[AJohnston_STL]

We'll be staying at the Bellagio, and I am attending a conference by day. We would like our schedule to be packed every night from 5 to midnight or so. I am 23 and my wife is 21. We aren't really big drinkers, but I'm sure we'll have a drink or two while we are in town. As you can tell by my questions, we are going on a budget. My company will be paying for all of my food, hotel expenses, and my air fare, but everything my wife does and eats will be on us.

- I've read that food is cheap in Vegas, but cheap is relative; what does "cheap" mean?
- Where should I go to do some small-time gambling? By small time I mean $50 or so; we aren't gamblers, but want to hit a casino. We have quite a few casinos in St. Louis, but I've never even been to one of them. I feel like it's a necessity to do at least some in LV
- I've heard of the burlesque shows in LV, and I think my wife and I would enjoy it; what are some of the more popular but relatively inexpensive ones? Do I need tickets in advance or are they at the door?
- Are there any other shows you would recommend? Tickets at door or in advance?
- Any other activities you would recommend? Tickets at door or in advance?
- Will we have to leave the strip for anything, or is it all basically walkable from the Bellagio? Is there shopping on the strip as well, or is it all casinos and shows?

Thank you in advance for any and all replies, we truly appreciate it.

[airics]

if you want the bargains (cheap food and gambling), you will need to go to freemont street....

[AJohnston_STL]

How far is that?

[RedRockAAAA]

If you're truly on a budget, meaning money is tight, most things will be too expensive. Your $50 for gambling could be gone in 30 minutes as that's only $25 each. From the Bellaggio you can do some waliking to see the sights that are close. I would suggest you use the Duece bus service and travel the strips length at least one night. I'm not sure about night time, but a day pass is cheap and you get on and off as much as you wish. That allows you to visit the entire strip without walking yourself to death or taking a taxi. You will want to see the majors...excuse spelling...Venetian, Pellazio, Caesars, Paris and any others that catch your eye...oh and the volcano at Treasure Island is working again. The Duece will take you all of the way to Freemont Street as mentioned above. Its not that great, but we all must say we have been there. While there go to Binions any time of the day for Las Vegas's best breakfast measured by quality and price. Make that one of your dinners, if you wish.

Las Vegas is not really a "budget" city anymore for most of us mortals. Buffets can run $17 to $35 each for dinner unless you can find 2 for 1 specials. The shows range from $50 per to $500 per. Do a lot of online research before leaving home and have a general plan. You'll see more and spend less. Don't hesitate to ask over and over again all of your hotel staff where the best deals are. You may stumble onto a real deal as they hear about last minute stuff.

We haven't done any burlesque shows, but again...online search. As mentioned here before there is a stripper/pole dancer class your wife can take, but you'll need to find it online to get up to date pricing and scheduling.

There are a lot of things to see for free if you like walking/sightseeing...look for aquariums, gondollas indoors at the Venetian, the volcano, Bellaggio's fountains, gardens, the MandM store, NASCAR restaurant etc. Good luck and Have Fun!

[lvkewlkid]

there's at least 4 malls on the Strip and food isn't really cheap anymore on the Strip...

[AJohnston_STL]

Thanks for all your help everyone. Any more suggestions from other lurkers would be appreciated!

[airics]

downtown freemont is a must (10 minutes), $50 could be one pull at the Bellagio, the volcano is at the Mirage, not Treasure Island. Treasure Island has the pirate show.. So.... check out the conservatory and fountains at bellagio, the volcano at the Mirage, the pirate show at Treasure Island, the Experience at freemont street, the rollercoasters (depending on temps) at sahara and NYNY, the big shot, teetertaughter ride (can't remember the name), and insanity (i dare you to ride this one) at the stratosphere... if you have a car, go to lake las vegas and the hoover dam.

[airics]

food is cheap in vegas = well not really on the strip... a good buffet is going to set u back 15$, a very good $25, and a great buffet (bellagio, wynn) $35
alcohol is expensive on the strip ($6-8 beers if not more), with $25 each, i doubt you will get a free anything gambling...
if you wish to try your luck, check out oshea's on the strip $5 blackjack

[jfkIII]

JMO....what the OP is asking/looking for is usually found off The Strip.

[airics]

as for shows, go to half price tickets (they are located by the m&m store on the strip) on the day of the show... alot of shows are discounted... even with the discounts, you can expect to pay around 30$ for a basic show... a highline show (phantom, beatles love, etc) will run you 75 or more with the discount.