Things to know before going to Las Vegas

We share the things to know before going to Las Vegas, so you can plan the perfect trip.

We cover the best time to visit Las Vegas, how to get there and around, and of course, the best things to do in Vegas. This post also covers the typical prices of Las Vegas, how to save money in Las Vegas as well as all the things to know before going to Las Vegas.

Things to know before going to Las Vegas

The best time to visit Las Vegas

Vegas can be visited all year round but we personally feel like the best time to visit is from March to May and September to November. The temperature isn’t too high, there are fewer visitors and there aren’t as many events happening, meaning no hotel price hikes.

December can be a great time if you want the cooler temperature and to see the Christmas displays and decorations whilst the summer is hot and humid, so best to avoid the summer if possible. 

Getting to Las Vegas

Most visitors tend to fly in the international airport, where you can be greeted by slot machines of. Course.

There are shuttle buses from the airport to some hotels whilst a taxi rank outside of the airport lists the prices of each of the hotels. 

If you are traveling the US, you could also catch a Greyhound bus to Vegas from nearby tourist destinations like Los Angeles or you could choose to drive to Vegas; with journeys from LA taking just over 4 hours, journeys from San Diego taking around 5 hours and journeys from San Francisco taking around 9 hours. 

Getting around Las Vegas

There are a few ways to get around.

Firstly, you can walk but don’t underestimate the distances between hotels. Underestimating distances between hotels and attractions is one of the big things not to do in Las Vegas.

It is fine to walk from one hotel to another but avoid walking up and down the whole strip. Instead, you can use the DEUCE or tram options available, the downtown loop is great for those heading off the Vegas strip or you can use Uber or taxis here too. 

If you are moving to or planning an extended trip in Vegas, it may be worth renting or buying a car in Las Vegas, this means you can enjoy the many day trips from Las Vegas and get around with ease.

Typical prices in Las Vegas

Is Las Vegas expensive? Vegas can be as expensive or as affordable as you want it to be.

Dorm beds further outside of the strip begin at $25 whilst budget hotel rooms of the strip begin at $35.

Mid-range hotel rooms can be found on the strip from $70 with some hotels, like Excalibur and the Flamingo, offering hotel rooms from as little as $30 when there are no events on. There are plenty of great hotels in Las Vegas for decent prices, even on the strip.

More luxurious options like the Venetian and Bellagio offer rooms from $200 a night but many of these rooms are considerably larger than other hotels on the strip. These make the perfect hotels in Las Vegas for couples.

As for food, this varies depending on location but the general rule is that most places on the strip will offer cheaper, better-value meals.

However, breakfast on the strip begins at $10 per person whilst brunch is available from many hotels from $25 per person.

Fast food options are available from $10 whilst dinner can cost anywhere between $20 to $200 per person. 

We do recommend you spend time visiting some of the best buffets of Las Vegas too; with these ranging from $30 – $60 per person depending on which option and meal time you go for.

How to visit Las Vegas on a budget

Las Vegas is surprisingly cheaper than you may think, especially if you know how to save money. 

• Firstly, look at the accommodation options and their location; there are several great budget hotels on the strip that you can enjoy for very cheap prices, especially when visiting in the off-season and avoiding event dates. 

• For food, you can take advantage of the all-you-can-eat buffets along the strip, with some even offering an all-day pass but also pick up snacks from the Walgreens near the Paris hotel or eat at the chain restaurants that aren’t inside the hotels. 

• Take advantage of the free things to do in Las Vegas, like the fountains of Bellagio, the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo, and the botanical gardens inside the Bellagio.

• Get cheaper tickets for nightclubs from the promotors on the strip and enjoy the free drinks served on the casino floor whilst you play. 

• Fremont Street is considerably cheaper too, with reasonably priced hotel rooms, restaurant prices, and drink deals available. 

• Save money on paid attractions in Las Vegas using the Go City Las Vegas Pass or book day trips in advance for those looking to see the nearby sites affordably.

Best things to do in Las Vegas

Vegas is full of fun things to see and do.

Firstly, you need to explore the hotels; with their wonderful themes and grand decor, you won’t be able to see it all. We love The Cosmopolitan and its grand chandelier bar but we also love the incredible theming at Caesar’s, The Venetian, New York, New York, and Excalibur.

Head up the Eiffel Tower at the Paris hotel, take a gondola at the Venetian, and watch the fountains at the Bellagio; all romantic things to do in Las Vegas.

Enjoy a sunset view from the High Roller or enjoy a romantic meal in the revolving restaurant inside the Strat.

Ride the rollercoaster in the New York, New York Hotel and then head down to Fremont Street for a cheaper, fun night out.

If you have a car or don’t mind tour groups, you could head out to see Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam, (Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is an easy trip). Or go further afield to see Bryce Canyon. Red Rock Canyon is a little nearer, ideal for half-day trips. 

Head to the Neon Museum to see the old signs of the city and catch a Cirque De Soleil show for a magical evening of acrobatics and dance.