Las Vegas is easily one of my favorite destinations for a fun weekend trip. After numerous times in the city from my childhood til now, here is what I would recommend what you should do for a 3 day Las Vegas itinerary. I also include general tips, where to stay, and how to get around the city.
Feel free to move around this itinerary as you’d like. I recommend setting aside plenty of time to spend on the Strip, but three days in Vegas is enough time to venture out, as well.
Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you.
General Tips for Your Las Vegas Itinerary
- The most popular area of Vegas for tourists is the Strip, which refers to the boulevard concentrated with hotels, casinos, and resorts. However, also try to rent a car or take an Uber and see other neighborhoods. There is so much more to the city including Downtown Las Vegas and unique experiences like AREA15.
- Do NOT underestimate the heat and strength of the sun in Vegas. It’s a desert, so take precautions and bring sun protection, deodorant, and light clothing.
- Be wary of tourist traps. Common scams include showgirls or Disney characters on the Strip inviting you to take a picture with them and then demanding $20+ tips and musicians “giving” you their CD and demanding money once its in your hands.
- Don’t be fooled by how close a building looks on the Strip. The entire Strip spans over 4 miles long, so what might look nearby may be a 20+ minute walk away.
- Based on my last point, wear comfortable shoes. Heels or sandals may sound like a good idea to match your outfit, but consider wearing sneakers if you know you’ll be out for a while. Trust me, wear sneak your feet will thank you! I once made the mistake of wearing flip flops while sightseeing, and was in pain for nearly a week after.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
For any first-timer to Las Vegas, you should stay on the Strip if possible. It’s lined with hotels of all budget levels and is the heart of the action. The Wynn has a great overall resort feel. The Cosmopolitan is another top spot centrally located on the Strip with a wide variety of delicious food spots inside. Budget hotel options include the Linq and Flamingo Hotel.
How to Get Around Las Vegas
The easiest way to get around the Strip and between other parts of the city is through a taxi or ride-share app like Uber & Lyft. Taxis are still popular among many Strip hotels and can be cheaper than ride-shares during peak hours due to ride-share surges. I recommend taking a ride-share during off-peak hours and any time you’re off the Strip.
On a recent Vegas trip we rented a car, which was great for getting around other parts of the city. The only downside of this is costly parking, but this can be solved by parking at a hotel with free parking and walking.
Day 1 of Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days
Walk the Strip
I recommend wandering the Strip for the first day of your Las Vegas itinerary. The Strip has plenty of resorts and hotels, casinos, restaurants, and shopping at all price points. It would take about 2 hours to walk through, but you can easily spend longer by stopping into the buildings. In the following section, I’ve listed unique activities and sights on the Strip.
See the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
This part of the Las Vegas itinerary can be moved depending on whether you want to take a picture of the sign lit up. If you want a clear shot with no people in the background, go bright and early at around 7AM. Otherwise, the neon lights come on around 15-20 minutes after the sunset time starts.
Note: The Las Vegas Welcome sign is somewhat out of the way from the rest of the Strip, about a mile south from the Mandalay Bay hotel. From Mandalay Bay its about an 18-minute walk and 4-minute drive.
Gamble!
From the moment you enter the Las Vegas airport, you’re welcomed with rows of bright-lit slot machines, so it’s no secret that gambling is one of the biggest draws of the city. Most Strip resorts have hundreds of slot machines, sports betting venues, and card game tables. They also have unique casino games like Sigma Derby mechanical horse racing and a casino war table game.
Even if you’re not into gambling, it’s worth putting twenty dollars down just to say you did it! If you know nothing about it, research rules on popular games like roulette and blackjack beforehand to prepare for your Vegas trip. I wish I had done this, as I felt like I was missing out on the fun while watching others play!
See the Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains of Bellagio
Unless you’re thoroughly walking through every Vegas hotel, the Bellagio Conservatory is an easy-to-miss yet MUST-SEE sight. The 14,000+ square foot gardens have a beautiful, colorful display of plants, flowers, and props. Every time I visit, I’m amazed by the level of attention to detail and grandiosity.
The conservatory is renovated seasonally by their talented Horticulture and Engineering Team, with an additional special display during the New Year. Since it’s ever-changing, I always have it on my Las Vegas itinerary every time I visit the city. It’s completely free to visit and is the perfect photo opportunity.
Also located outside of the Bellagio is the free fountain show. The fountain show spans over 1,000 feet and the water sways with music and lights! Check the Bellagio Website for their full Water Show Schedule.
The High Roller
Located at the end of the Linq Promenade, a pedestrian street between the Flamingo and Linq hotels, the High Roller is hard to miss. The 550-foot high ferris wheel is amazingly the second tallest ferris wheel in the world and riding it gives you 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Each pod can hold up to 40 guests and features light and video shows. The entire rotation takes about 30 minutes.
Flamingo Habitat
While on the Promenade, step into the Flamingo Hotel to see their free wildlife habitat. You can look at flamingos and other wildlife like turtles, different bird species, and fish species up close. The habitat isn’t huge at about 4 acres, but it’s a cool pit-stop in the area.
Circus Circus
Many people knock Circus Circus for being run-down, “dingy”, and a bit creepy. Maybe it’s because I have fond memories of coming here growing up, but I think it has a charm to it that makes it worth seeing. Additionally, they’ve gone through renovations in 2023, so it’s nicer than before.
Circus Circus is best known for their family-friendly activities. The second level of the main casino area of Circus Circus has free circus acts and a gaming area with a mix of carnival and arcade games. The carnival games are like the ones you’d find at a fair — with prizes included! Also within the resort is the Adventuredome, an indoor theme park with 25 rides and attractions.
Travel Tip: Another great arcade with physical carnival games is in the basement level of the Excalibur Hotel.
Fashion Show Mall
The Fashion Show Mall is the largest shopping destination on the Strip with over 250+ stores and 30+ restaurants. While it looks like a regular mall on the outside, they have free pop-up fashion shows on a runway that rises from the ground at the top of the hour, Friday through Sunday. It’s not necessarily something I would go out of the way for on my Las Vegas itinerary, but it does make the mall unique.
Have a Nice Dinner
The food scene in Las Vegas is incredible, ranging from flashy steakhouses to performances with your meal. Even if you’re on a budget, I recommend having at least one nice meal on your Las Vegas itinerary. A great moderately priced meal is Momofuku, an elegant Asian fusion restaurant developed by chef David Chang.
If you really want to fine dine, make a reservation at the famed Hell’s Kitchen just across from Caesar’s Palace.
See a Show
Las Vegas is notorious for its shows – and there’s something for everyone! An iconic performance I recommend is The Mentalist in Planet Hollywood. Part-comedy part-magic show, Gerry McCambridge pulls people from the crowd to read their minds and perform magic tricks. He’s regarded as one of the top magicians in Vegas and I was mind-blown by the acts when I saw the show myself.
Other popular shows to add to your Las Vegas itinerary include “O” by Cirque Du Soleil in the Bellagio and MJ Live at the Sahara Hotel and Casino.
Travel Tip: Ahead of your stay in Las Vegas, check the event calendar at performance venues like the recently opened Sphere, Dolby Theater, and Allegiant Stadium. In 2022 I planned my Las Vegas visit around a BTS concert and it was totally worth the trip!
Day 2 of Your 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary
Breakfast at Eggslut
Eggslut on the second floor of the Cosmopolitan is one of the most well-known breakfast sandwich spots in the city. Their comforting egg sandwiches come with various toppings and are reasonably priced at around ~$12.
My go-to is the Fairfax Sandwich with slow scrambled eggs, chives, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and sriracha mayo on warm brioche buns. The eggs are fluffy and the other mixed-in ingredients make for the perfect bite each time.
Note: it gets PACKED on weekend brunch times, so try to go early. Despite the crazy lines, I always make it a point to go on my Las Vegas itinerary.
Go to a Las Vegas Pool or Pool Party
Spending time at a pool is a great way to beat the desert heat. Luckily, many major Las Vegas resorts have their own pools that are free for hotel guests.
Throughout the week, there are plenty of pool parties you can add to your Las Vegas itinerary. Popular pool party venues include Encore Beach Club, Drai’s, and Tao Beach Club. Look at each of their event calendars ahead of time to decide what DJ you’re most keen on seeing and purchase tickets or tables. Ladies, you can get free admission by finding a promoter through Instagram (find them by typing Las Vegas promoters in the search bar) or talking to the promoters who pass out flyers on the Strip.
For a more chill pool day, I recommend using Resort Pass (not sponsored!) to find day passes to the nicer Las Vegas resorts and spas, even if you’re not staying there.
The last time I was in Vegas, we stumbled upon the Azila Ultra Pool at the Sahara Resort while charging our electric car in the garage. Their pool is free to enter and is a fun vibe with their giant LED TV screens along the walls and a live DJ. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re over 21 and on a budget.
AREA 15
Area 15 is about 15 minutes away from the Strip and is free to enter. The huge complex is divided into individual experiences including virtual reality games, art installations, and Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. The family-friendly indoor amusement park has over 20 different entertainment activities and eateries and you can easily spend the entire day here. It’s a unique experience to add to your Las Vegas itinerary 3 days!
Check Out Downtown Las Vegas
Located in Downtown Las Vegas, which has a historic charm and laid-back vibe compared to the Strip, is the Fremont Street Experience. The outdoor pedestrian street has live entertainment, restaurants, and flashy casinos like the Golden Nugget and Circa. Above the street is Viva Vision, the largest LED canopy screen in the world! They hold incredible light shows paired with music at the top of the hour every day between 6 AM and 2 AM. It’s such a cool experience and should definitely be on your Las Vegas itinerary 3 days.
You can also zip-line 40 miles per hour Superman-style over the experience with the Slotzilla Zipline.
Bonus: There is a secluded lounge called Downtown Cocktail Room around the corner from the experience, known for its incredible rotating cocktail menu.
Also located in Downtown is the Mob Museum, or the Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, which tells the experience of the struggle between organized crime and law enforcement from the origin of the Mob til the present day. The visit is more compelling than your average history museum experience with hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences. In their Crime Lab, you can use forensic evidence to solve real crimes, and there’s a speakeasy with food and drink for visitors over 21.
Experience Las Vegas Nightlife
Las Vegas is notorious for its nightlife, so it’s something that’s not to be missed on your Las Vegas itinerary 3 days! There are nightlife options for all interests. Clubs that often host world-class DJs include Omnia Nightclub, Zouk, XS, and Marquee. Popular lounges include the (BEAUTIFUL) Chandelier Bar within the Cosmopolitan and Ghost Donkey, a speakeasy at the back of the Cosmopolitan’s Urban Food Hall. Some night pool clubs include Encore Beach Club and XS Night Swim.
Similar to my note on the daytime pool parties, check online for table reservations beforehand. Girls can get free entry through a promoter.
Day 3 of Your Las Vegas Itinerary
Optional: Take a Day Trip
Even if you’re not into hiking, the Red Rock Canyon is a remarkable work of nature to see. The national park has a 13-mile loop that’s easy to drive through with views of colorful rock formations and hiking trails. The conservation area is only about 25 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and is a 20-30 minute drive, dependent on traffic.
Another unique day trip from Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon tour. The dam’s engineering is amazing to view in person, and the canyon in the background is the perfect backdrop. The bus tour also includes a stop at Joshua Tree and a deli-style lunch.
Last, I recommend taking a guided tour of Antelope Canyon along with the Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.
Enjoy a Boozy Brunch
If you’d rather stay on the Strip, head to Hexx or Nacho Daddy for bottomless mimosas. Or, head to Hash House a Go Go for over-the-top breakfast dishes and craft cocktails. I LOVE their chicken and waffles. The waffles are stuffed with bacon!
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is a unique activity to add to your Las Vegas itinerary 3 days. The outdoor museum has a collection of cool flashy signs from old casinos and businesses. I recommend going at sunset for the perfect photo opportunity. Or, go at night to see all the signs lit up.
Note: This exhibition is weather-dependent, and closes down when it gets too hot. Make sure to check if they’re open on their website before you head there.
Check Out Chinatown Las Vegas
Located just a 5-minute drive away from the Strip, Las Vegas’ Chinatown is a great area to indulge in Asian cuisine or sing some karaoke. The Chinatown extends 3 miles from Las Vegas boulevard to Rainbow Boulevard and includes 150+ restaurants and 20+ strip malls. Chinatown eateries to add to your Las Vegas itinerary includes Shang Artisan Noodle for hand-pulled Chinese noodles and 888 Japanese BBQ for do-it-yourself all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ.
Other Activities for Your Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days
Here are some additional ideas to add to your Las Vegas itinerary 3 days:
- Pinball Hall of Fame –> You can play pinball among other retro arcade games at this hands-on experience across the street from Mandalay Bay. The cost of entry is free, but they accept donations for charity.
- Festivals –> There are plenty of large-scale festivals worth checking out in Las Vegas. For instance, Electric Daisy Carnival is a large EDM festival every May that brings in over half a million attendees annually!
- Madame Tussauds –> Take a picture with your favorite celebrity (kinda) at the Madame Tussauds wax museum next to the Venetian. They feature hyperrealistic wax figures of major public figures, from movie stars to musicians.
Wrapping Up: Las Vegas Itinerary 3 Days
That concludes my Las Vegas itinerary for 3 days! Once you’ve finished your Vegas weekend, check out my travel article page for more.
Other U.S itineraries:
- One Perfect Weekend in Atlanta (3 Day Itinerary + Tips)
- One Day in Boston (Ultimate Travel Guide & Itinerary)
- 3 Days in Boston Itinerary
Leave a Reply