United States · 2026 itinerary
Las Vegas 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Las Vegas: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South lined with hotel-casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Free entry Hotels near Las Vegas Strip →An open-air shopping and dining strip connecting to the High Roller observation wheel. Free to walk, with street performers and fountains.
🕐 Open daily 10am–11pm (varies by store)
Free entry💡 Skip the paid wheel ride; instead, hang out on the promenade after 9pm for free live music. The nearby Brooklyn Bowl has cheap midweek shows.
Hotels near The LINQ Promenade →Denny's · ££
Tahiti Joe's Restaurant · ££
Deeper Into Las Vegas
A five-block pedestrian mall downtown with a massive LED canopy, live music stages, and street performers. The Viva Vision light show runs nightly after dark.
🕐 Open 24 hours; light shows from dusk to midnight
💡 Arrive before sunset to grab a cheap drink from a casino bar and watch the first show from the outdoor seating area—packed but worth it.
A museum in a former federal courthouse documenting organised crime, law enforcement and the history of Las Vegas. Entry costs around $30 but includes interactive exhibits and a speakeasy.
🕐 Mon–Thu 9am–9pm, Fri–Sun 9am–10pm
💡 Buy tickets online at least a day ahead to save $5; visit on a Tuesday for half-price admission (check website for current deals). The basement speakeasy is free to enter with ID.
A 13-mile scenic drive through red sandstone formations, with hiking trails, petroglyphs, and desert views. Entry fee is $15 per vehicle (valid for a day).
🕐 Daily 5am–8pm (summer), 6am–5pm (winter)
💡 Arrive before 8am to avoid queues—weekdays especially. Bring water and sunblock; the easiest hike is the Calico Hills trail (1 mile loop) with great photo spots.
Hard Rock Cafe
Pho So No. 1
Getting Around Las Vegas
Metered taxis queue at airport ground level. Avoid peak hours (10am-4pm) for faster service. Consider ride-sharing apps for potentially lower fares.
Most economical option. The Deuce runs the full Las Vegas Strip. Purchase day passes ($10) for unlimited local transit. Buses can be crowded during peak hours.
Fast, clean, and air-conditioned. Requires airport shuttle connection. One-way tickets are $5; consider multi-day passes ($22-67) if staying longer.
Complimentary for hotel guests. Excellent for short-distance Strip travel between connected resorts. Limited operating hours; plan accordingly for late-night activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Las Vegas?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Las Vegas Strip and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
See our full best time to visit Las Vegas guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, The Venetian Las Vegas. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.