A First Timer’s Guide to Las Vegas
Planning for your first trip to Sin City? Get ready for some serious excitement! I’ve got you covered with the First Timer’s Guide to Las Vegas. This is one of those places where you don’t need to plan a detailed agenda, just see where the day and night take you. Coming from a serious over-planner, that says something!
With the exception of dinner or show reservations, I prefer taking a laid back approach to exploring all that the casinos and shops have to offer. If you are staying for more than 3 days there are some great side trips, but right now let’s focus on the most important need to know the basics!
First, stay on the strip. Yes, prices will be higher but you want to be where the action is. The money spent on cab fares and the time waiting in traffic is not worth the discounted hotel room.
Now that we have that covered, how do you pick a specific hotel? Take into consideration any special amenities you prefer such as restaurants, pools, or shows and what vibe you are looking for. Browse hotel’s websites to see what they have to offer.
Secondly, since it’s your first time and you want to see as much as possible, pick a hotel that’s centrally located on the stip. That will help a ton when getting from place to place.
The Las Vegas strip is 4 miles long end to end and is pedestrian friendly when walking casino to casino. That being said, everything looks to be MUCH closer together than it actually is. You can spend ten minutes walking and still be in front of the same casino. The sidewalks were designed more to get you to the stops along the way than as a quick route from end to end.
So if you’re staying at the Luxor (one end) and want to go to the Venetian (the other end) either plan to visit other casinos or shops while you walk or consider a taxi. There are some air-conditioned walkways between casinos, which are a lifesaver in the heat. Take advantage of them as a way to see lots of different places.
Even if you only plan to visit one or two casinos at a time, WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! I can’t stress that enough. You will do a ton of walking just getting around the casino. Ladies, if you want to wear heels to a restaurant or show, consider stashing some flats or flip flop in your purse for later. Trust me on this one. I have seen sooo many girls walking around barefoot carrying their shoes. Ouch and ew!
As for taxis, in Las Vegas you can’t hail one on the street. There are lines in front of the casinos specifically for cabs. If using Uber or Lyft, they will direct you to designated ride-share areas (typically behind the casinos).
Peak dinner time in Las Vegas is between 6pm-8pm. If you want to do a buffet try to avoid this timeframe, or plan to stand in line for an hour or more. Also, make sure you know the price upfront. Many buffets have different rates for week nights and the weekends. I once stood in line for 45 minutes with some friends, only to get to the front and realize the price was much higher than we expected. Had we known that, we wouldn’t have waited. There is usually an employee at the entrance to the line who can help you, or even ask the hotel concierge. Don’t ask the person in front of you in line. They may not even know what casino they are in. Keep in mind, the bigger buffets will set you back $50 or more. You are paying for the experience and the variety. I don’t eat much in one sitting and I know I’m not getting my money’s worth. Sometimes you just want crab legs, macaroni and cheese, and egg rolls on one plate. If that’s the case, go for it!
Don’t buy drinks at the casino bar. In an effort to keep you playing, casinos offer free cocktails to gamblers. It doesn’t matter if you are playing high limit table games or penny slots, a cocktail waitress will be by to take your order. There is no menu, so you are expected to know what you want. Unsure? If it is something you can order at a regular neighborhood bar the casino can make it. You can always ask the waitress for suggestions too. Typically the nicer the casino, the nicer the drinks (and more options). Keep in mind, unless you’re a high roller, the vodka in your screwdriver is not going to be top shelf. If there is a specific brand of alcohol you prefer go ahead and ask for it, although you may not get it. Also, while the drink is free, make sure you tip at least 1$ every drink. While researching this post I came across recommendations for specialty drinks at different casinos… here are some that had the best reviews!
*Yes, it is legal to walk down the street with an open container (as long as it is not glass)!
Shows in Las Vegas are legendary, and I highly suggest seeing one to round out your experience! Keep an open mind and try something outside your comfort zone! If you’re like me and need to plan things in advance, take your time to look at all the options. More spontaneous? Visit a Tix4Tonight kiosk. They offer discounted tickets for that day’s sold out shows. If you plan to go that route, get there as early as possible and don’t expect a specific show to be available. Consider it a gamble 🙂
Planning to hit the clubs? There are lots of options depending on what vibe you are into. Check out The Complete Guide to the Nightclubs for the best of the best! Once you pick one, make sure to check the dress code on the casino’s website.
It can be intimidating walking up to a game of blackjack and sitting down to play, especially if it’s your first time.
If you are new to table games but want to learn, try playing earlier in the day. The tables will generally have lower limits and smaller crowds. The less busy a table, the more willing the dealer will be to help you learn the game.
Even better, take a class. Some casinos offer free classes that teach the rules, lingo, and etiquette of different games. Check with your hotel concierge to see what is offered, or where to find a specific class.
There are tons of enticing slot machines in every casino. Before you sit down, make sure you take note of the minimum bet necessary to play. Although it may be a penny-slot, each spin could set you back $0.50 or more.
When people refer to the Freemont Street Experience they are talking about downtown Las Vegas. This is the original gambling district before the strip took over and where you can find classic casinos like the Golden Nugget and 4 Queens. Now, it is 4 city blocks under a giant LED screen canopy full of bars, live music and of course gambling. One of the newer features is a zipline that flys above all the partying. Heading there? It is about 4-5 miles from the strip, so taking a bus or taxi is a must.
There is so much to do in Las Vegas, I feel like I could go on and on! The best thing you can do to have a great time is to keep an open mind, have a laid back attitude and take your time exploring!
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
Travel planning shouldn't be stressful, but with life these days getting busier and busier, it…
Along a hiking trail in the middle of the forest lies a ruined stone house…
Why should someone use a travel agent in 2021? When asking that question I still…
Arizona is one of the most historic and naturally beautiful states in the United States.…
When the sun comes out, so do we. Summer means traveling to new places, soaking…
Arizona is a state renowned for its wide open, rugged, and untamed landscapes. Adventure-lovers come…
View Comments
There are plenty of things to do off the strip as well. Anyone visiting the Las Vegas would be well served to do some exploring away from that four mile street.
It is like suggesting someone visiting NYC only see Time Square.
I agree, there are tons of great things to do off the strip! This guide is geared towards the Las Vegas newbie who only has so much time.