A day in Las Vegas for $200 (ish)
It’s important to understand that if you see a nice spot in Las Vegas and walk in thinking there’s no way a piece of toast can cost more than $20 … The money to pay for that frontage came from suckers like you.
Another top tip: The Strip is very close to Las Vegas’ McCarran Airport, but taxis are a trap thanks to the heavy traffic. Take an airport shuttle minibus instead — $15 each way.
Mon Amie Gabi is a good bet for breakfast, get there early and nab a spot on their patio for people-watching. $30 for their legendary French toast and a coffee.
Although Vegas is an easy place to lose your head financially there is plenty of fun to be had for free. Don’t miss the overthe-top Alice in Wonderland-style botanical gardens at the Bellagio. A request from me to you; don’t patronise any of the captive exhibition animals of Las Vegas.
As for what to spend money on, the Mob museum is hard to beat. You can do the Mob Museum and Neon Museum on a combo ticket for $75. The Neon Museum is best after dark — there’s not much sun cover at all.
Head to Ramen Sora for a memorable lunch. This small noodle place is always packed and doesn’t take reservations but the wait is “always worth it’’. $25 for delicious ramen, an entree and a beer. My friends and I have a tactic for gambling that ensures you have fun and don’t lose too much money, and here’s how it goes. We get out $30 spending money each and NO MORE — then we take turns feeding money into the slots and cheering each other on. Sometimes we double our money, sometimes we lose it all.
If you like poker, go to the Bellagio; if you like slots, consider the Aria. My pick would be the MGM grand for Level Up, an arcade for grown-ups just inside the entrance. Highlights include beer pong, billiards and one of the largest games of Pac-Man on Earth.
Alternatively, the 2-3 hour Calico Tanks trail is breathtaking — and may be a better use of your money.
Wicked Spoon is regarded as the best buffet on the Strip. $60 a head, with bottomless beverage packages for $25 (not accounted for in this budget).
The free Bellagio fountain show takes place every 15 mins from 8pm — midnight, the volcano outside the Mirage erupts every night at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm, and there’s a free circus show with acrobats and clowns every hour from 11.30am — 11.15pm at Circus Circus Casino.
TOTAL: $259