When most people mention “Vegas,” they think of casino table games, gambling, Elvis, Tom Jones, and maybe the elaborate illusion ofpulling Siegfried out of Roy. They’re also likely inclined to think that going there for a vacation, even for just a day or two, is going to break the bank. After all, the city has made itself on the empty wallets of gamblers and tourists alike. What most people don’t realize is that there are ways to squeeze the most out of “Sin City” without draining the wallet dry and racking up a credit card bill as expensive as the budget of a small African country.
For those that come to Vegas to gamble, here’s a tip: follow the locals and stay off the strip. Yes, the Vegas Strip has the most glamorous and the most popular of casinos and the like, but they’re not the only ones. They also happen to be the ones with house rules and odds designed to take tourists for as much as they can – particularly for blackjack. Instead, go to the smaller casinos far from the glitz and glamour of the strip. These are the casinos for the locals, which have better payouts and smaller requirements for getting into the games.
Check out the countless museums of various sorts in the city, most of which can be visited for under $20. For example, there’s the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which features an extensive collection of artworks from countless private collections and museums. The exhibit contains sculptures, models, and paintings from various artists. Another interesting place is the Auto Collections at Imperial Palace, which houses over 300 classic cars in perfect condition, situated on rotating platforms for public viewing. Of course, some people can’t imagine Vegas without its flamboyant performers, and Liberace was among the best – a fact that the Liberace Museum showcases in all its spectacular glory.
There’s also a veritable treasure trove of entertainment to be had in the city. Aside from the regular shows from Vegas regulars like Siegfried and Roy or Tom Jones, there are others. One of the best is the free Show in the Sky at the Rio, which features dancers and singers performing on platforms high above the casino floor of the Rio. Another is the action-packed acrobatic Sirens of TI at Treasure Island, which boasts amazing pyrotechnics, well-choreographed sword fights, and even a sinking ship. The show lasts 18 minutes and is entirely free.