If you’re looking for a glamorous vacation in North America, look no further than Las Vegas. Discover exactly why ‘Sin City’ is USA’s top travel destination for shopping, playing games of chance, partying, fine dining, and impressive entertainment – no wonder it’s the go-to for bachelor and bachelorette parties!
Not sure how to make the most of your stay? Overwhelmed by too many choices? We’ve gotchu covered. Here’s a fabulous Las Vegas 3-day itinerary to help you discover the beauty of this desert megacity!
What You Should Know Before You Visit Las Vegas:
Best Time To Visit
Plan your stay from March to May (spring) and from September to November (fall). While you’ll find plenty of travel deals throughout the year, the spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the most moderate weather.
Waking Up in Vegas: Where To Stay
Choosing the best place to stay will depend on your itinerary, personality, and budget! Book Airbnbs as a cost-effective option. Otherwise, we recommend grabbing a discounted deal at these excellent hotels (an attraction in themselves!) if you have some room in your budget.
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- Bellagio: Bask in the opulent European furnishings that Bellagio offers as the true icon of Vegas. They’re famous for their dancing fountain show and botanical gardens too!
- The Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino will let you experience the romance of Paris, from the majestic replica of the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe. Best of all, it’s more affordable than the others on The Strip
- Mandarin Oriental for those looking for breathtaking views and intimate atmosphere, this is your 5-star option
- The Cosmopolitan is easily the most stylish with its crystal decor; best for millennials seeking the best clubs and nightlife experiences in the area
- The Palazzo, Nevada’s tallest building, is your best bet for more pizzazz, with its gilded interior, Italian-imported marble, and upscale boutiques
How To Get Around Las Vegas
Before you start your Las Vegas journey, download these money-saving Las Vegas apps, which include convenient bus transportation routes. Though the City of Sin has no shortages in transport modes – you can even book a luxurious limousine! – we recommend taking shuttle buses as the cheapest option.
By Taxi
Taxis are everywhere in Las Vegas, but like in most places, this is your most expensive option. If you are in a hurry and in need of more privacy, this mode is your best bet. Of course, there’s always you Uber or Lyft.
- Cost:
- Taxis: Initial charge of $3.50 with additional $2.20 per mile
- For Uber / Lyft: Calculate your fare estimate here
By Shuttles / Limousine
Often operated by the same company, shuttles and limousines are both cool modes of transport at both ends of the price range rainbow (heh). If you fancy yourself a limo, enjoy cruising the city in style! Make sure you’re all dressed up to the nines – after all, you’ll be spending at least a hundred bucks. Pro-tip: Get free shuttle rides using the Downtown Loop service.
Convenient Option: Los Angeles to Las Vegas Daily Shuttle Bus
Good news! If you’re headed from LA to LV, then easily book a daily shuttle bus via KKday.
Here’s Your 3-Day Itinerary Around Las Vegas:
Day 1: Explore the City
Morning: Arrive in McCarran International Airport
Before leaving the airport, make sure you pick-up a local SIM to stay connected to everyone. From Terminal 1 or 3, you can take a shuttle or book an Uber or Lyft private car to our recommended accommodations, which is around 10.6 kilometers way.
There are no monorail options from the airport. Also, walking is not an option to get to The Strip (cool nickname for downtown).
- Cost: US$9 – 10 one-way to the Strip; fare estimate for Uber / Lyft: US$10 – 18
- Duration: 17 – 19 mins
12:00pm: Brunch at Bobby’s Burger Palace (The Strip)
American-style cuisine at its finest! Step into the vintage-inspired burger joint of world-famous celebrity chef Bobby Flay (ever head of Iron Chef America?). Chomp down on signature crunch burgers made of certified Angus beef, ground turkey or whole chicken breast. Pro-tip: Have the chefs ‘crunchify’ your meal – they’ll add crisp potato chips that’ll leave you wanting more!
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00am – 12:00am
- Cost: Burgers – $7.95 and above
2:00pm: “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” Photo Spot
You can’t visit Las Vegas without posing at this iconic sign! Well, technically you can, but let’s just say if you don’t, you’re definitely missing out! The Las Vegas sign is listed as a historic spot on the State Register of Historic Places – it’s been there since 50’s, the era of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the Rat Pack. Take IG-worthy pics with the sign’s unique shape, incandescent light bulbs, and striking neon colors.
- Opening Hours: 24/7
- Cost: Free
3:00pm – 6:00pm: Sightseeing and Dinner at Fremont Street
Feel free to go people-watching for the full ‘Fremont Street Experience’ as everyone calls it. Expect the unexpected – witness live music from three stages on the way to the end of the street. Check out this map for free events and performances.
Then, get a taste of Old Vegas at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse, tucked inside the 2nd floor of D Hotel and Casino which boasts ‘the best steak’ paired with hearty side dishes. Their Andiamo Tomahawk ribeye along with char-grilled chops, braised shoulder, sauteed broccoli, hat-shaped pasta, garlic, and cheeses.
- Address: 3411 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Opening Hours: Andiamo Steakhouse 5:00pm – 11:00pm
- Cost: US$11 – 30
7:00pm: Watch “O” by Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas
We suggested an early dinner above so you can catch this top notch show! Another highlight of the Bellagio hotel, “O” by Cirque du Soleil is a theatrical spectacle that blends artistry, surrealism, and theatrical romance. Catch a glimpse of world-class acrobats, hilarious clowns, synchronized swimmers, and divers in action.
Sit back and let the seamless coordination, performance, design, and costumes take your breath away inside the marvelous Bellagio Theater.
- Showtimes: 7:00pm and 9:30pm
- Cost: US$152.07
9:30pm: Fountains of Bellagio
Marvel at the sight of 200-meter tall fountains ‘dancing’ to the rhythm of opera, classical, Broadway and pop songs! The impressively choreographed aquatic show will mesmerize you with its dynamic movement of water artfully arranged with music. Witness this during nighttime for dazzling lights!
- Opening Hours: Daily
Saturday and Holidays: Every 30 minutes from 12:00pm to 8:00pm, then every 15 mins from 8:00pm – 12:00am
Sundays to Fridays: Every 30 minutes from 3:00pm to 8:00pm, then every 15 minutes from 8:00pm to 12:00am
- Cost: Free
Day 2: Livin’ Large Outside the City
Although you can simply stay inside the city and stroll through dozens of magnificent hotels, casinos, and restaurants, why not discover the natural beauty surrounding Sin City, too? Keep in mind that due to the nature of Antelope Canyon or Grand Canyon, you cannot explore them on your own; you’ll need a guided tour to gain access! Choose one of these day tours for day 2:
6:00am – 7:00pm: Day Tour from Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Depart from Las Vegas on a comfortable shuttle to the American Southwest. You’ll be swept away by the beauty of Antelope Canyon, with sandstone carved by wind, water, and time. Whip out your camera and capture magnificent light beams illuminate twisting canyon walls, forming flowing shapes.
Next, hike a good 2 km to the cliff overlook of the aptly-named Horseshoe Bend. Look over the sweeping vistas of Colorado River’s entrenched meander. Warning: the hike upward is not for the faint-hearted as there are minimal rails!
7:30am to 9:30pm: Day Tour From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon South Rim
This wonder of the world is more than just a great big hole on the ground. It’s your chance to live out your dream of visiting the magnificent Grand Canyon! Hop aboard a tour bus to the South Rim. Visit Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona’s pride and joy, and glimpse immense beauty from the red rock formations towering in the distance. Then, head to Hoover Dam to admire the innovative design of the concrete arch-gravity dam.
Continue on through the Mojave Desert and along the Colorado River ‘til you reach your destination at the Grand Canyon National Park. Trust us, you’ll be blinking back tears as you behind the sight of the South Rim from Mather Point – it may be cliché but you’ll be happy to experience this triumphant movie moment no matter what.
Day 3: Shoppin’ and High Rollin’
Morning: High Roller
Head to the heart of The Strip to find High Roller Currently the title-holder for ‘The World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel’, High Roller towers above the rest at 550 feet. Enter the glass pod equipped with cozy seats and air conditioning, which may hold up to 40 people! Delight in panoramic views of The Strip, the valley, and the skyline.
- Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
- Opening Hours 12:00pm – 2:00pm & 6:00pm – 10:00pm
- Cost: $24.95 (day) and $34.95 (night)
Afternoon Leisure Time: Strip Mall Shopping
Las Vegas North Premium Outlets
Who says that everything in Vegas has to be expensive? Downtown, encounter brands for a HUGE discount! Strip malls are cool for all kinds of shoppers. Purchase clothes, shoes, bags from renowned brand names like Calvin Klein, D&G, Burberry, Nike, Under Armour, and many more for a 25 – 65 percent price drop.
- Address: 875 S Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
The Forum Shops at Caesar’s
Of course, you have to check out The Strip’s most popular shopping stop: The Forum Shops at Caesars! There’s plenty to see even if you’re strictly window-shopping only; find an exotic fish aquarium, world-famous restaurants, and a colorful mannequin display by the three-story H&M!
Even if you could shell out only $100, shop wisely and you can assemble an entire outfit without breaking the bank. Oh, and don’t miss the Atlantis fountain show, a fire and water show featuring talking animatronics.
- Address: 3500 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Nightlife: Cap off your journey at The Cosmopolitan Casino
Is Lady Luck on your side? Play a wide variety of games inside this top notch casino bar and try not to blow all your money on the slots! If betting is not your thing, there are plenty of other things to do here; eat a delicious egg sandwich at Eggslut, sip on cocktails while admiring the 77 ft tall crystal chandelier, and chill by the picturesque balcony.
- How To Get There: Ride the Kintetsu Nara Line and alight at Gakuenmae Station. Walk for around 8 minutes
- Address: 3708 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
First Timer? Here’s a Few Tips:
- What to wear: your most IG-worthy outfits. Girls, try to pack an LBD and cocktail dress for the trip! Keep in mind some nightclubs won’t allow baggy jeans, ‘too’ sporty shoes and caps, and other casual dress styles
- First time betting? Take lessons on poker, blackjack, and sports betting so that you won’t be overwhelmed. Since you’re risking losing a bit of money, might as well read up on all the rules and be good at it
- If you see costumed characters, try not to take a pic with them. Often they’ll ask for a fee. Unless you’re willing to pay, of course
- Check out these Las Vegas money-saving apps for lots of hotel deals, hidden nightclubs and lounges, as well as poker apps that save you more than a couple of bucks!
Now, you’re ready to take on Vegas. Put on the ritz, have a glamorous day and night out on The Strip, and have your breath taken away by awe-inspiring Grand Canyon! What destination is next on your list? For more guides in the USA, check out our detailed guides below:
