Las Vegas is one of those destinations where there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re on a couples holiday looking for some romance (or to tie the knot in typical Vegas fashion), a group of friends looking to take a chance with lady luck in the casinos, or a family hoping to spend time making some wonderful memories or a solo traveller who wants to tick Las Vegas off their bucket list, one thing is for sure: The Entertainment Capital of the World will always deliver.

But no matter what you have planned for your trip to Las Vegas, it can be difficult to know what to prioritise. Vegas is a city of extremes. On one hand, you have opulent resorts, wild entertainment, fine dining, plenty of tourist traps, and not forgetting the surrounding area’s natural beauty. So, if you’re wondering what to spend your time and money on in Las Vegas, you’ve come to the right place. This post will explore where to stay, must-do experiences, and what you can happily skip! Read on to find out more.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

There are hundreds of places to stay in Vegas, from top resorts and world-class hotels to quirky rentals and boutique stays. If you want to find a good price, it pays to search online for the latest deals and book in advance as early as possible to get the cheapest possible prices.

Luxury Stays:

For luxury stays that set the tone for a truly unforgettable Vegas adventure, you might want to consider staying at The Bellagio, famous for its fountains, stunning decor, and upscale restaurants. You could also stay at the Wynn Las Vegas, which is famous for being ultra-luxurious, making it great for couples who are seeking a romantic and elegant getaway. Or you could stay at the Venetian, with its spacious suites, romantic gondola rides, and great shopping and dining experiences.

Mid-Range Options:

Not everyone has the budget or the desire to spend all their vacation budget on their accommodation, and that’s fine because Vegas can really cater to everyone. With great mid-range options such as the Park MGM, which is smoke-free and on the Strip, to the iconic Caesars Palace, a great choice for first-timers to the city. Or if you’re looking for a mix of value and luxury, check out Resorts World Las Vegas for a great balance of both that won’t break the bank.

Budget-Friendly Options:

It is well placed, wallet-friendly, and somewhere clean, relaxing, and enjoyable to recover after those busy days or nights on the Strip. The LINQ Hotel, Excalibur and others are great options for families or individuals who want straightforward accommodation that still feels like Vegas but without the huge price tag.

Things to Do:

There’s so much to see and do, it’s not easy to know where to begin! Perhaps you have something specific in mind, such as Cirque Du Soleil, a famous Magic Show with Penn and Teller, or a big name from the music industry who has a current residency. All of those are big crowd pleasers and some of the many reasons why people flock to Vegas. But there are plenty of other attractions and experiences you should consider during your trip. Here are our highlights.

Hit the Casinos

You don’t have to be a big gambler to enjoy the electric atmosphere and buzz of the casino floor in Vegas. Why not take some time to explore the famous casino floors of the Bellagio or the Venetian? There are free drinks every time you play at the tables, and there are plenty of opportunities to sit with a drink and people-watch for a while.

Unique Attractions

Check out the High Roller Observation Wheel, a cool 550ft tall with great views across the city. The Neon Museum, which is better seen at night, is home to some of the most iconic and nostalgic Las Vegas signs that have been retired (great for Instagram or TikTok videos). Head to Area15 with its immersive art, VR and light shows, perfect for families or those who want to escape the heat for a while.

Day Trips:

If you’re looking for some nature-based fun in Las Vegas, then you don’t have to go far to find it. Visitors can take guided tours or take a picnic and enjoy a hike through Red Rock Canyon, famous for its scenic drive and beautiful rock formations, the Hoover Dam, which is an icon of engineering and history or take a trip to the Grand Canyon and get some great pictures.

What to Miss

Not everything in Las Vegas is worth your time or your money! Here are some of the things we recommend you skip during your trip:

• All you can eat buffets: Overpriced and often underwhelming quality. Consider happy hours at better restaurants or eateries for a discounted meal, but with big portions!
• Expensive Gondola Rides at the Venetian: Pretty, but pricey and short — take a stroll through the canals for free instead!
• The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign During Peak Hours: It’s iconic, but the line for photos can often be up to an hour in the heat! Go early morning or at night for a quicker experience.
• Overpriced “VIP” Club Entry Packages: Many so-called VIP passes sold on the street or online are misleading, as they often don’t guarantee entry or include hidden fees. Instead, it’s much better to go through your hotel concierge or book directly with a venue.
• Paying for Strip Views in High-Rise Hotels: Many people pay a fortune for a hotel room with a great view of the Strip. While this sounds amazing and it’s great for your social media feed, if you’re not planning on spending a huge amount of time in your room, there’s little point splashing the cash for it.

Final Thoughts…

Well, there you have it. Planning a trip to Las Vegas is a lot easier when you know what to skip and what to prioritise. What would you like to see or do in Las Vegas?