I. Introduction
When it comes to planning a trip to Las Vegas, finding the best casinos on the Strip can be overwhelming. With over 30 casinos to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones to prioritize. However, fear not! In this article, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. From must-see locations to budget-friendly options, we’ve got you covered.
II. 10 Must-See Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip
If you’re looking for the most popular, exciting, and famous casinos on the Strip, here are our top 10 picks:
- The Bellagio – Known for its stunning fountains and luxury shopping, this iconic casino is definitely a must-see.
- The Venetian – With its indoor canal and replica of St. Mark’s Square in Venice, the Venetian is a unique casino you won’t want to miss.
- The Wynn – This luxurious casino offers high-end shopping, stunning pool views, and a glamorous atmosphere.
- MGM Grand – The MGM Grand boasts a massive casino floor, celebrity performances, and the famous lion exhibit.
- The Cosmopolitan – This trendy casino features modern decor, a rooftop terrace, and some of the best restaurants on the Strip.
- The Mirage – Home to the famous Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, the Mirage is a family-friendly casino with a touch of magic.
- The Aria – This sophisticated casino offers top-notch dining options, high-tech rooms, and stunning views of the Strip.
- New York-New York – With its replica of the New York City skyline and Coney Island-style roller coaster, this casino is perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of the Big Apple.
- The Luxor – A fan favorite, the Luxor boasts a unique pyramid-shaped structure, a giant sphinx statue, and impressive Egyptian-themed decor.
- The Excalibur – This medieval-themed casino offers affordable rooms, a large arcade, and the ever-popular Tournament of Kings dinner show.
III. A Beginner’s Guide to the Casinos of Las Vegas Boulevard
If you’re a newbie to gambling or visiting casinos in general, it can be daunting to navigate the casinos of the Strip. Here are some tips to help guide you:
- Set a budget before you start gambling and stick to it.
- If you’re unsure how to play a game, ask the dealer or bartender for help.
- Sign up for loyalty programs at each casino to receive rewards and perks.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Visit casinos during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
- Don’t forget to tip your dealers and servers!
IV. Las Vegas Strip Casino Crawl: Which Ones to Visit and Which Ones to Skip
If you’re looking to explore multiple casinos on the Strip, we recommend starting at the southernmost end near the Mandalay Bay and working your way up towards the northern end. Here are our suggestions for which casinos to visit and which ones to skip:
- Visit: New York-New York, Aria, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Wynn, Encore, Venetian, Palazzo, Cosmopolitan, Mirage.
- Skip: Circus Circus, Slots-A-Fun, Excalibur, Hooters, Treasure Island, The Strat.
The casinos we recommended to skip tend to be less glamorous and more outdated compared to the others on the Strip. However, if you have time to spare or are on a tight budget, they may be worth a visit.
V. From Budget to Luxe: Ranking the Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip
If you’re looking to save money or splurge, here’s how the casinos on the Strip compare in terms of price range:
- Budget: Circus Circus, Slots-A-Fun, The Strat, Excalibur, Hooters.
- Moderate: Luxor, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Bally’s, Tropicana, Treasure Island.
- Upscale: MGM Grand, The Mirage, Caesars Palace, The Venetian, Palazzo, The Cosmopolitan.
- Luxury: Bellagio, Wynn, Encore.
Keep in mind that the price range refers to the average cost of rooms and food, not necessarily the cost of gambling.
VI. The Evolution of Las Vegas’ Most Iconic Casinos on the Strip
Las Vegas is known for its extravagant casinos, but many people don’t know the history behind them. Here’s a brief overview of how some of the most iconic casinos on the Strip have changed over time:
- The Flamingo – Opened in 1946 by notorious mobster Bugsy Siegel, the Flamingo was the first luxury resort on the Strip and helped make Las Vegas a tourist destination.
- Circus Circus – With its circus-themed decor and family-friendly atmosphere, Circus Circus was one of the first casinos to cater to children.
- Caesars Palace – Known for its Roman-inspired design and celebrity performers, Caesars Palace has been one of the Strip’s most popular casinos since it opened in 1966.
- The Mirage – Opened in 1989, the Mirage was the first casino on the Strip to feature a volcano and a tropical rainforest in its decor.
- The Bellagio – This luxurious casino opened in 1998 and quickly became famous for its iconic fountains in front of the building.
- The Wynn – Opened in 2005, the Wynn was one of the most expensive hotels ever built, with a construction cost of over $2.7 billion.
VII. Conclusion
The Las Vegas Strip is home to some of the world’s most famous and exciting casinos, but with so many options, it can be difficult to plan your visit. We hope this guide has given you a better idea of which casinos to prioritize, how to navigate them, and what to expect in terms of price range and history.