Know Before You Go: Visiting the Las Vegas Strip

For the best weather, visit the Strip in spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). This is when Vegas is at its most comfortable and temperatures are mild enough for walking during the day. Summer is extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C). Winter is cooler and ideal for those escaping colder climates.

Nighttime is when the Strip comes alive, though. Be here in the early evening to watch the lights come on, or late at night until the early hours to soak up the atmosphere of the casinos. Walking is best in the early morning to avoid the heat.

With dozens of casinos, celebrity chefs, and epic shows (Cher, Lady Gaga, and Elton John are just a few of the A-listers who have had residencies at hotels here), opportunities for Las Vegas entertainment itineraries are endless on the Strip.

This adult playground has an array of world-famous landmarks too, from the Fountains of Bellagio to the Venetian Resort’s canals and gondola rides, which you can combine with admission to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. Get active by plunging off the STRAT Tower or take in the Strip from the sky with a helicopter tour.

It depends on the time of day and year you’re visiting, as well as what you’re doing, but during the day, casual clothing is perfectly fine. Shorts, jeans, and T-shirts can be worn, and comfortable footwear is your best bet.

After dark is the time to dress up on the Strip, especially if you’re heading out to Las Vegas restaurants and shows; most Vegas nightlife guides recommend a cocktail dress for women and a collared shirt for men to ensure a polished look. You can dress more informally, however, for a party bus or nightclub crawl.

Insider tip: A light jacket or sweater is also a good idea as the air conditioning can be harsh inside some venues.

Comprised of more than 4 miles (7 kilometers), there are plenty of highlights to look out for on the Strip. Walking the Las Vegas Strip on a sightseeing tour is an excellent way to take in the must-see spots and go off the beaten path. For something adventurous and different, try cruising the Strip by Hummer as you get to know the sights.

Other exciting ways to get around the Strip include via open-top bus, zipping around in an electric GoCar, exploring by Vespa, scooter, or moped, and—for VIP style—booking a Vegas limousine tour. Of course, nothing beats seeing the street from above on a thrilling helicopter night flight.

It’s not essential to join a guided tour of the Las Vegas Strip, but there are terrific options—whether you’re a foodie in search of the best Vegas food tours, you like to get spooked on ghost tours, or you prefer having a photographer in tow for the perfect Vegas photo shoot.

Alternatively, book an admission ticket that allows you to tour Las Vegas Strip attractions independently, such as the popular High Roller at The LINQ, an observation wheel with sky-high views of the Strip. It’s included in a Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass, which includes tickets for a Cirque du Soleil show—a casino must-see.

For a comfortable travel budget on the Strip, be prepared to spend an average of US$350 per person per day, an amount that should cover meals, shows, and other attractions. For a smaller budget around US$100, you can save money by eating at food courts or buying meals from grocery stores, and opt for walking the Strip over costlier transportation. Well-heeled travelers with a higher budget can easily spend US$1,000 or more per day.

Did you know?: Mandatory resort fees (ranging from US$30–$50 per night) aren’t typically included in advertised room rates and should be budgeted separately.

Fortunately for visitors to the Strip, some of the best attractions are free. Start by snapping the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign at the start of the street—one of the top Vegas photo spots for any traveler.

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is another free landmark worth discovering for its 14,000-square-foot (4,267-square-meter) space dedicated to dynamic floral shows; visit on a walking tour of must-see sights on the Strip. Meanwhile, the Fountains of Bellagio deserve another mention: Not only is this incredible water show free, but it’s one of the highlights of any trip to Las Vegas.

Beyond the Strip, there are numerous ways to enjoy the delights of Vegas. Downtown Las Vegas, north of the Strip, provides new and retro Vegas experiences, such as the Neon Museum, which collects and restores vintage neon signs. The Fremont Street Experience is a mall and attraction with nighttime light shows and concerts throughout the year.

Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park are attractions that get you out of the city and, going farther afield, Grand Canyon National Park is a top natural attraction worth the extra miles.

Many of the best Las Vegas hotels are accessible, with roll-in showers, ramps, elevators, and other accessible features. The Strip’s sidewalk is large enough for wheelchairs too, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Casinos have accessible slot machines and staff who can help vision- and hearing-impaired visitors play table games. Major theaters offer accessible seating for performances, and most restaurants are wheelchair-friendly. Taxis and buses serving the Las Vegas Strip are also equipped for wheelchair users.

• Why is the Las Vegas Strip so famous? Thanks to its high concentration of casinos, hotels, entertainment venues, shops, and restaurants, the Strip is one of the most photographed places in the US, famous for its themed architecture (Bellagio; Luxor; Caesars Palace) and resorts that offer all-in-one experiences. It’s known as one of the entertainment capitals of the world, attracting the biggest musicians to take up residencies and hosting world-famous productions such as Cirque du Soleil.

• What's the best month to visit Las Vegas? The best month to visit Las Vegas and explore the Strip depends on your preference, and whether you’re prioritizing particular weather, a specific event, or the lowest prices. That said, April, May, October, and November are considered ideal months when temperatures are warm and pleasant for getting around the city with ease.

• Is it better to stay on the North Strip or the South Strip? Both the north and south parts of the Strip are home to desirable hotels. The north side has the Venetian, the Strat, and the Wynn Las Vegas, while the south is where you’ll find Mandalay Bay, the Four Seasons, and MGM Grand. The north is considered slightly more high-end and is also closer to Downtown, while the south end of the Strip has the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign as well as major sports and entertainment venues.

• Can minors (under 21) walk through Las Vegas Strip casinos? Under Nevada law, you must be over 21 to gamble. Underage guests are allowed to walk through the casinos, as long as they keep walking. Minors must not stop or loiter near any slot machine or table game, even if they’re watching an adult, as security is very strict on enforcement.