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what are the "bad areas" to avoid for newbies?

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by nia, Sep 19, 2012.

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  1. nia

    nia Tourist

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    Not sure where this post should go.

    Inspired by another post...


    For us new LV travelers... what areas should we avoid when we are in Vegas? Is there places, stores, bars, streets??? We will be hitting the strip and Downtown. No car so all walking or bus.

    Thanks!!
     
  2. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

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    I would not walk from the Strip to downtown at night. The distance doesn't bother me (I've done it during the day), but it can be a bit sketchy at night. Otherwise, as long as you are on the Strip (at least between MB and Encore) you are pretty secure
     
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  3. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    For first time visitors, just stay on the Strip and when you are downtown, stay on Fremont St.
    Like in any big city, just be aware of your surroundings. If you use a little common sense, there's nothing to fret over.
     
  4. Candy Apple

    Candy Apple VIP Whale

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    Don't walk behind the Stratosphere . That's Naked City, a drug/crime infested area.
     
  5. Auggie

    Auggie Dovahkiin

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    This would be my advice as well.

    As long as you stay within those areas you will be fine... and for a first timer I wouldn't see any reason to go outside those areas as there is just so much to see and do and entertain yourself with within those areas.
     
  6. Smo

    Smo Mr. Las Vegas

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    Ditto!
    Night time around the outside of The STRAT is pretty ugly. :nono:

    Take the Deuce or SDX to go between downtown and the strip. Learn the bus stops and read the other threads about the bus. For $7 you get a 24 hour pass. I always use those when I fly there.

    As mentioned, watch your surroundings and be 'aware' of those around you. Keep your wallet and credit cards in the safe in your room, and keep your gambling money in your front pocket!

    Now you're all prepared to have a great and safe time in Vegas! :drunk:
     
  7. numeno

    numeno VIP Whale

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    Very simple

    - Don't go off the strip(MGM/NYNY down to Encore) onto a side street.

    - Stay underneath the canopy downtown in the evenings. If you are interested in more of the east fremont area, this should be fine as well. In general just go where there are people.

    - Don't walk to Strat at night. IMO don't walk anywhere North of Encore at night. Walking this during the day is fine(beyond it being hot out :) ).



    There are many exceptions to this. If you see many others walking somewhere, go ahead and join them. If in doubt, you can always take a cab. There is plenty to do just on the main strip + downtown that will get you interested enough to come back many times and explore more. :)
     
  8. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

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    Don't ever walk anywhere. Just take cabs. This is more laziness than safety.

    Don't ever stand at NYNY, look down the strip and see the Caesar's sign, and decide 'it's not that far...I know it's 105, but we can walk.' You can't. You'll die a miserable dehydrated death and lie there as porn slapper cards cover your body until you become one with the city.
     
  9. NickPapageorgio

    NickPapageorgio OG of the Sal Sagev Hotel

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    I kinda like that.....

    Nick:beer:
     
  10. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

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    Gotta admit, me too.
     
  11. joeynym

    joeynym Tourist

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    thanks fro the tips!!!!
     
  12. C0usineddie

    C0usineddie VIP Whale

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    Its not like you will be walking along and all of a sudden you are in the bad part of town.

    Obvioulsy there is no reason for you to be hanging around alleys and next to dumpsters.

    Just keep your head on a swivel and you will be fine.
     
  13. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Funny advice. But, we walk from NYNY, or even Mandalay Bay up to Caesars Palace often. Pace yourself, and stay inside if hot out. Only time we take cabs is high heels, or really late and we are tired.
     
  14. xmarksx

    xmarksx VIP Whale

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    I will provide input on the do not walk past the canopy, downtown, comment. I think it should read, do not walk past El Cortez.
     
  15. atom

    atom High-Roller

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    At the other end of the canopy (by the Plaza) it's also reasonably safe to walk on Main Street as far as Main Street Station. If you think it looks sketchy for some reason you can make most of the trip indoors by going through the Las Vegas Club, then crossing the street to the California. From there you can take the bridge (2nd floor) to MSS.

    My biggest tip: wear the most comfortable shoes you own.
     
  16. jrinct1

    jrinct1 VIP Whale

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    Probably the smartest advice. The off strip houses are kinda stand alone places( not including G.C Palms Rio ) so i wont consider them.
     
  17. nia

    nia Tourist

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    You guys rock!! Thanks so much for all the great info!!

    We will be going Downtown for Bike Week over the Weekend :) :)

    I am wondering where The Ellis Island area is??
     
  18. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    As others have posted, wherever you see significant activity, you should be 'ok'... when you're downtown, be aware that in the early-morning hours, after everything has died down, the pan-handlers have more of a presence...expect to be hit up for "spare change" or a cigarette...
    The walk to El Cortez can feel a bit uneasy if it's after 2AM or so... otherwise, you'll always have plenty of company on that stroll...same thing with walking to MSS or California.

    Also, just my personal opinion, I would avoid Circus-Circus...last time I was there, (about 4 years ago) it had a very uncomfortable vibe... since the demise of Stardust, Westward Ho, Frontier & Sahara, that entire area of the strip feels "wrong".
     
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  19. djegators

    djegators Low-Roller

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    I would not recommend trying to walk to places like the Rio/Palms. Its not too too far, and I've done it, but I would never recommend it.
     
  20. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    Ellis Island is right behind Bally's and should be safe to walk to.

    I've visited LV ever since the 1970s and the areas that give me the total creepies are:

    1. Main Street between downtown and the Strip.

    2. Main or LVB just north of downtown.

    3. Fremont east of the El Cortez.

    4. Last few years, Sahara-Strat-North Strip area.
     
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