Las Vegas, Nevada is consistently ranked as one of the most fun cities in America. The city is infamous for its bright lights and nonstop entertainment.
Source: Travel + Leisure
But if you were expecting to waltz right into any of Vegas' iconic hotels, bars, or restaurants, brace yourself.
Looking to get the perfect picture with the "Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas" sign?
Source: TripAdvisor
In fact, you'll likely have a whole crowd of people watching you as you pose for that perfect photo.
The same can be said of most of Vegas' iconic sites, which are photogenic when empty and when photographed at night.
Similarly, the Fountains of Bellagio put on a dazzling show. Water from the fountain sprays as high as 460 feet into the air.
Source: Bellagio
And visitors who expect the fountains to be running at all times will be in for a surprise: The show has a set schedule that should be researched in advance.
Source: Bellagio
According to many tourists, Las Vegas Boulevard (otherwise known as "The Strip") is not as walkable as it’s made out to be ...
Source: TripAdvisor
... and you'll sometimes end up trekking upwards of 45 minutes to reach your next destination ...
Source: TripAdvisor
It's also easy to get frustrated by the limited number of pedestrian bridges.
Source: The Guardian, Las Vegas How-To
Barriers have been installed to stop jaywalking, so pedestrians are often forced to log extra miles just to zig-zag across the street.
Source: The Guardian, Las Vegas How-To
If you opt to take a car instead, the traffic near the Strip has been known to rival Los Angeles at rush hour.
Source: TripAdvisor
Even if you take the monorail, you’re still likely to find yourself having to cover extra distance on foot.
Source: Las Vegas Monorail
The train, which opened in 1995, is advertised as an "alternative to shuttles, taxis and trams." While quick and efficient, it doesn't run along Las Vegas Boulevard — it's a few streets over, behind crowded hotels and parking garages.
Source: Las Vegas Monorail
In addition, it only operates until 2 a.m. on most weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends, which leaves all-night partiers without a ride home, leaving people to walk or to pay extra for a cab.
To ride one of Las Vegas' buses, you will need exact change to avoid severely overpaying. In addition, keep in mind the express route stops after midnight.
Source: RTC Transit Fares & Passes
Vegas is, of course, in the middle of the desert — and that means some seriously scorching temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service, the city has recorded temperatures of up to 117 degrees.
Source: National Weather Service
Unfortunately, one of the best times to visit Las Vegas to beat the crowds is in the summer months, when the city is at its hottest.
Source: TripAdvisor, Vegas Casino Info
Even then, the city may still be crowded with families visiting while their kids are off from school.
Source: US News
On the flip side, while highly unusual, Vegas has also been known to experience snowstorms, which has the potential to derail your vacation plans.
Source: Las Vegas Sun
These sometimes unbearable conditions make the Southwest home to beautiful deserts and national sites.
Unfortunately, these national parks aren't exactly easily accessible from the city: They're located 20 to 160 miles outside Las Vegas ...
Source: TripSavvy, Travel Channel, Vegas.com
Rental cars can be expensive, just like everything else, including overpriced food at "tourist trap" restaurants. Dinner at the popular celebrity restaurants can especially expensive.
Source: MGM Resorts
Otherwise, plan on eating at your hotel buffet, which usually has a wait line (just like everything else), and can still come at an extra cost on top of your stay.
Given its reputation as a party city, there's a good chance people will be drinking at just about any time of day, which can lead to loud environments with rowdy groups.
While some lucky visitors might get to experience a leisurely pool day with plenty of space to swim ...
And the same goes for clubs, which can get packed. For some visitors, being part of the crowd is part of the coveted experience ...
... but to an unprepared visitor, it could easily be overwhelming. In addition, some may come with unexpected cover charges.
According to a study by Forbes, depending on the game, the casino’s “house edge” makes your odds of winning big fairly slim. If you do decide to play for hours, consider blackjack, where the odds are at least 50-50.
Source: Forbes
Though modern designs have changed, casinos are notorious for not having clocks, making gambling a disorientating experience for most visitors.
Source: WIRED
Finally, if you choose to visit Vegas for a holiday, get ready. Venues are even more crowded during prime vacation dates, such as New Years Eve.
Source: TripSavvy, Las Vegas Review-Journal
That being said, if you are looking for a lively weekend and are willing to brave the crowds, then Las Vegas may be the right place for you after all.
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