24 Hours in Las Vegas: A First Timer’s Perfect One Day Itinerary

Looking to make the most of your one day in Las Vegas? I’ve got you covered.

Most people know Vegas for the Strip’s bright lights, jingling casinos, and endless parties. Even though there’s more to Sin City than just that, if it’s your first time visiting, you’ll definitely want to partake in the must-see attractions of the Strip.

In this guide, I’ve pieced together an action-packed 24 hours in Las Vegas, inspired by my numerous escapades to the city. Having lived in Los Angeles for several years, Vegas became a common destination for spontaneous road trips, EDM festivals, and maybe a little sinning in Sin City. 

Despite being a bustling metropolis, you can get a fairly comprehensive snapshot of Las Vegas in just one day. But, the city’s beauty comes from its amazing day trips, so I would still spend at least a weekend here if you can swing it.

So, here are the essential stops on a Las Vegas day trip itinerary. We will cover all the popular tourist attractions and give tips to help you plan your trip. We’ll start with a drive past iconic landmarks on the Strip and wrap up with a show like Cirque du Soleil. Buckle up for a wild trip in the city that never sleeps!

Sample 24 Hours in Las Vegas Itinerary

Alright, here is the full-day itinerary in one scroll! 

If you’ve only got one day and it’s your first time, you’ll spend most of your time on the Strip. And to fully explore the entire main street, you’ll need a whole day. So, this Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour will help cut down on the guesswork and take you exactly to the best places to go.

This itinerary begins at the southernmost point at the Las Vegas Sign, then heads north, stopping at the coolest sights on the Strip, and continues to other neighborhoods and attractions.

Morning: Let’s Hit the Strip

• Snap a photo at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. This will be the southernmost point.
• Marvel at the Luxor, Excalibur, and New York New York facades.
• Time your visit to catch one of the fountain shows at the Bellagio.
• See the ever-changing art in the Bellagio Conservatory.
• Ride the High Roller Observation Wheel on The LINQ Promenade.
  • Alternative: Take an elevator ride up to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower Experience.
  • Alternative: Take a helicopter ride over the whole Strip.
• See the flamingos and other exotic animals at the wildlife habitat in the Flamingo Hotel.
• Enjoy the Roman-themed decor at The Forum Shops of Caesar’s Palace.
• Paddle on a gondola ride at the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes.

Afternoon:

• Play at AREA15, an intergalactic neon entertainment complex.
• Make your way to the Fremont Street Experience for the free light shows and maybe a zip-line under the LED canopy.
• Check out the open-air shopping center, Container Park.

Evening:

• Eat at a celebrity chef restaurant like Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.
• See a Cirque du Soleil show or any other live entertainment like a magic show or concert.
• Hit the casinos or party it up at one of the many nightclubs and bars along the Strip.

Recommended Places to Stay in Las Vegas: The Strip

• Most iconic resort on the Strip: Bellagio Las Vegas
• Mid-Range with a glorious pool: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara Center Strip

Quick Facts to Visiting Las Vegas

Las Vegas has many names: Sin City, The Entertainment Capital of the World, and The City of Lights. With enough neon to stretch over 15,000 miles, this city welcomes you to a world where you can visit Paris, Venice, and New York without leaving the Strip. 

There are over 150 casinos, and it hosts more than 21,000 conventions each year. This city can literally accommodate every person in America in its hotel rooms!

Quick Facts	Information
Location	In the Mojave Desert, Nevada, of Western United States.
Best Time to Visit	Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
Where to Stay	The Strip for first-timers Downtown or just off the Strip for budget travelers
Great Hotels on the Strip	📍Luxury: Bellagio Las Vegas 📍Mid-Range: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara Center Strip
Famous Things to Do	🎰 The Attractions on the Strip 🎰 Fremont Street Experience 🎰 See the Hoover Dam 🎰 Watch a show (find them here) or a concert 🎰 Try your luck at a casino
Population	Approximately 641,676 residents (as of 2021)
Time Zone	Pacific Standard Time (PST)
How to Get Around	By monorail, bus, taxi, rideshare services, or rental car. Use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals.
City Airports	McCarran International Airport (5 miles from downtown) North Las Vegas Airport (3 miles from downtown). Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.
Don’t Forget!	Consider getting the Go City Las Vegas Pass to get discounts on over 45 attractions, tours, and experiences around the city. It’s a great way to save money if you plan to see a lot.

What to Do in Las Vegas in One Day

Morning: Time to hit the Strip!

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Start your day by snapping a photo in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. This sign has been welcoming visitors since 1959 and is the perfect way to kick off your Las Vegas adventure. 

It’s located on the south end of the Strip, just past the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. The 25-foot-tall classic neon sign is hard to miss, and it’s a fantastic free attraction that’s open 24/7. 

Tips for visiting: Onsite, there’s plenty of parking and an actual line where people wait to take their photo in front of the sign. The best time to visit is early in the morning to beat the crowd and the heat. 

Best Resort Facades

We will keep heading north from the sign for the rest of the day. The next memorable stop will be the trio of themed resorts: Luxor, Excalibur, and New York-New York. 

Since we’re a bit short on time, the exteriors of these places are actually more impressive than the interior. We’ll check out other resorts’ inside later in the day!

In case you couldn’t guess where they represent, the Luxor stands out with its massive black-glass pyramid and a sphinx mimicking its counterpart in Egypt. The resort’s Sky Beam, the strongest beam of light in the world, can be seen miles away in the night sky.

The Excalibur takes you to a storybook world of kings, queens, and knights. The grand castle façade with colorful turrets brings medieval times to life.

The New York-New York hotel is easily distinguishable by its skyline façade featuring replicas of important New York City buildings like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, all intertwined with a roller coaster. 

I would put these other resorts on this list: Bellagio, Caesar’s, Paris, and the Venetian.

Bellagio Fountain Shows

One of the most iconic sights in Las Vegas is the Bellagio Fountain Show. This aquatic spectacle choreographs water, music, and light into a free performance right in front of the Bellagio Hotel.

The fountains dance in sync with various music, from classical and operatic pieces to popular tunes and Broadway hits. Each performance is unique.

How to Visit: The water show occurs every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings and every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight. Check the full schedule here.

Bellagio Conservatory

After the dazzling display of the Fountains of Bellagio, head inside for a different kind of artistry at the Bellagio Conservatory. This 14,000-square-foot floral playground is transformed five times a year to celebrate each season and Chinese New Year. I came just in time to celebrate the Year of the Ox display.

The talented team of horticulturists and designers will craft towering fountains, giant gazebos, bridges, and even life-sized houses, all adorned with real seasonal flowers and plants. The flowers are actually replaced weekly to keep the displays fresh.

How to Visit: The conservatory is free and open 24 hours a day. Come for a bright and cheerful tour during the day, and then come again at night for the lights.

Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

Paris Las Vegas is almost the same as seeing the real Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, but at a half-scale replica. Inside, a glass elevator whisks you up 460 feet in the air to an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the Las Vegas Strip. From this vantage point, you can see all the other prominent landmarks we’ve talked about so far.

Insider Tip! Time your visit to coincide with one of the Bellagio Fountain shows.

The LINQ Promenade

Next on our tour, let’s stroll down to The LINQ Promenade. This open-air entertainment district has over 40 unique retail, dining, and entertainment venues.

If you’re not feeling the Eiffel Tower Experience, see the city up high on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel. Hop on one of the cabins for a 30-minute ride, which is particularly special for the sunsets and night lights.

Alternative: I recommend going to the top of at least ONE observation tower during your visit. If Paris or the Observation Wheel isn’t in your plans, consider heading to the Stratosphere for a ride on one of their thrill rides or taking this top-rated helicopter tour. 

Wildlife Habitat in the Flamingo Hotel

Take a refreshing break from the glitzy glam of Las Vegas to the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel. In the hotel’s outdoor gardens, a small tropical oasis is filled with exotic birds, fish, turtles, and many Chilean flamingos. 

The flamingos casually strut around, utterly unfazed by human visitors. They all live in a beautifully maintained environment with streams, waterfalls, and greenery.

How to Visit: The Wildlife Habitat is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission here is also free.

The Forum Shops of Caesar’s Palace

In Caesar’s Palace, picture those textbook images you have of Rome, but now combine them with a modern shopping experience. The attention to detail in the interior and exterior makes this an incredible architectural design.

As you wander through the Forum Shops, look up at the expansive painted sky ceiling, which changes from daytime to dusk. You’ll find over 160 specialty shops and upscale boutiques.

The Forum Shops also have some awesome free entertainment options. Catch the Fall of Atlantis show, which features animatronic displays of fire, water, and talking statues nine feet tall. And there’s a 50,000-gallon aquarium with over 300 species of aquatic life.

Gondola Ride at the Venetian

Nothing beats the romance that comes with gliding through the waterways of Venice. But you can settle for the Venetian’s Grand Canal in the United States. 

As you settle into your Venetian gondola, your friendly gondolier, attired in traditional garb, will serenade you with soothing Italian melodies as you drift along the canals. 

The gondola navigates through the beautiful Venetian landscape, passing under bridges, beside cafes, under balconies, and through the piazza. 

How to Visit: You can choose from indoor or outdoor gondola rides. The indoor ride takes you through the Grand Canal Shoppes with the sky-like ceiling above, while the outdoor ride gives you a view of the Las Vegas Strip. Each ride lasts about 14 minutes and can accommodate four people. 

Afternoon: Las Vegas Adventures Off the Strip

AREA15

AREA15 is absolutely one of my favorite places in Las Vegas. Just off the Strip, this entertainment complex is not your ordinary mall. AREA15 is an adult playground with art installations, virtual reality experiences, and themed events that will transport you to another dimension.

Once inside, you’ll be welcomed with Burning Man-esque artistic sculptures, psychedelic lighting, and futuristic architecture that will make you feel like you’ve walked into a science fiction movie. From there, lose yourself in the digital landscapes of the interactive “Museum Fiasco” or challenge your senses at the virtual reality arcade.

AREA15 is also home to “Omega Mart,” a mind-bending supermarket-themed art installation created by the internationally renowned art collective Meow Wolf. Uncover secret passages and encounter bizarre products you won’t find in your typical grocery store.

Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian-only street that mixes old and new Vegas. Fremont Street is also a gateway to historic casinos and restaurants with classic establishments like The Golden Nugget.

The entire street is covered with a 1,500-foot-long LED canopy. Named Viva Vision, it’s the world’s largest video screen, and it displays light and sound shows throughout the evening.

Every day of the year, live bands play on multiple stages along the thoroughfare (See schedule here). Talented street performers like musicians, artists, and daredevil entertainers all come out to compete for your attention.

And there’s always someone who gets stuck on the SlotZilla Zip Line, which lets you zoom above the crowds on a high-speed, two-level zip line.

🎰 Get a more comprehensive experience of Downtown Vegas with this Segway Tour

Container Park

Just a short walk from Fremont Street, what might initially appear as a stack of shipping containers is actually a shopping center aptly named Container Park. When you spot the massive, fire-breathing praying mantis sculpture at the entrance, you’ll know you’ve arrived at a destination. 

The maze of repurposed shipping containers has transformed into quirky boutiques selling one-of-a-kind clothing and art galleries with eclectic pieces by local artists.

Heartattack Grill

In the same area, I also had to include the infamous Heart Attack Grill, where the restaurant’s tagline is literally “Taste Worth Dying For!.” And as per their policy, if you weigh over 350 pounds, you’re very publically weighed and invited to eat for free.

This medical-themed establishment is known for its incredibly high-calorie menu, including the world-record Quadruple Bypass Burger, Flatliner Fries cooked in lard, and Butterfat Milkshakes. 

All customers don a hospital gown, and the servers, dressed as nurses, are there to take your “prescription.” And if you can’t finish your meal, you’ll receive a mock spanking from one of the “nurses.”

Evening: Entertainment

Celebrity Chef Restaurants

I have spent more money on restaurants in Vegas than possibly anywhere else. Las Vegas has a wealth of celebrity-chef helmed restaurants, some boasting Michelin stars and gourmet delicacies. 

Gordon Ramsay’s has multiple dining ventures, and Giada De Laurentiis’s namesake restaurant is among the most popular. And if you’re into seafood, try Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood for a sustainable seafood menu.

Although I’ve had Gordon’s milkshakes at BurGR and Giada’s mouthwatering carbonara at Pronto, my favorite meal was still the Duck Rice at Momofuku or the dancing noodle experience and wagyu at XPot. But I definitely have a preference for Asian fare.

Cirque du Soleil Show

There are many shows to pick from in Vegas, but none are more famous than Cirque du Soleil. Known for their gravity-defying acrobatics, stunning visuals, and storytelling, there are many shows with their own themes and characters.

“O,” performed at the Bellagio, has a stage that converts from a solid floor to a 1.5-million-gallon pool in seconds and has synchronized swimming and diving moves.“Michael Jackson ONE” at the Mandalay Bay is for all those MJ fans out there. “Mystère” at Treasure Island is excellent for pure acrobatics and powerful athleticism.

I finally crossed off my bucket list with “KA,” a martial arts-themed show with an ever-moving stage.

Las Vegas Nightlife

The nightlife here is legendary. Period.

First up, the nightclubs. Mega-clubs like XS at the Wynn, Omnia at Caesars Palace, and Hakkasan at the MGM Grand regularly host world-renowned DJs and cutting-edge visuals.

Try Skyfall Lounge at Delano for city views or Chandelier at the Cosmopolitan for a drink inside a massive, multi-story chandelier. And we can’t forget about the bars, like the quirky Minus5 Ice Bar, where everything from the seats to the glasses is made of ice.

Lastly, Vegas hosts so many music festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival and Life is Beautiful, which bring in top artists from around the world. 

And if you’re not into partying, pull an all-nighter at the casinos to shoot your shot at the table games or slot machines to make it big. I’d say my gambling career peaked after winning a round of roulette on my first try. 23$, baby. 

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Stay on the Strip, especially if it’s your first time in Las Vegas. It’s in the heart of all the action, and you’ll be within walking distance of many attractions and entertainment venues. Downtown Las Vegas, often called “Old Vegas,” is another excellent choice, but you’ll likely have to spend more time transporting yourself around.

Best Hotels on the Strip, Las Vegas

Hotel Name	Benefits
Luxury: Bellagio Las Vegas	Known for its elegance and high-end amenities, the Bellagio has a world-class casinos, the famous dancing fountains, many gourmet restaurants, and an on-site spa.
Mid-Range: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara Center Strip	Great access to the entertainment, dining, nightlife, and more, all without having to go far. The hotel itself has stylish rooms with comfortable amenities. But the biggest eyecatcher is its giant outdoor pool!

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Things to Do in Las Vegas

• 18B Arts District: North of downtown Las Vegas, this arts district is one of my favorite neighborhoods. It has galleries, murals, street art, unique shops, and outstanding eateries.
• Neon Museum: This unique museum houses a collection of old Las Vegas signs. Take a guided tour and learn about the city’s history through its signage.
• Mob Museum: This museum takes you through organized crime’s impact on Las Vegas history.
• Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay: An underwater, predator-based aquarium with over 2,000 animals, including sharks, giant rays, and green sea turtles. From experience, I had a great first date here.
• Seven Magic Mountains:  A colorful art installation featuring seven towers of stacked boulders just outside the city.
• Stratosphere Tower: Take a ride on the thrilling rides at the top of this tower, or enjoy city views from its observation deck.
• Circus Circus: This family-friendly resort features circus acts, carnival games, and a five-acre indoor amusement park.

Day Trips from Las Vegas

• Hoover Dam: An engineering marvel, the Hoover Dam is a fantastic day trip. You can tour the dam, walk across the top, and even go down inside. 
• Red Rock Canyon: Just 17 miles west of Las Vegas, this natural area has hiking and scenic drives. The red rock formations are a must-see.
• Valley of Fire State Park: The red sandstone formations here are perfect for a day of hiking, camping, and nature photography.
• Death Valley National Park: Despite the ominous name, this park is full of life and beauty, with sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful rock formations.
• Grand Canyon West Rim: While it’s a bit of a stretch, it’s doable as a long day trip. The West Rim has a Skywalk, a glass bridge extending out over the canyon.
• Zion National Park: Another longer day trip option, this park in Utah has beautiful red monoliths and slot canyons.
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Have fun with water activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
• Antelope Canyon: Located in Page, Arizona, this famous slot canyon is a photographer’s dream with its sandstone formations and light beams.

Is 1 Day Enough for Las Vegas

While it’s possible to get a taste of Las Vegas in a day, one day is hardly enough time to see the whole city. Las Vegas was built to keep you entertained, and it does a great job at it. With one day, spend most of your time on the Strip.

With additional time, I love the Arts District and think it’s worth visiting another side of the city. Otherwise, go for some day trips in the desert to national parks or Red Rock Canyon. Many people come for an extended weekend, and I would say that’s a reasonable amount of time because the money leaves your pocket quickly in this town. 

Best Time To Visit

For a balance between good weather and manageable crowds, the spring months of March to May and the fall months of September to November are the best time to visit Las Vegas. The hotel rates are often more affordable than the peak summer season.

However, if you want epic pool parties and nightlife, the summer months from June to August may be your best bet. The downside is that the temperature can skyrocket during this time, but you can always get sweet relief from the air-conditioned indoor attractions.

Holiday seasons like New Year’s Eve and Labor Day weekend are super lively. There are high hotel rates and big crowds, but the trade-off is the awesome shows, events, and parties they bring!

Transportation in Las Vegas

How to Get Here

By Air: McCarran International Airport (LAS) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. The airport is conveniently located near the southern end of the Strip, and taxi, shuttle, rideshare, and public bus services are available for transport to the city center.

By Road: Las Vegas is well-connected by road. If you’re driving from Los Angeles, the most straightforward route is via I-15 N, which is approximately a 4-hour drive. From Phoenix, the quickest route is via US-93 N, around a 5-hour drive. Many visitors rent a car from DiscoverCars for flexibility during their stay.

By Public Transportation: Greyhound provides services from cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Megabus also runs from Los Angeles, while Flixbus connects Las Vegas with many cities in California and Arizona.

There’s no direct Amtrak service to Las Vegas.

Getting Around Las Vegas

Once you’re in Vegas, you can take The Deuce, a bus service that operates 24/7 and runs the entire length of Las Vegas Boulevard up to the Fremont Street Experience. The Las Vegas Monorail is another popular choice that runs along the east side of The Strip with seven stops. RTC Buses operate numerous routes throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Do not take a taxi! They are way more expensive than rideshares like Uber and Lyft. I also recommend checking DiscoverCars if you plan on renting a car.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a fit for many different types of travelers. It’s one of those cities I often recommend international people visit when they’re coming to America just because it’s so different. 

It’s great for luxury travelers, featuring opulent hotels, high-end food, and luxurious spa treatments. But on the other side, it also attracts party animals and adventurers who want to go on exciting trips around Nevada, the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and beyond. 

And if you plan on exploring more of the West, don’t miss out on our comprehensive guides to other must-visit spots in Nevada below!

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.