Top six things to do in Las Vegas for first-time visitors

If you’re planning a first-time visit to Sin City, there’s sooo many things to do there. But, I’ve compiled the top five things to do in Las Vegas that you have to do. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Check it out!

*Las Vegas sign at a store at Mandalay Bay*

My sisters and I decided to go on a short three-day, two-night girls weekend to Las Vegas for my sister’s 50th birthday. It was such a blast! But it was my first time even though I have lived in Utah my entire life. Thankfully, my two sisters had been lots of times, so they knew exactly what to go see.

#1: Go to a show

At any given time, Las Vegas has around 100 different production shows, residencies and daily performances to choose from. There are so many options. From acrobatics to concerts to magic, these shows are phenomenal and definitely worth the money and the time. We went to Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay and it was amazing. I loved every minute of it. Check out the Vegas Guide for a complete list of shows.

Michael Jackson show auditorium — *Waiting in the auditorium for the Michael Jackson show to begin*

#2: Walk along the strip

In order to soak in everything that Las Vegas has to offer, you have to take a stroll along the strip. This iconic stretch of road is 4.2 miles long from Mandalay Bay to The STRAT at the northern end. Although, it is difficult to walk the entire length in one day, just pick a section and soak in the sights. All of the buildings and store and over the top and unique. Plus, it’s completely free! Check out this guide to walking the Vegas strip to learn more.

*View of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel along the Vegas strip*

#3: Do some shopping

Las Vegas has some of the best shopping in the world. The strip has six major shopping malls plus tons of retail spaces integrated in the casino resorts. You can find anything and everything there. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir.

*Checking out the merchandise at the Hershey Store.*

#4: Go to an experience

Unlike a show, with a live performance, stage and seating, a visitor experience is an interactive, multi-sensory attraction or immersive environment. The Sphere, Omega Mart, Area 15 and Punk Rock Museum are just a few example. We decided to do The Friends Experience since my sisters are huge fans of the show. It was so much fun and totally worth the money.

Standing in front of the Central Perk — *Standing in front of Central Perk at The Friends Experience*

#5: Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show

The Fountains of Bellagio in front of the Bellagio Hotel puts on a spectacular light and water show synced with music. Thousands of fountains sway and shoot hundred of feet into the air. This outdoor display is free to the public and is every thirty or fifteen minutes. It’s best to visit at night with the lights, but it’s also still incredible during the day as well. Here’s the schedule.

Monday – Friday
Fountain display is every 30 minutes from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Fountain display is every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM to midnight

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Fountain display is every 30 minutes from 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Fountain display is every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM to midnight

*Watching the Fountains of Bellagio show*

#5: Visit a casino

There are 60+ casinos along the Vegas strip, so it’s difficult to visit all of them in one weekend trip, especially if you are sight seeing along the way. So, I recommend just choosing a couple of them. Take time to walk through these immaculately designed buildings. Each are themed with amazing architecture that is breathtaking. We visited Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Bellagio and MGM. It was so much fun.

*Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens*

#6: Eat at a nice restaurant

With about 400 restaurants along the Vegas strip, you won’t be lacking in options to choose from. We opted to eat at Diablo’s Cantina at the Luxor and it was the most delicious Mexican food I have had in a long time. It was moderately priced with excellent service. Check out this Vegas restaurant guide for more options.

Chicken fajitas at Diablo's Cantina — *Chicken fajitas at Diablo’s Cantina*

Other tips and tricks when visiting Vegas

Transportation: Catch the Monorail or the Tram to rest your weary feet
Weather: Try visiting in the fall, winter or spring when temps aren’t above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Parking: Try parking at The W near Mandalay Bay. It’s about $20-$25 per day
Hotel: If you want to save money on a hotel, try staying in nearby Henderson. It’s way cheaper.
Casinos: Try walking through casinos as you explore the strip to get a breath of air conditioned air
Portable fan: Bring a portable fan to cool off along the way
Vegas Travel Guide: Buy a pocket travel guide for quick reference information

I hope this list of things to do in Las Vegas as a first time visitor will be helpful as you are planning your upcoming trip. You’re going to love it. And remember, “What happens in Vegas, stay in Vegas.”

More from My Silly Squirts: 50 New York travel tips you never knew you needed