Ultimate Las Vegas First-Timer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: October 2025
Your First Vegas Trip? Let's Make It Unforgettable!
Planning your first trip to Las Vegas can feel overwhelming. The endless hotels, shows, restaurants, and activities make it hard to know where to start. I remember my first Vegas visit - I made every rookie mistake in the book and learned the hard way.
As Las Vegas locals, we've learned what works (and what doesn't) through our own experiences and mistakes. In this comprehensive guide, we're sharing everything you need to know before your first visit: where to stay, what to see, how to save money, common mistakes to avoid, and insider tips that only locals know.
Whether you're coming for a bachelor party, girls' weekend, romantic getaway, or family vacation, this guide will help you make the most of your Vegas experience.
Ready to start planning? Find the best hotel deals on Expedia and let's begin!
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When to Visit Las Vegas
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March-May) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perfect weather (70-85°F)
Pool season begins
Not too crowded yet
Great hotel rates mid-week
Fall (September-November) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfortable temperatures (75-90°F)
Pool season still active
Beautiful desert weather
Better hotel deals than summer
Winter (December-February) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mild weather (50-65°F)
Cheapest hotel rates
Holiday decorations in December
Pool weather depends on heated pools
Summer (June-August) ⭐⭐
EXTREMELY HOT (100-115°F)
Cheapest rates available
Pool parties at peak
Indoor attractions become priorities
My Recommendation: Visit in October or April for the best balance of weather and value.
How Many Days Do You Need?
3-4 Days is Perfect for First-Timers
Day 1: Arrive, check in, explore your hotel, see Bellagio Fountains, walk the Strip Day 2: Day trip (Hoover Dam, Seven Magic Mountains, or Red Rock Canyon) Day 3: Fremont Street, downtown Las Vegas, pool time Day 4: Shopping, last-minute shows, departure
Less than 3 days? You'll feel rushed and miss key experiences. More than 5 days? You might run out of new things to do (unless you're here to relax).
Where to Stay: Choosing Your Las Vegas Hotel
Understanding the Las Vegas Strip
The Strip is about 4 miles long. Location matters!
North Strip (Stratosphere, Sahara)
Cheapest rates
Far from main action
Requires more walking/transportation
Mid-Strip (Bellagio, Caesars, Cosmopolitan, Aria, Paris) ⭐ BEST LOCATION
Walking distance to everything
Best restaurants and shows
Higher prices but worth it
Most convenient
South Strip (MGM Grand, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, New York-New York)
Good rates
Convenient airport location
Slightly more walking to center Strip
Off-Strip (Palms, Rio, Virgin Hotels)
Best deals
Requires transportation
Less "Vegas experience"
Good if you have a car
Downtown (Fremont Street area)
Budget-friendly
Vintage Vegas vibe
Away from Strip (need transportation)
Great for history buffs
Hotel Recommendations by Budget
Budget ($50-100/night):
Luxor
Excalibur
Flamingo
LINQ
Find budget Vegas hotels on Expedia
Mid-Range ($100-200/night):
Paris Las Vegas
Planet Hollywood
New York-New York
Park MGM
Upscale ($200-400/night):
Bellagio
Caesars Palace
Cosmopolitan
Aria
Luxury ($400+/night):
Wynn/Encore
Venetian
Four Seasons
Waldorf Astoria
Insider Tip: Book directly through hotel websites or use Expedia for package deals that include shows or dining credits.
Resort Fees Warning!
Most Vegas hotels charge resort fees ($25-45 per night) ON TOP of your room rate. This covers WiFi, gym access, and other amenities. Always check total price including resort fees when booking.
Getting Around Las Vegas
From the Airport
McCarran Airport to Strip (5 miles):
Uber/Lyft ($15-25) - Most convenient
Taxi ($20-30) - Available at taxi stands
Shuttle ($10-15) - Shared with other passengers
Rental Car - Only if you're doing day trips Book on Expedia
Do NOT take a limo unless pre-arranged - they're overpriced tourist traps!
Getting Around the Strip
Walking - FREE but exhausting
The Strip looks shorter than it is
4 miles end-to-end
Indoor casino shortcuts help
Wear comfortable shoes!
Deuce Bus - $8 for 24 hours
Runs entire Strip and downtown
Slow but cheap
Gets crowded at night
Monorail - $5 single ride, $15 day pass
Runs behind east side of Strip
Doesn't go to all hotels
Fast and air-conditioned
Uber/Lyft - $8-15 typical ride
Convenient but can surge price
Traffic can be terrible
Pick-up locations vary by casino
Taxis - Similar to Uber pricing
Available at every hotel
No surge pricing
Metered rates
My Recommendation: Walk when possible (morning/evening), Uber for longer distances or extreme heat.
Must-See Free Attractions
Save Money with These No-Cost Experiences
Bellagio Fountains
Every 15-30 minutes
Best free show in Vegas
Multiple viewing spots
Read our complete guide: 15 Free Things to Do in Vegas
Fremont Street Experience
LED light shows every hour
Street performers
Vintage Vegas atmosphere
Viva Vision shows nightly
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
Iconic photo opportunity
Free parking
Go early morning to avoid crowds
Bellagio Conservatory
Seasonal displays change 5 times yearly
Beautiful indoor gardens
Air-conditioned!
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Real flamingos, ducks, koi fish
Free outdoor garden
Great for families
Casino Hopping
Each casino has unique architecture
Free to explore
People watching
No gambling required
Top Paid Attractions & Shows
What's Worth the Money
Shows to See:
Cirque du Soleil (Multiple shows: O, Mystère, KÀ, Beatles LOVE)
$80-200 per ticket
World-class performances
Book in advance Book Cirque du Soleil tickets
Magic Shows (David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, Shin Lim)
$60-150 per ticket
Intimate venues
Great for all ages
Concerts & Residencies
Check who's performing during your visit
Book early for best seats
Comedy Shows
Various comedians nightly
$40-80 typical
21+ venues mostly
Adult Shows (if that's your thing)
Magic Mike Live, Thunder from Down Under, etc.
$60-100 per ticket
18+ or 21+ depending on show
Attractions & Experiences
High Roller Observation Wheel
$25-40 per person
550 feet tall
30-minute rotation
Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck
$25-30 per person
Half-scale replica
Great Strip views
$35 per person
3-4 hours needed
Downtown location
Read our guide: 4 Hours at the Mob Museum
Gondola Rides at Venetian
$30-35 per person
Indoor or outdoor
Singing gondoliers
Very romantic
Helicopter Tours
$100-500+ depending on route
Grand Canyon tours popular
Strip flyovers available
Day Trips from Las Vegas
Escape the City for a Few Hours
Hoover Dam (45 minutes away) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Must-see engineering marvel
$10 parking, $30 for dam tour
2-3 hours needed
Read our guide: Hoover Dam Complete Guide
Seven Magic Mountains (20 minutes away) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colorful art installation
Completely FREE
Perfect for Instagram
Read our guide: Seven Magic Mountains Photo Guide
Red Rock Canyon (30 minutes away) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
$15 per vehicle
Scenic 13-mile loop
Hiking trails
Stunning desert views
Valley of Fire (1 hour away) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
$10 per vehicle
Red rock formations
Ancient petroglyphs
Best for photography
Grand Canyon (4-5 hours drive or helicopter tour)
South Rim: Full day trip needed
West Rim (Skywalk): 2.5 hours, easier day trip
Helicopter tours: 4-7 hours total
My Recommendation: Do at least one day trip. Hoover Dam + Seven Magic Mountains makes a perfect half-day combo.
Food & Dining in Las Vegas
Eating on Different Budgets
Budget Dining ($10-20 per person):
Casino food courts (every major casino has one)
Fast food chains throughout Strip
Earl of Sandwich (Planet Hollywood)
Secret Pizza (Cosmopolitan, 3rd floor)
In-N-Out Burger (off-Strip)
Mid-Range ($20-50 per person):
Hash House A Go Go (breakfast)
Mon Ami Gabi (French bistro, Eiffel Tower views)
Gordon Ramsay Burger
Guy Fieri's restaurants
Yard House
Upscale ($50-100+ per person):
Gordon Ramsay Steak
STK Steakhouse
Nobu
Joël Robuchon
é by José Andrés (reservation required months ahead)
Buffets (if still operating post-COVID):
Bacchanal at Caesars ($50-80) - Best overall
Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan ($40-60)
Wynn Buffet ($50-70)
Note: Many buffets closed during COVID and haven't reopened
Dining Tips
Reserve popular restaurants 1-2 weeks ahead Happy hours offer great deals (3-6pm typically) Resort guests sometimes get priority reservations Casino rewards programs can offer discounts Dress codes exist at upscale restaurants
Gambling 101 for First-Timers
What You Need to Know
Gambling Basics:
Budget First
Decide your gambling budget BEFORE you arrive
Only gamble what you can afford to lose
Never chase losses
Set win/loss limits
House Always Wins
Casinos have mathematical advantage
Entertainment, not income
Odds are against you
Treat it as entertainment cost
Best Odds Games:
Blackjack (0.5% house edge with basic strategy)
Craps (certain bets only)
Baccarat
Roulette (European, not American)
Worst Odds:
Slot machines (2-15% house edge)
Keno
Wheel of Fortune
Free Lessons: Many casinos offer free gaming lessons 10am-noon daily. Great for learning craps, blackjack, poker, roulette.
Players Club Cards: Sign up for every casino's free players club. Earn comps on play (meals, shows, rooms). Always insert card before playing.
Tipping: Tip dealers $5-10 per winning session, cocktail servers $1-2 per drink.
My Advice: Set a strict budget ($100-200), play for fun not profit, quit while you're ahead.
Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from Others' Errors
Mistake 1: Not Staying on the Strip Downtown or off-Strip saves money but costs time and convenience. For first-timers, stay mid-Strip.
Mistake 2: Underestimating Walking Distances The Strip looks walkable on maps. It's 4 miles long. Casinos are massive. You'll walk 10+ miles daily. Wear good shoes!
Mistake 3: Not Booking Shows in Advance Popular shows sell out. Last-minute = bad seats or sold out. Book 1-2 weeks ahead minimum. Browse available shows
Mistake 4: Forgetting Resort Fees That $75/night room becomes $115 with resort fees and taxes. Always check TOTAL price.
Mistake 5: Over-Planning Vegas is exhausting. Don't schedule every hour. Build in rest time. You'll need it.
Mistake 6: Not Hydrating Desert heat + alcohol = dehydration. Drink water constantly. Free water available everywhere.
Mistake 7: Bringing Too Much Cash ATM fees are $5-8. Credit cards work everywhere. Bring some cash but mostly use cards.
Mistake 8: Falling for Tourist Traps
Timeshare presentations (even "free" ones)
Strip club promoters
"Free" show tickets (usually scams)
Overpriced airport taxis
Photography packages
Mistake 9: Not Checking ID Requirements Many venues are 21+. Some shows are 18+. Check before booking with under-21 travelers.
Mistake 10: Gambling Without Learning Don't sit at a blackjack table if you don't know basic strategy. Take free lessons first.
Money-Saving Tips
How to Do Vegas on a Budget
Accommodations:
Visit mid-week (Sun-Thurs) for 50% cheaper rates
Book 2-3 months in advance
Compare Expedia packages with direct hotel booking
Consider off-Strip if you have a car
Food:
Eat big breakfast, light lunch, nice dinner
Happy hour specials (half-price apps and drinks)
Casino food courts ($10-15 meals)
Download casino apps for food discounts
Shows:
Afternoon shows are cheaper
Check Tix4Tonight booths for same-day deals
Free shows: Bellagio Fountains, Fremont Street, etc.
Book in advance on Viator or GetYourGuide
Transportation:
Walk when possible (morning/evening)
24-hour Deuce bus pass ($8)
Uber Pool for sharing rides
Stay mid-Strip to minimize transport
Gambling:
Set strict budget
Lower denomination machines last longer
Free lessons teach you to play smarter
Walk away when you hit your limit
Drinks:
Happy hours (3-6pm typical)
Free drinks while gambling (tip $1-2)
Bring refillable water bottle
Avoid paying $15 for club cocktails
Total Realistic Budget (3 nights):
Hotel: $300-500 (incl. resort fees)
Food: $150-300
Shows: $100-300
Transportation: $50-100
Gambling: $100-300
Total: $700-1,500 per person
What to Pack for Las Vegas
Essential Items:
Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 10+ miles daily)
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Sunglasses
Portable phone charger
Casual day clothes
Nicer dinner outfits
Swimsuit (hotel pools)
Light jacket (casinos are cold!)
Hat for daytime
Pain reliever (walking = sore feet)
Water bottle
Read our complete guide: Vegas Packing List
Dress Code Notes:
Casual is fine for most places
Upscale restaurants require nicer attire
Nightclubs have strict dress codes (no athletic wear, no shorts for men)
Pool clubs require swimwear + cover-ups
Comfortable shoes are NON-NEGOTIABLE
Sample 3-Day First-Timer Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Strip
Afternoon:
Arrive, check into hotel
Explore your hotel property
Walk to nearby casinos
Late lunch at casino food court
Evening:
6:00pm: Early dinner
7:30pm: Walk the Strip
8:00pm: Bellagio Fountains show
9:00pm: Explore Caesars Palace Forum Shops
10:00pm: More Strip walking or see a show
Midnight: Return to hotel or explore more
Day 2: Day Trip & Fremont Street
Morning:
8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am: Drive to Seven Magic Mountains (20 min)
9:30am: Photos at Seven Magic Mountains
10:30am: Drive to Hoover Dam (30 min)
11:00am: Hoover Dam tour Book tour
Afternoon:
1:00pm: Lunch in Boulder City
2:30pm: Return to Vegas
3:30pm: Rest at hotel pool
Evening:
6:00pm: Dinner
8:00pm: Head to Fremont Street downtown
9:00pm: Viva Vision light show
10:00pm: Explore vintage casinos
Midnight: Return to Strip
Day 3: Relax & Explore
Morning:
Sleep in!
10:00am: Brunch
11:00am: Visit Bellagio Conservatory
Noon: Casino exploring
Afternoon:
1:00pm: Pool time
3:00pm: Shopping or spa
5:00pm: Rest before evening
Evening:
7:00pm: Nice dinner reservation
9:00pm: See a show Browse shows
11:00pm: Walk the Strip at night
1:00am: Late night snack or gambling
Day 4: Departure
Morning:
Breakfast
Last-minute shopping
Check out (usually 11am)
Airport
Nightlife Guide
Clubs, Bars & Entertainment
Nightclubs ($20-100 cover):
Omnia (Caesars Palace)
XS (Wynn/Encore)
Hakkasan (MGM Grand)
Marquee (Cosmopolitan)
Tips: Dress to impress, arrive before 11pm for lower cover, women usually get in free before midnight.
Pool Clubs (Summer, $30-75):
Wet Republic (MGM Grand)
Encore Beach Club (Wynn)
Marquee Dayclub (Cosmopolitan)
Bars & Lounges:
Chandelier Bar (Cosmopolitan) - Three-story chandelier
Skyfall Lounge (Delano) - Rooftop views
Minus5 Ice Bar (Multiple locations) - Everything is ice
Commonwealth (Downtown) - Rooftop bar
My Recommendation: Skip expensive clubs unless that's your scene. Great bars offer better experience for less money.
Family-Friendly Vegas
Yes, You Can Bring Kids!
Kid-Friendly Hotels:
Excalibur (castle theme)
Circus Circus (circus acts, arcade)
Luxor (pyramid theme)
New York-New York (roller coaster)
Activities for Kids:
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat (free)
Adventuredome at Circus Circus
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
High Roller observation wheel
M&M's World & Hershey's Chocolate World
Day Trips:
Hoover Dam
Seven Magic Mountains
Red Rock Canyon
Family Shows:
Tournament of Kings (Excalibur)
Blue Man Group
Cirque du Soleil (most are family-friendly)
Important Notes:
Kids can walk through casinos but can't linger
Many shows and attractions are 21+ or 18+
Pools have family sections
Vegas is adult-oriented but families can enjoy it
Safety Tips
Staying Safe in Las Vegas
General Safety:
Vegas is relatively safe for tourists
Stay on well-lit main streets at night
Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas
Don't leave drinks unattended
Keep valuables in hotel safe
Be aware of surroundings
Scams to Avoid:
"Free" show tickets (timeshare presentations)
Strip club promoters who promise free entry
Three-card monte street games
Overpriced limo drivers at airport
"Models" who want to take you to clubs
Drinking Safety:
Pace yourself (heat + alcohol = dehydration)
Drink water between alcoholic drinks
Don't accept drinks from strangers
Know your limits
Use ride services, never drive impaired
Sun Safety:
Apply sunscreen every 2 hours
Wear hat and sunglasses
Seek shade during peak heat (noon-4pm)
Drink water constantly
Weather & What to Expect
Spring (March-May):
70-90°F
Perfect weather
Breezy some days
Pools start opening
Summer (June-August):
100-115°F
EXTREME HEAT
Pool weather
Indoor activities recommended midday
Fall (September-November):
75-95°F
Comfortable
Pool season extended
Beautiful evenings
Winter (December-February):
50-65°F daytime, 40s at night
Mild, can be chilly
Some pools heated only
Bring light jacket
Rain: Rare! Vegas gets 4 inches of rain annually. If it rains, it's usually brief.
Tipping Guide
Who to Tip and How Much:
Restaurants: 15-20% of bill Bartenders: $1-2 per drink Cocktail servers (casino): $1-2 per drink Valet parking: $3-5 when they return your car Bellhop: $2-5 per bag Housekeeping: $3-5 per day (leave daily) Taxi/Uber: 15-20% of fare Dealers (gambling): $5-10 per winning session Tour guides: $5-10 per person Buffet: $5-10 depending on price
Tipping is EXPECTED in Vegas. Budget accordingly.
Phone & Internet
Staying Connected:
Most hotels include WiFi with resort fee
Free WiFi in casinos (slower)
Coffee shops have good WiFi
Phone service generally excellent
Download offline maps just in case
International visitors: Check roaming fees or get local SIM
Useful Apps:
Uber/Lyft
Casino apps (MGM, Caesars, etc.)
Restaurant reservation apps
Maps (Google, Apple)
Show booking apps
Final First-Timer Tips
Before You Go:
Book hotel on Expedia 2-3 months ahead
Reserve shows 1-2 weeks ahead on Viator or TicketNetwork
Make restaurant reservations for upscale dining
Download casino apps
Check weather forecast
Notify credit card companies you're traveling
When You Arrive:
Sign up for players club cards immediately
Get hotel map and explore property
Locate nearest ATM (in case)
Check out pool area
Walk around to orient yourself
During Your Trip:
Hydrate constantly
Pace yourself (sleep, food, drinking)
Don't over-schedule
Take breaks
Wear sunscreen
Have fun but know limits
Money Management:
Set daily budget
Use credit cards when possible
Keep some cash for tips
Don't chase gambling losses
Track spending
Your Las Vegas Checklist
8 Weeks Before:
✅ Book hotel on Expedia
✅ Book flight
✅ Request time off work
4 Weeks Before:
✅ Reserve popular restaurants
✅ Book shows on Viator or GetYourGuide
✅ Book day trip tours if desired
✅ Check ID expiration
2 Weeks Before:
✅ Download casino apps
✅ Make final reservations
✅ Confirm hotel booking
✅ Check weather forecast
1 Week Before:
✅ Print confirmations
✅ Notify bank/credit cards
✅ Check in for flight
✅ Pack bags
✅ Review this guide!
Day Before:
✅ Charge all devices
✅ Check in online if possible
✅ Set out of office messages
✅ Get excited!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Las Vegas expensive? A: It can be! Budget $700-1,500 per person for 3 nights including hotel, food, shows, and gambling. You can do cheaper or spend WAY more.
Q: Can I visit Las Vegas without gambling? A: Absolutely! Plenty to do without gambling - shows, restaurants, attractions, day trips, pools.
Q: Is Las Vegas safe? A: Generally yes for tourists. Stay on main streets, watch belongings, use common sense.
Q: Do I need a car? A: Not necessary if staying on Strip. Only needed for day trips. Parking fees apply at most hotels.
Q: What's the legal drinking age? A: 21 everywhere in Vegas. ID required. No exceptions.
Q: Can I bring kids? A: Yes! Family-friendly activities available. Many shows and areas are 21+ though.
Q: How much should I budget for gambling? A: Only what you can afford to lose. $100-300 is reasonable for first-timers for entertainment purposes.
Q: When is Vegas least crowded? A: January-February and July-August (extreme weather months).
Q: Do hotels have free WiFi? A: Usually included with resort fees. Check when booking.
Q: Can I walk the entire Strip? A: Yes, but it's 4 miles and exhausting. Plan strategically and use transportation when needed.
Ready for Your Vegas Adventure?
You now have everything you need to plan an amazing first Vegas trip! Remember:
✅ Book hotel on Expedia 2-3 months ahead ✅ Reserve shows on Viator, GetYourGuide, or TicketNetwork ✅ Plan one day trip (Hoover Dam or Seven Magic Mountains) ✅ Set gambling budget and stick to it ✅ Wear comfortable shoes ✅ Stay hydrated ✅ Have fun!
First-timers: What questions do you still have? Comment below and I'll help!
Save this guide for your Vegas planning!
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