Guide to Visiting Las Vegas for the First Time

If you’ve never been to Las Vegas before, it can be quite the challenge knowing where to start with planning your trip there. From choosing the best hotel (we get it, there’s a lot to choose from!) to knowing where to eat and what attractions should be on your Vegas bucket list, there’s so much to consider.

In this comprehensive guide, we help you out by taking a look at 5 of the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions that first time visitors shouldn’t miss out on.

Best Hotels in Las Vegas for First Time Visitors

The hotel scene in Las Vegas is one of the most famous and diverse in existence, from hotels that resemble other cities altogether, to spacious and luxurious resorts, and even great spots for those looking to explore the downtown area on a budget, Las Vegas’ hotels are truly an experience in their own right.

Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip)

Caesar’s Palace is one of the most luxurious and iconic hotels in all of Las Vegas, and thanks to its prime location right in the center of the strip, it’s a truly ideal spot for first-time visitors who are on the hunt for the luxurious trip of a lifetime.

Home to iconic attractions such as The Forum Shops, and a gorgeous Casino and race & sports book, Caesar’s Palace is well worth the visit even if you don’t plan on staying here. If you do choose to make this your base during your Vegas trip though, there are several great on-site amenities that make it more than worthwhile, including an upscale spa with offers an extensive menu of massages, facials, and body treatments; 7 swimming pools; Cleopatra’s Barge floating lounge (where you can indulge in specialty cocktails); and the ever-popular Omnia nightclub.

There’s a huge range of great on-site dining options too, including several celebrity-owned spots such as Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Mr. Chow, and Restaurant Guy Savoy. One of the other popular on-site dining spots is the famous Bacchanal buffet, which serves up over 500 different items! Rest assured though that there are plenty of casual dining spots too for when you’re a little less hungry, including Beijing Noodle No. 9.

All of the guest rooms at Caesar’s Palace offer room service, and great amenities including air-conditioning and flat-screen cable TVs.

The Venetian, Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip)

Situated in the central area of the Las Vegas strip, the Venetian boasts easy access to many of the city’s great attractions, with some of the most popular bucket-list activities, such as the Gondola rides, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum being located right on-site!

Other great on-site facilities and attractions include a state-of-the-art casino, Grand Canal Shoppes (home to over 150 boutique stores), a 1.2-acre pool deck featuring 10 outdoor pools, complete with poolside dining and private cabana rental services. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the fitness gym at Canyon Ranch Spa & Fitness during their stay.

When it comes to dining, you’re truly spoilt for choice at The Venetian, with over 40 different international restaurants located on-site including American, Italian, Asian, and fusion cuisine. Whether you’re dining on outstanding bistro-fare at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon, or enjoying some room service, there’s something for everyone here.

This 5-star resort boasts some truly stunning suites, making it an excellent choice for those who don’t mind splashing the cash on something a little more upmarket. The spacious on-site suites boast sunken sitting areas, dining tables, two LCD HDTVs with a cable connection, an over-sized soaking tub in the bathroom, and deluxe toiletries.

The Golden Nugget, Fremont Street, Downtown

Situated just a short bus or taxi ride from the Las Vegas Strip, the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino is a perfect hotel choice for those looking to enjoy the city on a budget and enjoy all the fun and excitement of Fremont Street.

Despite being a relatively smaller hotel in comparison with some of the major spots located on the strip, this hotel still has plenty of great on-site amenities, including its star attraction, a shark-filled aquarium located in the middle of the pool, with a water slide that goes right the way through it! Other great on-site attractions include a poolside bar and lounge area, a poolside terrace, a sauna and spa, an on-site casino, as well as dry cleaning and concierge services.

When it comes to on-site dining, The Golden Nugget has you covered. There are nine on-site restaurants and two Starbucks coffee shops. Some of the best dining spots include the elegantly decorated Vic & Anthony’s Restaurant where you can indulge in a premium steak, and the Chart House Restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood and aquarium-side dining.

Rooms at this hotel are comfortable and contemporary, with each featuring great amenities such as a separate vanity area, pillow-top mattresses, 40-inch flat-screen cable TVs, and neutral-toned decor.

New York New York, Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip)

New York New York is a fantastic hotel and casino located on the Southern end of the Las Vegas strip that is popular with families, couples, and groups alike. A popular choice for first-time visitors looking to stay at one of the strip’s most iconic and fun hotels, it sits just a 12-minute walk from the T-Mobile Arena and has plenty of great attractions on-site.

Instantly recognizable thanks to its 150-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty, New York New York has so much more than meets the eye. It boasts many great on-site attractions and facilities, including a state-of-the-art casino, a 180-degree adrenaline-pumping roller coaster, live entertainment, a swimming pool with private cabanas, and an on-site fitness center.

There’s also a huge range of unmissable dining options at this resort, including great choices such as burgers, pizza, street food, and Americana nd Italian cuisine. There’s also the popular Nine Fine Irishman, which is an authentic Irish pub that was actually built in Ireland, before being shipped to the resort.

Each of the rooms on offer at New York New York are spacious and modern, and are fully equipped with great amenities, including air-conditioning, an in-room safe, and a flat-screen cable TV.

MGM Grand, Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip)

Situated towards the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, and located directly opposite the aforementioned New York New York, MGM Grand is conveniently located less than a 10-minute drive from Harry Reid International Airport, whilst still being right in the heart of all the Vegas action. Though the Fremont Street Experience is a little further afield if you choose to stay down this end of the Vegas strip, there’s an abundance of great resorts brimming with various restaurants and attractions right on the doorstep, including famous spots such as Park MGM, Aria Resort & Casino, and New York-New York Hotel & Casino.

This large, elegant resort is a firm favorite amongst many, with great features such as a large casino floor, tropical-inspired pools to relax at, and plenty of great dining options, including the award-winning steakhouse, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak. This resort is a great one if you’re looking for a spot with a great pool area, thanks to its relaxing private cabanas and a fun lazy river!

No matter what kind of style you like to enjoy in your room, you can find it at this hotel, as the rooms are decorated in both contemporary and classic styles, depending on which one you choose. These air-conditioned accommodations include great amenities such as a work desk, private bathroom, free toiletries, and a flat-screen cable TV.

Best Restaurants in Las Vegas for First Time Visitors

If you’re heading to Vegas for the first time ever, it’s likely that you’re going to be looking for all the best places to eat and drink. When it comes to the perfect place to dine here, however, there’s a true abundance of great spots to choose from, no matter the occasion or time of day.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for the most indulgent buffet experience you may well ever visit, or are simply looking for an elegant off-strip dining spot to get out of the crowds for a little while, there’s plenty to choose from here.

Bacchanal Buffet, Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas Boulevard

The Bacchanal Buffet, located at the aforementioned Caesar’s Palace resort is getting a second mention in this list, and for good reason too! Las Vegas is a destination synonymous with gastronomy, and infamous for its many buffet spots, but if it’s your first time in this grand city, you’re going to want to visit the best of the best.

That’s where the Bacchanal buffet comes in. Boasting an overwhelming assortment of over 500 different menu items laid out each day, many are plated for you to choose at your leisure, whilst others can be completely made to order, allowing you to customize the buffet meal of your dreams - no matter how many courses you go back for!

With such a huge selection of items available, it can be difficult to know what to choose, but whether it’s lump crab avocado toast, fried chicken and waffles, or Japanese curry, you can rest assured that everything is of great quality and is produced to the highest standard.

Bramàre, Paradise Road, Paradise

Not all of Las Vegas’ best restaurants are located on the strip, so if you're planning on straying a little further afield during your stay in Sin City, make sure to add this stunning Italian restaurant to your bucket list.

Situated on Paradise Road, this stunning restaurant presents mouthwatering dishes, curated by executive chef Joe Valdez III. Indulge in fresh, house-made pastas such as sage tagliatelle and wild boar ragu, inventive and delicious pizzas, and a great range of both steak and seafood dishes. Previous diners highly recommend the swordfish milanese, and note that since the restaurant is open late, its worth sticking around to indulge in some of the mouthwatering craft cocktails.

Wakuda, The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas Boulevard

Situated inside the aforementioned Venetian resort, this hip and trendy Japanese dining spot is a true representation of the vibrant Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo. With welcoming lanterns and bright neon signs, you'll know you're in for a treat before you even reach the modern dining room of Wakuda.

The menu at this establishment is equally as fresh and fun as the lively decor, and crafted by Michelin-recognized chef Tetsuya Wakuda. Top sushi offerings include ora king salmon, soft shell crab, and even grilled meats. 

If you're looking for a one of a kind dining experience, then Wakuda is a top choice. Make a reservation in advance online to dine in the secret eight-seat omakase room for an exclusive 10-course menu, hand selected by the chef, whilst sipping on samples of rare Japanese whiskys and small-batch sake.

Cathédrale, ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas Boulevard

A staple restaurant in New York City, Cathédrale made its new home in Las Vegas, at the ARIA Resort & Casino. This spot is nothing short of grandiose. With blue velour curtains, blue leather banquettes, and a theatrical ceiling installation created from carved artworks by artist Vhils, the interior design is surely something to marvel at.

Not only does the restaurant look amazing, but they serve up some truly delicious French-Mediterranean coastal dishes too, both artistic in their plating and rich in flavor. Fan favorites include some of the executive chef Jason Hall’s best works, such as the omelet filled with crème fraiche and served with potato chips and Kaluga caviar, Moroccan prawns, and a whole Dover sole!

LPM Restaurant & Bar, The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas Boulevard

LPM is a truly unique, bright, and ambient spot, housed inside the Cosmopolitan, located on the Las Vegas strip. It’s an innovative restaurant that prides itself on its vibrant combination of art, fresh flowers, and sharing plates, that work together to create an inviting atmosphere and perfect brunch spot.

A truly great choice for those interested in enjoying some French Mediterranean cuisine, many visitors recommend indulging in the ‘shared brunch experience’, where you can enjoy a selection of pastries, yellowtail carpaccio, lobster eggs Benedict, and a mouth-watering rib-eye steak, grilled to perfection. If you plan on visiting for dinner though, the marinated lamb cutlets, orange-glazed slow-cooked duck, whole seabream, and salt-baked sea bass are all truly excellent choices.

Best Things to do in Las Vegas for First Time Visitors

When it comes to finding all the best places to visit on your first trip, it can be difficult to narrow it down since Vegas has so many great options. With an abundance of fun activities, notable sights, and great things to see and do, here are some of the best of the best that first time visitors shouldn’t miss out on.

Fly Over the Strip and Visit the Neon Museum

As a first-time visitor to Sin City, it’s likely you’ll want to see everything Las Vegas has to offer, and what better way to do this than to do it all at once - From up above! Rise up above the city in a 10-15 minute helicopter ride, seeing great sights such as the Bellagio fountains and the LINQ High Roller.

After this exciting flight experience, you’ll head over to the Neon Museum, one of Las Vegas’ most notable attractions that truly comes to life at night. An outdoor Museum filled with some of Vegas’ most iconic neon signs from history.

Go Horseback Riding in the Desert

A fantastic way of getting away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip is by heading out into the surrounding desert for a peaceful and tranquil escape that is both rejuvenating and relaxing. 

With this therapeutic guided horseback riding tour, you can enjoy a relaxing ride through the desert landscape, where you can see some truly stunning rock formations and green bush scenery, just like a real-life cowboy!

Visit Meow Wolf's Omega Mart at AREA 15

AREA15 (not to be confused with Area 51), is a truly unique Vegas attraction, with plenty of great, immersive, and unique art exhibits. One of the most famous, and the one that many people travel from afar just to see is Meow Wolf’s incredible Omega Mart.

This interdimensional grocery store experience is filled with mind-bending products, portals, and trippy dystopian landscapes, all in one place. Visitors can role-play their own story through this one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit, and even possibly stumble upon a gorgeous bar somewhere in the depths of this experience to stop by for a drink!

Visit the Las Vegas Mob Museum

Situated in the Downtown area of Las Vegas near Fremont Street, the Mob Museum is surrounded by many of the city’s first hotels, many of which were owned by the infamous mobsters you’ll get to learn about here.

Whether you’re interested in the history of gangsters, or the notorious battle between organized crime groups and law enforcement, you’ll get to learn everything there is to know about one of Vegas’s most important historical eras through various exhibits.

Listen to the very wiretaps the government used to catch mobsters, watch intriguing movies about historical events, and see a courtroom where one of the most infamous nationwide hearings in exposing organized crime took place. Once you’ve had enough, be sure to head down to the basement, where you can visit a working speakeasy with its own distillery, and indulge in a whisky-tasting flight, or a unique craft cocktail.

Enjoy an Experience at the Sphere with Postcard From Earth

The Las Vegas Sphere is a relatively new addition to the city, and since its creation, it has become a major landmark not only for tourists to see, but also in terms of it being a truly unique and outstanding events venue. 

If you want to experience how truly unique the sphere is, but if there are no artists performing there that you’d be interested in seeing, worry not, as the sphere has its very own, full-sensory immersive experience that you can enjoy - A Postcard from Earth!

Created by artistic filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, this stunning art piece allows you to see the whole world, without ever needing to leave Las Vegas, thanks to this custom experience utilizing a 50-foot holographic wall that truly immerses visitors in the show.