Las Vegas. Even the name conjures noise and colour. 

The party capital of the world, Vegas is a place unlike any other; where you go when you want to lose yourself for a little while.

Bright, hedonistic, and vibrant, it’s a city that never sleeps and always has a hearty welcome for visitors. It’s a place to make memories and give in to your most hedonistic and indulgent urges.

Not all of us will be lucky enough to experience it in our lifetimes, but most of us should. It’s one of those places that outfit an individual with stories – ones that can be handed down through the generations, keeping the people at their centres eternally young and exciting.

So, if you’re fortunate enough to visit, how do you make the most of your time in Vegas? Especially as a first timer?

We’ve compiled a list of four essential ideas to add to your trip itinerary so you get to experience all of its magnificent wonders for yourself. 

Things You Can’t Miss as a First Timer in Las Vegas

Walk the Strip

This one is as cliché as they come, but it doesn’t make it any less vital. No one should visit Las Vegas without experiencing some of its 144 casinos, 61 of which can be found on the Strip.

This stretch of road is famed for its dazzling array of resort hotels and casinos, with its buildings housing paradisiacal worlds filled with every form of entertainment imaginable. There are big-name singers, slots, bars, blackjack, and nightclubs all housed under a single roof. 

If you want to get a taste of Las Vegas before you travel, there are several live casino providers who can supply this. For example, you could take a look at the live casino Betway site, where you’ll find a host of games to enjoy.

These range from roulette and baccarat to poker and rock, paper, scissors. Providing an authentic flavour of real-world casino gaming, they’re a great way to whet your appetite and develop an appreciation for everything you’ll experience on the famous Strip. 

Go Shopping

The most lauded of these gambling meccas is the Bellagio, which was the costliest hotel ever built at the time of its construction.

Not only does this offer a world-class gaming experience, much like its fellows, but it also houses numerous designer boutiques, including Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.

If you’d like a taste of the high life, Las Vegas is the place to experience it, and the Bellagio isn’t the only retail paradise in town.

For savvy dressers looking to shine among the many smart-casual patrons you’ll meet on the Strip, there are also several shopping centres and outlets, including Fashion Show Las Vegas and Miracle Mile Shops. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some serious retail therapy and add some great new threads to your wardrobe. 

See a Show at Park Theatre

Image credit: Lady Gaga by TJ Sengel (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, you might think its sole attraction is the casinos that litter its streets. However, these are only the tip of the iceberg.

The city isn’t just a haven for gamblers but one of the finest places in the world to enjoy a show – and this is the place to go.

While many major stars have performed at Las Vegas’ famous casinos, lots have also become resident headliners here, at Park Theatre.

This showroom has hosted everyone from Cher and Aerosmith to Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga and usually has some pretty impressive talent taking centre stage. Plus, with seats for up to 5,200, you can generally secure a ticket so long as you book in advance.

Visit Hoover Dam

Moving beyond the bright lights of the Strip, we’d recommend taking a trip to the historic Hoover Dam.

This Depression-era construction was used to dam the Colorado River and create Lake Mead. Not only has it played a major part in the area’s history, but it’s a great place to hike to and offers some incredible views. 

The dam took a whopping five years to construct and the labour of 21,000 men before it was completed. You can experience it in several ways, from guided tours to bridge walks.

Our favourite is by hiring a boat to take you out onto Lake Mead. Colossal in scale, the Hoover Dam towers an incredible 726 foot into the bright blue skies of Nevada.

Isn’t it time you planned your Vegas itinerary?