WHAT happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas – right? Wrong.
A local taxi driver gave me a piece of wisdom: the only thing that stays in Vegas is the money you spend there. So it’s best to spend it wisely.
Las Vegas can be hard on your wallet but if you make the right blow-the-budget choices, while also finding cheaper or even free things to do, you can have the experience without going into the red.
It isn’t just a city, it’s sensory overload sat in the middle of a desert with fine weather all year round.
If you want a full Vegas movie moment, you can’t beat a helicopter ride.
Flying over the Strip at night is just amazing and the experience starts from £74.
The city lights look insane, with the Sphere lit up below you and those legendary Vegas hotels buzzing with neon.
This is the kind of experience you’ll remember for ever and, with the money you’ve saved elsewhere, it’s a splurge that’s genuinely worth it.
For a slightly cheaper thrill, at £26 per person, the High Roller observation wheel is a must.
Do it at sunset to get the most incredible views, or at night to see the strip lit up in all its glory — and if you’re heading out after, you can opt for their Happy Half Hour, where cocktails are served to you on the big wheel.
The Neon Museum is also great value. You can stroll by a whole host of retired Vegas signs lit up and preserved.
From this month, there’s a new addition — a Formula 1 sign made for the inaugural 2023 event.
Catching a show at the astonishing Sphere will set you back £450 per person for decent seats.
But for a more intimate — and affordable — night out, The Party at Superfrico, in the Cosmopolitan hotel is perfect.
The two-hour show includes a live circus, burlesque and comedy acts, plus a glass of bubbly and a three-course dinner for £130 per person.
There are even things to do in Vegas that won’t cost you a penny.
The Bellagio fountains are an absolute must-see.
Exploring Fremont Street, the neon-drenched beating heart of Old Vegas, also costs nothing.
Famous for its cheap drinks, historic casinos and continuous outdoor party atmosphere, Fremont Street also has free live concerts, street performers and buskers.
That old-school charm abounds, too, at the Flamingo, one of the oldest hotels on the Strip.
And just when you think Vegas is all nights out, neon and noise, it pulls another card from the deck: The Valley of Fire.
As a keen hiker, this is one of the most stunning places I’ve been to.
A six-hour 4×4 Jeep trip with Love Hikes costs from just £74 per person.
You are surrounded by towering red rock formations on walking trails that make you feel like you stepped on to Mars.
Having worked up a hunger, it’s easy to also rack up high bills in Vegas’s fancy Michelin-starred joints. But there are value offerings, too.
If you want something quick and delicious, Tacos El Gordo is king. This family-owned chain has multiple locations across Las Vegas.
Melt-in-the-mouth meats are piled high on corn tacos, alongside chopped onions, coriander and a dollop of creamy guacamole sauce or salsa. And even better, they cost around £3 a piece. Three would easily make for a hearty meal.
Good Pie Pizza in the Arts District is another no-brainer for a quick slice that hits the spot. It costs from just £4.50 and is perfect to munch while you explore the local vintage shops and street art.
For brunch that feels like a meal and a show, Hash House A Go Go is great. Huge portions include their famous sage fried chicken and waffles. One plate easily feeds two, making this one of the best-value food options in town.
Kusa Nori at Resorts World was the ultimate plot twist. Forget overpriced hotel sushi, this place delivers super-fresh fish and huge portions. Or for even more savings, head to Happy Hour at the Bar and Lounge. from 4pm to 10pm. Sunday to Thursday. Enjoy sushi rolls and beers from £6.50.
And while you could quite easily not sleep while in Vegas, it is advised from time to time.
I split my stay between the Vdara hotel and the Conrad at Resorts World. These two hotels look like they belong in the movie Ocean’s Eleven, but don’t come with a crazy price tag.
Vdara is just off the Strip and, crucially, has no casino. It’s a lovely stay with great views, a gym, spa — and rooms that come with kitchenettes, which means you can save on breakfasts and snacks.
Conrad at Resorts World is a shiny, new and very Vegas hotel. Reminiscent of a shopping mall that decided to wear a tuxedo, it has slot machines, shops, a wellness centre, and a range of great restaur-ants, including Kusa Nori.
Book far enough in advance — midweek and in low-season between July and August and November and January — and you can snag rooms from just £46 a night.
Vegas will never be cheap but you can double the fun without going bust.