The Ultimate Las Vegas Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Las Vegas? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

Located in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas has a population of 645,000.
Each year, the city attracts over 30 million visitors, and hosts over 2,000 conventions.
The iconic Las Vegas strip makes over 6 billion USD annually from gambling (casinos).
Nicknames: Gambling Capital of the World, Sin City, Marriage Capital of the World, Vegas.

Currency: US Dollar (USD).
Spoken languages: English.
Best time to visit: in the fall and spring. Gets extremely hot in the summers, and somewhat chilly in the winters. An even more important consideration is day of week: Vegas gets a lot busier (and more expensive) on the weekends, when the conventions take place and the biggest parties happen. If visiting on a weekend, take a long weekend from Thursday through Sunday night. Alternatively, stay Sunday night to Thursday night to save money on hotels.
Arriving via airport: it is very easy to get a taxi from McCarran International Airport to the main strip of Las Vegas (will cost about 12 to 18 dollars). Visitors staying in one of the major casinos can usually get a free shuttle from the airport to The Strip.

Best hostel for solo travelers: Bposhtels Las Vegas. It’s a basic place in a somewhat dodgy part of town, but very affordable and with clean rooms. On-site pool, and easy bus access to the Strip (available 24/7). Book ahead of time, as your only other option may be an expensive hotel or Airbnb!
Ultimately, you make the choice: to stay on The Strip or off Strip.
Hotels off The Strip offer much cheaper rates – visitors looking for a quiet experience, away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas should stay off The Strip.
People that go to Las Vegas but do not gamble often stay in a regular hotel or motel. Those who go to gamble usually stay in one of the casino hotels.

Most visitors to Las Vegas choose to use public transportation while in town. Cabs and buses run all along The Strip. There are also monorail lines running between select hotels and casinos. Keep in mind that everything on the Strip is relatively close by – you may get away by just walking.
If you have two or more people in your party, it makes sense to just take a taxi. Fares start at $3.30, with an additional $2.60 per mile.
Those renting a car can do so at the McCarran International Airport. Many of the hotel/casinos also have car rental agents on the premises.
Note: don’t be surprised if you see dozens of limousines around. Many who come to Vegas for a special occasion, such as a bachelor/bachelorette party or honeymoon, choose to splurge out on a limo.

Drinking age is 21, last call is never (the party goes on all night).
Note: Las Vegas nightclubs often have a dress code that is strictly enforced. Also, be prepared for long lines outside clubs – it may help to get there as early as possible. Often, the only way to get around the line is by ordering bottle service.
Trendy scene: the hottest clubs are all in upscale casino hotels on The Strip. Ask your hotel’s concierge about where the biggest parties are expected to be (especially if you are visiting on a weekday).
For a more relaxed experience, check out clubs off The Strip.

A trip to Las Vegas isn’t complete without a trip to the famous “Welcome To Las Vegas” sign, first introduced in 1959.
The observation deck of the Stratosphere Tower is the largest in the United States.
Check out the National Atomic Testing Museum ($24) to learn about the history of nuclear programs around the world.
Located at the site of the first Las Vegas courthouse and post office, The Mob Museum features unique exhibits related to organized crime ($31).
Wondering where all the old neon signs from Las Vegas go? Find them at the highly-rated Neon Museum (reservations recommended).
The fountains at The Bellagio are world famous, and viewed by thousands daily.
Red Rock and Valley of Fire are criminally underrated hiking and sightseeing spots not far from Vegas. Make sure you take lots of extra water and that your phone is fully charged (in case anything goes wrong, you don’t want to be stuck in the desert at night without assistance).
If you get tired of Vegas, don’t forget that the Grand Canyon is not too far from the city. If you rent a car, you could get there in just under 6 hours. There are also helicopter sightseeing tours available from Vegas. One of the most spectacular geological formations on Earth, the Grand Canyon is truly a sight to behold.

Walking down the main strip is a great way to see all the major hotel/casinos in Las Vegas. For an interesting contrast, try the same walk during the day and at night.
Fremont Street is a must-see attraction. Located off The Strip, in downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience is a colourful covered walkway where visitors can catch live musical performances.

Taxes are higher in Las Vegas than many visitors are used to. Visitors should be prepared to pay an 8.1% sales tax on all purchases. Hotel rooms along The Strip come with a 12% tax.
Some of the unique tours offered in Las Vegas include: the Haunted Vegas Tour, the Sundance Helicopter Tour, Horse Back Riding Tours, and the Sunset Cowboy Dinner Ride. Ask your hotel concierge for details.
Where to find good cheap eats: while there are many fast food places along The Strip, don’t forget the numerous casino buffet deals available. With a set (fixed) price, the buffets often end up being a better deal than a sit down restaurant.
Dangerous areas: at night, avoid downtown Las Vegas, South Las Vegas, and any dark side streets or alleys near The Strip. The stretch of road between the Encore Casino and the Stratosphere is also said to be dangerous.

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days