12 Surprising Las Vegas Travel Tips You Need to Hear in 2025
Everyone thinks they know how to do Vegas right—until they get there. We’ve seen people waste money, miss out on the best spots, and make rookie mistakes they could’ve easily avoided.
To help you have the best time, here are some surprising Las Vegas travel tips you’ll be glad you knew.
Travel Tips for Las Vegas
Here are some Las Vegas travel hacks to help you have fun without making rookie mistakes.
1. Don’t Show Up Without a Plan
Vegas has a lot going on, and you can totally wing it, but some things need to be booked in advance.
For example, if you want to eat at a popular restaurant or see a big show like the “O” by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio, make a reservation, especially on weekends. Nothing’s worse than showing up hungry and realizing the wait time is three hours.
2. Stay in the Middle of the Strip
If you want to walk less and see more, stay somewhere mid-strip like Caesars Palace, The LINQ, or Planet Hollywood.
For a great view of the Strip, take a ride on the High Roller at The LINQ and see Las Vegas from above.
Also, Vegas hotels may look close to each other, but they’re huge. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to walk a mile just to grab breakfast.
3. Watch Out for Resort Fees
Hotels in Vegas love to advertise cheap rooms, but they hit you with resort fees when you check-in. These can be anywhere from $20 to $60 per night, so check before you book. That “cheap” room might not be as cheap as you think.
4. Know What You’re Doing Before You Gamble
If you don’t know how to play, don’t just sit down and hope for the best. Casinos offer free gaming lessons (check places like The Venetian or Circus Circus), so learn the basics first. And if gambling isn’t your thing, no worries—there’s plenty of other stuff to do.
5. Wear Good Shoes & Take Breaks
Walking in Vegas is no joke. The Strip is seven miles long, and even when places look close, they’re not.
Wear comfortable shoes, drink water, and don’t overdo it. Also, taxis aren’t as easy to grab as in other cities, so use rideshare, the monorail, or free trams when you can.
6. Enjoy the Free Drinks During Gambling
If you’re gambling, you get free drinks But don’t forget to tip the server if you want them to keep coming back. And don’t go too hard too early. Vegas is fun, but a hangover by 7 p.m. is not.
7. Skip the Buffets, Try Something Better
Buffets sound fun, but they’re overpriced now and not as great as they used to be. Instead, hit up actual restaurants.
Vegas has some of the best food spots like The Black Sheep and BARDOT Brasserie. And portions are huge, so splitting meals saves money and stomach space.
8. Pack Light (But Bring a Jacket)
You don’t need to overpack. Vegas is casual during the day and dressier at night. But hotels blast the A/C and the desert gets cold at night, so we greatly recommend you bring a light jacket.
9. Don’t Pay for Everything (Find the Free Stuff)
Vegas has a ton of cool free stuff:
- The Bellagio fountains (worth stopping for, especially at night)
- The volcano show at The Mirage
- Free circus acts at Circus Circus
- People-watching on the Strip (this is wild)
10. Tip Your Way to a Better Experience
Vegas runs on tips. Bartenders, valets, cocktail servers—they all know what’s up, and a good tip can sometimes get you better service, info on events, or even an upgrade at your hotel.
11. Get a Players Club Card
Even if you don’t gamble much, sign up for a casino player’s card. It’s free, and you might get discounts on food, rooms, or even free hotel nights.
And if you are gambling, don’t play without it (it’s basically free perks).
12. Check Out More Than Just the Strip
If you have extra time, don’t just stick to the Strip. Head to Fremont Street for cheaper drinks and old-school Vegas vibes, or take a quick hike at Red Rock Canyon.
If you’re up for an adventure, see Red Rock Canyon on an electric bike tour.
For a break from the neon lights, visit the Hoover Dam or even make a trip to the Grand Canyon.
If you want to visit both in one trip, a tour that includes the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam is a great way to see it all.
