Many different kinds of people come to Las Vegas, Nevada, from all over the world, making it the Entertainment Capital of the World. People built Las Vegas around gambling and a wild nightlife, but now the city has a lot of fun things to do and see.
Actually, there are so many things to do in Vegas that making a Las Vegas Itinerary can be hard. We’ve put together a great plan for spending three days in Las Vegas to help other travellers, especially those who have never been there before.
3 Days in Las Vegas
A trip to Vegas for three days is just the right amount of time to see what the city has to offer, which is a lot. People who go to Vegas for three days can see the neon lights, eat at restaurants with famous chefs, gamble at flashy casinos, and see the city’s best sights…and that’s only Day One!
Our trip plan works great for a long weekend in Las Vegas, but it also works great during the week. Because the city is always busy, there are never dull days in Las Vegas, whether you’re there for the weekend or to add a few extra days to a work trip.
Additionally, we know that not all people who plan to visit Las Vegas have the luxury of three days to enjoy the city. Some tourists are just passing through on their way to Las Vegas for the day, while others have plans to stay there for four nights. That’s why, at the end of the piece, we list Las Vegas Itineraries for both longer and shorter stays.
Things You Have to Do in Las Vegas Your First Time
It was a birthday trip with friends that took me to Vegas for the first time. We hadn’t done much study ahead of time besides getting there. Even though the weekend was definitely memorable, our very loose plans meant that we missed some great things.
When I went back to Vegas, I was eager to make up for what I missed the first time. It was interesting that I was able to plan a trip to Las Vegas that included things other than gambling and pool parties.
As I planned my next trips (I lived in Phoenix for 10 years and took a lot of trips to Vegas), I pushed myself to see more. This trip made me remember how much I missed the first time I went to Las Vegas.
Our Las Vegas 3-Day Itinerary was made with first-time visitors in mind to help other travellers. It’s basically a “First Time Vegas Must-Do List.” That being said, people who had a similar first-time experience as me and are going back to the city will also find our Vegas Itinerary useful.
Pro Travel Tip: How you plan your trip to Las Vegas will depend on what you want to do, how much money you have, and how long you have to stay. While we talk about what we think is the best plan for first-time visitors to do in Las Vegas, our outline can also be used as a starting point for a trip for two or even a trip for the whole family!
The best way to see Las Vegas
The “3-Day Itinerary: Las Vegas for First-Timers” is set up like a daily trip plan. We include travel tips for different length stays along with our 3-Day trip plan. These include how to get there (and around), where to stay, and what to pack.
THE 1st DAY of Your 3-Day Las Vegas Trip’
Stop by the sign that says “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas.”
Hey, welcome to Vegas! The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign should be your first stop in the city. It is one of the most well-known signs in the world. It is at the south end of The Strip, next to the airport. The National Register of Historic Places lists the sign as a building that was built in 1959. You can start your fun trip by getting your picture taken in front of the famous Las Vegas sign.
A helpful tip: the best time to see the famous sign is when you first get to Vegas; it’s a must-do for first-timers! When you get off the plane and take an Uber or Lyft to your hotel, plan to stop at the sign.
Book your stay at a hotel on the Strip.
If you only have three days in Las Vegas, you have to stay on The Strip! You can pick from a lot of hotels. We’ll talk more about where to stay later in the piece. Check in at any hotel you choose, drop your bags and get right to the casino to start your trip.
Visit the casinos in Las Vegas.
The bars in Las Vegas are big and loud. There are gambling tables, slot machines, and a lot of noise from bells ringing and coins falling all over the big rooms. The dark, maze-like casinos can be hard to find your way around, but after three days in Vegas, the bright lights and loud slots will seem like nothing.
What is the best casino in Las Vegas for first-timers?
It can be scary to gamble in Las Vegas, but it’s something that everyone who gets to visit must do! How you plan your trip to Las Vegas is less important than picking the “best casino.” Pick the right time and games instead. When you first start gaming in Las Vegas, it’s best to take it easy. If you don’t, you could lose a lot of money very quickly.
You should start with the slots, which are a must-do in Vegas. There are still Penny Slot machines in some casinos, which can be a lot of fun for hours with little danger. It is easy to move from one slot machine to another, though, since each one has its own (sometimes confusing) rules for how to win.
Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, and other card games can be found in every casino. While table games are fun, they can get pricey if you don’t know how to play them. When you first start playing, the tables are less crowded and the minimum bets are lower. At some casinos, they are only $5 per game, but at high-end casinos, they are likely three times that amount.
Cheap Travel Tip: One of the best things about casinos is that waiters will bring you free drinks while you play. Don’t forget to tip the wait staff.
View the Strip’s Attractions
It’s time to head out into The Strip, often known as Las Vegas Boulevard, now that you are warming up. The opulent casino complexes lining the well-known avenue are an amazing sight, especially when the sun sets and the neon lights start to flare.
We suggest spending the late afternoon and early evening at the Vegas landmarks in the heart of The Strip, even though the panorama as a whole is breathtaking. The Bellagio Fountain, the Eiffel Tower, the LINQ entertainment complex, and the Flamingoes are our top choices, which we go into more depth about below.
Pro Tip: One of the most misleading things about exploring the Las Vegas Strip is that things tend to appear farther away than they actually are. It can take fifteen to twenty minutes to go to the facility “next door” due to the enormous expanse of the casino resorts. While you design your travel schedule, bear in mind that we go into greater detail about the best ways to get around at the end of the piece.
Bellagio Conservatory and Fountain
The Bellagio Fountain is unquestionably a must-see on your three-day itinerary in Las Vegas. The official Bellagio website has a schedule for the daily water, music, and light spectacle that is the Bellagio Fountain Shows. Gorgeous during the day and night, everyone can enjoy the concerts for free!
Visit the Bellagio Hotel and Casino’s Botanical Gardens and Conservatory after taking in the fountain show. Look up at the lavish glass ceiling as you enter the Bellagio lobby. The ceiling, gardens, and fountain are all three free attractions that are a must-see on a first-time visitor itinerary in Vegas!
Las Vegas’s Eiffel Tower at Paris
Another must-do activity for visitors to Vegas is to see the replica of the Eiffel Tower, which is located across the street from the Bellagio. It’s up to you whether you visit the Vegas Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck or just stay at the base! If you have time on your three-day Vegas itinerary, stroll through the hotel and casino, which is designed with a Parisian theme.
The LINQ’s High Roller Observation Wheel and Promenade
Visiting the LINQ Promenade, a zone dedicated to shopping, dining, and entertainment, is an essential part of any 3-day itinerary in Las Vegas due to its abundance of attractions. You may ride one of the tallest observation wheels in the world, the High Roller, at the LINQ, or take a zipline to soar 1,000 feet above the Promenade. As an alternative, just sit back and take in the free light show after dark while keeping your feet on the ground.
The habitat of Flamingo wildlife at Flamingo Casino
On a three-day trip to Las Vegas, one of our favourite free activities is to visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel. A colony of flamingos and other feathery companions call the habitat, which is situated on the hotel grounds, home, and it’s totally free!
Eat Like a Famous Person
With thousands of eateries, Vegas has developed a reputation as a culinary destination in recent years. In actuality, Las Vegas is home to over 50 famous chef restaurants, including Giada, Nobu, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen, and more.
There are so many options, particularly if this is your first time visiting Las Vegas. Where you eat ultimately comes down to personal preference, financial constraints, and/or your favourite celebrity chef. (Having said that, Guy Fieri’s amazing burger would be our #1 choice.)
Show in Las Vegas
The 1950s saw a rise in the popularity of Las Vegas shows, which have only gotten bigger and better since then. On a first vacation to Las Vegas, we believe that seeing a show is a must. Prices for tickets vary depending on the concert, but you may purchase them online.
A Vegas show capped off some of my favourite weekend getaways to the city. One of the best concerts I have ever seen was Garth Brooks at The Wynn, but tragically, his time in Vegas is coming to an end. We haven’t made it to a show yet, but the new love-it-or-hate-it Sphere has an amazing lineup of concerts planned.
For a three-day trip to Vegas, you should also think about seeing Cirque du Soleil, which features shows like Love, One, Ka, O, and Mystere at Treasure Island, La Reve, Blue Man Group, The Mentalist, and David Copperfield. Classic entertainment in the city are impersonator acts, which include everything from Elvis tributes to Michael Jackson Live.
Fun Travel Tip: For guys planning a Vegas bachelor party itinerary, check out X Burlesque for a classy topless dancing show. If you’re arranging a girls’ weekend in Vegas itinerary, you might want to purchase tickets to the Thunder Down Under male revue.
Day 2 of Your 3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary
Start the Day Off Right with a Vegas Spa Treatment
Treat yourself to a revitalising spa treatment to start off your second day of three in Vegas. A great thing to do on a Vegas bachelorette itinerary, a solo trip to Vegas, or even a couples itinerary in Vegas is to visit a spa!
Traditional spa packages, such as massages, facials, and pedicures, as well as custom procedures are available. For instance, visitors can enjoy rejuvenating Royal Flush IV treatments at MGM Grand, water Watsu massages at Bellagio, or even Turkish baths in The Cosmopolitan’s Hammam.
Pro Tip: Try the Casino Shuffle if spas aren’t your thing! Take a trip to a handful of the casinos you have always desired to see, such as Caesars Palace, Aria, and the Wynn. My sister and I wagered a little sum of money on the slots at each location when we did this. It was an enjoyable method to take in each casino’s magnificence.
Take a Food Tour in Las Vegas to Taste the Fare
Take a well regarded culinary tour and depart midday after a leisurely morning for an incredible feast. One of the greatest things to do in Las Vegas for both first-time and recurring tourists is a culinary tour!
Let a guide show you the best places to eat on The Strip for lunch instead of restricting yourself to just one establishment!
Take Part in a Las Vegas Pool Parties
The renowned pool parties in Las Vegas are a must-see on your travel agenda! Day 2: Set aside the entire day to relax by the pool.
In essence, they are daytime clubs where highly skilled foreign DJs blast tunes and sophisticated mixologists serve pricey drinks in a vibrant setting. Summer weekends are when the celebrations get wildest, but every day of the week, at least one resort hosts a pool party.
Your personal style will determine which pool party in Vegas you should attend. Wet Republic Ultra Pool at the MGM Grand had one of the best pool parties we’ve ever been to. Ayu, Daylight, Encore Beach Club, and Marquee Dayclub—all with a Bali influence—are other well-liked choices.
Day 2 of Your 3-Day Las Vegas Itinerary
Start the Day Off Right with a Vegas Spa Treatment
Treat yourself to a revitalising spa treatment to start off your second day of three in Vegas. A great thing to do on a Vegas bachelorette itinerary, a solo trip to Vegas, or even a couples itinerary in Vegas is to visit a spa!
Traditional spa packages, such as massages, facials, and pedicures, as well as custom procedures are available. For instance, visitors can enjoy rejuvenating Royal Flush IV treatments at MGM Grand, water Watsu massages at Bellagio, or even Turkish baths in The Cosmopolitan’s Hammam.
Pro Tip: Try the Casino Shuffle if spas aren’t your thing! Take a trip to a handful of the casinos you have always desired to see, such as Caesars Palace, Aria, and the Wynn. My sister and I wagered a little sum of money on the slots at each location when we did this. It was an enjoyable method to take in each casino’s magnificence.
Take a Food Tour in Las Vegas to Taste the Fare
Take a well regarded culinary tour and depart midday after a leisurely morning for an incredible feast. One of the greatest things to do in Las Vegas for both first-time and recurring tourists is a culinary tour!
Let a guide show you the best places to eat on The Strip for lunch instead of restricting yourself to just one establishment!
Take Part in a Las Vegas Pool Parties
The renowned pool parties in Las Vegas are a must-see on your travel agenda! Day 2: Set aside the entire day to relax by the pool.
In essence, they are daytime clubs where highly skilled foreign DJs blast tunes and sophisticated mixologists serve pricey drinks in a vibrant setting. Summer weekends are when the celebrations get wildest, but every day of the week, at least one resort hosts a pool party.
Your personal style will determine which pool party in Vegas you should attend. Wet Republic Ultra Pool at the MGM Grand had one of the best pool parties we’ve ever been to. Ayu, Daylight, Encore Beach Club, and Marquee Dayclub—all with a Bali influence—are other well-liked choices.
Make sure to verify the details as many pool parties have minimum spend requirements, impose clothing codes, and charge cover fees.
Traveler’s Tip: What if all you want to do is relax by the pool and swim in the absence of the daily revelry? Don’t worry, each resort on The Strip offers a special hotel pool where visitors may relax and take a leisurely swim away from the loud party sounds.
Savour your meal on The Strip.
Now that you’re ready for the night, change into new clothes, drink some water, and have some food before going to the clubs. Make reservations in advance for the Eiffel Tower Restaurant if you want a more sophisticated Vegas dining experience. Visit Nacho Daddy for casual Mexican cuisine, or In-and-Out Burger for classic American fast food on a budget.
In the clubs in Vegas, dance on With crowded dance floors and some of the greatest DJs in the world, the Strip Vegas nightclubs, or rather mega-clubs, continue to have an electrifying atmosphere. Tao at the Venetian, Omnia at Caesars Palace, Jewel at Aria, Hakkasan at MGM Grand, and Marquee at Cosmopolitan are a few of the most legendary clubs. Clubs open every night of the week are easy to locate, though they are most thrilling for a Las Vegas weekend itinerary.
Vegas Family-Friendly Night
Take the Big Bus Night Tour instead of boarding a Party Bus if you are organising a family trip to Las Vegas or if you just want to avoid the club scene. The most brilliant nighttime sights in the city are passed by the open-air bus.
Day 3 of Your Three-Day Itinerary for Las Vegas
Savour a Buffet Brunch.
Eating at a buffet, a Sin City staple, is almost a must during your three days in Las Vegas. Buffets in Vegas are unlike any other place in the world, having evolved from all-you-can-eat extravaganzas to sophisticated gastronomic journeys.
Despite the fact that some of the buffet meals are now somewhat pricey (compared to previous years), patrons can still anticipate a delectable feast. There are omelette stations, meat cutting stations, tonnes of seafood (including sushi), and delicious dessert tables at most buffets. A couple even come with bottomless champagne, in classic Sin City fashion!
Despite the fact that some of the buffet meals are now somewhat pricey (compared to previous years), patrons can still anticipate a delectable feast. There are omelette stations, meat cutting stations, tonnes of seafood (including sushi), and delicious dessert tables at most buffets. A couple even come with bottomless champagne, in classic Sin City fashion!
Top picks include The Buffet at Wynn, Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, Bellagio Buffet, and Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan!
Food Tip: Get the classic American Grand Slam Breakfast at Denny’s if a luxury breakfast buffet is out of your price range. If brunch is more your style but you’re not into buffets, check out Alexxa’s for bottomless mimosas or The Henry for their Short Rib Bene!
Check Out The Attractions In Vegas
Once you’ve overindulged, take your time exploring some of Vegas’s best attractions for the remainder of the morning. While ambitious visitors may probably fit in attractions at both ends of The Strip, we advise spending time either on the north or south end of The Strip.
Attractions on the South Strip
One of our favourite things to do throughout the day in Vegas is to explore the southern portion of The Strip. Enjoyable and laid-back, the South Strip has plenty to offer! Here are some of our best recommendations for sightseeing on the South Strip.
New York New York Hotel’s roller coaster
At 67 miles per hour, the Big Apple Coaster is an exhilarating ride that drops and turns. But after a large meal, I promise you won’t want to ride the rollercoaster!
ARIA’s Fine Art Collection
The resort is home to ARIA’s Fine Art Collection, not just a stuffy museum. All visitors are free to view the artwork, and this useful guide will help you find each piece and discover more about it.
World of M&Ms
The 4-story M&Ms Las Vegas store is a great location to visit and pick up personalised gifts (plus, it’s free to step inside!), but we wouldn’t say it’s a must-see for visitors to Vegas.
North Strip Attractions
A few other must-see sights for your Vegas itinerary are located near The Strip’s northernmost point. Here are a handful of our top picks.
Ride the Gondola at the Venetian
For couples visiting Las Vegas, a gondola ride at the Venetian is the ideal addition to the agenda! As the guests glide around the Grand Canal, the boat pilot serenades them.
Things to Bring
It can be hard to know what to bring for a three-day trip to Vegas. If you plan to attend clubs, you should dress elegantly and wear matching footwear. You should wear comfortable clothing if you intend to do tours. Ultimately, you might feel pressured to bring everything—you never know! We do have a few specific packing tips, but we don’t advise overpacking.
suitable Shoes: We strongly advise bringing along suitable travel shoes if you intend to leave your casino resort. The casinos are so large that you will probably end up walking a lot even if you are staying in the same complex.
I prefer to walk during the day in lightweight, cosy shoes like these Columbia ones. If you keep them in your purse, foldable flats are also perfect for Vegas and simple to switch out with heels!
Journey Camera
You will want a decent travel camera if any tours are part of your Las Vegas itinerary planner. The Canon Rebel with an 18–135mm lens is what we recommend. It is a great low-cost camera since it is simple to use, produces amazing photographs, and comes with a tonne of entertaining accessories.
Day Pack
In addition to packing a suitcase or backpack, you should include a chic day bag to hold your water bottle, sunscreen, camera and other essentials. These compact backpacks are our favorite, but there are many more designs as well. Best Day Bags is a blog post where we share our top options!
