Las Vegas Travel Tips for First Timers: What Nobody Tells You

Key Highlights:

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Strip is nearly 7 kilometers long, and “next door” can easily be a 20-minute trek.
Budget for Fees: Expect to pay an extra $45–$62 per night in resort fees plus $18–$25 for parking at most major Strip resorts.
Hydrate and dress in layers: the desert heat is intense and extremely dry, while casinos are kept ice-cold, so a light sweater is a must.
Tipping is the Grease: Keep a stack of $1s and $5s; you’ll need them for everyone from cocktail servers to bellhops.

Prepare for a wild ride! Las Vegas is a 4.2-mile stretch of neon lights and high energy that can be overwhelming for a newcomer. From navigating massive resorts that look closer than they are to understanding the “tipping culture” that keeps the city running, your first trip is all about smart planning.

I’ve spent years walking these casino floors—from the hidden “locals” spots downtown to the glitziest suites on the Strip. As your trusted Vegas partner, I’m giving you the honest, first-hand advice I wish I had on my first visit. Here is the ultimate guide to surviving and thriving in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Navigating the “Optical Illusion” of the Strip

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The biggest mistake every first-timer makes is looking at the Eiffel Tower from their hotel window and thinking, “I’ll just walk over there for lunch.”

The Walk is Longer Than It Looks

Las Vegas resorts are built on a massive scale. A hotel that looks like it’s right next door might actually be a half-mile away once you navigate the pedestrian bridges, stairs, and winding lobby entrances.

My Advice: Wear your most comfortable sneakers—save the heels or dress shoes for dinner.
Direct Answer: To save your feet, use the Free Trams. The Aria-Bellagio-Park MGM loop runs nearly 24/7, and the Mandalay Bay-Luxor-Excalibur tram is a lifesaver on the south end. For the east side, the Las Vegas Monorail offers multi-day passes that bypass Strip traffic entirely.

Understanding the “True” Cost: Hidden Fees & Tipping

Vegas looks cheap on paper, but the “hidden” costs are where the house usually wins. You need to budget for the fees that aren’t listed on the initial search page.

The Resort Fee Reality

Almost every hotel on the Strip charges a mandatory daily resort fee.

The Cost: Top-tier spots like Aria, Caesars Palace, and Wynn charge roughly $55–$62 per night (after tax). Even value hotels like Circus Circus now charge around $45.
Budget Hack: Always calculate the “all-in” price before booking. To avoid this, consider off-Strip options like Alexis Park or select Downtown properties—though places like these are becoming increasingly hard to find.

The Tipping Economy

In Vegas, tipping is the grease that keeps the wheels turning. If you want the “free” drinks to keep coming while you’re gambling, you must tip.

Cocktail Servers: $1–$2 per drink is the standard. If you’re winning or want priority service, bump it to $5.
Dealers: $5–$10 per hour (or placing a small side bet for them) is customary.
Housekeeping: $2–$5 per day. Leaving it daily ensures the person actually cleaning your room that day gets the tip.

Smart Drinking & Dining Advice

You can eat for $5 or $500 in this city, but the most expensive mistake is buying your basics at the hotel gift shop.

The “Pharmacy” Hack: A bottle of water at a casino bar can cost $8. A six-pack of water at the CVS or Walgreens located right on the Strip is about $6. Stock up on water, snacks, and sunblock here to save a fortune.
Booking Early: Gone are the days of walking into a top-tier steakhouse on a Friday. For 2026, popular spots like Hell’s Kitchen or Cote require reservations 2–4 weeks in advance.

A Final Pro Tip from a Friend

Vegas is a marathon, not a sprint. The “four-day wall” is real—by day four, most people are exhausted. Build in some “rest time” that isn’t at a casino. Visit the Neon Museum at night or take a nap by the pool. Your feet (and your wallet) will thank you.

❓ Las Vegas First Timer FAQ

Can I hail a taxi on the street?

No. In Las Vegas, taxis are legally only allowed to pick up passengers at designated stands at hotels or malls. If you try to hail one on the sidewalk, they will drive right past you.

Is it safe to walk off the Strip?

Generally, stay on the “beaten path” of the Strip or the Fremont Street Experience. While tourist areas are heavily patrolled, the blocks immediately behind the Strip can be poorly lit and are less secure for walking at night.

What is the “Players Club” card?

It’s a free loyalty card (like MGM Rewards or Caesars Rewards). Sign up as soon as you arrive. You’ll often get a “new member” perk like $10 in free play or a buffet discount. Even if you don’t gamble much, using the card for dining can earn you future room discounts.

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