Las Vegas has fully earned its reputation for being one of the world’s best tourist destinations. Offering a near-endless number of activities, it’s a city that invites visitors to return again and again.
Still, there’s nothing quite like visiting for the first time. Much as with New York City, UK visitors to Las Vegas are typically bowled over by the sheer awesomeness of the spectacle. Everyone has an idea of Sin City before they travel, and when they get there, they realise all the hype was justified.
In truth, you could probably drop into Las Vegas entirely unprepared and have a great time. It’s that kind of town. However, you’ll be more likely to have a dream trip to Las Vegas if you know a thing or two in advance. Follow our tips, and you’ll be sure to have a ten-out-of-ten excursion to this iconic city.
Remember: Timing Is Important
Las Vegas is very much a year-round destination. However, if it’s your first time, it’s best to time things correctly. You can enjoy Las Vegas in the winter months, but it’s usually easier to do so if you’ve already had the full Sin City experience. For that, it’ll be best to visit during summer’s shoulder seasons. Visit in April/May/September/October, and you’ll enjoy agreeable temperatures, fewer crowds, and better prices. It’s generally best to avoid visiting in July and August when temperatures can reach 40 degrees; throw in millions of other travellers, and you have a recipe for a pretty uncomfortable time!
Staying Central Is Key
Don’t make the mistake of believing, as many previous travellers have done, that Las Vegas is a small city, and thus it doesn’t matter where you stay. The famous Las Vegas strip alone is more than four miles long. If you’re staying at either end of the Strip, you’ll be taking taxis everywhere. It’s best to stay somewhere central along the strip, which will give you access to most of the main highlights. You can always take taxis — which are plentiful and affordable — when you wish to explore another part of town.
Playing the Casinos
There’s much more to Las Vegas than its casinos. However, there’s no denying that they’re a formidable part of the Sin City experience. Even if you don’t usually visit casinos, you’ll find that you do so when you’re in Vegas, which has most of the best casinos in the world. If you’re new to casino games, then your best bet will be playing roulette, which is extremely easy to learn how to play. Note, however, that there’s a slight difference between American roulette and European roulette. Playing online at a site that has all variants of the game can help bring UK visitors up to speed before their trip. If you’re more of a card player, then blackjack, which is also straightforward to learn, is recommended.
See a World-Class Show
Las Vegas has the best entertainment shows on the planet, and attending one during your trip is an absolute must. You’ll find shows in all genres, including concerts, dance shows, and magic performances. Though shows take place every day, it’s best not to assume that you can just grab tickets when you land. With more than 40 million people visiting Las Vegas each year, tickets can often be hard to come by, especially during the most popular times of the year. As soon as you know when you’ll be in Vegas, make your reservation.
Trips Out of Town
A trip to Las Vegas is about more than what the city offers. It’s also about everything that’s available around the city, too. Las Vegas has some pretty amazing nature areas within easy travelling distance of the city, including the magnificent Grand Canyon. A memorable addition to any trip to Las Vegas is booking a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon — it’ll offer the best views, and you’ll get to see the city all lit up on your way back.