San Diego Comic-Con can be an overwhelming experience. Not just for first-timers, mind you; but for experienced veterans of the convention as well. From our experience, we aren’t joking when we say it takes a couple of repeat visits to really get your bearings on what to do, when to do, and how to do it like a pro.

If you read us daily, you’re likely up to date on the big panels, exclusives and offsites you’ll be seeing in San Diego this year. But there’s lots more to learn, from where to pick up badges to where to eat well (and cheaply), to getting all that swag and exclusive merchandise home, and more.

But that’s why we’re here to help. We’ve covered all that and more essential information to make the best of your visit to SDCC, and to make it easy for you we’ve started this page of tips, guides, recommendations and other great stuff our team has gathered over the years. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and get ready to soak up the knowledge. You’ll be thanking us after SDCC is over, we assure you.

Where to Start

Hotels & Getting Around

Volunteering

Being a volunteer at San Diego Comic-Con is a great deal. Not only are you able to play a part in making SDCC go off without a hitch for your fellow geeks attending the convention, but you also get some great perks, like a free exclusive t-shirt available only to volunteers. Not to mention, a free badge for that day.

So many people ask us how to prepare for volunteering, and we have a great guest post from a couple of years back that gives a first-hand account on being a volunteer. Check it out, and thanks for your contribution to Comic-Con!

The Big Panel Rooms

The biggest panels are held in Hall H and Ballroom 20. If your new to SDCC or never stepped foot in these famous rooms, here’s what you can expect in each:

Videos

Are you more of a visual person? Then don’t worry, because we have the best for that, too. Take a look at some of our videos to help prepare you for Comic-Con: