Taking a Solo Trip to Vegas

Las Vegas in the USA is home to glitzy shows, flashy casinos and the famous Las Vegas Strip. This desert city in the state of Nevada is an entertainment paradise and don't let being solo stop you from going to Vegas alone. There are plenty of things to do alone in Vegas. Here is our guide to Las Vegas solo female travel including the best things to see and recommended places to stay for solo travellers to help you plan a solo trip to Las Vegas. 

Contents

• Solo Travel in Las Vegas
• Things To Do Alone in Las Vegas
• Tours in Las Vegas
• Best Area To Stay in Las Vegas
• Where To Stay in Vegas
• Getting Around Las Vegas
• From Vegas Airport
• Best Time To Go To Las Vegas
• Plan a Trip To Vegas
• Vegas Map
• Related Posts 

Solo Travel in Las Vegas

Is Las Vegas safe for solo female travellers?

One big question you probably have is “Is Las Vegas safe for a single woman travelling there alone?” For Las Vegas solo female travel, the city attracts hoards of tourists but as anywhere you need to be careful when you’re by yourself and avoid wandering away from the tourist areas at night. Is Vegas safe to travel alone? The casinos are safe but keep your bag on your lap instead of placing it on the floor and if you do have a big win, carry a money belt with you.

There is a police presence here but just keep an eye on your belongings around any tourist landmarks. One of the areas that you want to avoid is Naked City, to the west of the Stratosphere tower, and steer away from Downtown where there is a chance that you may get pickpocketed. West Las Vegas is close to the strip and is also an area that you don’t want to go after sunset. If you stay alert and trust your instincts, you’ll have a great time.

Things To Do in Las Vegas Alone

Las Vegas may be a dynamic city but this desert playground isn’t too costly in terms of accommodation and food especially if you're only planning to spend 2 or 3 nights during your solo travel in Las Vegas. There are also a lot of deals on alcoholic drinks if you are able to turn up to clubs early. Some will even have free entry, and for girls only.

The shows here are spectacular but they’re not very kind to your purse strings. If you can’t afford to go to a show, one of the free things to do in Las Vegas solo is watch the carnival parade of dancers instead. You can follow the dancers at the Masquerade in the Sky at Rio each weekend. Or just window shop at the fun displays in the shops of the large hotels.

Enjoy the famous water show at the Fountains of Bellagio where the water dances in synchronised fashion. Then smell the flowers at the Bellagio Conservatory, a spectacular floral display for the Chinese New Year (held all year round).

At Caesars you’ll find plenty of fish in the aquarium, as well as being able to witness the fall of Atlantis. This entertaining animated show has everything from fire and water, set in the kingdom of Atlantis. Shows take place from 11am to 11pm every day of the week.

Get some more water action at the Palazzo waterfall atrium, a waterfall two floors high. Or watch mermaids swimming and showing off synchronised moves at the Silverton Hotel’s aquarium.

For something a little bit different, head to the Downtown Container Park. Popular with shoppers and diners this park is great for free entertainment. Or head to Las Vegas Boulevard instead. There are plenty of shops to keep you entertained and when you need a break from window shopping, you can find a few restaurants to dine at too (paying obviously).

Chocolate lovers will love Hershey’s Chocolate World which even has a Statue of Liberty made out of, yep you guessed it – chocolate. You’ll find all the chocolate you desire at New York-New York.

If you love art, you’ll find free art at The Cosmopolite of Las Vegas, as well as public artwork at the City Centre campus. If you prefer artwork at night, the Polaroid Museum and Fotobar is open in the evenings and showcases the history of photography, including the selfie (of which you’ll see many in Vegas).

If you are interested in ancient Mexico, you’ll find Pre-Columbian artefacts at The Marjorie Barrick Museum situated in the University of Nevada. Plus they hold free lectures if you want to find out more.

Or for dance lovers, you’ll love the gigantic statue of Bliss Dance, situated near the Monte Carlo and New York-New York. This 40-foot statue is an appreciation of feminine energy with 3,000 LED lights in a pink glow. It’s definitely worth a look. 

See The Neon Museum

Las Vegas is famous for many things, including its large vibrant neon signs. The Neon Museum, which opened in 1996 collects, preserves studies and exhibits some of the city’s most iconic signage.

Each sign displayed in the museum has an interesting backstory behind it such as the role it played, who designed it and how it was made. It also shows just how far the technology used for these signs has come over the last few decades.

The uniquely shaped museum visitor centre is located within the La Concha Motel lobby. Special nights and experiences at the museum often sell out so it is advised that you buy an advanced ticket online before you go.

Hike Mount Charleston

Located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Mount Charleston is only a 45-minute trip from the Las Vegas Strip. If you are looking to combine your city break with a bit of hiking in nature, Mount Charleston has over 60 miles of trails you can walk.

Ensure you bring along plenty of drinking water and snacks as the hike can be difficult due to the high elevation. But it is well worth it for the spectacular desert views. Or you can hire a car and drive along the scenic routes instead.

Experience a casino

You can’t come all the way to Vegas without having a bit of a flutter, so make sure you spend some time at a casino where you're there. Even if it's just to look around.

Las Vegas is considered to be one of the biggest and best places in the world for casino gaming and this iconic location has featured in many casino scenes both in television shows and in movies.

The majestic Caesars Palace is one of the best-known casino resorts, with thousands of people coming from across the world each year specifically to stay and play at Caesars Palace. The resort has more than 20 restaurants, 10 bars, a colosseum and a 4,500-square-foot casino poker room.

There is also the Bellagio that you may recognise from Oceans Eleven. This impressive 36-story tower resort has a very entertaining dancing water fountain that is synchronised to the beats of the music. Inside there is a 1,800-seat theatre for large-scale performances and a retail centre with a number of luxury brands like Prada and Gucci.

But these aren’t the only two casinos here. Along the Las Vegas strip, there are many other big and small casinos to sightsee. While people visit these resorts to see their grandeur and luxurious settings, the thrill of the casino is also part of Vegas’ appeal.

Other Things To Do in Vegas Alone

Relive the Titanic history at the Titanic Artifact Exhibition. This historic exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino features more than 250 authentic artefacts from this famous ship including part of its hull. You can even explore a replica of the Grand Staircase and see inside one of the ship’s cabins. See more here

And of course, you can’t get more Las Vegas than taking a selfie at the Las Vegas sign. Las Vegas is the place for neon lights, shows and plenty of glitz. They say, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” but that’s entirely up to you!

Tours in Las Vegas

Day Trips from Las Vegas

There are several Las Vegas day trips but one that should definitely be on your itinerary is a trip to the Grand Canyon, one of the most popular in the region. This mind-bending gorge, which was formed by six million years of river-based erosion, is one of the most visited sites in the United States. Make the most of your trip by taking a helicopter tour when you’re there and having lunch or dinner in the canyon.

If you plan on seeing the surrounding area on your solo Vegas trip, you can also visit Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park on one of the Grand Canyon tours from Vegas. You may want to see the Valley of Fire too. This underrated park is less than 60 miles from Vegas.

* Check dates, prices and availability: Grand Canyon West Rim Tour

Day Tours in Vegas

Get Your Guide Las Vegas – If you're unsure of the things to do in Vegas by yourself, I recommend taking a tour. Whether you’re looking to go on a guided desert expedition, an outing to The Strip, or an extensive helicopter excursion, there is a Las Vegas tour for any solo and Get Your Guide helps you to find the top activities and tours in Vegas. Choose from a Fly LINQ Zipline fast-track ticket, a ticket of the High Roller, or panoramic views of Las Vegas on a helicopter flight. Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book your solo activities in Las Vegas online. * Check all Get Your Guide tours, prices and availability

Viator – Viator is similar to Get Your Guide. They are an American company and a tour platform with more than 345,000 tours and worldwide activities. Choose from a Grand Canyon West Rim tour and skywalk, take an exhilarating ride on a buggy through Primm Valley and Hidden Valley, or experience horseback riding Las Vegas through Red Rock Canyon. Read my Viator review or click the link for all of their tours. * Check all Viator tours, prices and availability

Bus Tours – Bus tours are a popular choice. From the local museums, and the downtown circuit, to The Strip and its surrounding neighbourhoods, a sightseeing bus takes you through all of the nooks and crannies within The City of Lights and is a good way of getting your bearings. You can also decide which places pique your interest, particularly if you reserve a tour on day one. You can take a bus at night too! * Check dates, prices and availability: 3-Hour Night Tour by Open-Top Bus

Best Area To Stay in Las Vegas

Even though Downtown Las Vegas offers a more historic and nostalgic experience, with vintage casinos, the Fremont Street Experience, and a variety of bars and restaurants, it isn’t one of the safest areas so if you do stay here, just be vigilant. I’ve included some options for the best area to stay in Las Vegas, recommended by our solo community.

The Strip: This is the most popular and busiest area in Las Vegas, known for its high-end resorts, iconic casinos, and extravagant entertainment. It's perfect for those who want to experience the full Las Vegas experience.

Summerlin: This is a suburban area located on the west side of Las Vegas, known for its upscale homes, shopping centres, and golf courses. It's a great choice for those who want a more relaxed and luxurious stay away from the hustle and bustle of The Strip.

Henderson: This is a family-friendly area located southeast of Las Vegas, known for its safe neighbourhoods, parks, and outdoor activities. Even though this area is popular with families, it’s a great option for those looking for a quieter and more residential environment.

Where To Stay in Vegas

Las Vegas is the city for over-the-top hotels and resorts. You can stay in casinos that ooze opulence and sophistication and appeared in movies, or a themed hotel that re-creates your favourite city such as Paris or be transported to the land of Pharaohs in Egypt. You can find hotels on a more modest budget, and spent the night in a medieval castle, a hostel or an inn. Be aware that you may need to pay resort fees on top of the room rate which is payable at the end of your stay.

If you are unsure where to stay in Las Vegas, all of the accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. 

Sin City Hostel ($)

If you’re in search of budget accommodation in Vegas, the Sin City Hostel is around the corner from the Main Street Arts & Beer district with plenty of bars, restaurants and coffee shops to choose from. It's one of the best hostels in Las Vegas for solo travellers as the hostel holds evening entertainment such as BBQs, nightclub crawls, and pasta and wine night plus group outings to the Strip, and Fremont Street. So you are guaranteed to meet others if you are going to Las Vegas alone. It’s close to the ‘DEUCE’ bus which takes you to the main attractions too.

Choose from an 8 bed female dorm room with an ensuite or an 8-bed mixed dorm.

• Prices from £22 / $30 for a bed in an 8-bed female dorm
• To book, check prices or availability for Sin City Hostel

Bellagio ($$)

This 5 star elegant hotel inspired by the Italian town of Bellagio on Lake Como is stunning. It has its own botanical gardens and several courtyard pools, boutique shops as well as different dining options. But the main reason that you’ll want to stay here is for the fountains, that you can even see from your suite (if you choose a fountain view room). Go shopping, relax on a sun cabana, get pampered at the spa, have a flutter at the casino, or just enjoy the mood lighting and your cashmere mattress in your elegant room. There are several types of rooms to choose from, from a resort king or queen room to a strip view king room, fountain view or Bellagio suite.

• Prices from £154 / $212 for a Resort King room
• To book, check prices or availability for Bellagio Las Vegas

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas ($$$)

Who needs to go to Venice when it comes to you? If you’ve ever wanted to experience a gondola at the Grand Canal, you can at the Venetian Resort. Everything you possibly need from a resort is here, from 10 outdoor pools to a rock climbing wall! There are 150 shops, award-winning restaurants serving America, Italian and Asian cuisine, and of course; a casino. Their suites are nearly twice as large as others in Vegas and are designed with a sunken living room. There is so much to do in the resort that you won’t want to leave. Choose from a luxury king or queen suite, a select view suite, a grand king suite or a grand one bedroom suite.

• Prices from £239 / $329 for a Venetian luxury king suite
• To book, check prices or availability for The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Solo Dining Las Vegas

Dining alone can be a strange experience the first few times that you do it, but you soon get used to it and it provides you with plenty of freedom. You get to choose the type of cuisine you want, where you want to go and, after a busy day sightseeing, you can sit down and enjoy your food at your own pace.

Buffets can be a great way to grab dinner by yourself if you prefer the self-service option. Both the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace and The Buffet at Wynn are top picks enjoyed by tourists in Vegas. Also, for a high-end buffet experience, Wicked Spoon Buffet is highly rated too.

Getting Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas isn’t a destination that you really need to rent a car, especially if you are staying near the Strip. Things are quite spread out but within the city there are taxis and Uber. You can take a taxi from resort entrances (you can’t just hail one in the street) or call a taxi number to book one.

The best way to get around Las Vegas is by taking The Deuce, a 24-hour bus service that stops at nearly every resort along the Strip. You purchase tickets for the bus and the journey will cost you $6 for 2 hours, up to $20 for a 3 day pass. See the route here 

To reach Downtown Las Vegas, take the free shuttle bus called the Downtown Loop. It runs every day but only in the evenings on the weekends. See more here 

To travel further afield on your Las Vegas solo trip, there is a shuttle bus from the Grand Canyon to Vegas and vice versa, but it does take longer than 5 hours so you may want to take a tour or consider hiring a car if you are planning to see the surrounding areas.

To hire a car for your trip we recommend pre-booking car rental with Avis so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport.

For those who prefer the freedom of the open road consider hiring an RV and driving yourself around the USA stopping in Las Vegas on the way. As a solo traveller, you’ll have plenty of space for your accommodation, your own transport and possibly a kitchenette too. RVshare allows you to compare RV rates from different brands and find local owners near you. In most cases, they deliver to a specific location or park, so the home-away-from-home will be ready and waiting for you on arrival. Plus, you can bring your pet! Prices start from $75 a night. * Book a campervan with RVshare

From Vegas Airport

There are regular flights into Las Vegas Airport. McCarran International Airport (LAS) is the main airport and when you arrive, you can take the Line 109 bus which takes 40 minutes and leaves every 20 minutes. A taxi will cost approx $50 depending on your destination. Rome2Rio is a good resource to plan your journey. 

Feel more confident with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a Las Vegas shuttle from airport with Hoppa, a reliable and safe service for solo females.

Best Time To Go To Las Vegas

Being in the desert, Vegas is hot and temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer months so you may want to avoid these months. To meet others and enjoy a party atmosphere, New Year seems to attract the crowds.

When is the best time to travel to Las Vegas? The best time to visit Las Vegas is in the spring or autumn: from September to November when the temperature cools slightly, or March to May. The cheapest time to go is usually in January where you can grab yourself a deal. The chart below shows the average monthly temperature from January to December to help you decide when to go to Vegas.

Travel Insurance For Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an iconic destination to visit but travel insurance is always recommended for your holiday to cover you for any medical assistance especially if you’re travelling here solo.

True Traveller and World Nomads are insurance companies that I recommend. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover. * Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

FAQS

• Can I drink the water? Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe.
• Is tipping expected? Yes. Within a restaurant, 15-20% is the standard. You also need to tip taxi drivers, porters and casino staff. Read more
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed price.
• Any ATMs? Yes but you may want to avoid ATMs in casinos as they can have the highest fees. 
• Which side of the road do they drive? The right-hand side.
• Good for vegetarians? Yes, they cater for vegetarians and vegans. Read more
• Any Seven Wonders of the World? Yes. The Grand Canyon is one of the natural Seven Wonders of the World.

Vegas Map

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