First Timer’s Guide to Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of our all-time favorite cities to visit in the U.S. It’s wild, energetic, and completely unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re walking the Strip for the first time, catching a Cirque du Soleil show, or just wandering through the themed hotels (where one second you’re in Venice and the next you’re in Paris), there’s always something to see.

We’ve been to Vegas more than 10 times, and we still find new things to do every trip. It’s our go-to base anytime we’re road tripping out West, and over the years, we’ve stayed at tons of hotels on and off the Strip, so we’ve got plenty of recommendations coming your way.

If you’re planning your first visit to Las Vegas, this guide covers all the essentials. From things to do, where to stay, and what to know before you go, we’re sharing all the tips we wish we had on our first trip.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

With so many hotels on and off the Strip, choosing where to stay in Las Vegas can feel completely overwhelming. We have stayed all over the Vegas Strip, from peaceful resorts with no casinos to wild, nonstop energy in the heart of it all.

Something to keep in mind before you book your hotel is that the Strip is a lot bigger than you think it is. It stretches about 4.2 miles long, and everything looks closer than it is. Just because two hotels seem side by side on a map doesn’t mean it’s an easy walk, especially in the summer heat. You’ll either be walking a ton or hopping in an Uber, so it’s worth paying attention to where your hotel is located.

Make sure to watch out for resort fees! Nearly every hotel adds one (usually $30–50/night) on top of the nightly rate, and they add up fast, so always check the fine print before booking.

Staying on the Las Vegas Strip

If it’s your first time, we 100% recommend staying on the Strip. It puts you close to the action, restaurants, shows, shopping, and of course, all the people-watching. We personally always stay at MGM properties since we have a rewards card with them, but there are great options throughout.

Here are our top hotel picks on the Strip:

• Vdara: No casino, super quiet, and modern. Connected to Aria by a walkway and located in the middle of the Strip.

• The Cosmopolitan: Trendy, fun, and the only hotel on the Strip with balconies overlooking the Bellagio fountains.

• Bellagio: Iconic Vegas. Elegant, timeless, and right at the center of the Strip.

• W Las Vegas (formerly Delano): A more laid-back, upscale vibe connected to Mandalay Bay, with no casino.

• Caesars Palace: Bold, flashy, and over-the-top, even though we haven’t personally stayed here, we’ve heard nothing but great things.

  
  

Staying Off the Las Vegas Strip

If you want to stay away from all the chaos on the Strip, there are some great options just off the Strip or in Downtown Vegas (Fremont Street). 

• The Signature at MGM Grand: Quiet, condo-style suites just a short walk from the Strip.

• Circa (Downtown): Adults-only, with one of the coolest pool setups and the largest Sportsbook in the world.

• Palms Casino Resort: Located just west of the Strip, the Palms is a stylish option with a more relaxed atmosphere, amazing views, and beautiful rooms. It’s a quick Uber to the action but gives you a bit more breathing room.

How to Get Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas might look walkable on a map, but don’t let that fool you. The Strip is about 4.2 miles long, and each hotel is like its own mini city. Even getting from one resort to the next can take 20+ minutes. You’ll probably end up doing a mix of walking, rideshares, and trams to get around.

Here’s what we recommend:

Free Trams

Vegas has a few free trams that connect certain hotels and can save you a lot of walking:

• Mandalay Bay → Luxor → Excalibur

• Park MGM → Aria → Bellagio

• The Mirage → Treasure Island (This one is currently closed but could reopen.)

These are great if you're staying at one of the connected properties or just hopping between them.

Las Vegas Monorail

The Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip and stops at several major resorts.  It’s not free, but if you plan to use it more than once, a day pass ($15 for unlimited rides) can definitely be worth it. Just note that it doesn’t stop at every hotel, so check the route before relying on it.

Here are the Las Vegas Monorail resort stops:

• MGM Grand

• Horseshoe/Paris Las Vegas

• Flamingo/Caesar’s Palace

• Harrah’s/The LINQ

• Westgate Las Vegas

• SAHARA Las Vegas

Uber, Lyft, and Taxis

Uber and Lyft are super popular in Vegas and usually the fastest way to get where you’re going. Just make sure you go to the designated rideshare area at each hotel; they won’t pick you up right at the entrance, but every hotel has signs directing you on where to go. Taxis are also available, but they tend to cost more.

Walking

You’ll still end up walking a lot no matter what. Just be prepared for long distances between hotels and activities, and make sure you wear comfy shoes. Try to avoid walking long stretches in the middle of the day, especially if you’re not used to dry, desert heat.

What to Wear in Las Vegas

On our first couple of trips to Vegas, we packed way too many dressy outfits, thinking we had to look fancy everywhere we went. But after walking miles in heels through packed casinos and down the Strip, we quickly learned comfort matters.

You’ll see people wearing everything from sequined dresses to sneakers and hoodies. You can really wear whatever you want in Vegas, that’s part of what makes it so fun. During the day, most people keep it pretty casual, opting for jeans, leggings, or athletic wear, and reserve the dressier outfits for dinners and shows.

Our first time in Las Vegas in 2021

We still love getting dressed up for a night out, but we always bring layers and, most importantly, comfortable shoes. Even if you’re just walking between casinos, you’ll be surprised how far you go.

And don’t forget, Vegas is in the middle of the desert, which means it can get very cold at night, even after a hot day, so always pack a jacket or some warm layers just in case.

If you want to make your travel days easier, we put together a list of 10 Travel Essentials That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Trip. It’s full of small, must-have items like luggage tags, portable chargers, and other things that make a huge difference but are easy to forget.

You can also check out our Amazon Storefront where we’ve linked all our favorite travel gear and essentials we use on every trip.

Best Things to Do in Las Vegas for First Timers

There’s no shortage of things to do in Las Vegas, but if it’s your first time, these are the experiences we think you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Some are classics, some are a little unexpected, but all of them show off what makes Vegas so much fun.

Walk the Las Vegas Strip

It might sound obvious, but walking the Las Vegas Strip is honestly one of the best things to do here, especially on your first visit. Each hotel feels like stepping into a completely different world, and half the fun is just wandering in and out of them. One second you’re in New York, the next you’re in ancient Rome or riding a gondola in Venice.

Even if you’re not a big shopper or gambler, the themed hotels, elaborate lobbies, and unique architecture make the Strip feel like a giant playground. We always recommend taking your time, you don’t need to rush from one end to the other. 

Watch the Bellagio Fountains

Bellagio Fountain View from Cosmopolitan Room

Even though it’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Vegas, watching the Bellagio Fountains never gets old. The water shows are perfectly timed to music and lights, and the fountains shoot up to 460 feet in the air, it’s seriously impressive to see in person.

The shows run every 30 minutes in the afternoons and every 15 minutes at night, so you’ll have plenty of chances to catch one. We usually like to swing by after dinner when the lights make it extra magical. Best of all, it’s completely free, which is rare in Vegas!

If you want a really cool experience, you can actually watch the fountains right from your hotel room. The Cosmopolitan is the only hotel on the Strip with balconies that overlook the Bellagio fountains, we’ve stayed there before and it’s one of our favorite places in Vegas. Here’s more on where to stay in Las Vegas.

Go to Fremont Street (Downtown Vegas)

If you want to see a completely different side of Las Vegas, head to Fremont Street in Downtown Vegas, also known as the original Las Vegas. This is where the city got its start, long before the Strip became what it is today. It’s a totally different vibe, a little wilder, but it’s a lot of fun!

The whole street is covered by a giant LED canopy that lights up with music and visuals every hour, and there’s live music, street performers, and zipliners flying overhead pretty much all the time.

We love coming here for the energy, cheap drinks, and the old-school Vegas feel. Fremont Street is also home to Circa, one of the coolest hotels downtown, with an adults-only pool and the largest sportsbook in the world. It’s super easy to grab an Uber from the Strip, and it's absolutely worth the trip, especially at night when the whole place lights up.

Experience the Sphere

One of the newest and most mind-blowing additions to Las Vegas is The Sphere. It’s not just a concert venue, it’s a full-on visual experience that’s unlike anything else in the world. Even if you don’t go inside, seeing The Sphere from the outside is worth it. The entire structure lights up with animations that change throughout the day and night, sometimes it’s an eyeball, sometimes it’s a smiley face, and sometimes it’s something completely unexpected.

If you can get tickets to a show or special event inside The Sphere, we highly recommend it. The sound system and visuals are next-level, and there’s really nothing else like it right now. Even just walking past it at night is a must-do when you’re visiting Vegas for the first time.

Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame

If you’re looking for something fun, budget-friendly, and perfect for families, the Pinball Hall of Fame is such a cool stop. It’s basically a giant, retro arcade filled with hundreds of pinball machines, some dating all the way back to the 1950s.

What we love is that you can actually play all the machines, not just look at them. You don’t need to spend a lot of money either, most games only cost 25 or 50 cents, so you can play for a while without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to escape the heat or fill a slower afternoon if you’re traveling with kids, but honestly, we always have just as much fun here as the families do.

See a Show in Las Vegas

Vegas is known for its over-the-top entertainment, and seeing a show is a must if it’s your first time visiting. From magic and comedy to big-name concerts and Cirque du Soleil performances, there’s something for everyone.

Cirque du Soleil is probably the most iconic. We saw O at the Bellagio, and it completely blew us away, it’s a water-based show with incredible acrobatics, and it’s unlike anything else. KA at MGM Grand and Mystère at Treasure Island are also really popular and great for first-timers.

There are tons of other options too, magic shows like David Copperfield, comedy clubs, celebrity residencies, and even smaller lounge shows that pop up around the casinos.

If you want to get the best seats, it’s smart to book your tickets in advance, especially for big shows like Cirque or headline performers.

Visit the Neon Museum

If you love old Vegas, you have to check out the Neon Museum. It’s an outdoor space filled with vintage signs from hotels, casinos, and restaurants that have all been retired over the years. Walking through the museum feels like stepping back in time, and it’s such a cool, unique way to see a different side of Vegas.

You can visit during the day or book a nighttime tour when some of the signs are lit up, which makes the whole place feel even more magical. We recommend going at sunset so you can catch the best of both worlds, soft daylight for photos and then watch the signs light up as it gets darker.

The museum isn’t super big, so it’s a nice add-on to your day, especially if you’re already near Fremont Street. It’s great for couples, families, and anyone who loves photography or local history.

Relax at a Las Vegas Pool

When you think of Vegas, you probably picture casinos and nightlife, but the pool scene is just as popular, and sometimes exactly what you need after days of walking. Some of the hotels here have next-level pools with beach clubs, lazy rivers, and some of the best people-watching in the city.

Whether you’re looking to relax with a good book or spend the afternoon at a lively pool party, there’s something for everyone. The pools at the MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay (with its actual sand beach), and the Cosmopolitan are some of our favorites. Even if you’re not staying at one of these hotels, many pools offer day passes so you can still go and enjoy them.

Vegas summers are no joke, and spending the hottest part of the day at the pool is a great way to beat the heat. Just make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated, trust us, it’s easy to forget when you’re having fun.

No matter what kind of trip you’re planning, whether you’re here to party, relax, or just explore, Vegas really does have something for everyone. It’s one of those cities where you can make each trip feel completely different, which is why we keep coming back.

Day Trips from Las Vegas

One of our favorite things about visiting Vegas is how many incredible places are just a few hours away. If you’re spending a few days in the city, it’s worth setting aside time for a quick road trip. We’ve personally done all of these and highly recommend each one.

Valley of Fire

Just under an hour from the Strip, Valley of Fire is one of the most underrated spots near Las Vegas. The bright red rock formations, wavy canyons, and scenic drives feel like you’re walking on another planet. It’s super easy to explore, and even a half-day trip is enough to see some of the best parts. 

Death Valley

Death Valley is about two hours from Vegas and is home to some of the most extreme and unique landscapes you’ll ever see. Massive sand dunes, colorful canyons, and salt flats that stretch for miles, it’s a photographer’s dream.

Here's our full Death Valley National Park Guide to help plan your visit!

Zion National Park

If you’re up for a longer day trip, Zion National Park is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from the Strip and is one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. There’s towering red cliffs, scenic drives, and some of the most adventurous and unique hikes in the world. Even if you just have one day, it’s worth it.

We wrote a Zion National Park Guide that shares everything you need to know for your first visit.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a bucket list stop, and the West Rim is the closest part to Las Vegas, just about 2 hours and 15 minutes away. It’s not part of Grand Canyon National Park (that’s the South Rim), but you can still get stunning views and walk the famous glass Skywalk. We’ll have a full Grand Canyon guide coming soon!

Where to Eat in Las Vegas

There’s no shortage of food in Vegas, from quick, affordable bites to some of the best fine dining in the country, you can find just about anything here. The first few times we visited, we definitely got overwhelmed by all the options. But over the years, we’ve found a handful of spots we keep going back to, whether we’re in the mood for something casual, a buffet, or a sit-down dinner with a view.

Bacchanal Buffet

If you’re going to splurge on one buffet in Vegas, make it Bacchanal in Caesar’s Palace. It’s one of the most famous buffets in the city, and for good reason. The variety is insane, we’re talking sushi, lobster, crab, prime rib, street tacos, dim sum, and even a gelato bar with toppings we’ve never seen anywhere else. It’s pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for. We recommend going for brunch or dinner and making reservations in advance to skip the long lines.

Blondies Sports Bar and Grille

Blondies is our go-to casual spot in the Miracle Mile Shops. It’s laid-back, affordable, and has surprisingly good food. Their breakfast deals are hard to beat, and if you’re looking for somewhere to watch the game, this is a great pick. We love grabbing a quick bite here when we need a break from all the craziness of the Strip (they also have the best mac & cheese we’ve ever had!)

A.Y.C.E. Buffet

The A.Y.C.E. Buffet at the Palms is one of the best buffet values off the Strip. It’s more affordable than some of the big-name buffets but still has great quality and variety. They offer different themed nights, like seafood Fridays and prime rib weekends, so there’s always something fun to try. It’s a great option if you want the buffet experience without the heavy price tag.

La Salsa Cantina

La Salsa is our go-to for a quick, budget-friendly Mexican meal on the Strip; it’s also located in the Miracle Mile Shops. They have huge breakfast burritos and one of the best margarita deals in Vegas. It’s a very casual spot, perfect for a mid-day break or easy dinner without the wait. We love grabbing tacos here before heading back out to explore.

Mon Ami Gabi

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a view, Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel is one of the best spots on the Strip. Their outdoor patio overlooks the Bellagio fountains, so you can enjoy dinner with a show. The food is consistently great, especially the steak and frites, and we love coming here for brunch or dinner when we’re in Vegas.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Las Vegas for the First Time

Las Vegas is one of those places that’s easy to overthink because of all the options, but the truth is, you don’t have to plan every second to have a good time. It’s a city that’s meant to be explored, wandered, and experienced at your own pace. Whether you’re here to see the shows, walk the Strip, relax by the pool, or take a day trip out to the desert, Vegas really does have something for everyone.

If you want to follow along with our travels in real time (plus get behind-the-scenes moments, more tips, and future itineraries), make sure to join us over on Instagram and TikTok!