If you’ve only got one day in Las Vegas and want to see as much of the Strip as possible this sightseeing Stumble is designed for you. It’s about 12 hours, 7 miles of walking with food and drink options for any budget. The route prioritizes the main free attractions, most interesting casinos and includes food options along the way. This is not meant to be a literal plan, we hate sticking to a plan at Strip Stumble. The timings and restaurants options are to give you a sense of cost and some time guardrails to keep in mind as you enjoy your Stumble. Looking South on the Strip from the new Hard Rock Guitar. @seventensuited ( Source ) Key Timing to Consider: There is really just one key thing timing wise to keep in mind here. The Bellagio Fountains (one of the must see Vegas free sites) do not start until 3pm on weekdays. This plan has you arriving just about that time & while you can be flexible before and after - be sure you don't arrive too early and miss the show. Besides that, take your time, Stumble around, pick a detour and just keep following the path in general and you will get your steps in while seeing all the main sites. Here's the overall plan & route along with some notes & assumptions to kick off before getting into the step by step details. You decided to stay at the Flamingo. This is a classic, older Vegas Strip hotel that is usually one of the lower priced options. It is nothing fancy, but it is center Strip and a perfect spot to Stumble from. You brought good sneakers and are able to walk 7 miles over 12 hours. This is an average 40 minute mile, so not a fast pace, but it will add up & you will be on your feet most of the 12 hours. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, there are three "Vegas Strip Reasonably Priced" restaurants provided as options. All prices shown include food, a drink, tax and tip (for sit down spots). Prices are generally rounded up & were checked recently, but they change often. No tipping debates here, save that for my tipping guide , but this will give you reasonable idea of food costs at middle common spots. Special thanks to @seventensuited & @KerryBilicki for allowing me to share their pictures. Most steps will have a "Video" link which will take you to my friends at Strip Walking's site ( @StripWalking ). They video the walk along all the typical routes on the Strip. I did my best to line up my route to their videos. It won't be perfectly aligned, but you will get a great idea of what the Stumble looks like & key landmarks to look out for. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. PDF at end of blog 1. Flamingo Habitat Warm-Up (8:45am - 9:00am) Video Start your day with one of the quieter spots on the Strip - especially at this time of day - a free wildlife habitat hidden behind Flamingo. You’ll find flamingos, koi ponds, turtles, and small waterfalls tucked away from the chaos of the casino floor. It’s a surprisingly peaceful start and a nice way to ease into the day before the crowds build. Why it’s on the plan: It’s free It’s unique It’s a perfect quick stop before breakfast 2. Breakfast at the Linq (9:00am – 9:30am) The Linq and the Promenade between Linq and Flamingo offer a number of casual restaurants to grab breakfast at. Linq Promenade in the morning. @SevenTenSuited ( Source ) Dunkin Donuts Adding this option to show typical Strip inflation for common places. A breakfast sandwich at the Strip locations (2 at Linq) will cost you around $15. This is common for most coffee shops in the casinos / hotels. Grabbing a breakfast sandwich and coffee would cost nearly as much as a sit down meal at Off the Strip listed below, so we opted for the Wake Up Wrap ($7 - $8) instead. If you are a light breakfast eater or craving your Dunkin fix this might be enough to fuel your Stumble. Add in a coffee and it will be about $15. Hash House A Go Go For those of you who need more serious substance to get going, Hash House is the place. They have massive portions (enough to split for many) and bottomless refills on their standard coffee. The big downside here is they are always busy & don't take reservations. Go as early as you can, assume a bit of a wait & adjust the plan as needed when done. One of their popular scrambles & basic coffee will cost you about $32 with tax / tip. Off the Strip Despite the name, Off The Strip is located on the Strip in the Linq Promenade. Its a spot that offers a simple menu that has something for everyone at Strip reasonable prices. Expect about $25 with tax and tip for a classic two egg combo and a coffee or upgrade to bottomless mimosas for $52. For cheaper breakfast spots & other Strip food deals, check out my deal map . Why it’s on the plan: Perfect Center Strip location to start Stumble from Everyone needs breakfast 3. Monorail Ride from Harrah’s / Linq Station to MGM Grand (9:40am–9:50am) Video Walk through Harrah’s and hop on the Las Vegas Monorail heading south toward MGM Grand. Tickets are $5.50 and the ride gives you a quick aerial view of the east side resorts. The monorail isn't always efficient given its at the back of properties, but it gives you a chance to see Harrah's , go for a ride and being dropped at the back of MGM lets you check out the whole property on your way to the Strip. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.lvmonorail.com/ticket-information/ Why it’s on the plan: Gets you to South part of Strip quickly and cheaply Rides are fun 4. MGM Grand to NYNY Stumble (9:50am–10:30am) Video After exiting the monorail, wander through MGM Grand , one of the largest casinos in the world. There is not much unique to see attraction wise here, but the lobby will have seasonal displays and the size of the place is impressive. MGM Grand Lobby. @SevenTenSuited ( Source ) The timing here gives you some buffer as its less than 3/4 of a mile from the Station to NYNY even if you let yourself get lost a bit so 40 minutes without much to stop for will be plenty of time. Follow the interior pathways & the signs for the New York–New York pedestrian bridge, where you’ll get great views of the Strip traffic and skyline. Why it’s on the plan MGM is massive and worth seeing Optional Attraction: Friends Experience ($30) Sets you up for the best Casino entrance on the Strip Optional Attractions In The Area (Not scheduled) Before crossing over the NYNY and step 5, this is a good chance to check your timing and adjust as needed. If you are ahead of schedule and / or want to prioritize something in this area it will just mean you pick up the pace later or adjust accordingly. The map / plan assumes you skip this area, but I don't assume anyone is following it literally so Stumble as you wish! On the east side of the Strip just north of MGM Grand is a series of shops & attractions, with part of the area known as the BLVD. There are a few different ways to spend time here including the Coca-Cola & M&M stores that are free to browse with plenty of optional purchases. The Coke store offers a fun “Taste Around the World” sampler where you try different international sodas. Some are great. Some are… questionable. There is also a Flyover attraction with virtual 3D rides, the Hard Rock restaurant and store & BrewDog if you want a beer. This area is growing and has a few ways to spend some time, or just skip it and head to Park MGM. In this area you will also walk past a Walgreens and ABC store which offer cheap snacks, waters and drinks to go. Grab a water if you need one before Stumbling on. To get back to the bridge and cross over to NYNY will require a bit of a back track to get back on plan. Why it’s on the plan: Unique Vegas tourist stops Fun interactive experiences A good place to cool off and grab water (Walgreens, ABC Stores) 5. Explore New York-New York (10:30am – 11:30am) Video When you enter NYNY from the MGM pedestrian bridge you will arrive on the mezzanine level with a few shops and restaurants. The escalators on the right will bring you down into the casino and if you didn't feel like you were in Vegas yet, you will by time you get to the bottom. NYNY is one of the few casinos that still does its theme well. The casino has a great energy, feeling like you are in a mini Manhattan. The casino recreates NYC streets, brownstones, and landmarks inside and has a restaurant area that feels like you are in a NYC neighborhood. NYNY Village Street Eateries. @KerryBilicki ( Source ) Stop in the Hershey’s store to check out their impressive selection, step outside to watch the roller coaster and walk over their replica Brooklyn Bridge. Why it’s on the plan: One of the most immersive themed casinos Optional attractions like the Arcade & Roller Coaster ($25) 6. Park MGM → Aria → Cosmo Stumble (11:30am – 12:30pm) Video Time to take a Stumble inside a bit and take advantage of the walkways & bridges connecting properties. This walk will be over a mile without any planned stops other than for a few photos. Proper Stumbling pace for a mile is one hour, so take your time and get lost a little. You may Stumble out of NYNY into the actual park area separating it from Park MGM. This area has some public art, pop up shops at times & the T Mobile Arena sits at the far end of the area. There are entrances to Park MGM along the park itself, but for the best experience enter from the Strip and into Eataly.. For some folks, this is a destination in itself with multiple Italian themed shops and counters for food and drinks. It can be pricey here, but they have a great variety if you want a snack (Italian pastries, pizza, etc) on the way through. Exit Eataly into the only smoke free casino on the Strip. Walk away from the Strip through the casino, following signs for the Aria. You will follow along a pretty boring, but useful hallway connecting Park MGM to Aria. If for some reason you want to skip step 7 / the Cosmopolitan you can also jump on the free tram here and head directly to Bellagio. Otherwise just keep following the signs, up and down some escalators to the Aria entrance into the casino. Stroll through the Aria casino to the lobby area that always has some unique / seasonal display to check out. You will then briefly walk outside, following signs for Crystals shopping area. Walk through Crystals to the pedestrian bridge that connects it to Cosmopolitan. Aria Lobby with different seasonal displays. @seventensuited ( Horse Source ; F1 Source ) Why it’s on the plan: Air-conditioned walking during hotter months Great art installations along the way 7. Explore Cosmopolitan & Grab Lunch (12:30pm - 2:00pm) Video Enter Cosmopolitan via the pedestrian bridge and wander inside. Check out the chandelier bar, the energetic / modern casino floor, take a picture with the giant high heel and choose your spot for lunch. Secret Pizza It's not much of a secret anymore, but still a solid place to grab a slice. Follow the escalators to the 3rd floor and look for the art lined hallway next to Jaleo. A slice & beer will cost you about $20. Hattie B's Hot Chicken Located in Cosmo's Block 16 Urban Food Hall are a number of solid counter service spots including Hattie B's. You can get their fried chicken plate (white or dark meat) that comes with a side and add on an iced tea for $23. Momofuku If you want to step it up a bit for lunch Stumble over to Momofuku for some ramen. They have a few varieties all in the same price range. Pair it with a drink like one of their sakes for around $65 total cost. After lunch head to the 2nd floor of Cosmo and follow signs to the Wicked Spoon and then to the Bellagio connector. This will take you into Bellagio at the rear of the property and near the Conservatory to kick off your next stop. Why it’s on the plan: One of the most stylish casinos in Vegas Secret Pizza is a popular hidden food spot Excellent food options from counter service to sit down spots 8. Bellagio Conservatory, Lobby & Fountains (2:00pm –3:30pm) Video Entering Bellagio via the indoor connector from Cosmopolitan will take you by the world's largest chocolate fountain just before you get to the must see Conservatory & Botanical Garden. This is one of the Strip's most popular free attractions & even frequent visitors prioritize a visit every trip. The display changes seasonally so you should check to avoid the black out dates during the transitions. The schedule can be found here . Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden. @seventensuited ( Source ) The Conservatory and all the public areas are going to be crowded especially in the afternoons and evening time. That becomes even more obvious when you get to the lobby and have a mixture of people waiting to check in with hundreds of others staring at the stunning glass flowers in the ceiling. Try to stay aware of your surroundings as you wander from there into the casino a bit. You will be going out the lobby doors, but can take some time wandering through the casino & property if you wish. There are some excellent people watching bars if you want a cocktail or coffee. After walking out the front of the building you can follow a path along the lake to the Strip to find a spot to view the famous water fountain show. The show features powerful jets of water choreographed to music for a truly unique free attraction. Remember, you do not want to be here earlier than 3pm if visiting on a weekday. Here is the schedule again if needed. You will be backtracking to cross the Strip so take as much of a walk towards the center as you prefer for the show. There will be a good amount of traffic and sidewalk vendors in this area. Since you have been inside a while, it may be the first time you run into the "street performers" on the Strip. There will be people playing music for tips, folks dressed as showgirls & Disney characters & showgirls doing pictures for tips, and fake monks trying to sell you bracelets. I will write a whole blog on how to avoid scams and appropriate tips if you do want to engage with the performers, but to summarize: Use common sense, don't take anything handed to you and don't get bullied into a huge tip. Just keep Stumbling. Why it’s on the plan: One of the most famous hotels in the world Free attractions with incredible design The fountains are a must-see Vegas moment Optional: Planet Hollywood & Miracle Mile Shops (Not on Schedule) When done with the fountain show and having escaped the street performers you can cross the Strip between Bellagio and Cosmo. This schedule has you skipping Planet Hollywood and the Miracle Mile Shops, but if you have time and want to get in the extra steps, there is plenty to check out. The shops have a good number of reasonably prices stores including a couple of ABC Stores - a great spot for cheap waters, alcohol and snacks. Walking through the shops and checking out Planet Hollywood will add over a mile to your already 6 mile day. At this point you have miles & hours to go, but nothing at a specific time to worry about so go explore. 9. Paris & Horseshoe (3:30pm –4:30pm) Video From outside Paris you can get some great pictures of the replica Eiffel tower. At just under 50% the size of the original & it's a neat attraction with one of the legs coming directly into the casino. Take some time to check out the Paris casino, the sky painted ceiling, & optionally go for the ride up the tower for some stunning views of the Strip. Grab a drink at Vanderpump (below pic) or the always busy casino bar that's great for people watching. When ready Stumble to the rear of the property via the cobblestone walkway towards Horseshoe. Old Fashioned at Vanderpumps. @KerryBilicki ( Source ) The connecting hallway will take you to the back of Horseshoe, giving you an easy walk through to the front exit. Optionally, there are a number of shops and attractions if you turn away from the Strip when you get there including Real Bodies , the Lock speakeasy & a food court. The Horseshoe is a pretty basic casino so just a quick walk through past the front desk & up the escalators that will take you outside. There are then some moving walkways that may or may not be working & lead to an outdoor area of stands called the Grand Bazaar Shops. There are some affordable and popular food stops in this area and plenty of shops to check out if you choose. Make your way across the Strip to Caesars for your next stop. Why it’s on the plan: Classic Vegas theme properties Plenty of quick food & drink stops if needed 10. Caesars Palace & Forum Shops (4:30pm –5:45pm) Video Caesars is an iconic Vegas hotel and casino that takes up a massive area on the Strip. You can start off exploring outside where there are a couple of bars, the Absinthe show tent , Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen restaurant and fountains. Entering the lobby there are more statues, lots of gold and usually a seasonal theme. Plenty of photo ops here before you Stumble into the sprawling casino. I won't bother trying to tell you exactly how to navigate here, it's inevitable to get lost regardless. Stumble around, go down the random hallways, past the Sportsbook and Coliseum and follow signs for the Forum Shops. The Forum Shops. @KerryBilicki ( Source ) The attached Forum shops has a fun sky themed ceiling and cobblestone streets winding through a range of shops and food stands. Grab a gelato if you want and head towards the Fall of Atlantis show area where this is also an impressive aquarium. The show is a free attraction, but not one I would go out of way to time properly. If you are there when its about to start you will know, and you should stick around. Otherwise just keep Stumbling, backtracking a bit and heading towards the Strip exit. You will get to ride on some unique curved escalators as the path will force you to walk past shops vs directly outside. On your way to Venetian / Palazzo, you will get a great view of the Hard Rock Guitar that is under construction. Opening at the end of 2027, the Hard Rock replaces the Mirage and adds over 600 hotel rooms in the guitar itself. Why it’s on the plan: One of the most visually impressive casinos Unique indoor mall with elaborate theming A classic Vegas landmark Hard Rock Guitar In Construction. @SevenTenSuited ( Source ) 11. Venetian / Palazzo & Dinner (6:00pm–7:30pm) Video Cross over the Strip at Harrahs and head North past or through Casino Royale and up the moving walkways where you can take in the views of the outdoor canals below. As you step inside you will be in an Italian themed shopping area with painted ceilings, decorative columns and winding corridors. The casino will be down a level, but I'd suggest following the halls of the Grand Canal Shoppes on the level you are on and checking out the casino later if you decide to. The Venetian and attached Palazzo have a huge assortment of restaurants at varying price points and covering all cuisines. They have a good number of happy hour specials as well, but as those run only at specific times, I did not include them as options for your meal. B.S Taqueria The Via Via Food Hall features some quality counter service spots at reasonable prices. As a sample we chose tacos & an aqua fresca at B.S Taqueria for $28. Buddy V’s Buddy V's offers Italian staples at a digestible cost. You can have the Spaghetti & Meatballs with a glass of wine for $59 with tax and tip. Sugarcane One of the best spots for bottomless mimosas on the Strip also offers a solid set of dinner options with a seafood focus. Have the salmon and one of their signature cocktails for $64 Before or after dinner, roam around the Shoppes, check out St. Marks Square, grab another gelato or go on one of the famous gondola rides . Both the Venetian and Palazzo have multiple floors and there are dozens of ways to get through the property, but generally you want to head from Venetian, North to Palazzo and ultimately exit at Sands Ave. This will take you to a walkway over to the Wynn & Encore for your last stop of the night. Palazzo Atrium Oz Display from @ KerryBilicki ( Source ) Why it’s on the plan: Possibly the most beautiful indoor casino space in Vegas Tons of photo opportunities 12. Wind Down at the Wynn (7:30pm–8:30pm) Video Cross over Sands Ave and take the escalators down to the path along the lake leading into Wynn . The bridge crossing over gives you a great photo op of the Sphere which hosts concerts and the very popular remake of the Wizard of Oz . Once inside Wynn, you will enter in a shopping area of high end stores that leads to the seasonally decorated carousel made of fresh flowers. Check out the lobby and then head over to the Lake of Dreams area, one of the most unique visual experiences on the Strip. Visible from a few different locations, during the day you will see a lush outdoor scene with waterfalls and a pine-covered mountain backdrop. Starting at dusk there is a multimedia show that runs every 30 minutes combing music, lighting, puppetry, and projection effects on the lake. Why it’s on the plan: One of the best free shows on the Strip• A perfect nighttime finale Wynn is one of the most beautiful resorts to explore 13. Get Back to Flamingo (8:30–8:45 PM) At this point you have been Stumbling for 12 hours and somewhere between 6 and 8 miles on your feet. If you decide to take a taxi or ride share back to Flamingo, you can expect $15 - $20 including your tip. If you choose to walk, it will be a little over a mile, backtracking past sites you have seen. Here's one last video from Vegas Strip Walking to see your route: Video Stumbling Summary Here is a breakdown of a few options and their overall costs. All the food pricing aligns with details above with some prices including an alcoholic drink and others an iced tea or soft drink. All options include the monorail ride and a couple of waters at a CVS / Walgreens or ABC Store. Option A has no alcohol, the cheapest of the meal options & assumes you walk back to hotel. Option B includes a drink with lunch and dinner, a stop at the F1 arcade and a ride back to Flamingo. Option C starts off with bottomless mimosas, has a couple of activities and a drink with every meal Keep in mind you could do this cheaper eating at fast food spots or having $3 hot dogs all day, but the options will give you an idea of realistic expenses for the day. You can of course easily spend more. . . . a lot more. That's the fun of a Stumble and what makes Vegas unique. You can spend a day seeing mostly free sites or spend this agenda's budget on a single meal. Thanks for reading & please subscribe below while you are here.

The Las Vegas Sphere is an incredible venue that adds a unique view on the Vegas Skyline. Inside is an immersive experience that makes for a one of a kind concert or movie. Typically Sphere has a musical act on weekends, with a couple of different movies available most days in the afternoon and evenings that do not have shows. For a listing of upcoming shows check here . There are no direct to Sphere public transportation options so you are left with the option to either drive, get a ride (taxi or ride share) or walk. Parking can be purchased in advance , but will not be cheap. Ride shares & taxis have a convenient drop off not far from the main entrance, but catching one after the show will be challenging. If you have decided walking is for you then we made an infographic to explain it all. One key point mentioned in the graphic, but worth repeating is that the indoor bridge connecting Sphere to Venetian (Used in options B & C below) can be closed at times due to events in the Venetian's Expo Center. We have reached out to Sphere and will be trying to update with how you can check in advance if the bridge will be open or not before picking your path. Enjoy your show! Remember to check out spots to eat and grab a drink pre / post show on our Venetian / Palazzo page.

The Strip Stumble philosophy prohibits excessive planning, but an exception is made for the first couple of hours of your trip. Once you land in Vegas the goal should be to get checked in & ready to Vegas ASAP. A key part of this is considering if you need any stops on way from the airport to your hotel as this will impact your transportation options a bit. For this topic we made a couple of info graphics that should answer your questions. If you don't want to read more, the suggested answer for most travelers will be to walk outside the airport and into a taxi. A couple things to note: There are bus & walking experts out there that had a ton of tips when I shared this on reddit. Giving a read through these comments will be helpful if you take those routes. There is a wide price variation for private drivers. Stretch limos, humvees etc will be a bit more expensive than what we have listed. Many providers also offer a discount for round trip rides. For those choosing a taxi here are the flat rates & estimated costs (not including taxes) for each property on the Strip.

It's often asked how much to budget for a trip to Vegas, with accurate answers given between $300 & $100K. The days of super cheap Vegas are gone, but there are deals to be found and if you aren't gambling, drinking & hitting up clubs it can be a relatively cheap site seeing trip. On the other end there are folks who will gamble more in a hand than you spent on your car & won't think twice about spending your mortgage payment on a bottle of wine. We will focus on how you can decide your budget and be prepared vs how much to plan for exactly. For sake of this blog let's assume your airfare & hotel are covered so you are only planning for spending money while in Vegas. To help decide your budget you should first spend some time familiarizing yourself with the costs of things in Vegas. Our list of casual restaurants on the Strip includes a few sample menu items from each location. This should help you get an idea what a middle ground Vegas Strip meal will cost you. If these prices are out of your range, check out some happy hours , off strip options or consider more counter service fast food meals for your trip. Be sure when considering the costs of meals to factor in tax & an appropriate tip. We might do a tipping blog later, so won't dive into that here, but just plan to tip well. We know some disagree with tipping, or think holding back a tip sends a message. It only impacts the server who relies on the tips in reality, so put politics / opinions aside and factor tipping appropriately into your budget. Also that 8.375% tax on food & drink adds a not insignificant amount to your bill. We did a sample day in Vegas & calculated all the actual costs including tax and a proper tip to give you a real sense of the total cost of a drink or meal. Now let's talk about how to access your money & spend your budget. We suggest a gambling specific budget which you will need cash for, while the rest (meals, drinks while not gambling, shows, attractions etc) can be charged to room or a credit card. Charging to room is always our first option as it's convenient and there is a chance some will be comped off bill at end of stay if you do a good amount of gambling. Before your trip be sure to check if your cards require a travel advisory to avoid any issues. Now onto how to get cash, which will primarily be for gambling plus when cash tips are needed. Key to being ready to get cash in Vegas is checking your personal withdrawal limit for your ATM cards which can usually be changed to up to $2,000. If you plan to gamble less than your daily limit, we suggest you plan to visit a ATM daily. If you need access to more cash than your ATM will allow its best to contact the casino of the hotel you chose and set up an advance marker to get access to cash directly from the casino cage. Vegas Starter Cash: Initial Gambling Money + Small Bills for Tips A few tips on cash & ATMs: Bring your starter gambling cash : A usually unrealistic goal of a Vegas gambling trip is to not have to hit an ATM. We don't suggest brining a huge amount of cash with you, but bring enough that you can get a couple rounds of gambling in & if you hit with that, maybe it keeps your bankroll going & the rest of this blog is irrelevant. Get tipping cash before your trip : You will be (or at least should be) tipping quite often in Vegas and having $1's and $5's at hand makes that more convenient. We suggest always get a couple hundred dollars in small bills before trips to avoid having to ask for change or take time to break larger bills constantly. Keep this tipping money in its own pocket, outside of your wallet for easy access so you can get back to gambling & drinking. ATMs are everywhere, but plan ahead : There are ATMs in every casino and at all the CVS & Walgreens on the Strip. The ones at casinos will have a fee of $10 - $15 to use and they will charge you to check balance. Casino Royale ATMs are only $3 and let you withdraw up to $2k last I checked. CVS & Walgreens ones will be $3 as well, but have a $300 max withdrawal. You need to be careful on these as they will try to get you to do everything except a cash withdrawal from your checking account. Be sure you are not taking the cash as a credit card advance & check your balance from your phone before using the machine. Despite the silly high charges of casino ATMs we find the $10 - $15 an acceptable convenience fee that also can help folks budget. Set your ATM daily limit to your gambling budget per day (with a little emergency buffer) & you limit the chance of bad late night decisions.

One of the more confusing (and for some, frustrating or rage-inducing) aspects of a Vegas trip for first-time visitors—especially those from outside the US—is the expectations and processes around tipping. I get it. “Tipping has gone crazy!” “I shouldn’t have to pay their salaries.” “What did they do to deserve it?!?” Blah blah. We deal with realities here at Strip Stumble, and tipping is part of the cost of going out to dinner, getting a drink, taking a ride, and more. Accept it, plan for it, and don’t let it negatively impact your trip. I put tipping into the same category as resort fees. It’s simply another way of getting to your total cost. There’s no value in getting spun up about it, worrying about it, or trying to change the system by taking it out on your waitress. For all you economists out there: if tips went away, do you actually think anything would be cheaper? You can, of course, tip based on the quality of service—but always be reasonable in your expectations. Go in assuming you will tip well for excellent service. Look for reasons to tip more than you expected rather than nitpicking reasons to penalize the staff. Before I break down the different tipping scenarios, one general point: be sure to have cash—and specifically small bills—readily available in Vegas. Good thing I wrote a blog about that already. When you pay for food or drinks with a credit card, you’ll be prompted for a tip either on screen or with a tip line on the receipt. However, there are situations—like while you’re gambling or dealing with bell staff—where you’ll be expected to tip without purchasing anything & will need cash. It is a violation of Strip Stumble Statute #22 to ask for change while tipping. Transportation “Welcome to Las Vegas!” You’re off the plane and ready to get your Stumble started. Hopefully, you already have a plan to get to your hotel transportation-wise based on our super helpful infographic and blog . Making a stop Taxi, ride-share, and limo drivers will often offer to take you to specific places for alcohol or dispensaries if you ask. The meter will run, and you’ll be charged while you’re in the store. If you go where the driver suggested, they’re likely getting a kickback from the store. Regardless, that stop saves you time and money and deserves a few extra bucks. Luggage assistance Most drivers will offer to help with a bag or two, which is assumed in the tip. If you have large or heavy items, a little more is justified. Taxi flat rate from airport Going from the airport to Strip there is flat rate taxi pricing so you can anticipate your tip in advance. There is a map in the blog covering all options to get from airport to the Strip where you can see price to your specific hotel. If your taxi driver tries to charge you more than the flat rate to your Strip hotel (does not apply to Downtown) speak up politely that you are aware of the flat rates. If the problem persists, take note of the taxi company and number & file a complaint with the taxi authority as soon as possible. Payment You can pay and tip your taxi driver in cash or by card at the end of your trip. There’s an extra $3 fee if you use a card. Ride shares allow tipping via the app as usual. If you take a Zook, there is no one to tip. More Notes If you take a taxi from a hotel during your stay, there’s often a valet calling up the taxi and opening the door for you. I suggest tipping at least $1–$2. Be sure to tip your driver even if the casino sent the car for you. At Your Hotel Tipping at a Las Vegas hotel isn’t significantly different from any other hotel in the US. Be sure to tip housekeeping every time they clean your room so the crew who actually cleans gets the tip. Personally, I’ve never tipped at check-in. I don’t try for upgrades, and I’ve avoided check-in desks by using kiosks for years. For those unfamiliar, there’s a Vegas “$20 Trick” that involves tipping the check-in clerk $20 in hopes of a free upgrade—but that was 20 years ago. Just book the room you want, use online check in and get to your room. Some people prefer to tip for holding bags and at the valet both at drop-off and pick-up. The idea is that tipping upfront helps ensure your stuff is taken care of. I don't have a strong opinion on this, but generally I just tip at retrieval. Food & Drink Tipping for meals and drinks in Vegas also isn’t much different from going out anywhere else in the United States. Sit-down meals For a waiter- or waitress-served meal, 15% of the pre-tax total is considered the minimum tip. From there, you can be more generous based on service, mood, gambling karma, etc. If your service is poor, we suggest still tipping the minimum and speaking with a manager. Very often, service issues aren’t your server’s fault, and withholding a tip may punish them for someone else’s mistake. Counter service There’s so much variety in counter service in Vegas that it’s tough to give a firm range. If you’re just grabbing a coffee or fast food, feel free to tip $1—or not. It’s not required. Despite appearances, there’s always a way to select $0 or “No Tip.” If the worker was especially nice, if you placed a large or complex order, or if you just feel like it, tip a couple bucks. Buffets Buffets are another tricky one due to the wide range of service levels. At most buffets, servers bring drinks to your table and clear dirty dishes. If all they do is bring you a soda and clear a couple plates, $5 per person works. If you’re drinking bottomless mimosas like Vegas Valuations and they’re bringing over a carafe every 15 minutes, a more generous tip is appropriate. Drinks at a bar Nothing unique here. If you walk up to a bar or sit for a bit, it’s customary to tip a couple bucks or more. Drinking While Gambling This is the most unique part for most visitors with many folks looking forward to their "free drinks" while in the casinos. Many are told, "just tip a $1 a drink and ask for top shelf booze!" based on advice they got from their Aunt who last visited Las Vegas in 1982. Don’t gamble just to get a drink. Instead of focusing on the cheapest way to get a drink, first decide whether you actually want to gamble. If you need to find your preferred game, or are looking for the best table odds, Vegas Advantage covers that better than anyone. Cocktail service in casinos is generally very good, but it’s not a bar where someone is there to serve you instantly. Avoid being the person who sits down and starts waving at a waitress from across the floor because you are just trying to get a drink. Sit down, put your money in, start gambling, and keep an eye out for a waitress. Be Polite & Practical Waitresses will usually walk around asking, “Drinks? Cocktails?” When they approach your table or area, just be a normal person. There is something that inspires a small segment of the population to be complete jerks to cocktail waitresses if they don’t get a drink within 45 seconds of sitting down. Here’s what not to say: “About time, sweet cheeks! I already gambled away my $20 for the day! I’m gonna need two doubles in a to-go cup quick and slip me your number when you come back.” Instead, try: “Hi, sure—can I get an IPA? Thanks!” Keep your order simple. Beer, coffee, or a common two- or three-ingredient mixed drink: vodka tonic, piña colada, screwdriver. Avoid complex drinks or anything you wouldn’t enjoy made with well liquor. At higher-end casinos or in high-limit rooms, you may get top-shelf booze and properly prepared cocktails. In most casinos, expect a quickly mixed drink with basic brands. You can always specify a brand preference—“Tanqueray and tonic with lime, please”—and you’ll be told if it’s available. Cash or Chips Make sure you have tip money ready before sitting down. At slot machines, you’ll tip in cash. At table games, you can tip with chips or cash. If you’re playing table games, you can usually tip with $1 or $5 chips. Dealers can quickly make change for a $5 or larger chip if needed. The exception is roulette, where you play with table-specific chips that vary in value based on your buy-in. While you can tip with these, I recommend against it. It creates extra work for the waitress, can cause confusion, and increases the chance of mix-ups. Just use cash or standard chips at roulette. Suggested Amounts $3 per drink This is my suggested standard tip for alcoholic drinks while gambling—the new $1. I will usually tip $2 for a drink most places, and here I am getting the drink for free from a pretty waitress. An extra buck for the vibes and gambling karma is well worth it, and you are still getting a drink for $3. Scenarios for $1–$2 per drink For non-alcoholic drinks, or if you are just getting a water the waitress already has on her tray, you can tip less. Keep in mind the waitress is often doing the same work for a coffee or soda as a mixed drink, but your value is not the same, so I get it. I will often grab a beer and a water and tip $5 for both. $4–$5 per drink Tipping $5 on your first round helps build a good relationship with the waitress and is a solid per-round tip if you choose. I often tip $5 at video poker bars if it’s a good craft beer or I plan to stick around. Sometimes I tip $5 simply because it’s the bill or chip I have handy—and remember, it’s illegal to ask for change on a tip. Offerings to the Gambling Gods Aside from your drinks while gambling, you should tip your dealers if sitting down at a table. This one is a bit tricky, as you have a few options. The important part is to remember to tip a bit somehow, even if you lose. Tip as a Bet At table games, you can place a bet for the dealer as a tip, and if it wins, they collect the winnings. For example, at roulette you can bet $1 on a number for the dealer, and if it hits, they will get a $35 tip. These bets are usually placed to the side of your bet at a table game or by using a different colored chip in roulette. A lower minimum bet is also typically allowed for a dealer bet. For example, you might be playing a $15 3 Card Poker table but be allowed to bet $5 for the dealer. Tip as You Win This is the easiest way to tip while at a table, and my preferred method, since it assumes some winning is involved. I never do any serious math here—just toss the dealer a percentage of my chips after a good winning hand or spin. At roulette, I play single numbers, which pays 35 to 1. When that hits, I will usually tip a chip per one that I bet. So, for example, a $1 chip would win $35, and I would tip $1; a $5 chip would win $175, and I would tip $5. If I hit a couple numbers in short order, the dealer will get a few more chips per win. At regular table games, I tip on decent wins or a good run—i.e., not every 2:1 win is going to get a tip. Tip After Being a Loser Let’s assume you didn’t bet for the dealers and didn’t win enough to tip as you play. No one would expect a tip if you lose $100 on black in one spin at roulette or try blackjack for two hands, but I like to still tip if I have sat down and played for a bit and had a good time at the table. I usually purposefully wrap up gambling with a couple chips left over and toss them to the dealer with a thank you as I leave the table. As an example, I might buy into a game with $200, lose consistently and quickly, and have $30 left. Instead of betting all $30, I will bet $25 in case I lose. If I do lose, the $5 becomes the dealer’s tip. Tipping on a Jackpot Let’s hope you are thankful you read this far and have to worry about tipping on a jackpot win or a hand pay. Wins over $2,000 at a slot or video poker machine will trigger a hand pay, and anything labeled as a jackpot at a table kicks off a whole process. The amount to tip here is hotly debated, but I will go with a 2%–3% rule. A few examples: $2,000 win: $40–$60 $10,000 win: $200–$300 $250,000 win: $5,000–$7,500 $1M win: $20,000–$30,000 Dealers rely on tips for a solid portion of their income, and a nice tip on a jackpot can go a long way in a shared pool. If you do win a serious jackpot, you will have the option to take home a check. Be sure to ask for the amount you want to tip, plus some more gambling money, in cash outside of the check amount. Thanks for reading! Here's the single page guide:

First, a non-disclaimer. I have no affiliation with or promotion for Cartzilla. I paid for my ride, and everything below is simply my personal experience. From https://cartzillaride.com/ Riding down the Strip in a shopping cart isn’t something I would normally do in Vegas—especially on a solo trip. But when an attraction is as popular as Cartzilla, I felt obligated to check it out myself. If you’ve done any recent Stumbling, you’ve probably seen the cart roll by and maybe waved or laughed. Cartzilla is exactly what it sounds like: a massive, souped-up, street-legal shopping cart that somehow feels both ridiculous and perfectly at home in Las Vegas. I booked a 7pm time slot based on my schedule and a Vegas Valuations suggestion to go at night if possible. Booking was easy, a reasonable (for Vegas) rate at $59 and clear instructions were sent in advance about where to meet (near Treasure Island and Fashion Show Mall). I had a pretty busy day before my planned ride. I was staying at Paris, went for brunch at the Venetian, Oz at Sphere 2pm, then headed to the Rio to meet the Mehaffeys from Vegas Advantage before heading back to the Strip. The day itself was great. I even won a little money at Treasure Island while killing time & getting my rewards card. I arrived about 15 minutes early, as suggested, and was greeted by a group yelling my name. For a brief moment I thought my Strip Stumble fame had exploded. Turns out I was just the last to arrive, and everyone was told they were waiting for “Greg.” That’s when the staff explained there was an issue. A woman arrived with three kids but had only booked two seats for them, thinking kids under four rode free. Whether that came from a third-party site or a misunderstanding, the result was eight people and seven seats. Since I was solo and hungry, I offered to rebook for the next day. They offered me an 8pm slot, but I wanted time for a meal without rushing. Kurt and the team handled everything well and were very appreciative. Kids of course do not ride free, and there’s nothing on the Cartzilla website that suggests they do—though kids do  get free hats. The next day I rode at 4pm. Night slots were available, but there was a Patriots game at 5:30pm I wanted to watch, so it worked perfectly. The group included a family of four, two women, me flying solo, and our driver, Dave. We were handed water while boarding, and each seat has a cupholder, which was a nice touch. Moments later, we were rolling with music playing at a fun but comfortable volume. Dave of course let one of the kids pick music first and we get . . . Christmas music. And then . . . more Christmas music. I am not a fan of Christmas music, but it was a week before the Holiday and it made the kids happy so whatever. It did actually make me think that Cartzilla could offer a Christmas themed ride specifically. Throw some fake snow down, give out hot chocolates and keep the cheerful folks isolated from the rest of us. Anyways, after that the music greatly improved especially when I hit the cart with some Tom Petty & Talking Heads. I wanted to request a 15 -20 minute live version of a Grateful Dead tune, but I thought that would be selfish. Maybe they wouldn't know Help, Slip, Frank was 3 songs & we can wrap this up without hearing Silent Night? The ride itself was great, offering a unique view of the Strip. The pace is slow and safe, giving you time to actually look around. You’re higher than pedestrians, more open than a car, and moving at the perfect speed to soak it all in. Seeing the Hard Rock guitar taking shape was impressive, as were the beautiful F1 barriers & fences. The reactions from folks Stumbling the Strip varied from waving, looking confused, taking pictures and dancing as they crossed in front. The route heads south first, turning around just past the Welcome to Las Vegas sign before heading north past Wynn and looping around the Sphere. There’s a great selfie opportunity just before the turnaround where you can get the sign over your shoulder. “Can” being the key word—I tried and failed. Heading north felt a little repetitive since the southbound views were already so good, but there’s really no way around that. If I had one minor critique, it might be that the ride felt slightly long—but that could also be the Christmas music talking & I am sure most would prefer as long for the money as possible. One important thing to consider is the weather. Cartzilla is open-air, which is part of what makes it so fun, but you’re exposed to the elements. Vegas weather can be extreme, and since you’re moving, it can feel colder than expected on cooler days. In summer, it's going to be hot. Plan accordingly—layers, water, maybe even a small fan. Overall, it was a fun and genuinely unique experience. It’s easy to see why Kurt and the team have been so successful in such a short time. They’re already working on Cartzilla 2.0 to increase their capacity and some cool upgrades. The website notes that rides often sell out, and even during the quiet week before Christmas, many slots were full. Booking a solo seat was easy, but if you’re traveling with a group, book early.

Days on the Vegas Strip are meant to start with a bottomless brunch. Drinking on the Strip is expensive so these all you can drink options can get you off to a solid start with a good buzz and full stomach. The list below is broken down by weekday / daily options vs your weekend only spots. Weekends tend to bring in a higher end option with a few excellent table service all you can eat options like Border Grill or Caramella. Hard Rock Cafe includes live acoustic music everyday as an added perk. Hope this helps everyone start their Stumble properly. Be sure to keep your Stumble going with the happy hours, live music spots & speakeasys on our Vegas Drinking list.

Here at Strip Stumble, we pride ourselves on being one of the least comprehensive Vegas sites out there. We don't pretend to give gambling tips or to know the best club on a Thursday night. Despite our focus on the Strip, we know Vegas has much more to offer with Downtown, the Arts District & more. Here are a few Vegas related sites we enjoy for all the stuff we don't cover. . . or they just do a better job. Easy Vegas : The most comprehensive Vegas site out there including a ton of useful gambling resources. If you prefer a different style Vegas Strip map, Michael has an excellent version & all the other best ones online. If you are looking for a driver in Vegas there is no one more reliable than Brad and team at Our Vegas Adventure Vegas Changes : An excellent site that somehow show's Vegas's past as well as they keep up on breaking news. We don't even pretend to compete with their Happy Hour list - easily the best list out there. Vegas Food & Fun: Very useful site, especially when it comes to Vegas buffets including pricing details that are kept up to date.

Las Vegas weather is often not ideal for long walks outside so knowing the options for stumbling through properties vs outside down the Strip can be helpful. We took a shot at mapping out a mostly indoor route to show a path between Mandalay Bay & Venetian. While you can't avoid outside completely, you can minimize your heat exposure to relatively short segments between air conditioned comfort. This route doesn't hit some of the major attractions / casinos so is not a recommendation if you are site seeing . . . yes we know Cosmo & Caesars should be visited. Hopefully this helps give you ideas on those hot (or cold) days & see that you can stay inside nearly 80% of the time if you have your Stumble maps handy.

The Las Vegas Strip has so much to offer, it can be overwhelming deciding what to do and how to plan a day. Visitors tend to go to an extreme, either trying to pack too much into a trip or having no plan and missing out on some great experiences. Planning a Strip Stumble means your plan for the day is to simply stumble along the Strip. From there, the possibilities are endless and that's where Strip Stumble comes in to help you. Don't walk, stumble . This does not imply you need to drink so much that you can't stand up, it's a mindset to slow down, take your time & wander vs walking directly to a destination. The furthest I usually walk in Vegas is 2-3 properties from my hotel, but I will Stumble for miles. For example lets say we just got back from golf, we are staying at Linq and dinner is at Venetian - take the 15 minute walk. If for that same scenario, dinner is at Cosmo, I am taking a cab or ride share. Who wants to walk a mile plus dressed for a decent dinner in the Vegas heat? On the flip side, I will stumble 2-3 times that distance in a day with no hesitation. Don't plan, plot . A Stumble is a plan of sorts, but it's meant to allow flexibility in the day. Pick a starting spot, try to end at your hotel, plot out a couple priority stops along the way and you have the start of a solid Stumble. If you end up with a tight schedule, with multiple reservations, timed events etc, then you accidently planned a walk. Time to start over or reach out for Stumbling Support. Be practical. I know, boring for a site about Stumbling in sin city, but some basics will ensure you finish your Stumble. Shoes, water, food & pace are the critical pieces here. You will be walking miles, given in shorter increments, but be sure you wear footwear assuming that distance won't be a problem. On the free walking map, I have added icons for the various drugstores along the Strip. These are great locations to pop in and grab a water for the next leg of your walk. These waters also help with pace, which if you start off with bottomless beverages becomes critical early on in your Stumble. My "rule" is to avoid stopping for more than one drink at a time, unless it's with a meal. So stumble, have a drink, grab a water, stumble, grab a drink. Don't stumble out of bottomless brunch and stop for 3 rounds at the same hotel.