First Time Guide to Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas! The fabulous Sin City is known for its casinos, over-the-top hotels, and incredible shows. If it’s your first time visiting this playground for grown-ups, this guide will give you everything you need to know to make the most of your time there.
With its party atmosphere, thrilling experiences, and incredible pool parties, Las Vegas is a must-visit for anyone who loves to have a good time. There’s much more to this fantastic city than just gambling, and it’s the perfect destination for couples, groups of friends, and hen and stag dos.
We’ve got some top tips for where to stay, how to get around, and some of the best things to do in Vegas. Read on to find out all the info for your first visit to Las Vegas, Nevada in the US.
How long should I spend in Las Vegas?
We recommend spending at least three days in Las Vegas, although you could easily stay for longer – there’s plenty to do there! Three days will give you time to see many of the major tourist attractions, as well as take in the nightlife. By then, you might be ready to come home for a rest – or else have spent up!
It’s also worth remembering that travelling to Vegas is a long-haul trip from the UK, so give yourself time to recover from jetlag.
Las Vegas as a stop on a USA road trip
Las Vegas also makes a great end point to a USA road trip. You could start in San Francisco and drive down to Los Angeles before working your way inland to Las Vegas.
How to get to Las Vegas
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the airport that you’re likely to fly into from the UK. This airport was previously known as McCarran International Airport. You can fly direct to Las Vegas from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Glasgow with airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and United Airlines.
Connecting flights are available from other airports and may work out cheaper than flying direct if you’re travelling on a budget.
How to get to Las Vegas from the airport
The airport is close to the famous Las Vegas Strip, where all the action takes place, so once you land, the good news is that it’s quick and easy to get there. There are several options for transport, including:
- Taxi (all taxis accept card payments, and a tip of 15% is customary)
- Bus (Centennial Express every hour, which takes around 30 minutes)
- Book an airport transfer in advance
What do I need to enter Las Vegas?
If you’re visiting from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Japan, and Germany, among others), then you do not need a visa to enter the USA for 90 days or less.
However, you will need authorisation with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), for which there is a small fee. You should apply at least 72 hours before you travel. We recommend applying as soon as possible in case there are any additional steps you need to take before you travel.
Visitors from countries outside of the Visa Waiver program will need a non-immigrant visa.
The US has very specific passport requirements, so you should make sure that your passport will be accepted before you travel to Las Vegas.
Where to stay in Las Vegas for first-time visitors
The Vegas Strip is huge! Although places appear to be close together, the resorts here are massive, so something that seems only a couple of buildings apart can end up being over a mile away. Because of this, you might want to consider staying somewhere close to the activities you have planned in order to save on travel costs and time.
There’s a variety of resorts and hotels here, with new places to stay popping up all the time. There are hotels suitable for a more budget stay as well as high-end resorts with luxurious amenities.
Some of the hotels here are absolutely iconic, such as the Bellagio Resort & Casino, a luxury hotel with dancing fountains on a lake; The Venetian Resort, which is like a mini-Venice, and the Paris Las Vegas, which has a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Even if you don’t stay at one of these hotels, you are welcome to visit during your trip to take a look around and play on the slots.
Hotels in the middle of the Strip
The middle of the Strip is a good place to base yourself. It’s in the centre of everything, and you’ll be within walking distance of some of the main attractions.
Good options here are:
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- ARIA Resort & Casino
- Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
- Bellagio Resort & Casino
Quieter places to stay
If you want a quieter break in Vegas, then you could check into one of the “non-gaming” hotels. These are hotels without a casino, and they tend to be a little more peaceful. Some of these are located just off the Strip:
- Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
- Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
- Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA
- JW Marriott Las Vegas The Resort at Summerlin
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara
Top tip: Remember to check the cost of resort fees at your chosen hotel and include these in your budgeting. Most Las Vegas hotels charge a “resort fee,” which is not included in your initial booking cost. The fees are paid at the end of your stay when you check out. The fee is per night and does not include tax. Fees are on average between $40 and $45.
Las Vegas weather
Because of its location in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is warm, dry, and sunny all year and enjoys almost 300 days of sunshine (source: Current Results). In summer, temperatures can reach average highs of 41°C (105°C)
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
Vegas is a year-round destination. There’s no bad time to visit, and there’s something going on every day of the week – at all times!
Usually, you might try to avoid the busiest periods in a destination, but Vegas is one of those places where the more people, the better the atmosphere. You may want to try to time your visit to coincide with a big sporting event or a national holiday to really soak up the vibe, although prices for accommodation will be higher.
If you don’t like it too hot, you should avoid the summer months. However, if you’re planning to spend most of your time inside, every building has air conditioning, so this, plus the pool parties, are guaranteed to keep you cool.
What to pack for your first trip to Vegas
To help you pack for your trip to Las Vegas, take a look at the weather forecast and consider the activities you’ll be doing once you get there. Here are some recommendations from us:
- Shorts and t-shirts
- Comfortable day-time dresses
- Comfortable shoes or trainers for walking
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear
- A light jacket
- More glamorous outfits if you’re going out at night
How to get around in Las Vegas
You can walk from one end of the Las Vegas strip to the other, and it’s around 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometres) long. There are also some other options for transport during your trip, if you’re unable to walk – or just don’t fancy it!
Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail saves you time without getting stuck in traffic. Travel above the Strip at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. The trains arrive every four to eight minutes, and there are stops at seven stations. You can choose from a one-way ticket or an unlimited ride pass and hop on and off the monorail all day long.
Taxi
Travelling by taxi is another convenient way to travel in Vegas, although it is pricier. You’ll never have much of a wait for a taxi, but you can’t hail one as you walk down the street as they have to pick up at a physical address. Most hotels have specific taxi ranks where you can get a cab.
Hire a car
There are 10 car rental companies at the airport so you can easily pick up a hire car there. Driving in Vegas is relatively easy, although you may find it more challenging during rush hour when congestion is common.
Rideshares
Ridesharing is popular in the US, and Uber and Lyft both operate in Vegas. You’ll just need to download the app, enter your destination, and choose a ride. Fares are agreed upon in advance, so you won’t have any surprises.
Rent a limo
If you’re feeling a little bougie, or it’s a special occasion, then renting a limo is a fantastic way to travel in style. You’ll feel like a celebrity as you sit back and enjoy the journey down the Strip.
Bus
Las Vegas has a few bus routes serving the Strip and downtown Las Vegas. Deuce on the Strip stops at most resorts on the Strip, DVX runs partially through downtown and Fremont Street, and the Downtown Loop is a free shuttle which takes you to Downtown Las Vegas and has stops at the Arts District and Fremont Street Experience.
Things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors
There’s a lot to take in in the Entertainment Capital of the World. From exploring the many experiences at different hotels to the thrill rides and roller coasters, you definitely won’t get bored during your trip.
Top tip: The most cost-effective way to explore Las Vegas is with a Go City: Las Vegas Explorer Pass. You just need to choose how many attractions you’d like to visit, and you’ll get discounted entry. There are over 40 activities available, including the High Roller Observation Wheel, Madame Tussauds, and The Big Apple Roller Coaster. You can save up to 50% compared to buying tickets for individual attractions.
Summary: things to do in Las Vegas
- See a show
- Grand Canyon tours
- Hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Las Vegas Strip helicopter flight
- Take a food tour
See a show
Las Vegas is known for its spectacular shows, and there’s something to see every day, covering every type of entertainment, including live music, dancing, and stand-up comedy. Some of the most popular shows in Vegas include Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and Magic Mike.
Grand Canyon Tours
It’s a relatively short journey to the Grand Canyon, so you must see it during your first trip to Las Vegas. It’s a spectacular natural rock formation which is around 277 miles (445 kilometres) long, 10 miles (16 kilometres) across, and 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) deep. You can’t comprehend the sheer size of it until you visit.
One of the best ways to see the Grand Canyon is from above, taking a helicopter tour or a sightseeing plane. You can also do the Sky Walk at Eagle Point, where you can walk over the rim of the Grand Canyon on a glass bridge and look to the canyon floor below.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Explore the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown District on an open-top double-decker bus with the Big Bus Las Vegas Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. You can get on and off as many times as you like at any of the nine stops. Snap a picture at the Las Vegas sign, roll a winner at the MGM Grand, or visit the Mob Museum.
Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Flights
Get a bird's-eye view of the Las Vegas Strip by soaring above it in a helicopter. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a must-do on your first visit to Vegas. In fact, there are lots of Vegas helicopter tours to choose from, and we’ve got a helpful article to help you decide which helicopter tour is right for you.
Take a food tour
As well as world-class entertainment, Las Vegas also has some of the best independent restaurants. On the Downtown Lip Smacking Foodie Tour, you’ll leave the Strip behind and head Downtown to discover art galleries, vintage clothing boutiques, and antique shops.
You’ll meet the teams behind the restaurants and learn more about their approach to food with a focus on seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine. You’ll sample three to four signature dishes at each location, so be sure to bring your appetite!
Now that you’ve got everything you need to know for your holiday to Las Vegas, have a look at our Las Vegas attraction tickets and start planning your perfect itinerary.