Fun and entertainment Las Vegas

Timetable

Las Vegas is very much a nightlife, but since the Covid-19 pandemic many establishments have changed their hours due to a lack of manpower.

Mostrestaurants close around midnight in the casinos. Some, however, offer 24-hour service. Outside casinos, closing times vary widely, from 9pm to 11pm. Beware, as Americans tend to eat early, and restaurants are often fully booked around 6pm-7pm.

Bars have very different opening hours to restaurants. Many bars are open 24 hours a day, especially if they have a gaming area. Most offer a happy hour around 4pm-7pm.

Nightclubs generally open at 10pm, closing at 4am on weekends. Customers generally come between 10pm and 1am, which are the busiest hours. Some establishments are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Budget & Tips

With so many tourists, Las Vegas can quickly become an expensive destination, especially on the Strip. All forms of payment are accepted, and you should never forget thetips, which represent between 15 and 22% of the total bill.

In Nevada, the tax (equivalent to VAT) is set at 8.375% of the total purchase price. For restaurants, remember to calculate the tip on the amount before tax and not on the total amount.

For shows, there are kiosks on the Strip (near the Fashion Show Mall, for example) offering discounts. Some of these may be worthwhile, while others are clearly not, as they concern minor shows that don't attract the crowds.

All forms of payment are accepted for your purchases. Many establishments also offer payment by telephone.

To be booked

In Las Vegas, reservations have become almost mandatory for restaurants and shows.

Restaurants. The big restaurants on the Strip are very busy, and without a reservation you risk not getting a table. For the others, simply go to the reception desk, where you'll be given a list of available seats. If you don't have a reservation, you may have to wait 30 minutes or more, depending on how busy it is.

Shows. Reservations are required for all shows at casinos and other establishments. To do so, visit the casino or show websites. Some casinos also have a kiosk where you can buy tickets.

Nightclubs. There are many different ways to get into a Las Vegas nightclub. You can always try to get in line, but it's risky. It's better to buy your ticket in advance or reserve a table ("bottle service"). The latter solution guarantees you a seat, but it's very expensive (between US$350 and US$800, depending on the establishment).

Night transport

To get home from a night out, it's very easy to pick up a cab or VTC. But beware of certain times, especially Friday and Saturday evenings. Due to the influx of tourists, it can be very difficult to find a cab or a VTC. Our advice: don't hesitate to book your means of transport in advance. That way, you won't have to wait tens of minutes or even an hour.

The Monorail. The 7-station Monorail links Sahara Las Vegas to the MGM Grand. It runs all year round from 7 a.m. to midnight on Mondays, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. from Tuesday to Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. from Friday to Sunday. A trip costs US$6 (US$5.50 in paperless version) and the 24-hour Pass is sold for US$15 (US$13.45).

Public transport. The RTC network operates until 1:30 a.m. on average, depending on the line. At night, the buses are fairly safe, given the number of journeys made during the year, but we still advise against taking them.

Age restrictions

Some shows refuse to accept children over a certain age, even when accompanied by an adult. In such cases, this is clearly indicated on the website of the organizing establishment. The opposite is also true, as some attractions, such as those at The Strat, are forbidden to children under 52 inches (132 cm) and 48 inches (121 cm).

Entrance to discos and clubs is forbidden to under-21s. If in doubt about a customer's age, proof of identity will be required. Please note that some establishments (e.g. Circa) prohibit entry to under-21s.

What's very local

Dresscode in Las Vegas... It all depends on where you're going for lunch, dinner or a party. Usually, all you have to do is visit the establishment's website, and you'll find all the information you need to avoid being turned away at the door. In many cases, you'll simply be asked to dresscasually, even if some restaurants require you to wear a jacket. Here's how to achieve the perfect look for any occasion.

Hotel-casino. Dress codes in Las Vegas vary from hotel to hotel. During the day, the rules for men and women are pretty much the same. Shorts or jeans, blouses, sports shirts with collars and tasteful T-shirts are all acceptable. Of course, clothes must be clean and neat. In the evening, dress becomes a little more formal. Shorts are out. Jeans, pants, blouses, skirts, dresses, button-down shirts, jackets and, of course, suits are perfectly appropriate. These are broad guidelines, as most casinos don't have a specific dresscode.

Nightclubs. These establishments often apply a dress code that's best respected to avoid being refused entry. Generally speaking, shorts, torn clothing, sneakers, flip-flops and T-shirts are forbidden. If you must wear a collarless shirt, such as a t-shirt or pullover, dress it up with a jacket. Dresses, skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, pants, jeans and jackets are all acceptable.

Restaurants. With the exception of a few (Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand or Picasso at the Bellagio), high-end restaurants rarely require you to wear a jacket. Otherwise, most other fine restaurants require "casual" attire. This means wearing jeans or pants, a button-down shirt with long or short sleeves and closed-toe shoes. Women usually wear a dress or skirt.

Shows. For shows, dress is casual and there is no specific dress code. The only thing you'll need is a jacket or sweater to keep out the cold. Indeed, as in the casinos, it can get cold.

Walk around. It's up to you, but in summer, it's best to wear shorts. On the other hand, avoid flip-flops if you want to walk the Strip. Choose sandals instead, so your feet don't get too sore. As for the rest, it all depends on the season. You may even need to wear a down jacket in winter. Yes, Las Vegas is in the middle of the desert, and it can get cold.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in almost all Las Vegas establishments, with the exception of casino gaming areas, on the terraces of a few establishments and in specific areas to be indicated. Today, several major hotel-casinos (including the MGM Grand) have banned smoking once and for all.