Travel Series - The Truth About Las Vegas
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2024
- Las Vegas, a vast, surreal party town in the middle of the desert.. I am not a fan of big cities, gambling or getting crazy drunk. So did I enjoy myself? What are the pitfalls? Is it safe? Is it expensive? Hopefully I give you a flavour of the place after visiting many times myself..
I moved to Las Vegas from Colorado about 5 months ago. I'm a construction inspector so I spend a lot of time driving around and seeing the city, as well as talking to a lot of people who have lived here a lot longer than myself. Here's a few things I've learned / noticed:
There are tons of homeless everywhere although I have been told it's nothing compared to Cali; compared to Colorado it's a lot. I was downtown on main street and went east one day and encountered an entire community of homeless people for like a quarter mile.
A coworker who has lived in Vegas his entire life and whose dad is a police officer told me crime is rampant in Vegas and there are crimes on the strip every day that get covered up because it would be bad for tourism, so they get minimal coverage from the media. Just because you're on the strip doesn't mean you're safe. He also told me something about they try to displace the crime by putting a Section 8 in every neighborhood, so even if you're staying in a nicer area of town it doesn't mean it's safe at night. Off the strip he told me to stay away from South Fort Apache Road as a lot of crime happens over there.
Drivers suck. I work with a guy who lived in New York a large portion of his life and he said Vegas has worse drivers. His explanation is that it is worse because a large portion of people are drunk and on vacation so they are more careless than in other big cities. I have also been told in the last 5 years the city has grown tremendously and traffic rarely used to be an issue, so if it's been awhile since you've been here you might be in for a rude awakening.
Majority of the smaller places off the strip like gas stations don't have public restrooms because of the homeless population, or are only for paying customers. If you need to go somewhere check your GPS for grocery stores near you like Walmart or Smith's or hardware stores like Lowe's and Home Depot.
I've been approached a few times on the strip from hustlers, but not that much. I don't make eye contact and oftentimes strategically maneuver / travel right behind or within other groups of people as I'm passing these people, although I usually travel by myself so it's easy to do so this way. If you're with a larger group, you'll probably just have to politely decline. I notice they tend to approach the families and couples more than anybody else.
I like good food, and the scene here is crazy. There is so much competition that a lot of restaurants off the strip have competitively-priced lunch specials. A few of the best places worth checking out are Marsigliano's Pizzeria & More(pizza is pretty good, but this place has the best philly sandwich and cheesecake I've ever had), Piesano East Coast Pizza(best pizza and garlic knots in Vegas so far), Fat Moe's Pizza & Wings(pretty much everything here is great but the burger, philly, wings, and quesadilla stand out), Boxers Pizza & Sandwich Shop(still trying out the menu but they have amazing burgers and everything else so far has been just ok), Winnie & Ethel's Downtown Diner(mac and cheese, dessert, French toast stand out), Mom's Kitchen(nachos, burgers and chipotle shrimp pasta - the pasta was one of the best pastas I've ever had).
This guy mentions Tacos El Gordo, but it is overrated. There is a place less than 500 feet away called Tacos El Pastor which always has only a fraction of the customers. Both restaurants have many of the same meats, and I have been there three times first trying out 2-3 tacos at Tacos El Gordo then immediately after going to Tacos El Pastor and getting the same 2-3 tacos. Every time Tacos El Pastor has had better tasting food, and I am eating it when I am not as hungry. The employees at Tacos El Gordo are so overworked trying to satisfy an endless line of people I think the food quality suffers because of it. At this point I think it is only visited so much because people see it has 14k+ reviews on Google and want to say they've been there. Tacos El Gordo has a few other locations around Vegas, but I haven't been to those so the other locations might be better.
On the strip, the best pizza I have had is Secret Pizza in The Cosmopolitan although their Sicilian pizza sucks. On the other side of the main strip in Fontainebleau Miami Slice is pretty good although I have gotten varying quality. The first two times I went there the slices were a little dryer than I would have liked, but I went at opening time about a week ago and it was cooked perfectly. Sirrico's Pizza at NYNY has my favorite Sicilian pizza so far. Like he said in the video, Evel Pie on the Fremont strip is pretty decent too.
Thanks! Great info. I will check some out in January!!
As someone who lives in Las Vegas, do not stay at any off-strip hotel that is anywhere near the strip itself. The strip is pretty safe, the blocks around the strip are sketchy. The strip resorts are more expensive, but they are very nice, have tons of security and are very safe. The ones which are farther out like Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch or Durango are just as nice as the strip hotels but not in walking distance to it and not full of tourists. Also nothing in Vegas is free, if anybody tries to hand you anything just politely say no. And there is a LOT to do in the Vegas area without spending your entire stay on the strip.
Spot on.
Imagine the amount of psychological studies casinos have done over the years to get people to spend more and more. They'll implement anything, even if it's a miniscule chance of an increase in spending, they're making sure they have the edge.
Once again, you really are the bloke I'd just love to sit down at a bar with. The way you come across is very genuine and we all know you're just being yourself. One thing which you have assured me in the fact that once leaving a bar with a 20 plus yo lovely looking coulered woman ( are we even allowed to say that these days) walked across the road and having a snog with her finally realised She will rob you, it was an instinct.
I only went to Vegas once. That was enough to convince me to never go back. 🥴
That was great on lots of levels . 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
I used to be a prominent critic of Vegas, but now that I am older, my opinion has changed slightly. There are increasing efforts to separate gambling from convention attendees and tourists, especially since cigarette smoking is almost taboo. If you stay sober, do not gamble, and avoid illegal or dodgy activities, you can easily have a great time there, including with the family. There are numerous shows and fun things to do there. Because there are so many magic, music, and other types of shows, the prices can be very reasonable. The same is true for eating out. Using your Google/shopping skills, you can find bargains in shows, hotel rooms, and restaurants.
Completely agree.
I agree with your take on the LV airport. I went in March and even with some construction going on it was clean and quiet. That airport has moving people and planes down to an art.
Yes it is really strange coming from awful heathrow to chilled vegas!
I went to Vegas once in 1998. Stayed in the former Riviera Hotel. I won $650 on the Keno game sitting at the bar. A showgirl and an armed guard turned up at the bar to give me the winnings.
There's a monorail that runs the length of the strip about 4 miles or so. It's a block off the strip and of course you have to go through a casino at every stop and it doesn't connect to the airport but it can still save you some walking.
Excellent video as always... Keep them coming❤
Thanks!
A lot of people outside of the United States do not realize Las Vegas Nevada is a short drive from Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles, California has an out of control street gang problem. So tons of criminals from Los Angeles go to Las Vegas. Not only to commit crimes, but also to party. I have never been to Las Vegas because I’m from New Jersey and Atlantic City is 40 minutes from my house.
I lived in Vegas as well as have been many times and this is a better guide than I could make. Love the videos this channel is gonna really explode in the near future I think.
Awesome! Thank you!
I’m not a gambler, and I drink very little, so Vegas has little appeal to me. But IMO the best things in Vegas are the top name stage shows. Decades ago I saw Diana Ross, Ella Fitzgerald, Liberace, and Buddy Hackett there.
I love the travel series man keep it up!
I've been there a few times and three days is what I'd recommend. Also, see the shows they're fantastic.
Cirque du Soliel Mystere is my favorite. The shows are not cheap, but you'll be happy afterwards.
Great stories!
Glad you like them!
Wow, you really do give the best travel advice.
Glad you think so!
You almost make Las Vegas sound like a place I might want to go...almost.
Las Vegas is on my bucket list. Not a gambler but just want to see the spectacle and experience the place. Thanks for the advice man.
Have fun!
I heard huffing ether really adds to the whole experience
@KristianWontroba half the entertainment is just walking around the strip. You will see the most astonishing things and it is completely free
@@CarlosPEnis A gonzo vacation! 😅
@@tomdebevoise Cool! 😊
The Mirage is a great place to stay. Good one, keep em coming!
I like it. Might be my favourite!
Mirage is no longer. closing down this week.
Used to go to LV every Jan for the Consumer Electronics Show - Damn does it get cold at night in LV at that time of year . I found my Aussie accent was also good for getting out of a pickle - they all wanted to talk about Crocodile Dundee 🤣🤣 - One time these two gang bangers I was talking to were boasting about their records - One nonchalantly pulled out an S & W snub nose .38 in nickel - my heart went to my throat - but thank God all he wanted to do was show it to me ! Scary shit 😮
I worked in america in a 24hr gas station doing the nightshift (which I only found out after is one of the most dangerous jobs out there) a lot of gang members would come in and they used to all be really cool with me when they heard the accent im pretty sure it bamboozled them 😂
English accent is like a get out of muder free card 😅
Here in Canada, trips to Vegas are a very common thing. I've never been but I'd like to go check it out at least once. I've heard there are some good restaurants there.
@@agentm83 The food is unreal. Worth the trip just for that!
@thatgearguy i like Casino buffets, like i know you can probably get better quality at a made-to-order restaurant but it's nice to be able to go through and get 8 different types of cusine and like a dozen little deserts, it's an experience for sure and I haven't even been to Vegas. Your hotel experience reminds me of my one night stay in Memphis a few years back. I said something stupid out loud because I was tired of the coked up couple arguing next door and it turned into a standoff between two "Memphis" people, both armed and coked up with hurt egos 😂
@@CarlosPEnis That sounds worse than my experience!
@@thatgearguy I would not recommend it. I was just passing through but I guess I should've kept driving
Quality content. Keep it coming.
Thanks, will do!
Did you manage to get any range time in? If so how would you rate the experience - any particular places you would recommend and indications as to pricing would be appreciated.
@@disrealnow9664 I did but it was on the defence industry side for work. I have not experienced any civillian stuff in Vegas. All I know about it is that it is comparitively cheap compared to what you would pay in the UK. And of course you can use numerous semi and full auto systems that are not available for civvy use here.
I'm curious as to the security side, heard some bizarre tales.
At around 28:55…look for the sign ‘350 lbs eats free”…..like giving alcohol to a drunk person
Oh for real. They have a giant scale in the street. We had a go but we needed two of us to qualify!
Heck, I’d rather take my tactical blade and go find some cactus to eat down in Arizona!
Lol 50. He was calling you hawaii 5 0. A cop!
He said "we both fifty".. Was he a cop!
A great summary, I agree with all points (have been to Vegas about 6 times now including Shot Show). The only thing I would take issue with is costs; Vegas is SCANDALOUSLY expensive now, I'd argue one of the most expensive places on earth. You can talk about "value" I suppose, but it becomes draining sticking your hand in your pocket for for a minimum of $20 no matter what you're buying. Between tipping, taxes, resort fees, overpriced takeout food and drink, Ubers and taxis (which have doubled in 6-7 years), Vegas is not somewhere to go on a budget. All that said, I can't wait to go back. But it certainty is not good value; but where else is there like Vegas?
Have you been to London or Paris? It is probably better value!
Would love your viewpoint on the Trump thing, no politics, strictly from a security standpoint.
I was actually going to do that tomorrow!
@@thatgearguy I wouldn't bother, there are thousands of fat/skinny COD gamers staying in their Mums basement that have broken it all down in fastidious detail and then offering a completly new, groundbreaking set of TTP's that will prevent this ever again.
Get me tekos n bea 🌮😂🍺
Street food aka flies and the Earth Kitts
Yeah i did 3 weeks there in the forces, Nellis AFB is nearby.....and a holiday later..it is a cool place and no where like it on earth......for a brit though just beware every fucker has a gun....bouncers, taxi drivers etc etc....and theyll happily brandish it for you😂 go see the Grand Canyon when youre there too
what a terrible life being paid to go to shot!!!! love it mate
Doesn’t that English accent bring a lot of cache all over America? I had a pal, from Wales actually, kind of a Joe average, but he just attracted women and good will just by opening his mouth anywhere he went, restaurants, bars, just out shopping, it was actually good to hang around with him just because of the spillover and association
Ha! Yes it does seem to work. I would often just start talking and Americans would be all "oh your accent is so nice!".. "Do you have many old buildings near your house?" "Have you met the Queen?" 😅🤣😂
back to London, bellend
Oisin needs to pay Ratso immediately
Hey Mate, I live in Vegas. Next time you
Are in town let me know and I'll fix you
Up with everything at a super discount
Price. I'm a retired real estate broker from
Laguna Beach. I Enjoy your channel. Mark
I appreciate that Mark. I will be over in January. No need for any discounts but I will buy you a coffee and have a chat about Vegas!
Thank god I'm not a gambler.
Would rather have surgery with a butter knife than visit Lost Wages.
14:18 hahahahaha!!
Step one: Travel to Blackpool.
Step two: Encounter colorful local characters interested in spicy Interaction. Deploy posh American accent to difuse tension.
Step three: ????
Step four: Profit?
😄
@@sapientquanta759 step three: Realise you are outside a Yates bar and a tramp is trying to sell you some Ket.
@@thatgearguy Nah, the southdown, buy in store 🙂
Out of my league. Stand up gents, such as yourself, keeping the cousins on point. Well done.
the Truth...Nevada is running out of water! No amount of bling is gonna make more groundwater! just sayin'.....
@@antoniiocaluso1071 Well I will not be moving there anytime soon!
They’ll figure out how to recirculate pee, add booze to it, and sell it for $15/glass as “Genuine Vegas Moonshine.”
Can you smoke weed on the casino floor?
No, but you can easily get away with a 510 of LR 👌
Las Vegas has nothing for me.
I like that this guy goes to sh#@@y places and reports about them, so I don't have to visit myself.
Well that is one way of looking at it!