We were very disappointed this last spring when we went to LV. Many of the places we wanted to eat were only open limited days/tmes..I would recommend going more toward the weekend rather than earlier in the week. It was like a ghost town when we were there. Not sure if we are going back.
Free shows such as Belagio water, TI pirate show, Freemont streat lazer experience, Rio show, circus circus has a free circus show as well. Take the double decker bus ($5 for a whole day pass) rather then a taxi.
The mirage volcano is awesome. just walk around and see all the sites the casionos have alot to offer. they have a laser show in old town vegas that is out of this world
I live in LV now and still think a Cirque de Soleil show is a must see. There are some great buffets for reasonable prices in addition to hotels, just research the best deals before you get here.
If you know someone who lives here, they likely know where to get great deals or even free shows etc.
Become a member of the casino for FREE and get free show tickets, money to play or other comps. Check with each beforehand to learn what is available.
If you like the rush, visit the strip. If you like history, visit Hoover Dam (30 minute drive). Some of the best restaurants and shops are here, take advantage of it. If you like to shop, visit one of the two major outlets.
pace yourself is number one. you cant see/do everything in vegas in one day or weekend, but there are a lot of things to enjoy. the best thing to do is start before you go.
1) set a budget, especially for entertainment. think of gambling as entertainment, almost like an arcade. if you spend a certain amount and lose, but have fun (and dont go beyond what you budgeted) then it was entertaining. several (most) casinos have $2 dollar blackjack or hold'em tables that are just as much fun as the high rollers. same goes for penny and nickle slots; you might not win much (or anything) but its fun.
2) one or two shows are awesome. my recomendation is blue man group, if you havent already. you will see what i mean; i have yet to meet anyone that has been to it and not liked it. all ages, and a lot of fun. the amazing jonathan is a hilarious magician (really, comedian that shows 2 or 3 actual tricks)...if he is still there. find a show or two that seems like something youd like and call ahead. sometimes you can tickets right before, but be prepared and get them in advance. less stressful and something to look forward to.
3) the days of $1 steak and lobster are gone, but the buffets are still around. my favorite was the MGM Grand buffet. also the most expensive (think $25/person) but if you go hungry, they have the best and most "luxurious" items. most of the buffets have some signature items that they pride themselves on, so ask around...you might be more interested in seafood vs. steak, and different buffets will cater to your tastes better.
4) parking is free at every casino (that i know of). basically, they want you to park there and play. but driving is crazy if youre not used to that kind of city driving. most everything you want is within walking distance from any given hotel on the strip.
5) several hotels (New york new york, stratosphere, etc) have rides/rollar costers. those are expensive but can be fun, and some like NY NY will do an all day pass for one rate. i recommend one during the day and one at night, just to get high and see the vastness of vegas. likewise the Paris has a fake Effil tower (sorry, my spelling sucks) that you can go up (you pay $5/person, i think...) worth it to see forever and get some great pictures. (make sure you have your camera; youll see a LOT). try to get up to the top of a hotel or the paris tower or something at night. one of my favorite sites of all time is the Vegas lights. complete opposite of a natural beauty (grand canyon, etc) but it is amazing still.
6) i dont drink myself but remember at the casinos your drinks are free (but tip well) when gambling. go easy on them anyway; its too easy to lose a lot of cash quick there when youre drunk.
7) if youve got the cash, there are places you can rent high end sport cars (vipers, corvettes, etc). some are on a track that you can let loose on; others are actual car rental places, but usually just for an hour or two (unless youre willing to pay more). remember: driving is insane there, and you wont want/need to drive much, so this is kinda for the person that has done everything and wants something different. but if it floats your boat, go for it.
8) there are a LOT of shopping places that are exotic (IE, shops in the Paris). get something expensive (and i mean no matter what youre looking at in these shops, it will be expensive) as a keepsake...not some lame snowglobe. youll always remember and love it. and speaking of paris (ive never even stayed there, yet, lol!) they have some great dessert shops, too. but im sure there are ton of dessert shops around besides those (plus the good stuff at the buffets).
Ok, hope that helps. my wife and i went for the weekend on valentines in '04 (my first time in vegas), and the weekend after we got married and for christmas that year. like i said, budget early, make plans for somet activities but be very flexible for most of the time. have fun!
Visit the Rio and see their Mardi Gras parade with floats suspended from the ceiling and enjoy their HUGE buffet. Wear your walking shoes. See the Fremont Street experience at night. Lots of great free shows and lounge shows to see.
