Honest Thoughts on Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, such a touristy yet fun place to travel to. Anyone, whether you’re into gambling or outdoor activities, can have a good time in Vegas. But is it worth the time? Does it live up to all the hype? Well, after spending a 4 day trip here back in July of 2021, I have a few thoughts on Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is Very Busy
Las Vegas is a very busy city. It’s not a very quiet place by any means of the definition. It reminded me of Times Square in the sense that there’s a lot of people from different backgrounds, all packed into one place. Unless it was 6am, there was usually a lot of people out on the street.
Now, depending on the type of person you are, this may be a good or a bad thing. For me personally, I absolutely LOVE this type of environment. As a person whose a native to New York City, I love and thrive in a bustling city. I am not the biggest fan of small, quiet cities. Cities like Salt Lake City, although have awesome views, are too quiet for me. There doesn’t seem to be as much to see and do as I’d like there to be, but overall not a bad place. It’s just not my vibe. I need a big city with lots of variety and things to do. For me, Vegas was it!
There’s something about the hustle and bustle of a city. It makes me feel alive. I know it sounds strange but to me, this is my happy place. The crowds are a bit annoying at times, don’t get me wrong. Even a city girl like myself gets tired of crowds from time to time.
However, at the end of the day, a busy city is where I like to be. If you’re not into cities, or at least, very loud and busy cities like Vegas, then this isn’t the place for you.
It’s Somewhat Dirty
To be completely honest, Vegas is not very cleanly. You will find trash on the sidewalks, spilled drinks, dried throw up on the ground, and other garbage. Although, when I went on my day trip to the Grand Canyon and had to be on the bus by 6:20am, I did see people cleaning the streets and using power washers to get the crud off the sidewalks.
This is good to know, because at least they take the time and energy, while there are no crowds, to clean the sidewalks. Unfortunately, that doesn’t last long because as it gets more crowded, it gets dirtier. I know there are cleaner places out there but Vegas isn’t one of them.
For me, personally, it wasn’t as dirty as New York City, so that’s a plus. When I was walking around the strip, I did notice the garbage and whatnot on the sidewalk. However, it really didn’t consume me and I didn’t pay much attention to it. But when I had garbage in my hand, I always waited until I saw a trash can to throw it away.
I guess I’m used to seeing trash on the the ground, basically dirty sidewalks altogether. That’s what I saw in Brooklyn and NYC in general growing up, so seeing it in other cities doesn’t really surprise me or gross me out too much. When you have a densely populated area, with some people who don’t take the time to keep the sidewalks clean, you will get some dirty cities.
Variety of Things to See and Do
One of the best things I loved about Vegas was the variety of things to see and do. The plethora of activities (both indoor and outdoor), events, shows, tours, casinos and hotels is amazing. It’s crazy to think there’s so much just packed into an area that’s in the middle of the desert.
When you’re looking to visit a city, you may be looking for different things such as the overall environment, activities around, views, you get the idea. With Las Vegas, you’re getting all of that. Lovely mountains in the distance, tons of things to do, it makes for a great trip.
I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of activities to do in Las Vegas. I know Vegas is known for the casinos and gambling, yet there’s so much more to it than that. There’s a lot of outdoor activities like hiking and going on ATVs outside of Vegas. But there’s also indoor activities and Exhibitions, shows, tours, and more!
I was so happy to find such a nice mix of things to see and do both in Vegas and outside it. I believe that makes for a good trip because you have options to choose from. If you’re looking for a city with awesome activities, Vegas is your go to place.
Vegas is Expensive
Of course, this didn’t really surprise me that much but it still hurts on the wallet. Las Vegas is very expensive but that’s how some cities are. I feel that some of the prices for simple things like waters were so overpriced, it’s honestly ridiculous.
Even though I knew Vegas was expensive, it still hurt on the inside to see the dollar bills start to add up. Although we did save a bit of money here and there, such as utilizing the free shuttles from our resort and buying some snacks to take with us throughout the day, activities, food, souvenirs and whatnot are so expensive.
For the activities, shows and tours we did, I think most of it was worth it. Others, like The Hunger Games Exhibition at MGM, really wasn’t worth the $30 we paid. For such a small exhibition that you could honestly get through in about 45 minutes tops, it was underwhelming. The cool thing about that activity was the archery game where you fired arrows, other than that, very overpriced for something so small.
Las Vegas is a Walkable Place
I loved how walkable Las Vegas was. Although it was super hot when I went back in July of 2021, it was pleasant to just walk around the strip. Walking is the best way of exploring an area, especially a city. That’s how you find cool things and meet some very interesting people.
Not to mention that I love walking around, especially in cities, I found Vegas to be a cool place to walk around. It’s even better at night. Everything is lit up, crowds still present even after 10pm, establishments are still open, your walking adventure can continue even into the evening.
If you’re into walking around and seeing what Vegas has to offer, then this is for you! Walkable cities, like Vegas, with things in close proximity to one another are my favorite cities of all.
Loved the Vibe
The vibe in Las Vegas was pretty cool, chill and fun at certain times. There always seemed to be something going on, people laughing and having a good time, just overall a fun experience. Especially when my friend Steph and I walked down Fremont St. in the evening, everyone was there to have a good time without any worries or stress.
The vibe in Vegas didn’t make me feel bad, sad, or feel like an outcast. I get that vibe from certain cities but not from Vegas. The diversity of its residents and tourists made me feel like I was back in NYC, at home. Vegas made me feel happy and excited, because you never knew what you were going to see or do next. It made Steph and I happy and a bit spontaneous as well. Such a cool feeling to have.
My Overall Impression
Overall, I had a very good impression of Vegas. Everything from the vibe to the activities and sights made me happy and alive. I looked forward to each day with a new activity, places to visit and things to see. You can go back to Vegas multiple times and have completely different experiences each time! That’s how expansive and diverse Vegas is, and Steph and I both agreed on that.
Although this isn’t to say that there weren’t things I didn’t like about Vegas. Such as how dirty it was or how expensive it was. Yet, I found that the negatives didn’t really outweigh the positives for me. I’d like to think that I’m a very chill, sometimes go with the flow, type of person. Because I grew up in a city environment, there really isn’t a whole lot that surprises me or makes me dislike a location. I mean, if you grew up in NYC like myself, you’ve seen everything and nothing would surprise you either.
Las Vegas was definitely a great place with a good vibe, and I’d definitely go back to visit either with friends or solo. I’d try new activities, tours, and maybe see some different shows. I’d also like to try to do more outdoor activities that are outside of Vegas as well.
At the end of the day, this is based on my experience and perspective of Vegas. I know there are others out there with different views and experiences. Some other really don’t like Vegas and wouldn’t go back, and that’s a valid point as well. But for me, I loved Vegas and I can’t wait to return in the future!
Yeah, Las Vegas is definitely it’s own thing. People seem to either love it or hate it. Especially the strip itself. Having spent a couple of years playing a weekly residency gig in Vegas, I’m a bit indifferent to it. But I think everyone should visit at least once for the experience. It does have a lot to offer, but in it’s own Vegas-way. It’s not like visiting most other cities. Personally, I like downtown Vegas better than the strip – more character IMO. And there’s lots of cool stuff just on the outskirts of town too!
Love to hear your opinion on Vegas based on your experience and gig. It is definitely a love or hate thing but should be experienced at least once. I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience it, thank you for reading my post!
Las Vegas has always been a bit of enigma to me. I usually hate crowded, unkept, loud cities, despite being a city kid myself. All those copies of Venice buildings and the Eiffel Tower when the real thing is much better always seemed weird to me. However I have also always wanted to experience the different feel this city has compared to any other and the way they make it commercially succesful. It’s a love it or hate city I think. I’m interested to get there one day to see which way I take it. I have friends who love and others who hate it so I must try it for meyself. I appreciate your honest opinion on it – very refreshing to read,
I agree, the real buildings are much better in person. Vegas is such a vibe and people either love or hate it. And there’s lots to do both in Vegas and outside of it as well. I hope you get the chance to experience it for yourself! Thank you for reading, I try my best to keep it real
Vegas has never been a place I have wanted to visit and I think this is because of how it is portrayed in movies. You mentioned that it is busy and this is another reason why it’s not on my list. I love controlled noise and crowds. I’m too much of a rural/countryside girl. I enjoyed this breakdown of your post.
Yeah, it’s not always portrayed in a positive light in movies and the media. It’s such a vibe but people either love or hate it. Thank you for reading the post!
I used to love Vegas, but now I can’t imagine going back. I think I’m mostly over the crowds and the filth. Staying mostly in these past two years, I think I have just reevaluated the type of experiences I want to have at this point in my life (& w/ 3 kids).
I understand, it gets to be overwhelming and just exhausting at times. Especially with kids, really have to pick and choose the types of places they visit.
I feel its definitely worth a visit….just to get the feel…its something no one can explain…you have to experience it. I have blogged on my Vegas experiences too..do check it out
https://travel-along.in/
I absolutely agree, you have to visit for yourself!
Vegas may be dirty, expensive and busy but I love it! This blog has made me miss it. May look into a trip soon thanks to this….
I love that someone else feels the same way! It has its flaws but it’s still awesome to visit! I hope you get to visit soon!
I LOVED VEGAS 🥰🥰🥰
Is so awesome, isn’t it!?
It really is. So full of life. I would love to return one day to visit the old Vegas 🙏🏼
I agree! I hope you get to soon!
Favorite place to go on vacation, no doubt.
You’re totally right about the walking. Even in the heat, there are so many places to step in and get out of the heat that it is pretty doable, if you can tolerate heat and are mobile.
Of course, gotta have plenty of f water with you, but it can be a lot of fun! Great write up!
Absolutely, it’s so important to stay hydrated out there. But it’s such a cool place, I’d definitely go back there again! Thank you for reading the post!