Las Vegas, The Sin City

Currency: US Dollar

Language: English

Tax Refund: The United States of America does not have a national or federal sales tax system, which means that the government does not levy a sales tax. But instead each states have their own sales tax that is being levy to the resident and tourists. The sales tax varies. For example, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not levy a sales tax, while California has the highest state sales tax rate at 7.5%.

One of the most popular place to shop, New York charge a 4.375% sales tax on all sales. However the city of New York waives the sales tax of 4% on all purchases of clothing and footwear if the item is under $110.

From Airport to the City

The airport is located near to the strip, which I guess is the place that you all will be heading to. Most of the people coming into Las Vegas will be renting a car, given the cheap rentals and the many areas you will be heading to, such as the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Hoover Dam.

To note, if you have a M Life membership you may qualify for free parking in the properties. If you are not driving and your best bet is to try finding free hotel shuttles for guests, and sometimes non guests too if there’s room just get on the bus, casinos are happy to get people in the door. Hotel shuttles pick up on the zero level.

If not a taxi ride from the airport to the strip will cost around $18. Private car hire such as uber will be much cheaper, around $10 – 15 to the hotels. The pickup location would be at Level 2m of parking garage at Terminal 1 and valet level at Terminal 3.

To get around most places in Las Vegas or the strip, the two main bus will be the SDX and The Deuce. They travel up and down the strip and to downtown. It cost a min of $6 for a 2 hour pass while a whole day pass cost $8.

Attractions

Hershey Chocolate World

One of the newest attraction on the strip. This is also the sweetest attraction in town with more than 800 different types of chocolate and sweets, it is located in the New York New York Hotel and Casino. The unique experience here would be the ability to customize your very own chocolate bars and also star in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup TV ad. It is open daily from 9am till 11pm and extended till midnight on Fri and Sat.

Las Vegas Sign

5200 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

Located near the fire station and the shop of Harley Davidson, it is actually a little out of the way from the most hype on the strip. But for that one iconic picture to be taken with “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” it is worth it. Nearby the site is a carpark with some lots.

Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat

This wildlife habitat is located on the grounds of the hotel, free of charge and open to the public daily. At 15 acres, the habitat is stock with exotic birds, fish and turtles. The highlight is the Flamingo Island, home to a beautiful flock of Chilean flamingos. Check out the Pelican feedings at 8:30am and 2pm daily.

Fremont Street

An attraction and entertainment street in downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street Experience provides pedestrian access to some of the city’s most iconic casinos, more than 60 restaurants, shops and retail kiosks. It is also open 24hour. The most iconic attraction here is the ceiling tv screen that provides light show daily. As with Las Vegas, the later it gets, the crowded it is. The shows last about six minutes, and run every hour after dusk. At the Binion Casino, you can grab a picture with a million bucks.

Bellagio Fountain

Located outside the Bellagio, the fountains features aquatic shows that are choreographed with music & lights. The shows are available daily with them starting about 30 or 15 mins. In the night they are more frequent. The shows end by 12am.

The Gun Store

2900 E. Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89121

Roughly about 15 mins drive out of the strip, the location is perfect and also near to the airport. This range provides shooting experiences to anyone, open from 9am to 6.30pm. The location also offers free parking. No reservations are required.

Cirque du Soleil

Check out Tix4Tonight for cheap tickets for the day if you are planning to catch a show in Las Vegas. The booth sells tickets of the day at huge discount. There is one booth outside MGM and also at Planet Hollywood. One of the great show to watch would be Cirque du Soleil.

Hoover Dam

The famous dam that is known for being built in the Depression era and also damping up the Colorado River to prevent flooding. The dam have been in place since 1935. It is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. Visits are available daily from 9am to 5pm. Parking is available next to the visitor centre, the fee is 10 dollars. A fee is needed to enter the visitor centre and also take a guided tour.

Antelope Canyon

A little far out of the way given the location, close to 2.5 hours drive from Grand Canyon and almost 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. But the view is really impressive and you will be in awe. It is a slot canyon and after years of water and sand erosion the edges are rounded and forms curves. It is really worthy of a visit. Do note that you have to join a tour company to visit Antelope Canyon. Prices averages around $30 for an adult.

Horseshoe Bend

A horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona. You would have to walk a little from the Carpark and the views here is amazing. The overlook is 4,200 feet above sea level and the Colorado River is at 3,200 feet above sea level making it a 1,000 feet drop.

Shopping

Las Vegas Premium Outlets North

Las Vegas shopping is so rich, it needs both a Premium Outlets North and South. The North’s 150 stores lean toward the higher end — Cole Haan and Armani — while the South’s 140 stores include the more standard Ann Taylor and Aeropostale. The 2 malls are about 10 miles apart, so plan accordingly.

Grand Bazaar Shops

One of the largest outdoor shopping mall right smack in the heart of Las Vegas, it is 2 arches huge and there is plenty of shops and dining options available here. At night, the lighted neon lights also offer another bustling view of Vegas. It is located directly opposite Bellagio and opens from 10am till late. At the Swarovski flagship store there is also a dazzling light and music show daily at 9pm and 12am.

Town Square

6605 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

A huge outdoor shopping mall in Vegas that is located near to the airport. Here you can find many shops and most of them are open till 9pm daily. It is also the place in Vegas that you can only find supermarkets. The Whole Foods here is open daily from 8am to 10pm.

Restaurants

Gordon Ramsay Burgr

Planet Hollywood

A massive restaurant in Planet Hollywood, with a fire centre piece in the middle is Gordon Ramsey new addition to Vegas. This joint is famous for their burgers and choices like the Truffle Burger have been a crowd favourite. For those who don’t take beef, the Pork and Chicken Burger is also a good choice. In addition the truffle fries is also good. It is open from 11am daily till 12am with extended till 2am on Fri and Sat.

Top of The World

2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104, USA

Can be said as the highest restaurant in Las Vegas, this revolving restaurant is more than 100 stories and it makes a complete revolution in 80mins, offering impeccable view. Parking is free also. Do make a reservation in advance. If you are just looking to have a drink and laid down the night, the sky lounge is recommended, prices are fair and they have life DJ nightly from 11pm to 4am, Happy Hour is from 4 – 7pm and 10.30pm to 4am. With half price snacks from 10.30pm to 1am and then half price cocktails.

The Coffee Cup

512 Nevada Hwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA

Located on the Nevada Hwy, this café and breakfast joint is perfect on the way to the Grand Canyon or the Hoover Dam. It is open from 6am to 2pm, serving breakfast and lunch. The place is also shown on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Their specials include Peanut Butter Pancakes, Pork Chili Verde Omelet.

Hash House A Go Go

The LINQ, 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Known as the best breakfast restaurant in town, the Sage Fried chicken with Bacon Waffles is great in addition to the Meatloaf and HH Original Benedict. The place at The LinQ is open 24 hours daily. Prices are fair and the portion is huge.

Flour & Barley

Linq Promonade, 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd L-25

A modern casual restaurant that serves up the best of Italian American Food, Pizza, it is located in vicinity to the High Roller Ferris Wheel. Order their brick oven pizza and a craft beer. It is open daily from 11am to 12am.

Luke’s Lobster

Fashion Show, 3200 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas

The one great place to go for in the states for lobster rolls. It is kind of like Burger & Lobster but US edition. With the popularity of the NYC stall, they had opened a branch here in Las Vegas. It is open daily from 10am and till 9pm on Sun to Thu and 10pm from Fri to Sat. Prices are fair.

Lola’s

241 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA

One of the famous restaurants serving authentic southern cuisine, the price is reasonable and the food is decent. The place is also located near the Las Vegas Premium Outlet North. The place is open from Mon to Thu 11am to 9pm, Fri from 11am to 10pm and Sat from 12pm to 10pm. It is closed on Sun.

Naked City Pizza Shop

4608 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169, USA

Known for serving up good and affordable handmade pizza, the location is slightly off the main street in Vegas Strip. Delivery is possible with Ubereats. Their fries and pizza is awesome. It is open daily from 11am till late daily.

The Cheesecake Factory

The Forum Shops at Caesars

This iconic American chain can be found here and the amount of cakes and flavours they have on offer will definitely make you giddy. They are open daily from 11am till late. With extended hours on weekends.

The Peppermill

Somerset Shopping Center, 2985 S Las Vegas Blvd

Located in Somerset centre above the Wynn, this place is a bustling place to be at night. With blogs of food and drinks to accompany your night, the service is good also. It is open 24 hours daily. The cocktails are great here. It brings you back to the 1990s America.

Denny’s

3330 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103, USA

Besides this location, there are also a couple spread across the town. Being a chain 24 hours diner, they are perfect for morning early breakfast before making a day trip. Expect the usual American classic like burgers and pancakes. Prices are affordable and the pancakes remain the popular choice. This location may be well suited for a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Virgil’s Real Barbeque

The LINQ Promenade

Located right in the strip, at the LINQ Promenade, this is a joint that serves up some of the best food in town. The meat galore here is unimaginable and they are really good. They are open from 10am till 12am on Mon to Thurs and from 9am till 1am on Fri to Sun.

Nine Fine Irishmen

New York-New York Hotel & Casino

This pub was actually constructed in Ireland and then shipped to Las Vegas. A great Irish band plays most nights starting around 9PM. It is open daily till 11pm, from 11am on weekdays and 9am on weekends. Happy hour is on weekdays 2pm to 5pm.