VERDICT: WE GAVE 5 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
This guide forms part of our complete USA Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the United States.
This article is also part of the Ultimate Guide to Nevada, exploring the Vegas Strip, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Area 51 and even Getting Married. Read the complete itinerary here.
Great Value For Money 😀
A lively, affordable Strip hotel packed with entertainment, restaurants and unmistakable New York character
When you think of Las Vegas, do you think of brights lights, showgirls, gambling – the “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” mindset? Lots of visitors do. But when MR. MRT & I go, we’re looking for some sunshine, a trip that’s not too far away to get it, and to take in some awesome entertainment.
Our first time there, we stayed at New York New York, where there was a long-running Cirque Du Soleil show called Zumanity. We thought, how convenient, we’ll just go to that show right in our own hotel…
We didn’t realize it was an “adult” show. We figured it out quite quickly (ha ha) & were glad we’d only been able to get tickets on the second level, as those on the main floor were dragged onto the stage into a few “compromising positions”, shall we say!
The acrobats were really incredible, the show was very flamboyant but very risqué, so definitely not for kids. We checked their website, it’s called “Mad Apple” now, also an adult show.
We have enjoyed the Nine Fine Irishmen pub many times, as the live music, great service & excellent food drew us back from our very first visit to NYNY.
There’s a bar inside called The Bar at Times Square with duelling pianos that was fantastic! It drew quite a crowd, so much so that many people just stood in the hallway outside to catch a glimpse in the sold out venue.
There’s plenty of slots, table games & poker, also Sports Book with huge screens for game days, the Big Apple Coaster, a roller coaster that races outside the building, around the Statue of Liberty & skyline.
There’s plenty of choices for food: the Galleria Food court offers Shake Shack, Nathan’s Famous, Il Mulino. We ate at Carnegie Deli: think thick Pastrami sandwiches & cheesecake. There’s America that serves American classics + a sports bar & Tom’s Urban: burgers + craft beer.
You can find some fun, drinks & dancing at the Statue of Liberty Bar, The Center Bar & Skyline Bar.
Want to shop? Galleria has cool NY-themed shops like M&M’s, NY gift shops, also Hershey’s Chocolate World: a 3-story store with chocolate + souvenirs!
Brooklyn Bridge makes a great spot for photos, same with the Empire State Building & of course, the Statue of Liberty.
► New York-New York: More Than a Hotel
New York-New York Hotel & Casino opened in 1997 and recreates a condensed version of New York’s skyline, complete with replicas inspired by the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.
Inside, the New York theme continues with streets, restaurants, bars and storefronts designed to give the resort a neighbourhood feel rather than simply being another giant casino.
That makes it particularly good for a first Vegas trip. There’s enough happening inside the resort to fill an evening before you’ve even begun exploring the rest of the Strip.
► Big Apple Coaster
The Big Apple Coaster twists around and through the resort’s skyline, including sections high above Las Vegas Boulevard. MGM currently describes it as reaching more than 67 mph, incorporating a 203-foot drop.
Even if you have absolutely no intention of riding it, watching those red coaster trains hurtle around the New York skyline is part of the hotel’s atmosphere.
► Zumanity to Mad Apple
Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil opened at New York-New York in 2003 and was deliberately created as an adult-themed production. It ran until 2020.
Its successor is Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil, but it’s important to distinguish the two. Mad Apple isn’t simply Zumanity with another name.
Mad Apple combines acrobatics, live music, dance and comedy around a New York nightlife theme. It is still adults-only, guests must currently be 18 or older. Shows are presently scheduled Tuesday through Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with a pre-show party beginning 30 minutes beforehand.
Current Mad Apple show information and tickets
► Dining at New York-New York
WHERE TO EAT!
First choice: Nine Fine Irishmen
Other dining options around the resort give visitors everything from quick meals and burgers to Italian food and casual American dining.
And then there’s Hershey’s Chocolate World. Technically, walking around a giant chocolate store isn’t dinner. Vegas doesn’t judge. Haha.
► The Bar at Times Square
The duelling pianos create a completely different evening from the traditional Vegas nightclub experience. Two performers compete, take requests and encourage the audience to sing along.
For couples who prefer live entertainment and a drink rather than a nightclub until 3 a.m., it’s a particularly good fit.
► Is New York-New York Good for First-Time Vegas Visitors?
Location: Excellent position on the southern/central Strip with several major resorts within walking distance.
Entertainment: Mad Apple, Big Apple Coaster, duelling pianos, casino and bars without leaving the property.
Food: Plenty of casual options alongside full-service restaurants.
Atmosphere: Fun rather than ultra-luxurious.
Value: Often more approachable than Vegas’s premium resorts.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, groups and travellers who want plenty happening around them.
Watch for: Noise. Your warning about rooms near the elevators is precisely the kind of first-hand hotel information readers appreciate.
► 5 of the Most Popular Las Vegas Shows
1. O by Cirque du Soleil: Bellagio
The spectacular aquatic Cirque production remains one of Vegas’s signature shows and is regularly identified among its most attended resident productions.
2. Mystère by Cirque du Soleil: Treasure Island
One of the Strip’s great survivors and still a major seller, combining classic Cirque acrobatics, comedy and elaborate staging.
3. Absinthe: Caesars Palace
Acrobatics, comedy and decidedly adult humour performed in a much more intimate environment. Current ticket data continues to identify it as a top seller.
4. Awakening: Wynn Las Vegas
A huge contemporary production built around elaborate staging, choreography, special effects and a purpose-built theatre. It continues to rank among current top-selling Vegas productions.
5. Shin Lim: LIMITLESS — The Venetian/Palazzo
Close-up magic and illusion from the two-time America’s Got Talent winner. Current Vegas ticket data places the production among the city’s top sellers.
► New York-New York Quick Facts
Address: 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Theme: New York City
Opened: 1997
Casino: Yes
Roller coaster: Big Apple Coaster
Current resident show: Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil
Mad Apple age: 18+
Live music: Duelling pianos and other entertainment
Best for: Couples, first-time Vegas visitors and groups
Our tip: Request a room away from the elevators
Our take: Great location without needing to pay ultra-luxury Strip prices.
► Top 5 Attractions Nearby
- Sphere
- The LINQ Promenade
- Bellagio Fountains
- High Roller
- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
► Bottom Line
It’s 3-star comfort with a 5-star location
We found New York New York to be a budget-friendly Strip location, great first-time Vegas visitors, or groups who want to be in the middle of everything. Highly recommend NOT staying near the elevators – super noisy as they run all night. We loved our stay here.
If you want to move up in quality and price we recommend The Venetian. It remains one of our favourite hotels on the Strip.
Before You Go
by My Return Ticket
Continue Exploring Las Vegas and the The Grand Canyon
- Kayaking the Colorado River with Desert Adventures USA: Glide through calm stretches of water framed by towering canyon walls. Ideal for first-timers or experienced paddlers.
- Antelope Canyon: A spectacular slot canyon famous for its colourful sandstone walls and incredible light beams. Guided tours are required.
- Hoover Dam: An engineering marvel spanning the Colorado River, offering guided tours and panoramic views over Lake Mead.
- Sedona: Renowned for its striking red rock formations, scenic drives, hiking trails, art galleries and vibrant downtown.
- Visit Fremont Street Experience: Enjoy the spectacular LED canopy light show, live entertainment, zipline and classic vintage Vegas atmosphere.
- Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Just 30 minutes from the Strip, this spectacular desert landscape offers scenic drives, hiking, rock climbing and incredible photography opportunities.
Nearby Attractions And Things To Do In Las Vegas
- Walk the Las Vegas Strip: Experience the world-famous resorts, themed hotels, dazzling fountains, nightlife and free attractions that make Las Vegas unlike anywhere else.
- Visit Fremont Street Experience: Enjoy the spectacular LED canopy light show, live entertainment, zipline and classic vintage Vegas atmosphere.
- Stay at the Venetian Hotel: One of the city’s top hotels. It is a little pricier, but the environment, rooms, and the feeling of Venice is steps away. Quite a magical stay!
- Try out Nine Fine Irishmen and Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill: There are so many restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed both, great food and fantastic hospitality.
- Get Married!: On the Strip you will find numerous opportunities to tie the knot. It all can be arranged in a day. Even get the marriage licence on the day! We did it!
Planning Your Trip?
Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:
- 🏨 Hotels & unique stays
- 🚗 Rental cars
- 🎟️ Top-rated tours & attractions
- 📶 eSIMs for easy connectivity
- 🛡️ Travel insurance
- 🎒 Packing Lists
- 🎒 Travel gear from The Venturio
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
