This post's overview:
Planning on visiting Vegas for the first time? Look no further, in this post you can find things you need to know before visiting Vegas for the first time: where to stay, where to play (best casinos and how to play) & some other useful tips.
Why go to Vegas?
Bright lights, incredible nightlife entertainment and hearty food buffets, these are just some of the attractions that the City of Las Vegas has on offer. Known to many as Sin City, this desert location is the go-to place for casino gambling and world-renowned musical and theatrical performances.
Whether it is to attend a business conference, enjoy a celebration with friends or a luxury fun-filled honeymoon, a huge variety of visitors make their way to this destination each year. In fact, Las Vegas is a global leader in the hospitality industry and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.
Last year, 49.5 million people visited Las Vegas, which was an increase of over seven million from the previous year. Around 74 percent of those who visited the city spent time at a casino, while 6.6 million went with the purpose of attending a convention.
With around 150,000 hotel rooms to offer, this city has no shortage of options for overnight stays. As Vegas is such a big and vibrant city, first time visitors should try to plan their trip ahead. This will help you to make time for everything that this unforgettable city has to offer.
So, if you are taking a trip to Las Vegas, here are a few things that you should certainly keep in mind.
Where to stay
When planning an overnight trip anywhere, one of your first thoughts is often to secure yourself some suitable accommodation.
If you want to be close to the action, there are a wide range of hotels right at the heart of the Las Vegas strip. If you are looking for the authentic Las Vegas experience and have some cash to spare, the Bellagio and Caesars Palace are two of the city’s best known and recommended venues. The Bellagio is famous for its impressive water foundation, while the luxurious Caesars’ Palace really plays on its ancient Rome theme.
If fun themes are your thing, then New York – New York is another higher-end hotel on the strip. This one has a real art deco feel and puts you in a central location to explore the city’s nightlife.
There are also plenty of alternative accommodation options for those who prefer to stay further from the strip. The Hard Rock Hotel is around a mile away but still provides the luxury and excitement of the Vegas experience.
Where to play
The casinos are of course the big main attraction for many of the city’s visitors. The Bellagio and Caesars Palace have some of the city’s best gaming floors, while Sunset Station and MGM Grand’s casinos are some of the largest.
Whether you are a poker pro or someone who prefers a game of slots, this city has every game a casino fan could possibly imagine. Poker is one of the most popular choices in casino gaming, there are a number of different varieties to enjoy.
The Golden Nugget is said to have one of the best poker rooms. Each of its 13 tables are kitted out with equipment to make your game extra enjoyable and comfortable. You will find phone charging stations, golden mood lighting, high backed plush seating and flat screens with all the relevant tournament information.
If this is your first time in Vegas and you aren’t someone who plays poker regularly, three card poker is a good place to start. This variant is relatively easy to learn and not at all difficult to find in the city.
What else should I know before going to Las Vegas?
If you are someone who likes to experience all the sights a city has to offer, it is a good idea to pack a comfy pair of shoes for your trip to Las Vegas. You will be doing plenty of walking between retail outlets, entertainment venues and other tourist hotspots. The weather can be extremely hot during the summer months too, so walk through air-conditioned hotels and public spaces when you can.
For the full experience, you will want to check out a show or two while you are there. Search around for tickets in advance, it’s likely that you will be able to find some good discounts. Packages that include dinner and a show can be a nice choice for a special evening out.
While some things can be expensive in Vegas, there are plenty of more budget friendly dining options to take advantage of. Buffets are great for large meals and some are inclusive of alcoholic beverages, for example The Wynn has 15 live cooking stations and over 120 items on their buffet. There is also Planet Hollywood Hotel for a hearty breakfast spread. Many eateries also offer happy hours with discounted prices.
When visiting Las Vegas for the first time, you may feel a little overwhelmed by all there is to see and do. Try not to spend all your time on the strip or stuck in one location, as you might miss out on some interesting sites. Consider taking a trip out to locations such as Death Valley, Red Rock Canyon and Zion National Park. For the best views of the city, climb up The Stratosphere, a 350m tower with breathtaking 360-degree views of the landscape.
Some other posts you might like:
Things to do in Macau in one day
Weekend in Seattle: best things to do
Cancun or Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Tulum) – where to go in Mexico