The bright lights and atmosphere of Las Vegas are a draw to all sorts of visitors and the city is an increasingly popular choice for groups for occasions such as stag weekends. There are ways that an adventure to Las Vegas can be affordable and a lot less expensive than you might have thought possible. It is also an easy to reach destination, with flights available from all major airports.

One little known fact about Las Vegas is that there are a surprising number of attractions that are cheap, or even completely free. One of the most famous and glamorous sights in the city is the Bellagio Fountain Show, which is on display every fifteen minutes and is truly spectacular. Unsurprisingly for a city that peddles glamour and oozes money, a great deal of money has been spent on  key areas, making them attractions in their own right. Places such as the Venetian feature reproductions of St Mark's Square and even the Grand Canal and are a spectacle to be enjoyed for free just by wandering through on foot. Window shopping also costs nothing and the air conditioning can be a welcome relief from the often extremely hot conditions.

There are lots of tricks to make your money go further when considering what attractions you might want to see and how to get to them. When seeking the best value, your hotel staff are your friends, as they will often know about exclusive discounts. Many hotels also have a voucher kiosk in the foyer that will have money-off coupons to many shows and attractions.

Transport is readily available in Las Vegas, with many attractions and hotels offering their own transfers, so it is well worth asking at your hotel on arrival. Car rental can be surprisingly cheap because there are so many suppliers and because of high demand. The monorail is quick, air-conditioned and convenient, but can be expensive for a single ride. A day ticket is much better value, so this is well worth investigating.

Of course, when planning stag weekends the excitement of gambling and live shows will appeal. Dress code is an important consideration, as the cost of investing in a new wardrobe might be off-putting. Dress codes vary, however and some casinos have lower standards than others. It is worth doing some research and asking hotel staff. A lot of hotels also include free drinks, but remember to tip the waitress a small amount each time or these privileges might be withdrawn.

Many shows in Las Vegas can seem expensive, but not if you look at the evening as a whole. Some entrance fees will include dinner and even a few drinks and so can work out relatively good value when compared with buying dinner and drinks separately. If you are travelling as a group, there may also be lucrative concessions, such as free tickets when purchasing a certain number. When these savings are spread among the group, the evening can become much cheaper.


There is no doubt that Las Vegas is an exciting destination and one where groups of friends are sure to have a memorable time. There are more than enough eye-popping sights and photo opportunities to make it a trip to remember. It is worth remembering, however, that gambling laws are strict and this does mean that some hotels will not entertain anyone under the age of 21.