The Strip Travel Guide

Iconic mega-resorts and fountains; base here for shows, casinos and luxury hotels.

• Best for: Shows, casinos and first-time visitors
• Vibe: Spectacular, tourist-focused, 24/7
• Nearest station: Las Vegas Monorail or frequent ‘Deuce’ strip buses
• Price level: $$$$
• To the main sights: Walk or short taxi to Bellagio fountains and The Venetian
• Safety: Busy and well patrolled; be careful with belongings at night

Great for:

• First-time Las Vegas visitors
• Fans of big shows and fine dining
• Shoppers wanting luxury malls
• Travellers who want to be in the middle of the action

Maybe skip it if:

• You prefer quiet residential neighbourhoods
• You’re on a tight budget and want local eateries
• You want authentic, non-touristy nightlife

Runs north-south along Las Vegas Boulevard through the main resort strip.

• Book shows and restaurants in advance: Popular residencies and celebrity restaurants sell out, especially on weekends.
• Carry water and comfortable shoes: You’ll walk a lot on sunny pavement; hydration matters in summer.
• Check resort fees and policies: Many hotels add mandatory resort fees and have ID/age restrictions.
• Use pedestrian bridges where provided: Crossing Las Vegas Boulevard at busy points is easier via overpasses.
• Expect nightlife to run late: Clubs and bars often peak after midnight; public transport is busier then.

• Watch the Bellagio fountains: Free choreographed water-and-light shows outside Bellagio (resort), best seen from the boulevard in front of the hotel.
• Ride the High Roller: Take the giant observation wheel at The LINQ for skyline views and a slower perspective of the Strip.
• Wander The Venetian: Explore the canals, shops and replica Grand Canal area inside The Venetian Las Vegas.
• See a headline show: Catch a residency, magic show or concert at one of the major resort theatres along the boulevard.
• Visit Luxor: See the pyramid-shaped silhouette and nightly attractions at Luxor Las Vegas.

• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Public transport: airport shuttles link the terminal to South Strip transfer points; transfer to RTC Deuce or local buses for stops along the Strip, allow 30-45 minutes and pay a modest bus/shuttle fare. Taxi/ride-hail: 10-25 minutes to most central Strip resorts, depending on traffic; fares typically range from about $15-$40.
• From the main sights: Walk the boulevard between neighbouring resorts (5-25 minutes) or take the Las Vegas Monorail for a quicker north-south link. Taxis and ride-hails are plentiful for short hops; allow 5-15 minutes depending on distance.

• On foot: Many neighbouring resorts are an easy walk; plan for longer strolls between far-apart casinos and expect crowds at night.
• Las Vegas Monorail: Useful for north-south journeys on the east side of the Strip and to convention areas; saves walking but doesn’t stop at every resort.
• RTC buses - ‘Deuce’ and SDX: Frequent buses run the length of the Strip and into downtown; slower than taxis but cheap and reliable for sightseeing.
• Taxis and ride-hails: Convenient for door-to-door trips, especially late at night or with luggage; allow extra time around big events.

The Strip is all about resort hotels, from five-star suites and celebrity-chef hotels to large mid-range casinos. Choose a central hotel if you want easiest walking access to shows and restaurants. Expect high occupancy for weekends and major events.

Luxury

• Bellagio Las Vegas: Classic luxury hotel with the famous fountains and an upscale shopping and dining concourse.
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Stylish, modern resort with rooms overlooking the Strip and lively bars and restaurants.
• Aria Resort & Casino: Contemporary luxury resort with a large casino footprint and good dining options.
• Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas: Upscale, non-gambling hotel offering quieter luxury close to the centre of the Strip.

Mid-range

• Caesars Palace: Large, iconic resort offering a range of room types and access to the Forum Shops.
• Park MGM: Modern mid-range resort with a relaxed vibe and central Strip location.
• The LINQ Hotel + Experience: Affordable mid-range option with direct access to The LINQ promenade and High Roller.
• Flamingo Las Vegas: Longstanding central resort with a classic Strip location and tropical courtyard.

Budget

• Jockey Club: Simple, apartment-style rooms a short walk from central Strip attractions.
• Best Western Plus Casino Royale-Center Strip: Budget-friendly option with small rooms and a central Strip position near major resorts.
• Days Inn: Basic chain hotel within easy reach of the Strip; suitable for tight budgets.
• Oyo Casino Hotel: No-frills, lower-cost rooms for travellers prioritising location over amenities.

Dining on the Strip ranges from celebrity-chef tasting menus and fine-dining rooms to all-you-can-eat buffets and fast casual. Head to resort restaurants, the casino food courts and a few stand-alone favourites; prices skew high near headline venues. Book for weekend and showtime evenings.

• é by José Andrés: Fine dining, Spanish tasting menu, $$$$.
• Gordon Ramsay Steak: Steakhouse in a central resort, $$$.
• Momofuku: Pan-Asian and fusion dishes in a lively setting, $$$.
• Bacchanal Buffet: Large, varied buffet with many stations, $$.
• P.F. Chang’s: Casual Chinese-American chain dining, $$.
• Giada: Italian-influenced menu with Strip views, $$$.
• Eggslut: Popular casual breakfast and sandwich spot, $.
• Din Tai Fung: Renowned Taiwanese dumpling restaurant, $$.

The Strip is the city’s nightclub and bar hub: huge dance clubs, intimate cocktail bars and pool parties are all in easy reach. Partying usually starts late and runs into the early hours; dress codes apply at higher-end clubs. Bars cluster inside and around flagship resorts.

• The Chandelier: Multi-level cocktail bar inside a resort with dramatic crystal décor.
• Marquee Nightclub: Large club with headline DJs and a big dancefloor.
• Omnia: High-energy nightclub known for major DJ residencies.
• Chateau: Rooftop nightclub offering Strip views and party vibes.
• drai’s: Club and rooftop venue with late-night music and views.
• Beer Park: Casual outdoor beer garden-style bar ideal for groups.

Shopping on the Strip ranges from luxury designer malls to touristy shoppes and outlet-style stores. For high-end brands head to Crystals; for a mix of names and dining try the big resort malls and department stores. Many shops stay open late.

• The Shops at Crystals: High-end designer mall with luxury boutiques.
• The Forum Shops at Caesars: Upscale mall with a dramatic, themed interior and major brands.
• Grand Canal Shoppes: Venetian-style shopping and dining with canal vistas.
• Fashion Show Mall: Large mall on the Strip with mainstream department stores.
• Grand Bazaar Shops: Outdoor market-style collection of tourist shops on the boulevard.