Many travelers want to go to Las Vegas one day, and many have a vague sense of what the city is like. If you’re among this group, you might, for instance, imagine playing games at massive casinos, luxuriating in skyscraper resorts, and walking along with the famously eccentric Vegas “Strip.” But of course, once you touch down in the Nevada desert, there’s a little more to the town than its most famous images and activities! These activities more or less comprise the general Vegas vibe you can pick up on even if you’ve never visited.
In fact, despite its reputation as a carefree destination for spontaneous adult adventures, Las Vegas is a city best approached with a plan. There are so many things to do there that you’ll want more than a vague outline for a first visit. So here, we hope to help get you started with five tips you can use to have a great time in Vegas.
1. Look to Fremont Street
The Vegas Strip completely dominates recommendations for tourists in town. But many people who get out and explore a little more have just as much fun on Fremont Street, a vibrant downtown district. To give you some idea of what to expect there, we’ll refer to a list of things to do written up by Thrillist, which included great drinking and dining, wandering old shipping containers, zip-lining out of a gigantic slot machine, taking in the videos that play on the main plaza ceiling, and more. There’s also an over-the-top, almost carnival-like atmosphere, which may sound like a lot but makes for a fun way to shake things up in the middle of a Vegas trip. It truly is an alternative Las Vegas, with plenty of food, drink, gambling, and music offered a bit more casually and at much more reasonable prices.
2. Learn Your Poker Before You Go
Many people visit Vegas, assuming they can sit at gaming tables and learn the ropes. That can be the case at some more casual venues during slower hours. But for the most part, whether you’re gaming at Fremont Street or in a main Strip casino, it’s best to know your way around the poker table before you sit at it. If you need to brush up on the basics, the beginner’s guide by Poker.org offers a nice overview that you don’t have to buy access to or subscribe to. There you’ll find a clear overview of the rules and terms relating to popular poker games (like Texas Hold ’em, Five Card Draw, and Omaha) and some guidance on how to bet. Ideally, you’ll want to practice some of this before trying your luck in Vegas. But at the very least, studying this guide will prepare you to hold your own and enjoy the games.
3. Pick a Pool
When looking through the Vegas resorts and the hundreds of articles comparing and contrasting them, it will be tempting to make your selection based on room quality, in-house casinos, restaurants, or even spa facilities. But the truth is that most of the major resorts are pretty impressive in all these categories — and you can typically go and play the casino or visit the spa even at a resort you aren’t staying in. So instead, choose your accommodations based on the pool! The Las Vegas pools are incredible attractions, and each one is unique. You may well find that the collection is the most distinct aspect of your resort, while many other features are at least somewhat interchangeable.
4. Catch a Live Show
It’s hard to overstate how much of a role music plays — and has always played — in defining the Vegas experience. This town is where everyone, from chart-topping pop stars to famous hip-hop artists to classic rockers, still stops amid global tours. It’s where Elton John, Celine Dion, and Britney Spears have set up shop for lengthy residencies. And it’s where in eras past, icons like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley became larger than life. Of course, both are still synonymous with Las Vegas, to the point that the Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas wedding even featured an Elvis impersonator! Live music is and has always been part of the experience in Las Vegas, and no matter who may be passing through town, it’s a good idea to try to see a show. It’s the only way to do Vegas properly.
5. Eat Breakfast
Finally, remember to eat a good breakfast! Las Vegas gets a lot of attention for its fancy dinner spots, and with good reason. The city is a celebrity chef hive, naturally leading to many great dining experiences (even if Breakfast is slightBreakfast or over the top). But the unique side to Vegas dining focuses on Breakfast and brunch, with several resorts specifically known for their decadent morning menus and overflowing buffet tables. Per CNTraveler.com, the Herringbone at Aria, Giada at the Cromwell, and Bouchon at the Venetian are among the best breakfast. ButBreakfasterlook the huge buffets at the Wynn or Caesars, either!
Las Vegas offers much more activity than we can bring up throughout the five tips. And as much as we support the idea of having a plan, some of the fun is simply exploring the city and finding experiences. But the tips above go against some of what you might expect and — we believe — will help you to have the best possible time at this legendary destination.
