9 Things to Know Before Visiting Las Vegas

In this guide

1. 1. Everything is farther than it looks
2. 2. Resort fees are real, and expensive
3. 3. The desert heat is no joke
4. 4. Downtown is a different Vegas
5. 5. Book the big shows, discount the rest
6. 6. Sign up for a players card
7. 7. Getting around takes planning
8. 8. Smoking, drinking and tipping rules
9. 9. The best views are outside the city
10. A few more quick tips
11. Common questions

But a few things are worth knowing before you land. Here are nine I wish someone had told me before my first trip.

1. Everything is farther than it looks

The Strip is about four miles long, and the hotels are enormous. A casino that looks like it’s right next door can easily be a 20-minute walk away, often through a maze of shopping malls, overpasses and gaming floors designed to keep you inside.

Wear comfortable shoes, even at night. Most people walk 10 miles or more a day in Vegas without realizing it. And plan your days around one part of the Strip at a time instead of zigzagging from end to end. Even the Sphere, the giant glowing ball you can see from almost everywhere, sits a good walk off the Strip behind the Venetian.

2. Resort fees are real, and expensive

Almost every hotel on the Strip charges a daily resort fee, often $40 to $55 a night plus tax. Since a federal rule in 2025, it has to be included in the price you see when you book, which helps. But it still makes that cheap-looking room much less cheap.

Parking is extra at most big resorts too, often $20 or more a day. Check both before you book. A few downtown hotels and smaller properties skip the resort fee entirely, so compare total prices.

3. The desert heat is no joke

In summer, Las Vegas regularly hits 110°F. Walking the Strip in the afternoon can be dangerous. Carry water, stay inside in the middle of the day and save the pool for the morning.

The best time to visit is spring, from March to May, or fall, from late September to November. Winter is cool and quiet, and even cold at night. Don’t forget, the air is extremely dry year-round, so drink water and use lip balm.

4. Downtown is a different Vegas

Fremont Street, in old downtown Las Vegas, is where the city began. It’s grittier, cheaper and a lot of fun. A huge LED canopy covers five blocks, with free light shows every hour at night, plus live bands and street performers.

Table minimums are usually lower downtown, and drinks are cheaper. The Neon Museum, with its boneyard of old casino signs, is nearby and worth an evening visit. A rideshare from the Strip takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Book the big shows, discount the rest

For the most popular shows, like Cirque du Soleil’s O or a big residency, book ahead online. For everything else, you can often find same-day discounts. Tix4Tonight booths along the Strip sell cheaper tickets each afternoon.

Also, some of the best things in Vegas are free. The Bellagio fountain show runs every 15 to 30 minutes in the evening, and the Bellagio Conservatory changes its giant floral display with the seasons.

6. Sign up for a players card

Even if you only plan to gamble a little, sign up for the free loyalty card at your hotel’s casino. Most big companies, like MGM and Caesars, run one program across many hotels. You’ll earn points on slots, tables, meals and even your room.

The perks for beginners are small, but they add up. You might get a discount at the buffet, free play or a lower room rate on your next trip. And you’ll be surprised how often members get cheaper prices.

7. Getting around takes planning

The Las Vegas Monorail runs behind the hotels on the east side of the Strip, from the MGM Grand to the SAHARA. It’s quick and avoids traffic, but the stations are at the back of the casinos, a long walk from the street.

The Deuce bus runs up and down the Strip 24 hours a day and goes downtown. Rideshare is easy, but pickups happen in specific spots at each hotel, sometimes in the parking garage. Follow the signs. Taxis from the airport are a flat zone fare, so check it before you get in.

8. Smoking, drinking and tipping rules

Smoking is still allowed in most casinos, though ventilation has gotten better. If the smell bothers you, Park MGM is fully non-smoking. You can walk the Strip with a drink, but it has to be in plastic, not glass.

Tipping is a big part of how things work here. Tip bartenders $1 to $2 a drink, housekeeping a few dollars a night, and the valet when you pick up your car. Free drinks while you gamble are standard, but tip the server.

9. The best views are outside the city

After a couple of days, you’ll want a break from the noise. Red Rock Canyon is only about 30 minutes from the Strip, with a 13-mile scenic drive through red sandstone cliffs and good hiking trails. You’ll need a timed-entry reservation for much of the year.

Hoover Dam is about 45 minutes away, and the dam tour is fascinating. Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour away, has some of the most striking red rock scenery in the Southwest. Go early in the day, especially in summer.

A few more quick tips

Midweek stays are far cheaper than weekends. Most restaurants on the Strip need reservations on Friday and Saturday nights. And there are slot machines at the airport, so if you haven’t gotten it out of your system yet, you’ve got one last chance.

Common questions

D

DavidMarketer, YouTuber, Traveler

Addicted to traveling. Currently living in Valencia, Spain.

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