Las Vegas Trip Planner
If it’s your first time in Sin City or you want to plan the best Vegas getaway ever, you need this Las Vegas travel guide. Below, you’ll find everything you need to plan a trip to Las Vegas, from attractions and Las Vegas city passes, to the best time to book your hotel.
Planning a Vegas trip step-by-step
This Las Vegas trip planner will guide you step-by-step, so you cover all the bases:
Before you start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Las Vegas, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for the USA if you’re traveling from outside the country.
With all of the activities available in Sin City, you can plan a Vegas trip for families, kids, friends, or couples. Below, you’ll find the best things to do in Las Vegas, including concerts, day trips, museums, and much more.
Many of these attractions are included in the Go City All-Inclusive Pass, the best Las Vegas city pass to save money. You can find more Las Vegas tips for first-timers in our city pass guide.
2. Plan your Vegas trip itinerary
You have lots of options when it comes to putting together a Las Vegas itinerary. It depends on what you want to do and see, as well as how many days you have in the city.
How many days to spend in Vegas
It’s hard to see all of Las Vegas in a day, but if you’re short on time, two days is enough. Ideally, I recommend planning a 3-day trip to Vegas so you can see all the top attractions.
Vegas trip itinerary ideas
For some ideas on how to plan a trip to Vegas, here are sample itineraries for one, two, and three days.
1-day Las Vegas itinerary
Begin your day in Las Vegas by visiting the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign. You can catch the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus there and take it to Downtown Las Vegas, where you can explore this entertainment area.
Then, go to The Venetian and check out Madame Tussauds and the gondola rides at the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Later, head to the LINQ Promenade and ride the High Roller during sunset. At night, walk to the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, where you’ll have a great view of the Bellagio Fountains. The water show is one of the best free things to do in Vegas, although if you want to see it from the Paris viewing deck, you should reserve a ticket (It is also included at the Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass).
2-day Las Vegas itinerary
Day 1
Seeing the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign is a rite of passage, so start there. This is also where you can catch the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus, which will transport you around the Strip.
If you like thrill rides, stop at New York-New York‘s Big Apple Coaster before continuing downtown. Then you can do the Las Vegas Downtown – Fremont St. walking tour, one of the best things to do in downtown Las Vegas.
Later on, head to the LINQ Promenade, where you can eat, shop, and ride the High Roller. You can also get awesome views from the 1,149-foot-tall SkyPod at the STRAT. The SkyPod has a late-night bar and lounge, so it’s the perfect place to wrap up a Las Vegas couples itinerary.
Day 2
A Las Vegas weekend itinerary is ideal because you can experience some daytime activities in Las Vegas before diving into the nightlife.
First, take a break from the Strip with a half-day Hoover Dam tour. When you return to Vegas, take a quick break, then do go to a pool party in Las Vegas. If that’s not your thing, you can take in the scene at Fremont Street, perhaps with a ride on the SlotZilla zip line or a visit to the Mob Museum, one of the best Las Vegas museums.
At night, walk to the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, where you’ll have a great view of the Bellagio Fountains. The water show is one of the best free things to do in Vegas, although if you want to see it from the Paris viewing deck, you should reserve a ticket (It is also included at the Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass).
If you feel it’s to early to go to bed, grab cocktails at a swanky casino or do a bar crawl.
3-day Las Vegas itinerary
Day 1
Ideally, I recommend at least 3 days for your Las Vegas trip so you can fully enjoy all the top attractions. Spend your first day taking the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour, starting at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign.
As you make your way along the Strip, stop by The Venetian, where you can see the wax figures at Madame Tussauds and take a gondola ride at the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Later on, check out the entertainment and attractions at the LINQ Promenade. If you perfectly time your ride on the High Roller, you can catch the Bellagio Fountains water show from the observation wheel.
Day 2
The next morning, get in a nice swim or sunbathe at your hotel’s pool before the day gets too hot. Then, check out a Las Vegas museum, like the Mob Museum or the Erotic Heritage Museum.
In the afternoon, get a spectacular view of the city by taking a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter tour, a premium attraction with the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
Afterwards, grab dinner and drinks at Señor Frogs.
Day 3
Spend your last day taking an adventure to one of the nearby national parks. I recommend this full-day bus tour to the Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam.
Once you get back to Sin City, you can eat something and get refreshed before taking in a Las Vegas show.
3. Best time to travel to Las Vegas
The best time to visit Las Vegas depends on what you’d like to see and do in Sin City. Thanks to its pleasant weather year-round, there isn’t necessarily a bad time to visit, but there are times when it’s more crowded and expensive.
What is the best month to go to Las Vegas?
- Best months for good weather: March and September boast beautiful weather, so you’ll be able to maximize your outdoor time.
- Cheapest month to visit: January is one of the best times to book a Vegas hotel since prices usually drop after the holidays.
- Worst time to visit: Christmastime in Las Vegas is busy, but also very beautiful. Also, July and August are super hot and tend to be more crowded.
4. How to find cheap trips to Las Vegas
Now that you know the cheapest time to go to Las Vegas, see if you can save even more by booking a flight with Kiwi or Skyscanner. These sites will help you find the cheapest trips to Vegas across all airlines, as well as the best travel dates for maximum savings.
If you’re traveling from outside the U.S., you should first check if you need a visa:
In most cases, you will only need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
5. Where to stay while visiting Las Vegas
One of the best travel tips for Las Vegas is to book an amazing accommodation. If you’re not sure where to stay in Las Vegas, consider one of the best Vegas hotels.
Hotels in Las Vegas Strip
If it’s your first time in Sin City, or you want an unforgettable vacation, I recommend booking a room at one of the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, an area full of restaurants, attractions, and activities
Hotels in Las Vegas Downtown
The downtown area is an exciting place to gamble, dine, and shop. As the original gambling mecca, downtown Vegas is a hub for culture, events, and the free Downtown Loop shuttle.
6. How to get around Las Vegas
To travel around Las Vegas Strip and the outskirts of the city, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the transportation in Vegas. There are several buses, shuttles, and monorails, and if you want to visit some cool places outside Las Vegas, you can rent a vehicle.
Also, there are several national parks near Las Vegas, so renting a car or RV can be a great idea. If you plan to travel around Vegas, consider one of the Las Vegas road trip ideas in our guide.
5 Best Road Trips from Las Vegas, Nevada
10 Best State & National Parks near Las Vegas, Nevada
Road Trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park
7. Tours to book when planning a Vegas trip
While there is lots to do on the Strip, you can also take a day trip from Las Vegas to get away from the crowds. If you don’t want to rent a car, many of these tours include transportation. Here are some ideas to keep in mind while doing your Las Vegas trip planning:
8. Where to eat in Las Vegas
The best restaurants in Vegas appeal to all kinds of appetites and tastes, so treat yourself to a delicious meal during your Las Vegas vacation. Also, the nightlife in Sin City is incredible, so enjoy an after-dinner cocktail at one of the rooftop bars in Las Vegas.
9. How much does a trip to Vegas cost?
Calculating the cost of a trip to Vegas isn’t always straightforward since it depends on when you go, where you stay, how you get around, and which activities you do. Here is a price breakdown to help you out, as well as some Vegas trip planning tips so you can have an awesome getaway without breaking the bank!
Make the most of your Vegas trip by staying in one of the best hotels in Las Vegas:
- The Bellagio
- Room rates: $225-$1,850/night
- Resort fee: $51.02/night
- Caesars Palace
- Room rates: $215-$2,315/night
- Resort fee: $45.95/night
- The Venetian
- Room rates: $189-$732/night
- Resort fee: $45/night
- Mandalay Bay
- Room rates: $99-$398/night
- Resort fee: $39/night
- Golden Nugget
- Room rates: $109-$300/night
- Resort fee: $36/night
Wondering how to avoid the resort fees? Check our list of best hotels in Las Vegas without resort fees.
American, Asian, French, Italian…whatever you’re craving, you can get it here. While planning your Vegas trip, remember to account for meals. Sin City has fast-food options, cafes, buffets, and many hotels offering complimentary breakfast. That said, you should splurge on a meal at one of the best restaurants in Las Vegas! Below are the prices you can expect to pay per day:
- Breakfast: $0-$10/person
- Lunch: $10-$20/person
- Dinner (casual restaurant): $20-$35/person
- Dinner (fine restaurant): $35-$350/person
- Total: $65-$425/person per day
There are countless things to do in Las Vegas, but here are the most popular activities. If you’re interested in several of these attractions, consider a Las Vegas city pass to save money. For first-timers, I recommend the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass ($119).
- High Roller ($26)
- Paris Eiffel Tower ($27)
- Neon Museum ($20)
- Mob Museum ($30)
- Natural History Museum ($12)
- BODIES: The Exhibition ($35)
- Titanic Artifacts Exhibit ($35)
- Discovery Children’s Museum ($15.50)
- Erotic Heritage Museum ($30)
- National Atomic Testing Museum ($22)
- Gondola ride ($39)
- The STRAT SkyPod ($20)
- Vegas Strip night tour ($69)
- Big Apple Coaster ($19)
- Madame Tussauds ($37)
- Adventuredome ($31.95)
- Fly LINQ Zipline ($35)
- Las Vegas Springs Preserve ($10)
These are the most popular tours from Las Vegas, but you can find more options in our guide.
- Night flight over the Vegas Strip ($89)
- Grand Canyon West Rim Tour ($89)
- 3-hour Hoover Dam tour ($65)
- Full-day Antelope Canyon tour ($299)
- Death Valley one-day tour ($239)
- Guided Valley of Fire hike ($119)
- Bus tour to Zion & Bryce Canyon ($185)
- 3-hour Red Rock Canyon tour ($113)
- Area 51 day trip ($205)
- One-day Hollywood tour ($247)
- 3-day Far West tour ($540)
Las Vegas’ public transportation is a convenient and reliable way to get around:
- Airline Shuttle ($9-$10 one-way)
- Downtown Loop (free)
- Las Vegas Monorail ($12/day)
- Deuce Bus ($8/day)
- SDX Bus ($8/day)
- CX Bus ($5/day)
- Big Bus ($45/1-day tour)
- Taxis ($20-$25 from airport)
- Uber/Lyft ($15 from airport)
Renting a car in Las Vegas will allow you to explore the nearby surroundings, and we highly recommend using Rentalcars. The price depends on the vehicle you choose, how many days you rent it for, and the insurance you purchase, but the average price is $66/day.
If you want to visit a nearby national park, renting an RV in Las Vegas is a good idea, and there are a few reputable rental companies:
- Outdoorsy (~$115/day)
- Motorhome Republic (~$158/day)
- RVshare (~$205/day)
- USA RV Rentals (~$185/day)
- Cruise America (~$181/day)
Experiencing the nightlife is part of visiting Sin City, and there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas at night:
- Concerts/shows: There are all kinds of shows in Las Vegas, such as musicians, comedians, magic shows, and more. Pricing can range from $50 to $5,900, depending on the performer.
- Casinos: Enjoy the slots, table games, sports betting, and poker at the top casinos in Las Vegas.
- Nightclubs: Las Vegas’ nightclubs range from lavish and intimate venues to multi-level lounges with lively dance floors. Ladies usually get in for free, while men can expect to pay a cover of $10-$100.
- Pools/parties: Whether you want a family-friendly pool or an adults-only party venue, there are lots of fun pools in Las Vegas. Some hotel pools require you to be a guest at the resort, while others charge a fee of $20-$35.
Below is the total for one person spending three days and two nights in Vegas. However, the total cost of a trip to Vegas depends on where you stay, what you eat, how you get around, and what you do in the city, so use this only as a guide:
- 2-night accommodation: $430
- Meals: $360
- 2-day Attraction Pass: $119
- Day tour: $206
- Airport Shuttle (two-way): $20
- Other activities: $250
- Total: $1,385 per person for a 3-day/2-night trip
Planning a cheap Las Vegas vacation
- When choosing the best time to visit Las Vegas, think about what you want to do and where you want to stay. If you would like to travel on a budget, do it during the low season.
- Save money on accommodations by booking a cheap Las Vegas hotel or a Vegas hotel with no resort fees.
- Consider purchasing a Las Vegas citypass, and don’t forget to take advantage of all the free things to do in Vegas.
10. Download a tourist map of Las Vegas
Finally, keep a map of Las Vegas on hand so you can find all the things you want to see. This way, you can plan a route around those attractions, which will make traveling in Vegas a lot easier.
Other travel tips for Las Vegas
Here are some final tips to keep in mind while you’re doing your trip planning for Las Vegas:
- It’s hard to see all of Las Vegas in a day, but if you’re short on time, 2 days is enough. Ideally, I recommend a 3-day itinerary for Las Vegas so you can see all the top attractions.
- I recommend getting the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass (the best CityPass in Las Vegas) if you plan on staying in the city for a few days and you want to take advantage of all there is to see and do.
- This sightseeing city tour on the hop-on/hop-off bus is a great way to get around and see several popular attractions.
- Remember to always have a map on hand when you plan your trip so you can find the best things to do in Las Vegas and plan out a route that allows you to make the most of your stay.
- Plan ahead and reserve your rental car in Las Vegas in advance. We use Rentalcars for the cheapest options.
- You can legally refuse to pay resort fees since they violate the Deceptive Trade Practices Law in Nevada. If you don’t want to deal with this, book a room at one of the Las Vegas hotels without resort fees.
- The weather in Las Vegas gets extremely hot in the summer, so if you visit during this season, bring loose, light-colored clothes and lots of water.
Las Vegas travel guide FAQ
To finish up this Las Vegas trip planner, here are some common questions about Sin City and the Vegas Strip:
How hot is it in Las Vegas?
The yearly average high temperature in Las Vegas is about 80°F. That said, the summer weather in Las Vegas can be brutal, with highs exceeding 100°F.
How old do you need to be to book a Las Vegas hotel room?
Most Vegas hotels require guests to be 21 to book a room, but if the resort doesn’t have a casino, the age limit may be 18.
What is the minimum age to visit a casino in Las Vegas?
You must be 21 or older to enter the gaming area in any casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Are Vegas casinos open 24 hours?
Yes, most casino hotels on Las Vegas Strip are open 24/7.
How much does it cost to get into a Las Vegas nightclub?
It typically costs anywhere from $20 to $100 to get into a Vegas club. Men will pay more than women, and if a famous DJ or performer makes an appearance, cover charges will be higher.
Is Las Vegas fun for non-gamblers?
Yes! You don’t have to gamble at a casino to enjoy Las Vegas. Other attractions and activities include museums, tours, exhibits, pools, shops, shows, and more.
Is Las Vegas safe?
In general, the Strip is safe, and you should practice common sense in Las Vegas as you would in any other city.
Is Las Vegas kid-friendly?
Yes, there are lots of things to do in Vegas as a family.
Are there beaches in Las Vegas?
There aren’t any ocean beaches close to Las Vegas, but there are beach pools and the beaches of Lake Mead.
Is it easy to get around Las Vegas?
Yes, and there are plenty of transportation options like buses, monorails, and trams.
Can I park a car in Las Vegas?
Yes, there are parking lots throughout Las Vegas, and some Vegas hotels offer free parking for guests.
Which national parks are close to Las Vegas?
These are the most popular national parks near Vegas:
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – 20 mins
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area – 30 mins
- Valley of Fire State Park – 45 mins
- Death Valley – 2 hours
- Red Cliffs National Conservation Area – 2 hrs
- Zion National Park – 2 hrs 40 mins
- Joshua Tree National Park – 3 hrs
- Bryce Canyon – 4 hrs
- Grand Canyon National Park – 4 hrs, 10 mins
- Yosemite National Park – 5 hrs 30 mins
If you have any other questions about our Las Vegas visitors guide, feel free to leave a comment below. I hope this Las Vegas trip planner is helpful, and I wish you a wonderful time in Sin City!
Hi, I'm Ascen, a globetrotter based in Philadelphia, USA. I enjoy exploring new landscapes and creating in-depth travel guides for Capture the Atlas.
I have felt a special connection with nature and all the inhabitants of the planet since I was a kid. I am passionate about discovering new countries and especially their wildlife, but no matter how many places I visit, I will always belong to the remote beaches of Almería, in Southern Spain.
You can know a little more about me here.
