Metropolitan Las Vegas is relatively safe, especially with bike police monitoring the Strip and downtown. Parents should be aware of an enforced nighttime Strip curfew for those age 18 and younger: Beginning at 10 pm Sunday-Thursday, midnight on Friday and Saturday, youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.
Casino security staffers (and all-seeing video cameras) make casinos very safe, though pickpockets know that people who have had too many free drinks may be careless with their wallets and purses. Packed Strip buses and jammed crowds at the pirate show are two good places to be hyperaware of your wallet or purse. Be alert on the Strip and the airport, as well, for snatch thieves, who grab purses and coin buckets from inattentive gawkers; they also prey on zoned-out slot and video-poker players.
People may be more vulnerable to violent and property crimes in less-trafficked areas of the city—for example, in the streets off Fremont Street and to the east of Las Vegas Boulevard (downtown) and in some areas of west Las Vegas (between Bonanza and Carey, from the railroad tracks to Rancho).
There is a high incidence of pedestrians getting hit by cars on the Strip from the driver or pedestrian being distracted by the visuals. Never jaywalk to cross a street and when driving, pay special attention to the road.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't call the Elvis look-alikes impersonators: They're tribute artists.
Don't expect to pick up a ticket for a hit show or get a reservation in a celebrity restaurant when you arrive. Many sell out far in advance, so book as soon as you have your travel dates. You can check the half-price ticket outlets on the Strip to see if they have any last-minute deals for performances.
Do pack something warm if you plan to venture outdoors on a winter night, when temperatures can plunge below freezing. You will also need warm clothing if you plan to spend much time in casinos in the summer. When it's 110 F/43 C outside, the indoor temperature is set to "Arctic chill."
Do pack comfortable footwear. You can walk for miles/kilometers without leaving your hotel, and it's often quicker to walk along the Strip than wait in line for a taxi or to get your car from the ever-busy valet parking.
Don't leave Las Vegas without sampling a 99-cent shrimp cocktail at the Golden Gate, eating at a buffet, and having your photo taken in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the south Strip. If you gamble, be sure to sign up for a players club card.
Do venture beyond the Strip. There is a lot more to Las Vegas than casino row.
Do figure out your gambling limit in advance. It's easy to get carried away once you hit the casino floor.
