Things to Do in Las Vegas: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, a desert city of themed mega-resorts, world-class shows and nonstop nightlife. Beyond the Strip, the Bellagio fountains and the Sphere, you'll find downtown's Fremont Street, the red sandstone of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam and easy road trips to the Grand Canyon.
This guide covers the best things to do in Las Vegas, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Las Vegas
The Strip
Iconic boulevard of casinos.
Bellagio Fountains
Free water show.
Sphere
Immersive venue.
Fremont Street Experience
Downtown light canopy.
High Roller
Observation wheel.
Red Rock Canyon
Scenic loop and hikes.
Hoover Dam
Engineering landmark.
Valley of Fire
Red rock state park.
Las Vegas in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · The Strip
Walk the south Strip from the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign past Mandalay Bay, Luxor and New York-New York, then the Venetian's canals and Caesars Palace. Lunch at a celebrity chef restaurant or food hall. At night, watch the Bellagio fountains, ride the High Roller and see a Cirque du Soleil show.
2Day 2 · Red Rock Canyon
Drive the 13-mile scenic loop at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, about 30 minutes away, hiking Calico Tanks or Ice Box Canyon among red sandstone. Lunch in Summerlin. In the evening, experience a show at the Sphere with its giant wraparound screen.
3Day 3 · Downtown
Explore downtown Las Vegas with the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum's boneyard of historic signs and the Arts District. Lunch on Fremont East. At night, walk the Fremont Street Experience under the LED canopy and try the SlotZilla zipline.
Las Vegas in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Hoover Dam
Tour Hoover Dam on the Arizona-Nevada border, walk the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and stop at Lake Mead for views and a swim or boat ride. Lunch in Boulder City's historic downtown. Return for a pool afternoon and dinner on the Strip.
5Day 5 · Valley of Fire
Day trip to Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest state park, with Fire Wave, Elephant Rock and ancient petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock. Picnic lunch. Return for a steakhouse dinner and a late show or nightclub.
Las Vegas in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Grand Canyon
Take a full-day tour to the Grand Canyon West Skywalk or fly by helicopter over the canyon with a landing. Lunch on tour. Return in the evening and relax at a resort spa.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Brunch at a famous buffet, last shopping at the Forum Shops or Fashion Show mall and a farewell dinner with a view from a high-rise restaurant over the glittering Strip. Harry Reid International Airport is only about 15 minutes from the Strip.
What to do in Las Vegas on a weekend
Things to do in Las Vegas on a weekend? Saturday: Strip, Bellagio fountains and a show. Sunday: Red Rock Canyon and Fremont Street.
Big events include New Year's Eve, the Formula 1 Grand Prix in November and CES in January.
What to do in Las Vegas in the evening
In the evening, shows, nightclubs and the Sphere.
Fremont Street light show.
Las Vegas for couples
For couples, a gondola ride, a show, Red Rock at sunset and fine dining.
Las Vegas with kids
With kids, the Shark Reef Aquarium, Adventuredome, M&M's World and Hoover Dam.
What to eat in Las Vegas
Buffets
All-you-can-eat.
Steakhouses
Classic Vegas.
Celebrity chef restaurants
On the Strip.
Shrimp cocktail
Downtown classic.
Cocktails
Rooftop bars.
Where to stay in Las Vegas: best areas
Center Strip
Central.
Downtown
Cheaper.
South Strip
Resorts.
Off-Strip
Quieter.
What to do in Las Vegas when it rains
Things to do in Las Vegas when it's too hot? Museums, shows, the Sphere, Shark Reef and shopping malls.
How much does a trip to Las Vegas cost?
Expect $120–400 per night plus resort fees.
Practical tips for Las Vegas
Best time to visit
March–May and October–November.
Getting around
Walk, monorail, rideshare and car for day trips.
Our practical tips
- Watch for resort fees.
- Book shows early.
- Hydrate.
- Car for day trips.
- Free attractions abound.
- Visit midweek for deals.
Mistakes to avoid
- Summer midday heat.
- Underestimating walking distances.
- Timeshare pitches.
- Hiking without water.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Las Vegas?
Strip, shows, Red Rock and Hoover Dam.
Things to do in Las Vegas with kids?
Shark Reef and Adventuredome.
Free things to do?
Bellagio fountains and Fremont Street.
Best time?
Spring and fall.