Las Vegas First-Time Visitors Guide

As one of the largest tourist cities in the world, Las Vegas welcomes millions of visitors every year.  The city offers a variety of attractions and activities for all tastes, ages, and budgets. 

With everything Las Vegas has to offer, it can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor to figure out what to plan and prioritize. Lucky for you, we have a guide that will help you make the most of your first visit to Las Vegas. We will be going over the must-see attractions, our favorite places to eat, and the best places to stay on the strip. So read along as we explore Las Vegas and plan the perfect vacation!

Here are our recommendations to get your own itinerary started, but if you’re staying in Las Vegas for a short amount of time, here is our weekend itinerary to hit all of the highlights.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

When planning your trip to Las Vegas, there are many different aspects to keep in mind. From budgeting to transportation, it’s important to plan out every detail of your trip so that you can get the most out of your stay. And don’t forget to leave some room in your budget for fun and gambling!

One aspect that often gets overlooked is that Vegas relies heavily on tipping, from cab drivers, to bellhops, to cocktail waitresses that walk around the casino, it is important to have cash (ideally small bills) on hand to tip them at all times. 

One tip many locals have for saving money is to buy essentials like water bottles and snacks off the strip or at drug stores live CVS rather than the gift shops in the hotels. Doing this will save more money than you might expect! 

Also, sign up for different players cards, such as MGM Resorts Rewards or Caesars Rewards to gain free play, discounts, free parking, and possible comped rooms for future visits. These cards are often free and can save you a lot of money. You can also use them to gain access to different events and shows. 

Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that the strip is much longer than it might look, so if you plan to walk, it is a good idea to pack comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. You can also take advantage of the short monorails or trams across the strip to get around. 

Places to Stay For Your First Time in Las Vegas

No matter your needs or budget, there is a hotel that will fit. There are plenty of luxury hotels that offer all the amenities you could want, as well as more affordable options that are just as comfortable and convenient. Just do your research and find the perfect hotel for you.

Luxury Hotels

There are many luxury hotels on the strip to enjoy. These hotels offer top-notch amenities, such as luxurious rooms and suites, spa services, and fine dining. Our top recommendation if you want to Indulge in a luxurious stay and make the most of your trip is the Bellagio, which offers stunning rooms, often with a view of the fountains, and high-end shopping right near the casino. 

Another fantastic choice for indulging yourself is Wynn Las Vegas.  It has an opulent spa, elaborate dining options, and stunning rooms and suites. The Wynn is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the city.

Mid-Range Hotels

For those who want a more affordable option, but still offering a luxurious stay, there are plenty of hotels that fit that bill. One of our favorites is the Flamingo. The Flamingo has all the amenities of a high-end hotel, but without the price tag. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy their stay without breaking the bank.

Another great option is Planet Hollywood! Planet Hollywood is a great hotel for families with the Miracle Mile Shops just a few steps away from the casino, and offers a variety of activities and entertainment, and the rooms are spacious and well-equipped.

Budget Hotels

Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean that you can’t have a fantastic time in Las Vegas. If you’re looking for somewhere with spacious accommodations, the Excalibur is a great choice! It’s located right on the Las Vegas Strip and offers easy access to all the major attractions. Plus, the Excalibur offers competitive rates and packages that make it a great option for anyone on a budget.

Another spot that is great for those on a budget is Treasure Island. This hotel is closer to the middle of the strip and offers plenty of things to do within a short walking distance. The rooms themselves are spacious and comfortable, and the cherry on top is free parking for all hotel guests!

Places to Eat For Your First Time in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a foodie’s paradise. With one of the largest spans of cuisine all across the strip, it’s incredibly easy to find something you love. Below are our favorites at three different price-points for any traveler. 

High-End Options

Wicked Spoon

Wicked Spoon is one of the best buffets you can get on the strip. Touting itself as the first buffet to offer mini-plates instead of the traditional buffet style, the quality of each and every dish gets to shine through. Currently, Wicked Spoon is open for brunch every day of the week. 

Bacchanal Buffet

The Bacchanal buffet, located in Caesars Palace has something for everyone and is the largest buffet (25,000 square-foot dining area) in Vegas. There are 9 different food stations and they all have excellent quality. It is especially good for seafood lovers.

The X Pot 

The X Pot is the perfect place for anyone who wants to have an elevated Chinese restaurant hot pot experience. This experience brings all your sense into your dinner with thematic soundscapes, interactive light shows, and projections. This restaurant is a must-do at least once! 

Mid-Range Options

Eataly

Eataly in Park MGM is a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious Italian food. This food court style offers plenty of different dishes for you to try, from Italian street food, to pasta that is handmade right in front of you.

Cabo Wabo Cantina

For great Mexican cuisine, Cabo Wabo is the perfect spot. Created by rock and roll band Van Halen and now run by Sammy Hagar, this restaurant offers delicious dishes like their carnitas platter, Sammy’s tequila shrimp, and a variety of delicious cocktails that are sure to be a hit! It is located at Planet Hollywood.

Affordable Options 

In-N-Out

In-N-Out is an incredibly popular staple the West Coast, and Las Vegas is no exception. With a location in the Linq Promenade, you can walk right up and order some delicious burgers for lunch. 

Proper Eats Food Hall 

Located in Aria, Proper Eats Food Hall is a distinctly upscale food court without the same price tag. They offer a variety of cuisines, from American to Korean street food, and is the perfect spot to grab a quick bite or a leisurely lunch for under $20 per person. 

Things To Do For Your First Time in Las Vegas

Getting to the fun part of planning, there are hundreds of things to do on and around the Las Vegas Strip. From world-class shopping to incredible shows, and nightlife ranging from bars and clubs to casinos and hotels, there is something for everyone. 

We’re going to focus more on specific highlights here, if you want to learn more about gambling in Las Vegas, we have a variety of articles about the best tips and tricks to play smart and walk away with the most money possible.

High-End Activities

Limo Tour With Photographer 

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the strip like a celebrity for a few hours. You will get picked up from your hotel in a stretch limo and be treated to a bottle of champagne for your whole party, as well as a photographer who will grab some incredible candid photos in the limo, as well as making stops at some iconic spots in Las Vegas for posed photos. 

VIP Helicopter and Dinner Tour

There is no better way to spend a romantic evening with your partner in Las Vegas than on this tour. Starting with a champagne toast, you and your partner will be taken on a helicopter tour of the strip at night, and after you get to see the stunning views from above, you’ll be treated to a delicious dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant.

See a Cirque Du Soleil Show.

If you can afford it, no trip to Vegas would be complete without seeing a Cirque Du Soleil show. One of our favorites is “O” which features acrobatics diving into pools set to incredible music. It is often rated as the best show in Vegas.

Mid-Range Activities

OmegaMart

OmegaMart is an incredibly unique art display by MeowWolf. The front of the art display may look like an ordinary grocery store, save for the odd products on the shelves (many of which can be bought!) But if you find one of the many hidden entryways that are in the store, you’re in for a real treat. 

Terry Fator: Who’s The Dummy Now?

It’s no secret why Terry Fator has remained a staple of Las Vegas for almost 20 years. His talent with ventriloquism makes him one of the most enjoyable solo-performers in the whole city. Terry Fator has breathed a new life into his performances and make the show a must-see if you’re in town. 

Affordable Activities

Shark Reef Aquarium 

Located at Mandalay Bay, the Shark Reef Aquarium is an incredible way to spend the afternoon on a budget. This aquarium has a variety of marine creatures and is a fantastic way to feel up close and personal with them. This is an especially fun activity for families as there’s plenty of educational placards and workers around to share fun facts to kids!

High Roller

The high roller is an incredibly fun activity for those on a budget, tickets start just under $25 for adults during the daytime, and it gives you an incredible view of the strip from above. If you can splurge a little more on the activity, we recommend getting the nighttime tickets at around $35 as the view with the city lit up is like no other.

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Travel Safely!

Now that you have a jumping off point of how to spend your first trip in Las Vegas, we hope you have an amazing time! Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings, wear comfortable shoes, and take breaks to rest. See our Vegas safety guide for more tips. Have fun and stay safe!