I’ve been to Las Vegas over 50 times. Here are the 9 big mistakes I see most first-time visitors make.

Hotel prices in Las Vegas rise and fall throughout the year. Sometimes they soar due to massive conventions happening around town. Other times, they drop because of scorching temperatures and post-holiday lulls. 

Before booking, I recommend checking room prices for a wide range of dates to find the most cost-effective option. Rates are usually less expensive on weekdays than weekends, so take advantage of any flexibility in your schedule. Plus, lower prices often mean the hotel will be less crowded.

There are so many resorts to choose from on the Strip. Some of our favorites are Aria Resort & Casino, the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, NoMad Las Vegas, and Resorts World Las Vegas.

If you’re hoping to try some of Las Vegas’ most popular restaurants, make reservations in advance. On our recent trips, I’ve been surprised by how many restaurants were fully booked when I called to make dinner reservations.

Spago, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant in the Bellagio, serves a brunch that’s all the rage. Plan to make reservations a couple of weeks beforehand if you want to try it.

And a table at The Mayfair Supper Club, also located in the Bellagio, has become one of the hottest tickets in town. Make a reservation at least a week in advance, especially if you want to go on a Saturday or Sunday.

We forgot sunscreen the last time we traveled to Las Vegas. Though we could’ve replenished our supply in the hotel gift shop, I’ve found that the basic goods sold in the resorts can get expensive.

So, we walked to one of the many nearby drugstores, which sold the bottles at prices comparable to those at our convenience stores at home. 

If you’re looking to purchase snacks or beverages, I recommend stopping at ABC Stores on the Strip or downtown. The convenience store’s prices are usually more affordable than ones at resort shops.

After we park our car at the hotel, we almost never move it until we check out. We prefer to pay for parking only once and don’t want to worry about car logistics if we’re out on the town.

We get around mostly by walking. We also use rideshare apps. Most hotels have signage directing guests to designated Uber and Lyft pick-up spots, which are often separate from the hectic main entrances.

We also take the free trams, which stop at many of the resorts on the Strip. In my experience, they’re a safe and efficient mode of transportation. Since hotel signage makes the departure point clear, they’re also easy to navigate.

When you’re ready to trade the Strip’s nonstop commotion for some nature, head 30 minutes to Red Rock Canyon or an hour to Valley of Fire State Park. Both are great for sightseeing and hiking. 

Visitors should also consider driving an hour from the major resorts to tour the Hoover Dam in Boulder City. When it was built in the 1930s, it was the world’s largest dam — and it’s still worth a visit today.

This story was originally published on August 15, 2022 and most recently updated on September 10, 2024.