fine Art Museum are just a few of the many attractions with free entry. If you’re not sure where to start, search for Las Vegas tips on travel blogs.

Check out our Go City Las Vegas Pass discounts and promo codes.

2. Las Vegas Offers More than Gambling

Most tourists associate Sin City with gambling, fancy hotels, and neon lights. However, this place has much more to offer!

If you’re traveling with your family, don’t miss the exotic Flamingo Habitat. These magnificent gardens are home to koi fish, swans, and tropical birds.

For those who love mystery, the Kiel Ranch is a must-see. Back in the 1870s, this place was popular among rodeo stars and Mormon missionaries. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Las Vegas, hiding lots of creepy stories.

Back in the 1870s, this place was popular among rodeo stars and Mormon missionaries. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Las Vegas, hiding lots of creepy stories. Rumors say it’s haunted, so you definitely don’t want to miss it! 

To have fun, head over to Cirque du Soleil, Pinball Hall of Fame, or Absinthe.

3. Avoid Peak Times and Save a Fortune

A trip to Las Vegas will cost more or less depending on the time of the year. In general, the most expensive times are:

• New Year’s Eve
• During major boxing matches
• During international shows
• Over the weekend

December, January (if you skip the CES time-frame), and February are the cheapest months to visit Sin City. For instance, traveling in April will cost you about 25 percent more compared to January.

4. Avoid the Slot Machines

If you care about money, steer clear of slot machines. They may seem cheap, but you’ll end up spending a fortune. A good example is Lion’s Share at MGM Grand, which hasn’t hit the jackpot in two decades. Yet, it attracts millions of gamblers.

Instead, pick some low house edge games:

Not all casino games have the same house edge. Low denomination slot machines will often offer the highest house edge on the floor with 10%-15% (This means that in the long run, for every $100 you bet you would theoretically lose $10-$15). On the other hand, a game like blackjack can offer a house edge as low as 0.5% when playing the correct strategy.

Among the low house edge games we could recommend Blackjack, Craps (a pass line bet has only a 1.41% house edge), and Baccarat (Banker bet has a 1.06% house edge).

5. Bring Cash

The ATMs in casinos charge a staggering $5.99, so it’s better to bring cash. By comparison, the average ATM fee in the U.S. varies between $0 and $3.50.

The more cash you have, the more you’ll spend. Plan your budget and take only as much money as you need.

Read the best Las Vegas tips on how to cut costs. Simple tricks, such as eating a late lunch and buying show tickets online, can save you a fortune.

6. Kids Can Have Fun Too

Surprisingly, Las Vegas is a great place for kids. From thrilling rides and zoos to hiking trips, there are plenty of things to do other than gambling.

Take a trip up to the Stratosphere, get a ticket to the Cirque show Mystere, or visit Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden. Your toddlers will love the brightly colored Seven Magic Mountains! 

Another fun attraction is Skyzone, an indoor trampoline park. Kids can play basketball and dodgeball, take fitness classes, and jump into foam cubes.

7. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Most places in Sin City are not as close as they appear on the map.

Be prepared to walk at least 30 minutes from your hotel to the nearest attractions. The Strip alone is over four miles long.

Leave your stilettos at home and bring a pair of sneakers. Like it or not, you’ll do a ton of walking.

8. Sign Up for Player’s Club Card

If you’re going to visit the casinos, get a player’s club card. It could bring you special discounts and extra cash.

Most casinos offer these cards to entice players. Clients can redeem the points for cash, food, or souvenirs. It’s free to sign up, so you have nothing to lose.

9. Don’t Snap Photos Everywhere

Always ask before taking photos inside casinos, art galleries or museums. Also, be prepared to pay extra for snapping photos of the costumed characters around the city.

Beware that any photos of the famous Las Vegas Hotels on the Strip are restricted by copyright. You can catch them on camera, but you may not use them commercially.

10. Enjoy Free Entertainment

Unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars on concert tickets, head over to the Fremont Street Experience. This place is home to lots of great shows with free admission.

Visitors can enjoy world-class concerts and live entertainment without paying a dime. Downtown Rocks, 52 Fridays at Golden Nugget, and the Viva Vision Light Show should be on your list!

If you’re lucky, you might see Rick Springfield, Good Charlotte, or Night Ranger live on stage!

Las Vegas Tips and Tricks for First Timers

As you see, visiting Sin City doesn’t have to be expensive. Search for Las Vegas tips when planning your trip to get a good deal.

For extra savings, travel in the off-season or during the week. The casinos and hotels increase their rates over the weekend.

Take advantage of free attractions, such as the Volcano at the Mirage or the Circus at Circus Circus with free performances starting at 11:30 a.m. daily. Don’t limit yourself to The Strip. There are plenty of other places that will blow your mind.

Head over to the Springs Preserve to admire the local flora, go shopping at Town Square, or enjoy a night out at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar.

Another must-see is the Neon Museum and Boneyard, which provides a glimpse into the city’s history. All these attractions are off the Strip!

Have you ever visited Sin City? Do you have any tips for first-timers? We want to hear your story!