Tips for your first time in Vegas

Vegas is a place that tantalizes all of your senses and makes you feel alive like nothing else can.

I still remember the way I felt stepping onto the strip for the first time with my hubby many moons ago.

It was the most electrifying feeling. And I hope to help you get this same feeling when you visit Vegas for your first time.

So, let’s dive into how to plan your first visit to Vegas!

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But first, before we dive into tips for your first time in Vegas.

Here are some things that may happen to you when you step foot on the strip for the first time.

The first thing you’ll notice is sensation overload from the all noise and the twinkling, glittering lights. Your eyes will be darting everywhere to take it all in.

The next thing you’ll notice, is that you’ll want to gawk at all the people as it’s the best people watching place on the planet.

Then, you’ll want to try all the fun drinks in all the outrageous souvenir cups.

and finally, you’ll wanna try all the FOOD, oh the food!

And hopefully you will fall in love with Vegas, just like I have.

So, turn on the soundtrack in your mind to the Rat Pack tune of, “Luck be a lady”, and let’s talk about the ins and outs of Vegas.

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 Where to stay in Vegas

There are basically two main areas to stay in in Vegas, on the strip, or downtown.

Here’s the breakdown of both areas.

 The Strip (which is where I prefer to stay) 

• It’s where all the big, themed hotels are.

• The hotels are newer, more upscale.

• Because it’s newer, and more popular, the hotel rooms are priced a little higher, especially the resort fees. (Nightly fees they tack on that you pay when you check-in. It’s supposedly for extras like, amenities, Wi-Fi, etc.)

• There are rewards programs through MyVEGAS and Caesars that you can join to get free show tickets, hotel stays, and even free food.

• The dancing water fountains are here (Bellagio, Wynn).

• It’s a little classier. You’ll see more people dressed up. (Don’t worry, every attire is accepted.)

• Most of the celebrity chef restaurants are here.

• The Eiffel Tower, the gondola and the high roller (Ferris wheel on steroids) are here.

• In-N-Out Burger is here. Yes, it deserves its own mention here!

• There are more options for hotels with outdoor pools here.

• It’s way bigger than downtown.

For the hotels, there is every price point available.

When Nate and I first started going to Vegas, we stayed at Harrah’s as it’s right in the center of the strip, and its cheap, as we were young and broke (but, still went to Vegas, ha)

As we’ve gotten older, we’ve wanted a more relaxed environment with a nice pool, so we’ve been staying at The Venetian, and we love it here.

Finding cheap rooms is possible if you are flexible in your days. Midweek is much cheaper than weekends (and quieter).

Utilize the price calendar on the hotel website or try putting in different dates in the search field as prices can vary widely day to day.

For other general tips on hotels, or flights, see my guide on travel planning 

I recommend staying as close to the center of the strip as possible (the area closest to Harrah’s). The strip is longer than you think (4.2 miles long) and it’s much easier walking everywhere if you are staying center strip.

Here are some other hotel options:

The Mirage (about to be Hard Rock) is another good option with a tropical pool.

Or The Flamingo with its real flamingos in their backyard tropical oasis, and they have an amazing pool as well.

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Downtown Vegas

The breakdown of Downtown Vegas:

• Downtown holds its allure as it’s the original strip from back in the day.

• It’s got the history and the feeling of nostalgia from days long ago, but it has modern new flair with the overhead canopy light show, The Fremont Street experience

• You can still see the older, original glittering hotel signs in all their lighted glory.

• The prices are cheaper for food, and hotel stays. Resort fees are less.

• It’s more compact (just under a mile long), and the casinos are closer together.

• The area under the canopy is for pedestrians only, so people congregate here and marvel at the lights and drink their drinks.

• There are also street performers that you can watch along the area. When I was there last, there was a guy with a sign that said you could move his body in any which way you wanted for $5! that was hilarious to watch, poor guy, but um… his fault!

• There are also concerts that can play in this outdoor area.

• People say that the slots are looser in the downtown area and pay out better.

• I’ve never stayed downtown, but as far as hotels go; I’ve heard that The Golden Nugget is a neat place to stay.

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What to do in Vegas

Of course, there’s gambling in Vegas, But… there is so much more that you can do that doesn’t involve gambling!

Here are some other ideas:

• See a show. I recommend looking here to see what’s available. One of my favorites is Beatles Love.

• Hang out at the pool. Maybe rent a cabana if you have the funds.

• Go on a hunt for all the free things to do on the strip.

• Take a guided tour.

• Rent a car for the day (multiple areas to rent right on the strip) and go outside the city. Hoover dam or Red Rock Canyon are less then 45 minutes away.

• Or if you don’t mind a longer drive, you can go to Grand Canyon West Rim which is 2 hours away. Or you can go to Grand Canyon South Rim which is 4-5 hours away.

• Visit the Titanic Museum, go for a ride in the high roller, or take a gondola ride.

• Visit Downtown’s Mob Museum, or the Neon Museum tour (where retired signs go to rest)

• Get your picture in front of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

• Go to a spa.

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Getting around Vegas

If you are planning on staying in Vegas, and not going outside the city limits, you do not need to rent a car. Walking is the best mode of transportation. If you do decide to rent a car for the day, there are many options right on the strip and may even be located in your hotel as well.

There are taxis galore and super easy to use. Typical taxi fare from the airport is $20-$40 depending on which way they take you. Within the strip is typically $9-$18.

There are also ride share options like Uber/Lyft that will probably be cheaper to and from the airport. But a little trickier to use getting from place to place on the strip, due to the hotels having certain areas for pick up and drop off, you may have trouble finding where to go as the hotels are HUGE.

Trams- There is a Monorail that runs along most of the east side of the strip. While it is often cheaper, it’s sometimes a little tricky to walk to as it’s set on the backside of the hotels and can be a jaunt to get to from the actual strip. Be sure to check for current information here. 

There are other trams on the other side of the strip, but they only connect two or three hotels together. Still a perfect option to rest your aching feet for 5 minutes…

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Finally, the FOOD, oh the food!

There is every kind of food you can imagine in Vegas. Everything from In-N-Out Burger to Michelin starred food. And it’s all incredible.

I can’t even begin to list ALL my favorites so I figured I would list my ultimate favorite, which is food with a view. The more senses I can activate, the better!

Here are my top food with a view places for each meal of the day:

Breakfast

Alexxa or Mon Ami Gabi – Both are located right next to each other on the strip in front of Paris. Primo place to watch all the action on the strip.

Lunch

In-N-Out Hamburger is a popular western burger joint that has AHmazing burgers. They also have a secret menu that’s fun to try and find on the Google. Located in the promenade in front of the High Roller. Grab your burger and sit and people watch.

or

Eiffel Tower Restaurant– for a late lunch. The food and view are amazing. Going for lunch is also a great way to save money. Dinner prices are much higher, for the same food!

Dinner

Prime Steakhouse at Bellagio- A little on the spendy side, but you are seated right next to the Bellagio water fountains and the view is spectacular.

Dessert

Crazy Shakes from Blacktap  at the Venetian. Hang out on their outdoor patio and watch the gondolas go by, or watch the people on the strip.

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Things to be aware of when visiting Las Vegas for your first time

• When you are walking down the strip, you’ll inevitably be handed a flyer/card deal that has a semi naked lady on it. You DON’T need to take it, ignore the people flicking them out to you.

• Timeshare people, aka Vultures, hover by some of the casino entrances and will try and be overly friendly, and ask you where you are from, IGNORE THEM. They will also try to suck you in with free stuff- NOT WORTH IT. They are pushy salespeople trying to sell you timeshares. For the love of Peter pan, just don’t do it.

• Costumed people along the strip typically want money from you to take pictures with them. If you want a picture, be courteous and pay them something, even if it’s a couple dollars.

• If you are gambling in the casinos, a waitress will come by and offer you a free drink, (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). It’s customary to tip them when they bring you your drink. 2 to 3 dollars is sufficient for alcohol, and 1 to 2 dollars is good for water or soda. Keep in mind that they don’t come around very often as the goal is to keep you gambling.

• Vegas is in the desert and HOT in the summer months, like over 100 degrees hot. Spring and fall are the best time to go in my opinion.

• WEAR COMFY SHOES! Yes, that deserved all the caps! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked barefoot back to my hotel room because I thought I could handle my, “super cute, had to wear,” high heeled shoes!

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Final thoughts on Vegas

The best thing about Vegas is that there is something for everyone. At the very least, it’s a definitely a bucket list check destination.

I know for myself, even after all these years, there’s nothing more exciting than going to Vegas!

 

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