How to take good pictures in Las Vegas ??

[buzzrk]

I was looking at the photo walk in Vegas and the pictures were brilliant.
I am going to Vegas in few days and am looking for some tips.

I am newbie to SLR photography.
I read all the basics of exposure shooting in different situations but do not have nice pictures to show for my studying.
I am hoping Vegas will inspire me to shoot some nice pictures.

I have Canon rebel T2i with kit lens and just bought 50mm f/1.8 prime lens as well.
I am planning to take a tripod along with me.

Should I just use TV mode to change shutter speed and camera do the rest?

What should I differently indoors versus outdoors.

Should I use sunset as much as possible to capture both buildings and the lights?

Can you share vantage points that are accessible without too much effort (top of stratosphere)?