Las Vegas: Top Tips for First Time Visitors

And whilst these connotations are certainly true of the city’s brash exterior, Vegas is full of surprises. Famed for its hedonistic lifestyle, this neon oasis has become a metaphor in popular culture as an escape from the mundane; it is the location for many films, purely for the conveyance of escape, excitement and the exotic.

Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas for the first time?

We have put together a beginners guide to this world famous city perfect if you are looking to learn more before you go. Get advice for top things to do and also how to save money.

History

This city was first established in 1905 as a railroad town exporting mined goods across the state.

Las Vegas became less important as a mining town as the industry changed, however the opening of the Hoover Dam in 1935 brought new interest to the city as scientists and tourists alike began to stay in the area.

The legalisation of gambling in 1931 encouraged the growth of casinos, and major development occurred during the 1940’s establishing the template for the city it is today.

Interestingly the Las Vegas Strip, a 4.2 mile stretch of decadence and arguably what the city is famous for, is located outside the city limits.

The Strip

The Strip is home to many iconic hotels, some long established, others relatively new.

Each hotel strives for its own identity; themed hotels were big business in the late twentieth century, but now the trend is heading towards luxury interiors and fine dining.

There is still a place for themed hotels however; many have built their reputations on unique ideas and people still come from around the world to experience the famous New York New York with its rooftop rollercoaster, or the oriental styling of the Mandalay Bay.

Accommodation

Vegas definitely has no shortage of hotels. Caesar’s Palace is decorated in the style of ancient Greece, while the Bellagio tempts with traditional Italian decor.

If themes are not your taste, there are several other top end hotels offering indulgent stays if you are prepared to pay the prices.

But it doesn’t always have to be expensive; there is an abundance of cheaper motels especially outside the main tourist strip which offer excellent value for money, and with the delights of sin city on offer it’s unlikely you’ll be spending much time in your room.

Best Things to See & Do

Billed as the ‘entertainment capital of the world’, Vegas offers something to suit all tastes.

In the day the streets are packed with people visiting the many shopping centres and sampling the various cuisines under the bright desert sun.

Las Vegas casinos are a very popular way to spend the day; most purposely don’t have windows so customers can’t tell how long they’ve spent there. Even if you don’t want to gamble, it is interesting just watching others, whether it’s for their blackjack skills or overt personalities.

Be aware that casinos operate under strict policies; no one under the age of 21 is allowed in the pits, and hundreds of cameras monitor the floor.

It is at night that Vegas really comes alive; the Strip is alight with neon colour enticing customers to visit their casinos and drink at their bars.

Evening

Start the evening by visiting Fremont Street, located in the downtown area of the city.

The street is famous as the original casino corridor; one of the first gambling licences in the state of Nevada was issued to a casino on Fremont Street in 1931.

The area is slightly less brash than the Vegas Strip, with smaller casinos and fewer hotels, in keeping with its traditional roots.

It still boasts the kind of attractions you’d expect from Vegas though; time your visit to coincide with the spectacular sound and light show that occurs on the LED canopy of the Fremont Street Experience.

Entertainment

Las Vegas is one of the best cities in the USA and is renowned for its nightly shows, which usually take place within the hotels.

Singers such as Lady Gaga have performed here and the Cirque du Soleil has a long running show.

Planet Hollywood offers ‘V’, a variety show with several different acts, including magicians, circus performers and dancers.

Another sight worth seeing is the Bellagio fountains; every fifteen minutes the fountains move in sync to popular music- this can be anything from rock to opera, creating a very impressive spectacle.

Nightlife

When it comes to clubs, you are spoilt for choice.

Most major hotels house multiple clubs within their establishments, often with famous DJ’s in residence. XS at the Wynne is the epitome of decadence; it is built around the Encore swimming pool and its interior consists of dark wood, chandeliers and state of the art lighting.

The Playboy Club within the Palms hotel seems to be the essence of Vegas. Dealers dressed as playboy bunnies operate the blackjack tables, whilst floor to ceiling windows give an amazing panorama of the city from its high vantage point.

The top floor is home to the Moon nightclub, featuring VIP booths and a light up dance floor. The highlight of this club is the balcony; an open air space that allows you to capture some fantastic photos of the Strip and an ideal place to celeb spot.

How to Visit Vegas on a Budget

When it comes to vacationing in Vegas, many people assume that deep pockets are a necessity. Sure, if you want to spend all night long on the high limit tables, or book out a presidential suite, then that is, unfortunately, the case.

However, it's totally possible to get a real feel for the city, enjoy a bit of time in the casinos, and grab yourself one of the famous Vegas buffets without totally breaking the bank. If you want to know how to see Vegas on a sensible budget, then we've got some tips for you.

1. Choose When to Go Carefully

When it comes to deciding when to go to Vegas, timing is a very important. Vegas plays host to a huge number of events and depending on the size of the event this can affect the price of your vacation.

Every year festivals and events are held, meaning if you plan to visit during these periods, it's likely to be a whole lot more expensive.

However, with fewer crowds viewing than normal, it's unlikely to prevent you from staying in a hotel nearby. Being aware of big events like this means you'll be able to time your break to a quiet period, well, quiet for Las Vegas anyway!

2. Accommodation

Once you've found a time period with no enormous events taking place, it's time to start the search for somewhere to stay in earnest.

The majority of people who vacation in Vegas choose to stay at hotels, partly because they're so convenient, but also because they often throw in freebies, such as a free meal at their buffet, or some tokens for their in-house casino. Airbnbs on the other hand, don't offer these items, but often work out cheaper.

Those with a mathematical mind should take the time to work out what they're really saving and choose which option suits them best.

3. Food & Drink

One of the things that all visitors to Vegas should do is partake in an all-you-can-eat buffet.

These edible extravaganzas take place at hundreds of venues all across the city, but there are some that really take things to another level. The Circus Buffet is one of the most affordable in Vegas but also ranks pretty highly in terms of food quality.

The best advice for those looking to keep their wallet happy is to go at lunchtime instead of for an evening meal. Buffet prices can more than double for the evening, so you're immediately saving there, but also often you'll eat so much at lunchtime that you won't need anything to eat by dinner.

Saving you not once, but twice!

4. Free Things to Do in Vegas

Finally, much of what makes Vegas special is actually totally free to view.

Make a list of all of the landmarks you'd like to see and take yourself on a walking tour. The fountains at the Bellagio are absolutely spectacular and you don't have to pay a penny to see them.

You can watch people soaring through the skies on the zip wire for free, have your photo taken underneath the Vegas sign for free, and a walk down the strip is a moment you'll cherish forever. It's free too, by the way.