5 days in Las Vegas

Day by day

1. Day 1: The Las Vegas Strip and Fountains of Bellagio

   The Las Vegas Strip, Fountains of Bellagio and Fremont Street Experience, then Sphere in the evening.

   1. Morning

      The Las Vegas Strip

      Distances are deceptive: the next resort can be a 15-minute walk away, so use the pedestrian bridges, trams and Monorail, and carry water in summer. (Half a day, free).

   2. Late morning

      Fountains of Bellagio

      For a higher view, watch a show from the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas across the street. (30 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Resort buffet

      Major resorts such as Caesars Palace, Wynn, Bellagio and The Cosmopolitan; Downtown buffets cost less.

   4. Afternoon

      Fremont Street Experience

      Walk a few blocks east to Fremont East for cocktail bars with a more local crowd. (2–3 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Sphere

      Watch the Exosphere animations for free after dark from the pedestrian bridges near The Venetian or from the High Roller.

2. Day 2: Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and Shark Reef Aquarium

   Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Shark Reef Aquarium and Pinball Hall of Fame, then Cirque du Soleil's O in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

      Go early in the morning to avoid the photo queue and the midday heat; tip performers only if you pose with them. (30 minutes, free).

   2. Late morning

      Shark Reef Aquarium

      Use the free tram between Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur to save a long, hot walk. (1.5 hours, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Shrimp cocktail

      Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, Fremont Street.

   4. Afternoon

      Pinball Hall of Fame

      Bring small bills to change into quarters; older machines cost very little per game. (1–2 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Cirque du Soleil's O

      Seats in the centre sections give the best view of the stage as it shifts between solid floor and water.

3. Day 3: Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and High Roller

   Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, High Roller and The Venetian and the Grand Canal Shoppes, then Neon Museum in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

      Go early in the morning, when the conservatory is quiet and the light through the glass roof is soft. (30 minutes, free).

   2. Late morning

      High Roller

      Ride at dusk to see the Strip in daylight and as the lights come on during a single rotation. (45 minutes, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Steakhouse dinner

      Strip resorts, and off-Strip classics such as the Golden Steer, open since 1958.

   4. Afternoon

      The Venetian and the Grand Canal Shoppes

      Walking the indoor canal is free; book a gondola ride only if you want the full serenade. (1 hour, free).

   5. Evening

      Neon Museum

      Book an after-dark slot to see restored signs glowing; daytime visits need sun protection, as there is little shade.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

   About 45 minutes by car each way. Getting there: Car or organised tour.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

      About 45 minutes by car (Car or organised tour); about 55 km.

   2. Day

      Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

      Completed in 1936, the 221-metre Hoover Dam holds back the Colorado River to form Lake Mead. Best for first-timers and families.

   3. Evening

      Back in Las Vegas

      Dinner: try Chinatown pho, hot pot and dim sum.

5. Day 5: Mob Museum and Red Rock Canyon

   Mob Museum, Red Rock Canyon and Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck, then AREA15 and Omega Mart in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Mob Museum

      Finish with a drink at The Underground, the speakeasy in the basement. (2–3 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Red Rock Canyon

      Start early to hike before the heat, carry far more water than you think you need, and stay on marked trails. (Half a day, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Chinatown pho, hot pot and dim sum

      Spring Mountain Road, about 10 minutes by car from the Center Strip.

   4. Afternoon

      Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

      Go after dark and time your visit to look down on a fountain show. (45 minutes, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      AREA15 and Omega Mart

      Allow at least two hours for Omega Mart and open every door and freezer; much of the experience is hidden.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Sphere, Cirque du Soleil's O, Neon Museum and Red Rock Canyon before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Center Strip keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, South Strip ($$) suits families, first-timers and budget. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 23–29 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 9.7 hours in December to 14.6 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Las Vegas
• 2 days in Las Vegas
• 3 days in Las Vegas
• 4 days in Las Vegas
• 7 days in Las Vegas

Questions travellers ask