A Las Vegas trip is sure to be fun, but let this Las Vegas 101 guide give you a basic overview of the city and a glance at what Las Vegas has to offer.
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas in the near future there are a few basic things you should know.
- Walking shoes are a must for any trip to Las Vegas. You will probably be spending a lot of time on your feet and will need shoes that can handle standing in lines and walking quite nicely.
- The weather: October through April nights is rather cool. Because there is very low humidity the air is cooler. Bring a jacket and some warm clothes if you’re traveling in those months.
- May through September the heat is on! You should be prepared for hot, hot, and some hotter, but it’s dry heat so it will be okay! Seriously prepare for the heat, sometimes up to 120 degrees, and pack copious amounts of sunscreen, the sun can be brutal!
- You will need lots of water and lots of lotion! Your skin will get dry and you will dehydrate if you don’t drink lots of water. Alcohol does not count as hydration, although there’s plenty of that in Las Vegas too!
- Have fun! One thing to keep in mind if you are on a family vacation, anything goes in Las Vegas. Marijuana is legal recreationally, and you will smell it on the sidewalks. Also, scantily clad women are not uncommon to see. As I said, anything goes in Vegas.
There is so much to do for singles, couples, and families in Las Vegas, and you will have lots of fun!
When to Visit Las Vegas
As mentioned above the nights are chilly from October through April, but that is still a busy time. The days are warm, and there’s plenty of sunshine, but prices for hotels and shows are higher during this time.
Holidays are often the busiest times in Vegas. If you want to avoid the higher prices and larger crowds you should avoid booking during these times. If those are the times you absolutely wish to stay and play in Las Vegas you should make plans and book well ahead of time to make sure you have your first choice in accommodations.
Where to Stay
I could write page after page about places to stay in Las Vegas, so I’m only going to highlight a few. If you’re on a budget, check Groupon has great deals on some of the higher-priced hotels, just keep in mind that resort fees are standard in Las Vegas and those are separate from the room deal.
Best Western Casino Royale is the only hotel on The Strip that does not charge a resort fee and has free parking. The casino is small compared to other hotels on the strip, but it’s nice and the hotel rooms are very good.
MGM Properties-Any of the MGM grand properties are nice and a good place to stay. MGM properties include MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Park MGM, Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York, and Bellagio.
The Venitian-Step into The Venitian and be transported to Italy. The all-suite hotel has all the luxury amenities you would need and all the charm of Italy. From gelato to gondola rides, The Venitian has it all.
Fremont Street Hotels-if you are looking for Old Vegas vibes head to any of the hotels on Fremont Street. These include The Golden Nugget, Four Queens, Golden Gate, El Cortez, and The Plaza. These hotels are from the old vegas era and can be easier on your budget, but more importantly, they are part of Las Vegas history.
What to Do in Las Vegas
Freemont Street Experience
If you don’t go to the Freemont Street Experience can you even say you’ve been to Las Vegas? I don’t think so! The Freemont Street Experience happens daily and it’s certainly something to see. There is live music, zip-lining, a light show, and plenty of drinking and gambling! Remember when I said anything goes in Vegas? Well, that is the truest about Freemont Street!
Shows
Las Vegas hosts many shows. You have your choice of singers, dance acts, circus acts, and more. Prices vary based on who the entertainer is. Shows do sell out! If you don’t make reservations ahead you are liable to miss your favorite act. Don’t worry, though, there are still plenty of shows you can see last minute.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re a golfer, you’ve found heaven and should come prepared. This means you should bring your best clubs along with you and be prepared to play a few rounds. There’s a golf course for every budget in Las Vegas.
Helicopter rides to The Grand Canyon or the Hoover Dam are very popular. Get a bird’s eye view of The Hoover Dam or The Grand Canyon or do both on the same day! Anything goes in Vegas!
Hiking and horseback riding are also popular.
The High Roller is an observation wheel in Las Vegas. I highly recommend this attraction, and ride at night! The Strip is beautiful from the air-conditioned cars. I’m not fond of heights, but I didn’t have any trouble or fear on The High Roller.
The Las Vegas Sign-It’s a tradition for me to take my picture at the Las Vegas sign. Sometimes it’s a selfie and other times I have someone with me to take a picture, but no matter, I always get a pic at The Las Vegas sign. And you never know, you might meet Elvis at the sign!
Food Glorious Food
Las Vegas used to be known for hole-in-the-wall cheap eats, but those days have disappeared like the neon in the signs. You can still find some great dining deals, but the $2.99 steak dinners are pretty much a thing of the past.
Las Vegas is now a dining destination. There are Michelin Star restaurants and diners that make you nostalgic for Las Vegas’ past. Here are a few good places to get some grub!
Ellis Island-Village Pub is home to the 9.99 steak dinner (it’s good too!)
The Venitian- Delmonico Steakhouse
Paris-Eiffel Tower Restaurant
Rio-Fortune
MGM-Gatsby’s
These are just a few of the hundreds of eateries in Sin City! Every type of cuisine, every type of ambiance, can be found in Las Vegas. You can even dine in the dark!
Getting Around Las Vegas
If you are planning to sightsee outside of Las Vegas it’s a good idea to rent a car or drive your own. There are many great places to see outside of Las Vegas and if you want to see them you will need a car.
Las Vegas Monorail-The monorail services the Las Vegas Strip. Fare passes are available for one-time trips or unlimited trips on the monorail.
The Deuce Bus– Las Vegas’ public transportation is operated by the Regional Transportation Commission. While the bus runs throughout the destination, there are two routes you can specifically take for the Strip and downtown.
Weddings
I’m not sure what Las Vegas is more known for weddings or casinos, but there are plenty of both! If you are hoping to get married in Las Vegas-style you have options! You can have a formal wedding for 500 guests or you and your spouse-to-be can be married by Elvis just the two of you. Almost anything is possible in Las Vegas!
More than 44,000 couples apply for marriage licenses in Vegas each year. The fee for a marriage license in Las Vegas is around $77, this is the current rate, keep in mind that this rate is subject to change.
What Happens In Vegas
Your trip to Vegas is what you make of your trip to Vegas. I suggest you have as much fun as possible. Enjoy the sights, watch the shows, enjoy the many great buffets, and spend some time at the hotel spa relaxing and rejuvenating as you prepare to go back home and face the outside world yet again.
One of the most important things to remember about Las Vegas is, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. So let your hair down and have some fun during your stay and be sure to make plans for your next Las Vegas Trip.