Planning your first trip to Sin City? Whether you’re visiting for the world class dining, the neon soaked casinos, or a glimpse of the Grand Canyon, your first trip to Las Vegas is an experience unlike any other. From transport hacks and secret dining deals to the best free things to do, our 2026 Las Vegas first timer's guide covers everything you need to know to save money and travel like a pro.
Timing is Everything: Midweek vs. Weekend
Las Vegas is a tale of two price tags, its a massive hub for conventions and weekend warriors so if you visit on a Friday or Saturday, you’ll pay premium prices for everything from hotel rooms to night club entry. If your schedule is flexible, visit between Sunday and Thursday. Midweek stays often see hotel rates drop by 50% or more a and you’ll find it easier to book a table at some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas.
Weather Watch
Peak Seasons: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–November) offer the best weather (around 25°C to 30°C).
Summer Survival: July and August can soar above 40°C. If you visit then, plan indoor activities between 11 AM and 5 PM.
Be Aware of the Hidden Costs
The price you see on booking sites is rarely the total price you will pay. In 2026, transparency laws have improved, but to avoid a shock when you receive the bill, keep these in mind:
Resort Fees
Almost every hotel on the Strip charges a mandatory fee in addition to your room rate and the deposit that you will pay. The resort fee is charged per room per night and often ranges between $40-$55 per night. It covers the hotel amenities such as Wi-Fi and pool access but it isn’t removed if you don’t wish to use these.
It is possible to reduce or remove resort fees in some cases. Each hotel has a players card, you can sign up for this free when you arrive and in some cases before you travel, you can then use this card to accumulate points and gain access to exclusive deals, when gambling at the hotel casino or to charge any other spends within the premises e.g restaurants & bars. When you come to check out and settle your bill you can ask if the resort fees can be reduced and they often agree to do this, usually defending on the amount that you have spent with the hotel . Also if there are any issues with your room or stay, let them know as this is usually results in the resort fees being reduced.
The Mini-Bar Trap
Many hotels in Las Vegas have fridges that have sensors. Moving a bottle to peek at the label or make room for your own water can automatically trigger a charge to your room.
Tipping Culture
Las Vegas, like most of the USA, runs on tips and can be a touchy subject, much like politics or religion. Bear in mind that it isn’t just bars and restaurants where you will see tips expected. If you use the valet or bell service, taxis or tour guides all will be expecting a tip.
Many restaurants will automatically add a 20% gratuity to your final bill however some will show a suggested tip of between 15 and 25%. If you’re happy to follow the norm, be prepared for this. Personally, we usually request for tips or gratuities to be removed from the bill and then leave our tip in cash based on the service that we have received. We also take a stack of $1 and $5 bills for housekeeping and casino waitresses.
Parking Fees
Most Strip hotels now charge for parking, approx. $18–$25 per day. If you’re not planning to leave the strip, skip the hire car and use Uber or Lyft. If you do plan to have a car during your stay factor this cost in and check out parking options when heading anywhere. For example when visiting Fremont Street, the main parking garage cost us $25 for a few hours, however we discovered that a small car park around the corner was under $10 and some hotels in this area do offer free valet parking.
The Prep & Essentials
Vegas is a marathon, not a sprint. There's an endless list of restaurants, bars and activities so you may not get to see and do everything. Pick out your must do’s and if there’s something that you don’t have time for, look forward to planning your next Las Vegas trip.
Coming prepared with a few tech and health essentials will save you both money and misery.
Pack Layers
It may sound crazy for the desert, but the air conditioning in casinos and theatres is set to arctic. It’s always best to have a light jacket in your bag.
Always carry a power bank
Between using Google Maps to navigate the resort mazes, taking photos of every fountain, and mobile check-ins, your battery will drain faster than your chip stack at a blackjack table.
Lip Balm and Lotion
The Mojave Desert is aggressively dry. Your skin and lips will crack within 24 hours if you don't stay moisturised.
Navigating the Neon: Getting Around
Looking at the Strip from your hotel window, the next hotel may look like a five minute stroll but it will take you longer than that to reach the street from most hotel rooms. The Strip looks like a straight line, but it’s actually a 4.2-mile maze of pedestrian bridges and massive resorts.
Walking
It is the best way to see the sights, but distances are deceptive. Wear comfortable shoes, you will likely walk over 20,000 steps in a day.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
You cannot hail these from the street. You must go to the hotel’s designated rideshare pickup zone, usually located in the parking garage or a side entrance.
Taxis
Unlike Ubers, taxis are found at the front valet of every hotel. From Harry Reid Airport, taxis use flat rate prices to the Strip hotels ($21–$30), making them a predictable and fast option. Subtly let the driver know that you are aware of the flat rate as some won’t be honest about this if they know it's your first trip.
The Deuce Bus
This double-decker bus runs 24/7 along the Strip. A 24 hour pass is just $8, making it the most affordable way to see everything.
Las Vegas Monorail
Located on the east side of the Strip, it’s perfect for skipping traffic if you’re heading to the Convention Center or MGM Grand.
The Downtown Loop
This is a free shuttle bus that connects major Downtown spots like Fremont Street, the Arts District and the Mob Museum.
Hire Cars
If your planning to explore off strip or visit places like the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam hiring a car is a great choice. Make sure to factor in daily parking fees that may apply at Strip hotels.
Dining in Las Vegas: From Buffets to Michelin Stars
The Buffet
Buffets in Las Vegas are mostly a high end culinary attraction. Bacchanal Buffet located in Caesars Palace features nine open kitchens, The Buffet at Wynn is famous for its garden inspired décor and Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan offers creative, small plate portions.
Pricing: Expect to pay $55–$110 per person depending on the day and the Lobster upgrade options.
Top Tip: Most major buffets now require a timed reservation. Don't just walk up, or you may face a 2-hour wait.
The Rise of the Food Hall
If you want gourmet food without the three hour commitment of fine dining, visit a modern food hall.
- Famous Foods Street Eats located at Resorts World is a curated collection of 19+ global street food stalls. You order everything from a digital kiosk.
- Block 16 at The Cosmopolitan features cult favorites like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew.
- Proper Eats at Aria is a sleek space serving everything from high end ramen to specialised burgers.
Iconic Cheap Eats
You don't have to spend a fortune to eat well.
- Ellis Island is a legendary spot known for its steak specials and house brewed root beer. It’s one of the best values near the Strip.
- Tacos El Gordo is located on the north end of the Strip, this spot consistently has long lines for a reason—the Adobada tacos are world-class.
- Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan is hidden on the third floor with no signage, this speakeasy pizza joint serves NY style slices until 4am.
Off-Strip Dining
Chinatown is located just minutes from the Strip on Spring Mountain Road and features some of the best high end sushi and ramen in the country at a fraction of the price that you will find on the Las Vegas strip.
Making Reservations
If you want to eat at a celebrity chef restaurant (like Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, or Giada), you must book 2–4 weeks in advance. You can do this direct or using apps such as open table.
Top Tip: If a restaurant is fully booked during your stay, check if they offer full menu service at the bar. It’s often first come, first served and perfect for solo travellers or couples.
Drinks & Hydration: Staying Fresh in the Desert
The Mojave Desert air is incredibly dry, and when you combine that with miles of walking and drinking alcohol, dehydration happens fast. If you're not careful, your drinks budget could rival your hotel bill.
Stay Hydrated
It's important to stay hydrated but avoid buying water from the hotel gift shop or the mini-bar. A single bottle can cost as much as $9. Instead, make a supply run to a nearby CVS, Walgreens, or ABC Store on the Strip. You can snag a multipack of bottles for less than the price of a single bottle at the hotel.
Top Tip: If you’re worried about carrying them back to your hotel room, take your empty suitcase with you and wheel it back, nobody will bat an eyelid as it will look like you have just arrived in Vegas.
Happy Hours
Drinks in Las Vegas can be super expensive but you don't have to pay $25 for a cocktail. There are deals to be had all over especially is you use happy hour deals.
- Blondies Sports Bar & Grill located inside Miracle Mile Shops has a legendary happy hour where they offer $20 all-you-can-drink. This runs Monday to Friday, 3pm-6pm.
- Inside the The Strat you can find 108 Drinks and enjoy 2-for-1 cocktails with one of the highest views in the city. This is available Monday to Thursday, 3pm-7pm
Drinks To Go
It’s perfectly legal to walk around on the Las Vegas Strip or Fremont Street with an alcoholic drink in your hand. However, be sure your cocktail is in a plastic or paper cup because carrying a glass open container is illegal for safety reasons.
Top Tip: Bring a Stanley type cup with you to keep your drinks cool.
Casino Etiquette & Gambling 101
You don't have to be a pro to have fun, but knowing the "unwritten rules" helps:
Free Drinks
Drinks are complimentary while you are actively gambling, there may be a minimum on some but this is usually for the machines at the bar and there will be sign to disclose this. Always tip your server, if you don't tip, they may not come back. We usually tip $5 the first time and then a couple of dollars every time the waitress brings drinks.
Players Clubs
Every resort has a rewards program (e.g., MGM Rewards, Caesars Rewards). Sign up immediately, it’s completely free and can earn you discounts and perks such as restaurant discounts or a complimentary stay.
Never count your money at the table
Not only is it unlucky, its also considered to be very rude especially if its a large amount of money.
Set a Loss Limit
Decide on a daily gambling budget and stick to it. Once it's gone, it's time to hit the pool or a show.
Children & Casinos
When traveling to Las Vegas with children, its important to remember that they are not allowed to spend time in the casino, the only exception is when passing through using the designated carpet walkways. If children stop or try to sit at a machine be prepared to be moved on swiftly by security.
The Best Free Things to Do
Las Vegas is packed with free attractions that are arguably more famous than the paid ones. Don’t miss the Bellagio Conservatory where the theme changes seasonally and the Fall of Atlantis animatronic show at Caesars Forum Shops, both are completely free.
We have put a list together of the best 100 free attractions in Las Vegas. Click the link below and add your favourites to your itinerary.
Beyond the Strip: Fremont Street & Red Rock Canyon
While the Strip is the main event, some of the best Vegas experiences happen elsewhere:
Fremont Street (Downtown)
For "Old Vegas" vibes, cheaper drinks, and the spectacular Viva Vision light show head to Fremont Street. Its a short ride away in an uber or you can get the Deuce bus
The Arts District (18b)
The local heartbeat of the city. Head here for boutique breweries, vintage shops, and incredible street art.
Escape to the Red Rock Canyon
Need a break from the neon? Red Rock Canyon is only 20 minutes away and offers stunning desert hiking, you can also take a scenic drive on a loop through red rock canyon
Top Tip: Timed Reservations are required between October 1st and May 31st, 8am to 5pm. Make your reservations here.
We hope that you found this article helpful. If you need any help planning your Las Vegas trip our Personalised Travel Planner Services can help to make your dream holiday become a reality without the stress or hard work of planning it yourself.
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