Las Vegas Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Top Tips, Must-See Attractions, and Insider Secrets

Welcome to the ultimate Las Vegas travel guide for first-time visitors! Whether you're excited about the iconic Strip, world-class shows, or the dazzling nightlife, planning your first trip to Vegas can feel overwhelming. 

Full of luxurious casinos, resort-style pools, and extravagant nightlife, there are plenty of things that you can add to your Las Vegas Bucket List. What was once just a desert has become a replication of cities around the world, from the gondolas at the Venetian, to the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Loud and vibrant, Sin city is a place for adults to let loose, with plenty of exciting activities to discover.

This guide is packed with essential tips, must-see attractions, and insider advice to help you make the most of your visit and discover why Las Vegas truly lives up to the hype.

Las Vegas Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: an Intro to Sin City

Before getting into all of the fun things to do and see in Vegas, we'd like to start off our Las Vegas travel guide for first-time visitors with a bit of helpful info.

🤩 What Makes Las Vegas So Famous?

Las Vegas is world renown for being a resort-style city. What was once simply a desert, has transformed in one of the most popular destinations for gambling, shopping, and the best entertainment in the world.

🤭 Why is Vegas Called Sin City?

Las Vegas has been nicknamed Sin City because of its origins in the early 1900's with a reputation of visitors to indulge in excessive gambling, drinking, and prostitution.

While you can certainly have a wild time in Las Vegas, the city also offers a variety of ways for travelers to enjoy the city is more conservative manners.

📍 Where is Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is located in the south west of the US, in the state of Nevada. Situated in the south corner of the state, it is also right by the borders of California and Arizona.

Las Vegas Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Entry Requirements for the USA

Before traveling a trip anywhere, it's important to know the requirements for entering. Here is what you should keep in mind before booking your trip to Las Vegas.

🛂 Visa Requirements for USA

If you are from the US, you can go ahead and skip this part. But if you are from a country outside the US, it is important to know whether you need a visa or not. The US unfortunately isn't the most warm and welcoming when It comes to foreigners, so getting your visa (if you need one) is a must.

If you want more information about how to get a visa to visit the US, make sure to take a look beforehand.

Las Vegas Travel Guide for First-Time visitors: Local Adjustments

When traveling somewhere new, there are things that may be different from where you are coming from. That's why we're here to help. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Las Vegas.

🗣 What Language is Spoken in Las Vegas?

The official language in the US is English. However, Vegas is a huge melting pot, so you can really find a wide variety of languages spoken!

💵 Exchanging Money in Las Vegas

The currency used in the US is the USD. This may seem like a waste to write, but we include this on all of our guides, as we hope to have viewers from both near and far! Credit card is accepted nearly everywhere, and even local vendors may have Venmo, so you really won't need much cash when it comes to hotels, food, or shopping. 

However, it's important to note that if you want to gamble you'll need cash. If you need to withdraw more money make sure not to do it inside the hotels with casinos. These ATMS don't charge a flat fee, but are usually a percentage, which will end up being much more expensive.

🔌 What Adapter Do I Need for Vegas?

The US uses three types of plugs. One has two rectangular prongs, one has two rectangular prongs with a third round pin, and one has two rectangular prongs, one being slightly larger than the other. The supply voltage in the US is 120V and 60Hz. 

It is important to know that if you are coming from Europe, you won't only need to get an adapter, but an energy converter. This way your electronics will work properly.

🚰 Is it OK to Drink Las Vegas Tap Water?

As a local, I am so used to drinking water from the tap, that I seem to forget this as I travel. In addition, it is custom for restaurants to automatically bring water from the tap, or from a machine free of charge. Don't bother wasting your money on bottled water, as it's truly not necessary.

We suggest bringing a refillable water bottle to bring with you around the city, especially because it ca get super hot in Vegas!

💸 Do You Need to Tip in Las Vegas?

The tipping culture in the US is very controversial, but very important for people to understand. Tipping is never something that is forced, although many restaurants will add a gratuity. It is super important to tip in the US, because if you don't tip your server, they are actually losing money. It may sound crazy, but servers rely 100% on tips for their salaries.

Servers also have to tip out the bus boys, bartenders, and the kitchen on a percentage of their sales. So if the bill is $100, and you leave nothing, the server will actually be losing around $5. We're not saying it's fair, but it is how it is unfortunately. The up side to this is you'll generally get outstanding service.

While people tend to tip a bit differently throughout the country, an average tip is 20% for good service, and 15 if it isn't so great. Tips can be added to a credit card payment, but are also more appreciated in cash.

🎰 Tipping in the Casinos of Las Vegas

Finally, it's important to tip your servers and dealers while in the casinos. While drinks are free, the only money that cocktail waitresses make are off of the tips that customers give them. Tip at least a dollar or two for each drink that you receive, and more if the server happens to be extra attentive.

Las Vegas Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: What to Do in Vegas For an Epic Trip

Now is time for our favorite part of our Las Vegas travel guide for first-time visitors! Now that you're ready for your trip, it's time to share what to do in Vegas. Here are some of our favorite activities in Sin City.

💦 Go to a Pool Party

There's nothing quite like a pool party in Vegas. Each day there are different resorts that host parties, and they often are complete with big DJs, fancy lounge areas, and tons of people in their best swimwear.

Many pool parties you need to pay for entry, but some you can get in free with a guest list. Walk the strip and make sure to talk to the different promoters on the street to see if you can get on one of the guest lists.

You can also get a lot of cool packages that include multiple pool parties in Vegas, some even including drinks! (which are super expensive in Las Vegas). 

🎲  Gamble in a Large Casino

You cannot go to Vegas and not gamble! Even if it's not your thing, you can always just try on the penny machines for the thrill of having gambled a little bit.

The great part about gambling, is that drinks are free! (just don't forget to tip your server). If its your first time try roulette or the slot machines, and if your looking for something more try poker or craps.

Another perk of gambling is that you can sign up for a loyalty program, which is at no cost to you, and you can rack up points while playing. The more you gamble, the more points you get, and the more perks you receive! If you only plan on coming to Vegas once, this may not apply to you, but if you plan on coming again you may even get a free stay for your next trip!

Did you know that a lot of casinos that are found in Vegas are also found in Atlantic City, New Jersey? That means that you can use your points in either place! Just another reason to add gambling to your list of what to do in Vegas for an epic trip.

🍸 Enjoy the Nightlife

They don't call Vegas Sin City for nothing! This city never sleeps, and the clubs are open all night long. A lot of the clubs feature big DJs, so make sure you check out who will be there before you go. 

If you end up in Vegas and want to go out but don't know where to go, just head to the strip and you will find plenty of promoters that will be looking to get people to come on their guest list, and this will be your ticket in for free!

So now you can can experience what to do in Vegas without having to pay the high price tag!

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

🎪 What to Do in Vegas Activity #4: See a Show

This city is known for its amazing shows, so if you have time, its definitely something to add to your Las Vegas bucket list. Some of the best performers come to Vegas, and there's a reason!

Check out spectacles like Cirque de Solei, have a relaxed night at a comedy club, be amazed by a magic show, or head to the Wynn for its aquatic entertainment.

🛶 What to Do in Vegas Activity #5: Take a Gondola Ride at the Venetian

Now this may not exactly be the same as a real Italian rowing you down the Grand Canal in Venice, but it is definitely still a fun second option, and is a lot cheaper as well! 

There are actually different canals in the Venetian, so you can choose to be outside in front of the casino and sailing under a bridge, or you can sail in the comfort of the air conditioning, by the Italian style shops and restaurants inside.

⛲️ Watch the Fountain Show at the Bellagio

The fountain show at the Bellagio is definitely one for your Las Vegas Bucket List, and is totally free of charge! Watch the gigantic fountains soaring dramatically, all while synchronized with lights and music. 

The Fountains of Bellagio is a daily show which is every 30 minutes from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, and every 15 minutes from 8:00 pm until midnight. On Weekends and holidays the shows start at noon every 30 minutes and change to every 15 minutes from 8:00 pm until midnight.

🌋 View the Volcano Show

Another great spectacle that happens every night is right over at the Mirage. Head to the front around 8 pm and you'll get to witness the volcano erupting! There is a full show with lights and music, and is completely free of charge to check out whether you are a guest or not.

🗼 Sit at the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Did you know that there is also a mini version of the Eiffel Tower in Vegas? Now of course it can not top the original, but it is definitely still worth checking out. Inside there is a casino and hotel, and up at the top there is a large lounge area with bar, and sometimes live music and dancing.

🚁 Go on a Helicopter Ride

There's no better way to see Vegas than from above! Soar high above the city and enjoy Sin City from up in the sky.

There are a variety of cool helicopter rides to choose from, from experiencing the strip day or night, to even taking a helicopter over the Grand Canyon!

📸 Take a Picture in Front of the Las Vegas Sign

As soon as you land at the airport, you are welcomed with a giant "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign. It is without a doubt one of the most photographed spots, but there is actually also a second one that is located right on the strip.

The "Welcome to Las Vegas Sign" has become even more popular now with Instagram, and is definitely worth stopping for a photo. It's important to note that the line can get pretty long here to take a photo, so make sure to bring some water and a fan to keep cool while waiting.

🌈 Marvel at the 7 Magic Mountains

This is personally one of our favorites for what to do in Vegas' outskirts, as it has only recently become more popular. Located just 15 minutes outside the city, there are 7 displays of colorfully stacked boulders that are just off the side of the highway.

The bizarre art project was made by the renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Hurry though! This colorful large-scale, public artwork is only scheduled to be around for a couple of years!

🌸 Check Out the Flower Displays at the Bellagio

Another great thing to check out when at the Bellagio is its conservatory and botanical gardens, featuring a sky-lit atrium that hosts an array of beautiful floral displays.

The themes change 5 times a year, so even if you've already been, it is always worth checking out to witness the different atmospheres and designs created.

Why is this place also great? It's another one that is free of charge to be checked off on your Las Vegas Bucket List.

🕺 Watch a Male Strip Show

Now we know we already mentioned watching shows, but this is something we can't help but recommend. Sure, strip clubs can be found anywhere, but a 'Chippendales' or 'male revue' show is one of the most fun things you can do (unless maybe you are a straight male).

Unlike regular strips clubs, male strips clubs are completely harmless, and more of a show than a sleezy joint to watch people get naked. If you are going for a bachelorette or birthday party than this is definitely something to add to our Las Vegas Bucket List.

My personal favorite is the "Thunder From Down Under Show" which  exclusively features Australian dancers. This isn't a place for you to take out your dollar bills though. It is a professionally choreographed show, and perfect for any size group.

At the end of the show the dancers all come out and take a picture with the guest sign the crowds, and then all sign the card that it comes with. It's definitely a great way to finish off a super fun show!

💊 Cure Your Hangover

It's no secret that when in Vegas, the liquor tends to keep flowing. The older you get, the more real hangovers get. No one wants to miss out on the fun, especially on a short trip! Well, now there's a cure.

Head to the Cosmopolitan for a truly unique experience: Hangover Therapy. Okay, fine, the technical term is actually "Vitamin Injections & IV Therapy", but that doesn't sound quite as fun. 

You can cure your hangover with the 'recovery IV hangover drip', as well as get plenty of other health and wellness treatments such as anti-aging and energy-boosting treatments.

Las Vegas Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Food & Drinks

Now you've seen our top highlights of our Las Vegas travel guide for first-time visitors. But we're going to share a bit about what to expect for food, getting around, and more.

🥘 Is Las Vegas Known for Good Food?

I'm not going to lie- this city is definitely not my ideal place when it comes to dining. Everything is super overpriced, and it is full of chain restaurants. That's not to say that there aren't any good options though! The good thing is that Vegas has a huge variety of cuisines, and you can find great places if you're willing to splurge a bit.

For budget options that aren't terrible fast food chains, you can go to Inn 'n Out, which is a popular burger chain on the west coast. I also really enjoyed Jaburrito's, which has sushi burritos and is located right on the promenade.

For delicious Spanish food I also went with a friend to Julian Serrano. This trendy tapas spot is really great, and as far as Vegas pricing, it is pretty decent.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

When staying in Vegas you'll definitely want to stay along the Strip. The outskirts of Vegas are actually quite sketchy, so getting an AirBnB outside the center isn't really recommended. This is the one time where we really recommend staying in one of the bigger hotels.

*Something important to note is that most hotels have resort fees. Please double check the fees so that you know the true total price that you'll end up paying!

Here are some of the top hotels that we recommend:

Take a look at the map below to explore other great hotels along the strip:

Las Vegas Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Other Things to Know About Visiting Sin City

Now you know what to do in Vegas, and how to make the most of your time. But we have a few more things in our Las Vegas travel guide for first-time visitors to share! Here are a few other things to keep in mind when visiting La Vegas, Nevada.

📆 What is the Best Month to Go to Las Vegas?

Vegas is one of those places that is seriously always busy. It's definitely not a place to relax, nor is a place to escape the crowds. That being said, I personally love Vegas in the spring and fall. The weather is a bit more mild, and the crowds seem a little less trashy in my opinion.

☀️ Weather & Packing For a Trip to Las Vegas

If you're wondering what to do in Vegas for packing, then we're here to share exactly that.

The most important thing to know is that Vegas is in a desert, so it gets extremely hot, and is very dry. Make sure to have plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing. We also suggest bringing some lotion to keep your skin hydrated with the super dry and hot air.

Swimwear is a must, and this is one of those places where you'll find that clothing varies quite a bit. People bring their most provocative clothing to Vegas, and anything really goes. So bring your highest heels, and your most risky outfits, because if it's one place you can get away with it without people staring, then this is it.

🎒 Packing List for Las Vegas:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• License/ID
• Cash
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Nice sandals
• Heels
• Bathing Suits
• Cover ups
• Clubbing Clothes/ Nice Dresses 
• Flip flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Standard Lens for a dynamic range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
• Wide Lens to capture great panoramas and get more of the buildings in your shots (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)

🤔 Is it Worth Traveling to Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is an ideal destination for those that like to gamble, drink, and have a cosmopolitan experience. It's one of the places that you either love or hate to be honest.

If you like history, culture, and relaxation, Las Vegas may not be for you. But if you like partying, unique entertainment, and gambling, then you won't want to miss out on visiting Sin City.

⏳ How Long Should I Spend in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is the perfect weekend destination for those looking to just party and gamble. Most people opt for a weekend, and that is plenty, as it is a very energy-draining environment.

If you are there just to party but are planning on taking it down a notch with the drinks, or are intense like our once 21 year old-selves, you can spend even up to a week! (although we wouldn't really recommend it for most).

Also, if you want to have a mix of partying, but also see shows and do some fun activities throughout the city, we'd recommend 3-4 days for the average person. That being said, Las Vegas really does have enough to enjoy for an entire week or more!

We hope you've enjoyed out Las Vegas travel guide for first-time visitors! Vegas is such a great place to get away and just let out some energy. We have been multiple times and still haven't done everything on this list! I mean, it's hard when you find yourself partying from dusk til dawn, each and every day.

Traveling through the US and wanting to see some other great cities to check out? Take a look at the rest of our US Travel Guides.

Need help planning your next trip? With Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning we can help you stress less and save. Explore more without having to pay a fortune! Want to learn more? Take a look at our travel planning packages to get started.

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