Exploring Las Vegas Solo: A Guide To Traveling Alone

Las Vegas is a unique city in the United States, known for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and entertainment. While it is often associated with partying and debauchery, it can also be a great destination for solo travellers. Here are some tips and suggestions for travelling alone in Las Vegas:

- Accommodation: Consider staying in a hostel, such as Hostel Cat or Sin City Hostel, which offer social activities and are budget-friendly.

- Transportation: Getting around Las Vegas is easy without a car. The Deuce is a 24-hour bus service that stops at most resorts along the Strip, and there are also taxis and ride-sharing options like Uber.

- Safety: Be cautious and vigilant, especially at night. Avoid areas like Naked City, West Las Vegas after sunset, and Downtown, where pickpocketing is common.

- Attractions: Las Vegas has plenty of attractions to keep solo travellers entertained. Visit the famous Strip, admire the casino architecture, explore Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street, and check out the Neon Museum, the Mob Museum, and the Bellagio Fountains.

- Day Trips: Consider taking a day trip to the Grand Canyon, which is a popular destination located a few hours from Las Vegas. Other options include Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Valley of Fire.

- Dining: Dining alone in Las Vegas can be enjoyable, and there are plenty of options to suit different budgets. Buffets, such as the one at the Stratosphere, offer a wide variety of cuisines. For a unique dining experience, try the Blue Ribbon Bistro for seafood or Eggslut for breakfast sandwiches.

- Shows: Catch a world-class show, such as Cirque du Soleil, or look for free entertainment like the carnival parade of dancers at the Masquerade in the Sky at Rio.

- Shopping: Las Vegas has plenty of shopping options, including the Las Vegas Outlets for designer brands at discounted prices.

Visit The Neon Museum

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is a unique attraction that showcases the history of the city through its iconic neon signs. The museum spans nearly two acres and is home to over 200 rescued neon sign pieces from more than 200 Las Vegas properties, including Caesars Palace, the Moulin Rouge Hotel, and the Golden Nugget. Each sign has a unique story to tell about the personalities who created it, its inspiration, and its role in the city's history.

The museum is located in Downtown Las Vegas and is open year-round, 365 days a year. It is best to purchase tickets in advance as nights often sell out. The museum offers guided tours seven days a week, and the outdoor Neon Boneyard is beautifully lit up at night, giving visitors a sense of the glowing glory of Las Vegas' past.

The Boneyard is an outdoor collection, so tours may be cancelled or modified due to inclement weather, including excessive heat. However, tours rarely get cancelled due to rain. It is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather and note that the Boneyard has a fine gravel surface that is easily navigable by powered and unpowered wheeled devices.

The Neon Museum also offers an immersive audiovisual experience called "Brilliant!" created by artist Craig Winslow. This augmented reality show reanimates 40 of the museum's vintage signs, transporting visitors through the history of Las Vegas with stunning visuals and sound.

General admission to the museum is offered during the day, with guided tours available in the daytime and evening. Photography is allowed on the tours, but personal snapshots are limited to mobile phones and tablets. Visitors are encouraged to capture the beauty of the extensive sign collection and share their images with others.

The Neon Museum is accessible and ADA (AA) compliant. It offers onsite parking, with additional overflow parking available at Cashman Center. The museum is a cashless venue, accepting debit and credit cards, as well as mobile wallet payments.

Try your luck at Las Vegas casinos

Las Vegas is known as the ultimate adult playground and the gambling capital of the world. The city has plenty to offer solo travellers, from its vibrant casinos to its glitzy shows and the famous Las Vegas Strip.

If you're feeling lucky, head to the casino floors to try your hand at poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, or the slot machines. But remember, gambling is only one of the many attractions in Las Vegas casinos. Here are some tips and suggestions to try your luck at the casinos in Las Vegas:

Casino Suggestions

The Mirage: The Mirage has been dubbed the "luckiest" casino in Las Vegas by a report from Casino.org. With 6.03% of TripAdvisor reviews associated with a good luck experience, this tropical oasis in the desert is definitely worth a try. The Mirage is known for its mock volcano that erupts nightly, adding to the exciting atmosphere.

The Venetian: Ranked as the second luckiest casino on the strip, The Venetian is inspired by the canals and gondoliers of Venice, Italy. With 5.92% of reviews mentioning positive luck, it also had the highest count of "jackpot" and "won" mentions. Enjoy the elegant Italianate decor and a wide variety of games, including baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, and over 1,000 slot machines.

Bellagio: If you're a poker fan, Bellagio's is a major stop on the World Poker Tour. They offer various poker games, including Hold 'Em, Seven Card Stud, Omaha 8, and mixed games. Bellagio also features blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette tables. Don't miss the Gallery of Fine Art, which hosts exhibitions from world-renowned artists.

Caesars Palace: Caesars Palace is known for its impressive sportsbook, with 143-foot HD screens and reclining leather seats. It's a favourite spot for horse racing enthusiasts and offers a wide range of slot machines and table games. After gambling, head to the chic rooftop of the Omnia mega-club or enjoy fine dining at the Old Homestead Steakhouse.

The Strat: Located 1,149 feet above the city, The Strat offers breathtaking views and thrilling rides alongside its casino. With 44 gaming tables and a variety of slot machines, you can try your luck at low-stakes penny machines or go big with their $25 machines. Don't forget to check out the observation platform for a unique perspective of the Vegas Valley.

Lucky Rituals and Superstitions

While gambling is a mix of luck and skill, many people believe in certain rituals and superstitions to bring them extra luck. Here are a few you can try:

• Blowing on the dice before rolling is a classic ritual often seen in movies.
• Crossing your fingers is a common ritual that symbolizes hopeful support and is believed to bring good fortune.
• Knocking on wood is believed to prevent bad things from happening and bring casino luck.
• Lucky charms like a rabbit's foot, a horseshoe, or a four-leaf clover are thought to bring good fortune.
• Wearing red is considered lucky, as it represents luck and good fortune in Chinese culture.
• Wearing clothing or accessories you wore during a previous win is thought to bring repeated success.

General Tips

• The Las Vegas Strip is the main road where you'll find most of the casinos and attractions. It's easy to get around and explore different casinos.
• Casinos offer more than just gambling. Enjoy the luxurious shopping arcades, celebrity chef restaurants, art galleries, and other entertainment options within the sprawling casino buildings.
• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling alone. Keep your bag on your lap and consider carrying a money belt if you have a big win.
• Las Vegas can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Look for deals on drinks and shows, and take advantage of the many free attractions the city has to offer.

Explore the Arts District

The downtown Las Vegas Arts District is the cultural hub of the city. Home to several art galleries, vintage shops, antique vendors, local breweries and theatres, there's plenty to explore. The First Friday art walk is a must-visit if you're in town on the first Friday of the month, with live music, local artists, food trucks and activities.

The Arts District is a great place to shop and dine. ReBar, Velveteen Rabbit, and 18Bin are recommended spots for food and drinks. The Container Park is also a fun spot to shop and eat, with plenty of free entertainment.

For art lovers, there's free art at The Cosmopolite of Las Vegas and public artwork at the City Centre campus. The Polaroid Museum and Fotobar is open in the evenings, showcasing the history of photography, including the selfie.

Check out Red Rock Canyon

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is the perfect destination. Located just a few miles west of the city, this National Conservation Area encompasses 195,819 acres of stunning desert landscapes within the Mojave Desert. And the best part? It's only a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip!

The canyon offers a 13-mile scenic drive, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the highs and lows of the canyon. Along the drive, you'll find numerous scenic stops and trailheads, as well as a variety of plants and wildlife. If you're feeling adventurous, there are 26 different hikes and trails to choose from, ranging from deep canyons to towering peaks.

For those interested in climbing, Red Rock Canyon has routes suitable for both beginners and advanced climbers. The area also offers horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, and picnic areas.

The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is a great resource for visitors, offering information on hikes, exhibits on the geology and history of the area, and a gift shop. The center is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Reservations are required for entry to the Scenic Drive from October 1 through May 31, and can be made online or by phone. The Scenic Drive is open daily, with hours varying slightly depending on the season.

So, if you're looking for a change of pace during your time in Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is definitely worth the trip. With its stunning scenery, abundance of outdoor activities, and close proximity to the city, it's the perfect place to explore and connect with nature.

See the Bellagio Fountains

The Fountains of Bellagio are a must-see when travelling alone in Las Vegas. This free attraction is located on the Las Vegas Strip and consists of a musical fountain show performed in an 8.5-acre man-made lake in front of the Bellagio resort. The show uses 1,214 water nozzles and 4,792 lights, with water shooting as high as 460 feet into the air. The fountains are choreographed to match the accompanying music, which is emitted by speakers built into lampposts.

The shows typically take place every half hour from the afternoon until midnight and are best viewed from the sidewalk along the Strip. You can also book a hotel room with a view of the fountains, such as at the Bellagio itself, or at the Paris Las Vegas across the street. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can opt to view the show from a restaurant across the street or from the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.

The Fountains of Bellagio have been featured in numerous films, including "Ocean's Eleven" and "The Hangover Part III", and are one of the most photographed places in the United States. The shows are typically 5-10 minutes long and feature a variety of music genres, including pop and rock. Some popular songs featured in the show include "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, "The Pink Panther Theme" by Henry Mancini, and "Viva Las Vegas" by Elvis Presley.

The Fountains of Bellagio offer a breathtaking and iconic display that is sure to enhance your solo travel experience in Las Vegas.

Frequently asked questions