Taking a Solo Trip to Vegas
Las Vegas 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 just because you're solo shouldn't stop you from going to Vegas alone as you don't need company to enjoy this city. Although it is known for having a high price tag, there is plenty to keep you entertained for free. Here is our guide to Las Vegas solo female travel to help you plan a solo trip to Las Vegas.
Contents
- Solo Travel in Las Vegas
- Free Things To Do 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
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.
Free Things To Do in Las Vegas
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 in 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 waterfall atrium in the Palazzo, 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.
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
Finally, 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. 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
Intrepid Travel – If you’re searching for some company to explore the USA with, Intrepid Travel is a responsible travel company that offers active tours within Las Vegas and its surrounding area. Choose from a 5 day LA to Vegas Adventure or Vegas to San Fran, a 9 day San Fran to Vegas tour incorporating parks, canyons and valleys, a 10 day Vegas to LA tour visiting the Grand National Parks, or explore Wild Western USA over 11 days.
There are several to choose from. On each tour, you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room. Intrepid operate a flexible booking policy so you can change your travel plans up to 21 days before departure. Read the Intrepid review here or click below for all Vegas tours. * Click here for the full Intrepid itinerary, prices, and start dates
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’re in 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
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 go to 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.
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.
Plan a Trip To Vegas
If you are looking to plan a trip to Las Vegas, here are some useful links including costs, airlines that fly there, vaccinations required and events and festivals.
Current Time in Las Vegas
Facts
Budget – $150+ a day
Population – 634,773
Language spoken – English
Currency – US Dollar
Do I need a visa for Las Vegas? Yes, if you are traveling to Vegas alone on a UK passport
The Best Time to Go – April and October