Las Vegas can be overwhelming. Miles of casino floor, thousands of restaurants, and endless entertainment options. This guide helps first-timers navigate the city and get the most from their trip.
When to Visit
Best Times
Value seasons:
- January-February (post-holiday lull)
- July-August (hot but cheap)
- Early December (before holiday rush)
Best weather:
- March-May (warm days, cool nights)
- September-November (summer fading)
Avoid if possible:
- Major conventions (CES, SEMA)
- Big fight weekends
- Major holidays (prices spike)
Day of the Week
Midweek advantages:
- 30-50% cheaper rooms
- Less crowded tables
- Easier restaurant reservations
- Shorter show lines
Weekend advantages:
- More energy/atmosphere
- More entertainment options
- Better people-watching
Where to Stay
The Strip
Pros:
- Walking distance to major casinos
- Central to action
- Iconic experience
Cons:
- More expensive
- Crowded
- Resort fees add up
Off-Strip
Pros:
- Lower prices
- Less crowded gambling
- Better odds on some games
- More authentic Vegas
Cons:
- Need transportation
- Less walkable
- Fewer shows/restaurants
Budget Tiers
| Tier | Example Properties | Nightly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Circus Circus, Excalibur | $30-80 |
| Mid-Range | Flamingo, LINQ, Harrah's | $80-150 |
| Upscale | Venetian, Bellagio, Aria | $150-300 |
| Luxury | Wynn, Encore, Four Seasons | $300+ |
Note: Add $40-50/night for resort fees at most Strip properties.
Budgeting Your Trip
Realistic Daily Budgets
Budget trip: $150-200/day
- Basic hotel
- Casual dining
- Small gambling bankroll
- Free attractions
Mid-range trip: $300-400/day
- Nice hotel
- Mix of dining options
- Moderate gambling
- One paid show/activity
Comfortable trip: $500-700/day
- Upscale hotel
- Quality restaurants
- Larger gambling bankroll
- Multiple shows/activities
Often Underestimated Costs
- Resort fees ($40-50/night)
- Parking ($20-30/day at Strip properties)
- Tips (dealers, servers, housekeeping)
- Drinks (even "free" drinks expect tips)
- Pool cabanas ($100-500+)
- Nightclub covers ($30-100)
Gambling Budget
Rule of thumb:
- Budget what you can lose completely
- Divide into sessions
- When it's gone, you're done
Example for 3-day trip:
- Total gambling budget: $600
- Per day: $200
- Two $100 sessions per day
Must-See Casinos
Iconic Strip Properties
Bellagio
- Famous fountains (free show)
- Conservatory gardens
- High-end gambling
- Fine dining
Venetian/Palazzo
- Grand canal with gondolas
- Upscale shopping
- Spacious casino floor
- Excellent restaurants
Caesars Palace
- Roman opulence
- Forum Shops
- World-class restaurants
- Major shows
Wynn/Encore
- Luxury experience
- Beautiful grounds
- Lake of Dreams show
- Upscale everything
Worth Visiting
Cosmopolitan: Trendy, great restaurants, rooftop pool Aria: Modern, beautiful design, good gambling Park MGM/NoMad: Boutique feel, excellent restaurants Resorts World: Newest, three hotels in one
Downtown (Fremont Street)
Different vibe:
- Lower table minimums
- More casual atmosphere
- Fremont Street Experience (LED canopy)
- Classic Vegas nostalgia
Worth visiting:
- Golden Nugget (nicest downtown)
- Circa (newest, rooftop pool)
- Container Park (family-friendly)
Gambling Tips for Beginners
Start Slow
First session suggestions:
- Low-limit slots ($0.25-$1)
- Low-limit blackjack ($10-15)
- Electronic table games
- Video poker
Join Player's Clubs
Every property:
- Sign up at player's club desk
- Use your card for all play
- Earn comps even as beginner
- Often get sign-up bonus
Best Beginner Games
Blackjack: Low house edge, social, easy to learn Craps (pass line): Simple bet, low edge, exciting Roulette: No skill needed, easy to understand Video poker: Low edge with strategy, solo pace
Table Minimums
| Casino Type | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $5-10 | $10-15 |
| Strip (major) | $15-25 | $25-50 |
| Locals casinos | $5-15 | $10-25 |
Check minimums before sitting—they vary by table.
Dining
Best Values
Buffets:
- Bacchanal (Caesars): Best quality
- Wicked Spoon (Cosmo): Individual portions
- Garden Buffet (South Point): Best value
Casual dining:
- In-N-Out (nearby Strip locations)
- Tacos El Gordo (multiple locations)
- Secret Pizza (Cosmo, hidden spot)
- Earl of Sandwich (multiple locations)
Happy hours: Many Strip restaurants offer discounted drinks/apps from 3-6pm.
Special Occasion Restaurants
Celebrity chef highlights:
- Gordon Ramsay Steak (Paris)
- é by José Andrés (Jaleo, Cosmo)
- Carbone (Aria)
- CUT by Wolfgang Puck (Venetian)
Book ahead: Popular restaurants fill weeks in advance.
Shows and Entertainment
Categories
Cirque du Soleil:
- O (Bellagio): Water spectacular
- KÀ (MGM Grand): Epic production
- Mystère (TI): Classic Cirque
- Beatles LOVE (Mirage): Beatles music
Concerts/residencies: Check who's performing during your dates.
Comedy:
- Multiple shows nightly
- Half-price tickets often available
Magic:
- Several resident magicians
- David Copperfield at MGM Grand
- Penn & Teller at Rio
Discount Tickets
Tix4Tonight: Booths selling same-day discounts Vegas.com: Advance purchase deals Direct from venue: Sometimes best deals
Free Things to Do
Attractions
- Bellagio fountains (every 15-30 min)
- Volcano at Mirage (hourly evenings)
- Fremont Street Experience (downtown)
- Conservatory at Bellagio
- Fall of Atlantis (Forum Shops)
- Wildlife habitat at Flamingo
Walking the Strip
Plan your walk:
- Strip is 4+ miles end to end
- Bridges connect properties
- Air-conditioned walkways exist
- Wear comfortable shoes
People Watching
Prime spots:
- LINQ Promenade
- Fremont Street at night
- Casino floors (any)
- Bellagio fountain viewing area
Practical Tips
Transportation
From the airport:
- Taxi: $20-25 to mid-Strip
- Rideshare: $15-25 to mid-Strip
- Bus: $6, slower but scenic
Around town:
- Walk the Strip (when close)
- Rideshare between distant points
- Monorail (runs along east Strip)
- Deuce bus (Strip route)
Tipping Guidelines
| Service | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Cocktail server | $1-2 per drink |
| Dealer | $5+ per session or on wins |
| Hotel housekeeping | $3-5/day |
| Concierge (help) | $5-20 |
| Bellhop | $2/bag |
| Taxi/rideshare | 15-20% |
| Valet | $3-5 |
Staying Safe
The Strip is generally safe, but:
- Watch for pickpockets in crowds
- Don't flash cash or phones
- Stay on main pathways at night
- Keep hotel room locked
- Don't accept "free" show tickets on street
Pacing Yourself
Common mistakes:
- Too much gambling first day
- Not drinking enough water
- Staying out too late first night
- Not eating enough
- Over-scheduling
Remember: Vegas will still be there tomorrow.
Three-Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploration
Afternoon:
- Check in, freshen up
- Walk the Strip (north or south portion)
- Explore hotel casino
- Casual dinner
Evening:
- Begin gambling (light session)
- Catch free show (Bellagio fountains)
- Early night to recover from travel
Day 2: Full Vegas Day
Morning:
- Sleep in (Vegas hours shift late)
- Breakfast/brunch at good spot
- Pool time (seasonal)
Afternoon:
- Explore different casino area
- Gambling session
- Shopping or attractions
Evening:
- Nice dinner
- Show/concert
- Late gambling session
- Nightclub (if desired)
Day 3: Downtown & Departure
Morning:
- Late checkout if possible
- Breakfast
Afternoon:
- Visit downtown/Fremont Street
- Final gambling session
- Pack up
Evening:
- Departure (or final dinner)
The Bottom Line
Las Vegas rewards preparation but also flexibility. Know your budget, have a loose plan, and leave room for spontaneity.
First-timer essentials:
- Set a gambling budget and stick to it
- Join player's clubs everywhere you play
- Make dinner reservations in advance
- See at least one show
- Walk the Strip (at least partially)
- Don't try to do everything
- Pace yourself—you can always come back