Las Vegas packs so much into the desert oasis—mega-resorts, world-class entertainment, magnificent dining, shopping, luxury, and much more. Whether you’re visiting for gambling, eating, partying, or culture, there’s truly something for everyone and for every age. After all, it’s referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World for a good reason.
2-day Las Vegas itinerary: How to spend 2 days in Las Vegas
Day 1: Hit the iconic Las Vegas Strip and a show
Start your day simply by taking it all in by going to the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard. Home to a large concentration of resorts and casinos, it’s a sensory overload in the best way. Grab breakfast outside at Mon Ami Gabi. The patio of the French bistro is the perfect spot to people-watch and wake up with an espresso and lavish brioche French toast topped with fresh whipped cream and berries.
Following breakfast, walk a few hundred feet to some of the city’s most famous hotels. A stop in the magnificent lobby of Bellagio is a must. Look up for the awe-inspiring hand-blown glass flowers piece Fiori Di Como by Dale Chihuly. Off the lobby is the stunning Botanical Garden & Conservatory. With intricate seasonal displays made out of flowers and plants, the whimsical area is a display of jaw-dropping horticulture masterpieces.
Next, cross the street and visit The Venetian and be transported to Venice, Italy, complete with canals and singing gondoliers. Inside, there are the Grand Canal Shoppes which recreate the famous waterways of Venice, complete with charming bridges and Venetian homes lining the canals.
Once you’ve worked up your appetite, it's time to feast. Across from The Venetian is the Wynn hotel, home to one of the best buffets in town (along with many other things). The impressive buffet offers a variety of cuisines and is excellent for those with dietary restrictions. In fact, the chef is known to walk people through the offerings personally.
In the afternoon, head over to the classic Caesars Palace, one of the oldest hotels on The Strip. Grab a handcrafted cocktail at Vanderpump Cocktail Garden (yes, the Vanderpump of the reality show), and then hit up the Forum Shops. Spanning 160 specialty stores, it blends ancient Roman charm, cobblestone streets, and statues with luxury shopping. If you’re a guest at the resort, visit the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis. Otherwise, it’s $20, and you’ll need a reservation, but it’s worth it for the magnificence of Temple Pool. One of the city’s most famous pools, it features a statue of Caesar in the center of a dome held up by six Roman columns and enveloped by fountains.
When it’s time for dinner, enjoy a truly Las Vegas experience: a supper club. The Mayfair Supper Club, inside Bellagio, brings glamor and whimsy along with playful performances overlooking the fountains. Everything at the restaurant is thoughtfully executed, from the mermaid-esque bar to the presentation of the food. If you’d like something quieter but still a quintessential Las Vegas experience, visit one of Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants, like Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace.
After dinner, catch the famous Bellagio Fountains dance. The outdoor attraction is spectacular at night when more than 1,000 fountains are choreographed to music and lights.
Finally, no Las Vegas experience is complete without taking in a show like Cirque du Soliel’s LOVE at The Mirage or the adult-themed Absinthe at Caesars. If you’ve still got energy after all that, then grab a cocktail at the opulent Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan. It’s a bar inside a massive, multi-story chandelier. If you’re still powering through, a visit to one of the city’s hot nightclubs is in order. Take note of the dress code (i.e., dress to impress, collared shirts for the men, no flip flops, etc.), make a reservation, and then get ready to dance. Two of the most popular nightclubs on The Strip are Marquee at The Cosmopolitan and the massive Omnia at Caesars.
Day 2: Downtown exploration
Oft overlooked because of the glitz of The Strip, Downtown is a must when in Las Vegas. Before heading downtown, grab a nourishing breakfast (or a housemade Bloody Mary) at the plant-based Truth and Tonic located at Canyon Ranch inside The Venetian. Then, hop on the public bus or grab a taxi or Uber ride to the Arts District. The revamped neighborhood showcases the city’s burgeoning art scene, complete with famous street art and galleries like The Arts Factory, which is home to 30+ artists and galleries. The neighborhood is packed with gems, including unique vintage shops like Red Kat Vintage, plenty of dining, coffee shops (Vesta Coffee Roasters is a favorite), Brewery Row with various local brewers, bars, and more. If you’re a lover of antiques, be sure to stop into ReBAR, which is a bar and an antique shop.
After exploring, head to Tacotarian for lunch. The popular Mexican restaurant has an array of tacos to choose from and is home to the world’s largest taco, measuring in at the length of an adult’s forearm and packed with flavor. The spacious dining area includes floor-to-ceiling windows and patios for people-watching, plus a bar. If Mexican food isn’t your journey, a few doors down is the charming Esther’s Kitchen. A local’s favorite, you’ll need reservations to get in to enjoy the fresh Italian fare.
Next, visit the Neon Museum. The open-air museum is home to rescued vintage neon signs that used to glow in town. The guided tours provide an excellent look at the history of the city through the properties and explain the significance of each sign that lost its home as the city grew. Be sure to book a tour in advance and have your phone charged for all the Instagram-worthy photos you’ll be able to snap.
In the evening, head north a handful of blocks to the Fremont Street Experience. The popular LED canopy light show draws crowds, as does the free concert series. For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Barry’s Downtown Prime, located in the adults-only Circa Resort & Casino. The sultry steakhouse serves steaks, has a full vegan menu, and has a cocktail cart making the best Old Fashioned cocktails in town.
After all, this, if you’ve still got some pep in your step, visit Fremont East for its lively local nightlife scene that includes speakeasies, dancing, rooftop bars at Commonwealth and Inspire, the Backyard Playground with oversized games at The Golden Spike, and even a fire-breathing grasshopper at Container Park.
3-day Las Vegas Itinerary: How to spend 3 days in Las Vegas
Day 3: Nature and me-time
Despite being in the middle of the desert, Las Vegas has incredible outdoor attractions. Grab some fresh donuts at Ronald’s Donuts in Chinatown before heading to Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. Located west of the city, there are spectacular hikes, like Icebox Canyon, and you can also enjoy some peace and quiet. If it’s a hot day, escape to Mount Charleston instead and cool off at Lee Canyon or hike to Mary Jane Falls. On the way back to the city, swing by Downtown Summerlin and grab lunch at the Latin-inspired Makers & Finders. The popular cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as amazing coffee and drink specialties.
In the afternoon, indulge in some luxury back in town, courtesy of one of the many world-class spas. A top pick is the Waldorf Astoria’s spa, located on the eighth floor, which is an exercise in decadent luxury and relaxation with sweeping views of The Strip.
Finally, in the evening, wrap up the day with a memorable dining experience at CATCH. The photogenic restaurant offers sushi, seafood, plant-based options, and the best pistachio cheesecake you’ll ever try. End the night with a trip up to Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay or Skyfall Lounge at The Delano and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the city. If you prefer to skip the booze, book a ride on The High Roller at The Linq. It elevates riders 550 feet above The Strip and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
4-day Las Vegas Itinerary: How to spend four days in Las Vegas
Day 4: Take a ride
Start the day with an indulgent breakfast courtesy of Good Morning Kitchen. This off-Strip breakfast/brunch spot is bright and vibrant, from its decor to its food which includes cornflake-crusted stuffed French toast dripping with berries.
After you’re full, it’s time to experience Las Vegas … from above. Book a trip complete with a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon, where you’ll not only take in the views from the sky but also the ground when you stop for lunch and champagne.
For a late lunch, stop at Yukon Pizza in the Arts District. This pizza shop serves sourdough pizza from a starter that’s been in the family for more than a century. Relax a little before you return to the sky for a sunset chopper ride over The Strip. Finally, end your day with dinner at EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine off-Strip, where you can feast on Chef Oscar Amador’s tasting menu and cocktails in an intimate setting.
Key Las Vegas travel details
Where to stay in Las Vegas
The most popular place to stay in Las Vegas is on The Strip, the main hub for all things Vegas: dining, nightlife, entertainment, and gambling. Attractions on The Strip include the Bellagio Fountains, casinos, shopping, celebrity chef restaurants, and more.
Another popular area to stay in is Downtown Las Vegas. The corridor is home to a more authentic, old-school Vegas vibe and has a lot of nods to the city’s past, including the Neon Museum and Mob Museum. It’s also got a mix of local spots and tourist spots, giving you the best of both worlds.
About 20 minutes from The Strip is Summerlin. Located near Red Rock Canyon, it offers a more local take on the city. Here, you can get out into nature or gamble at local casinos and resorts. There’s also the Aviators baseball team, who plays there, and it is home to the Las Vegas Golden Knights practice rink.
When it comes to hotels, there’s something for every budget. Popular hotels include Venetian ($200 a night average) and Aria ($300 a night average) on The Strip. Off-Strip, people rave about Red Rock Resort which is about $150 a night. Downtown, the adults-only Circa ranges from $150-$300 per night, or there are plenty of budget accommodations like Four Queens starting at $60, plus no resort fees.
How to get around Las Vegas
Public transportation in Las Vegas is limited. There’s the Deuce, double-decker buses that run along The Strip and suburbs. The bus is $6 for a two-hour pass, $8 for a 24-hour pass, and $20 for a three-day pass. There’s also the Las Vegas Monorail which costs $5 and connects the convention center to a handful of hotels on the east side of The Strip, but it isn’t really useful to get you anywhere else.
Rideshares and cabs are popular in the city; often, ride-shares will be cheaper than cabs. If you take a cab, know the route in advance and make sure the drivers don’t try to long-haul you.
If you want to leave The Strip, it's best to rent a car to get around since public transit can take a long time to get to where you want to go, and it’s non-existent if you want to get out of town.
When to go to Las Vegas
The best time to visit Las Vegas also happens to be during peak tourist seasons: March through May and September through December. Because it’s a desert, the summer is extremely hot (115F is to be expected) and dry. Strong winds can make it feel like someone is blowing a hair dryer in your face. In addition, late summer brings monsoon season, which can include severe storms and flooding, but it rarely rains for an entire day. The fall and spring are mild (but can also be windy).
As a major international destination, weekends and major holidays and events mean the city will be packed, reservations will be more difficult, and everything, in general, will be very crowded.
Las Vegas is also a major destination for events and conferences. You’ll want to keep in mind specific events that cause road closures and/or a massive influx of people. The third weekend in September is the Life is Beautiful music festival that takes over Downtown Las Vegas. There’s also the F1 race coming to the city in November, National Rodeo Finals in December, the Consumer Electronics Show (the largest convention in town) every January, and the Electronic Daisy Carnival in May 2024.
