If you are looking for an alternative city to New York to visit on the east coast, then have you ever thought about Atlantic City? It is a paradise for anyone who wants to try their luck on the casino floor, as well as those that love to dance the night away to a DJ. But whether you have been before or you are wanting to know more to plan a trip, then there are a few things that you ought to know before your visit.
Parking is pricey
As with most downtown city centers, the parking can add up, especially if you are planning on being there for a while. But the good news is that you can hop a train to Atlantic City from a lot of large cities on the east coast, including places like New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Then once you are in Atlantic City, you could use a free shuttle bus service that can be provided from the central station out to your hotel. If you need to drive, then check your hotel’s parking situation first.
Take the bus, get free money
If you are taking public transport, then using a bus to get around the city can be a good idea. Plus, if you take a bus from another east coast city, then a big tip for you is to print your ticket at the bus station. Then, if you are planning on going to a casino, take it to a customer service counter. There are quite a few of the big bus companies that have deals with the casinos as a way to benefit them both. Plus, it can help you to get free money, often by getting a voucher back that can be used for slot machine play, which will be equivalent to the cost of your bus ticket.
Drink for free on the floor
If you are someone that will be using the casino, then you can grab a seat at a slot machine, for example. Then you can just wait for a server to come by, to order yourself a drink, alcoholic or not. If you are able to tip them and are gracious with it, then the drinks will keep coming.
More than just casinos
Atlantic City does have plenty of casinos. But there are many other things that you can do and see in the city too. Take some of the hotels, for example; you don’t have to be staying in them to enjoy what is on offer. The Borgata, for instance, has a spa that you can go to and book a treatment for, which can be a great way to rest and relax on your trip. You could also get outdoors and sail on a fishing cruise through the bay, try your hand at paintball, or enjoy a round of golf at the popular nearby spot Brigantine.
Order seafood
Like most beach towns, this is pretty much a no-brainer! The seafood is going to be second to none. But many visitors are quite unaware of Atlantic City’s strong fishing heritage and the related culture to this history. Many of the restaurants in the city will offer some incredible dishes that are different each day, depending on the catch of the day. And if you are a seafood fan, there is nothing better than a freshly caught meal.
Enjoy the beach
If you have been to New Jersey before, then you will know that a lot of the beaches charge a small fee for a beach tag. But this isn’t the case in Atlantic City. So make the most of the free public beaches that are out there, with, as you probably guessed, views of the Atlantic Sea. If you’re staying in the center, then they will be just a short walk away from your hotel.
Shopping!
If you love to shop, then you can shop ‘til you drop in Atlantic City! It is a city that is home to some of the largest shopping malls and shopping outlets in the US. So even if you are just someone that wants to window shop, it is still worth doing and can fill your time quite easily. Plus, there is the added peace of mind that if you’ve forgotten anything, you can easily pick something like a bathing suit up, or even get your souvenirs sorted.
Amazing customer service
The folks who call Atlantic City home are the people that really want to make sure that you enjoy your time there. So when you compare it to places like Las Vegas or New York City, the customer service really is second to none. If you have forgotten something like your toothpaste when you’re in the hotel, make a call downstairs and they will deliver some right to your door; they go above and beyond for you. Room service is popular if you’re up late, so that is another thing that is done well and comes with service with a smile. If there are things that the staff at your hotel can do to make your stay a little better, make sure that you just ask: you’ll be amazed at the customer service.
Be prepared for the smoke
If you are going to be using casinos, then make sure that you are prepared for the smoke situation. The reason being is that Atlantic City’s casinos and resorts are still one of the few public places that still allows smoking indoors. There are smoking and non-smoking areas and they are clearly signposted and designated. But even so, if you are walking through a casino to get to somewhere else, then you could find yourself walking through a cloud of smoke. If you are someone who is sensitive to smoke, or doesn’t want to be around it or smell it, then make sure that you request a room in the non-smoking area of the hotel. You might need to then plan your route accordingly, to get out of the hotel without the smoke.
