What to do? fremont st? the strip? pricey clubs? any help would be appreciated. looking for best bang for the buck.

Last week we were in LV. Went to Fremont Street after hearing so much about it. I was underwhelmed to say the least. Noisy and bright is about all that can be said for it. The casinos there are noisy and dark and smoky.
If I remember correctly, they lock the doors around midnight to control crowds.
Popular clubs that I have been hearing about are at the Palms and Bellagio.
Have fun !

I would definitely recommend going to Fremont Street. I thought it was a lot of fun. Downtown is where you'll find classic Las Vegas casinos like the Golden Nugget and the Binion Horseshoe.

Other things to check out on the strip include the observation deck on the 109th floor of the Stratosphere, the fountains at Bellagio, the shops at the Venetian and the Forum Shops at Caesars, etc. There are so many things to see and do, especially the unique themed hotels.

Cheapovegas has plenty of information as well.

http://cheapovegas.com/index.php

Have a nice trip.

My most memorable New Years Eve was spent in LV a few years ago. My dh and I saw the implosion of the old Hacienda!! Now THAT was NEAT!

I am sure you won't get that experience. But, there was always the strip filled with music, stage venues, traffic blocked off... you'll have a grand time, I'm sure.

Carol

I agree with Scarlett about Fremont St. after dark, but the older downtown hotels are very friendly, lots of locals go there & the tables are less crowded, with lower minimums. You can play blackjack or roulette for a dollar or two.

What casino isn't noisy & smokey? That's my pet peeve about Vegas.

Hi Leona!
Coming from a smoke free home and practically a smoke free city (in many ways) it is always a shock when we get off the airplane in LV.
We stay at the Bellagio and while it is still smokey, I find that the casinos and hotels that are newer with the higher ceilings, are more comfortable for breathing.
Mandalay Bay also has a nicer casino, breathing wise~
The Golden Nugget and the Stardust were dark, murky , crowded, overly warm and chokingly smokey.
Nonetheless, I did win big so I will say that while I could not breathe, I had fun
Maybe I expected too much from the Fremont St experience, which I can only say was a non-experience. It is just a well lit street.

I've taken the trek down for two different new years. I'd say you should research, ask around, them make plans you can stick to. Las Vegas new years is alot better if you have plans and aren't running around the city trying to find something at the last second. I'm guessing Fremont street would be an older crowd, more "old vegas" feel. I never ventured to Fremont during new years.

From my personal experience hanging out in the street on the strip right before 12 is a little too much to handle. If you don't mind seeing fights, extremely wasted people, and possibly being consumed by a human wave then hang out in the strip the whole night. Don't get me wrong, I'd say that experiencing the strip right before 12 is fun, but not for a long period of time. If you want to spend some money getting into a "pricey club," see what these places have planned: light, rum jungle, studio 54, rain, ice, ra. There are tons of parties going on at the clubs, but entry fees, waiting lists and the music might turn you off. Obviously there is much to do but it all depends on who you are and who you're with. Maybe if you give more specifics then I (and others) could give you more specific suggestions. As previously mentioned, cheapovegas.com is a good site as is vegas.com. Have a good time, be safe!

I went to Freemont Street with my family after reading so much about it on this website. I was very disappointed, the place is dirty, we all felt uncomfortable with the people there, I guess after spending so much time on the strip the place just looks dated and crowded.

Fremont Street is a must see. The downtown area of Las Vegas around Fremont Street has been nicely redone.

The Frémont Street Experience is OK for what it is, but between there and the Strip, no question-- hang out on the Strip. pdubya1632 has the best advice: Plan on being out with the masses on the Strip until midnight, then head into a club and party like a madperson. Get advice and help from the concierge at your hotel as soon as you check in. You may need their help in getting on VIP lists-- and the cover charges will be steep, so don't be shocked.