I've been to Las Vegas over 50 times. There are 9 big mistakes I see most first-time visitors make.
My husband and I have gone on more than 50 trips to Las Vegas in the past 20 years.
I've seen first-timers repeat mistakes, from missing hotel deals to refusing to leave the Strip.
With careful planning, travelers can stay within their budget and have a great time in Sin City.
With over 50 visits to Las Vegas under my belt, I consider myself an expert in all things Sin City.
Early in our marriage, my husband and I started traveling to Las Vegas every June to celebrate our anniversary. The summertime trips were so fun that we added an annual Christmastime Vegas visit to our calendars too.
We still couldn't get enough, so we returned to the city more and more frequently over the past two decades.
I love Las Vegas, so I'm always disappointed when I hear people complain about it, especially when many of their negative experiences could've been avoided.
Here are the common mistakes I watch many first-time visitors make, along with tips on how to avoid making them yourself.
Booking a hotel without checking for more affordable dates
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.
If your schedule is flexible, check hotel rates for a variety of dates to find the best deal before you book. Rates are usually less expensive on weekdays than on weekends, so take advantage of any flexibility in your schedule. Plus, lower prices often mean the hotel will be less crowded.
Some of my favorite hotels on the Strip include Aria Resort & Casino, the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, NoMad Las Vegas, and Resorts World Las Vegas.
Forgetting to make reservations at popular restaurants
If you're hoping to try some of the most popular restaurants in Las Vegas, make reservations in advance. I've learned from experience that some can get fully booked months in advance.
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.
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.
Paying full price for shows and attractions without looking for deals
Las Vegas used to be all about gambling, but it's evolved into a multifaceted entertainment hub.
There are shows and concerts every night of the week, and visitors can find a variety of things to do in Vegas, from touring museums to riding roller coasters.
The ticket prices for these attractions can be pricey, but you can often find deals if you're resourceful. You may want to try checking discount sites like Groupon and Travelzoo. Tix4Tonight also sells discounted tickets for same-night shows at booths on the Strip and downtown.
Overpaying for basics and travel essentials at hotel gift shops
One time, we forgot to pack sunscreen when we traveled to Las Vegas. Although 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 those at resort shops.
Not properly preparing for all of the walking the trip can entail
Many people underestimate the amount of walking they're about to do when they arrive in Las Vegas.
We needed at least 10 minutes to walk from one end of the Bellagio to the other. Walking the entire length of the Strip along Las Vegas Boulevard can take about 90 minutes.
There are almost no pedestrian crosswalks on the busy street. Instead, people travel up and down the Strip using stairs, escalators, and pedestrian bridges. The setup creates a safe route for pedestrians, but it does require more roundabout traveling.
I recommend packing comfortable shoes and allowing yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
If you're unable to walk (or you just don't want to), you can still use other ways to get around the Strip, which is wheelchair accessible. The monorail, buses, and trams run frequently, with stops at the major resorts and attractions.
Spending most of your trip driving around the city and paying for parking everywhere you go
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.
In addition, if you came to Las Vegas without a car, I don't recommend renting one if you plan to spend most of your trip in the city itself.
Skipping local museums
For years, I laughed at the idea of visiting a museum in Las Vegas, but I've since changed my tune. Now, it's one of my favorite things to do there.
The Neon Museum features vintage signs from famous hotels, restaurants, and bars. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts hosts rotating exhibits, so be sure to check the schedule online.
I also suggest checking out Perception, a 17,000-square-foot digital art museum.
Never leaving the Strip
Enjoy the Strip, but don't be afraid to take some time away from it.
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 spots 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 visiting now.
This story was originally published on August 15, 2022, and most recently updated on February 12, 2025.
Read the original article on Business Insider
