One Day in Las Vegas Itinerary – Top Things to Do in Las Vegas, Nevada

Known for crazy partying, gambling, and endless nights out, the city of Las Vegas is one of America’s favorite destinations for bachelor parties, bridal showers and spur-of-the-moment weddings. Whether you are looking to mimic the guys from The Hangover or you just want to see what the fuss is all about, you can be sure you’ll say the famous sentence at least once: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”! But a city like this can get a bit overwhelming if you don’t have your visit planned out, so to spend your one day in Las Vegas in the best possible way, you will need a good itinerary. And here it is! Read on, and as Elvis would say – Viva Las Vegas!

One day in Las Vegas Itinerary

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1. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAS VEGAS?
2. A FEW FACTS ABOUT LAS VEGAS
3. ONE DAY IN LAS VEGAS ITINERARY
3.1. Start Your Trip at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum
3.2. Follow It up by Visiting the Neon Museum
3.3. Explore Fremont Street
3.4. Visit the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
3.5. Take in the Sights Along the Las Vegas Strip
3.6. Grab a Bite to Eat
3.7. Tour the City’s Theme Hotels on the Strip
3.8. Treat Yourself to a Gondola Ride
3.9. Climb the Stratosphere Tower
4. VEGAS FREE SHOW
4.1. Visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory
4.2. Check out the Free Mermaid Show at the Silverton Hotel and Casino
5. ONE NIGHT IN VEGAS
5.1. For a Regular Night Out, Consider One of These Clubs
5.2. Consider these Las Vegas Adults Only Shows
6. WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS?
7. DAY TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS
8. EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING LAS VEGAS

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAS VEGAS?

With its endless hotels, restaurants, and bars, the Entertainment Capital of the World welcomes visitors year-round. However, Las Vegas is located in the heart of Nevada’s Mojave Desert. The scorching heat during the summer months will make you wish for a nuclear winter. Instead, you will want to visit during the months that bring the most moderate weather.

If you have a choice, the best time to visit Las Vegas would be the period between March and May or September and November. That way, you will also get better deals and avoid the crowds associated with the rush around New Year’s Eve. If you don’t mind that, then the holidays are arguably the best time to visit Las Vegas, with Christmas trees on display inside every hotel property.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Author: eGuide Travel, Source: Flickr

If you fancy yourself a clash with the best poker players in the world, book yourself a place in the World Series of Poker, a tournament that’s been going on since the 1970s and where anyone can participate. San Genarro Feast is definitely something to look out for in March, and Viva Las Vegas is a music festival that takes place one month later. These just some of the events you can visit because, hey – this is Vegas, and there’s something going on literally every day!

A FEW FACTS ABOUT LAS VEGAS

  • Administratively speaking, Las Vegas is the county seat of Clark County, and it’s also the most populous city in the state of Nevada.
  • The city’s nicknames include: Disneyland for Adults, City of Lights, The Lady, Sin City, etc. One thing is for sure, Las Vegas has no shortage of pseudonyms. 
  • Although the city is primarily famous for its nightlife and gambling, many people visit Las Vegas for its shopping, fine dining, and entertainment.
  • Out of the twenty largest hotels in the United Sates, seventeen are located in Las Vegas.
  • Vegas is also one of the cities with the most weddings, with 315 couples tying the knot each day.
  • There are 15 thousand miles of neon tubing illuminating the streets of Las Vegas each night.
  • 41 million visitors a year that spend at least one night in Vegas. Impressive, isn’t it?
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Author: Dale Cruse, Source: Flickr 

ONE DAY IN LAS VEGAS ITINERARY

This is Vegas, baby, and there is plenty to see and enjoy! However, you might be surprised to know that there is more to this city than just casinos and games. There are a few very interesting spots to visit during your one day in Las Vegas, so check out these top sights and things to do on while you’re in town.

Start Your Trip at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum

While Las Vegas at night is what most people have in mind when it comes to visiting Vegas, there are several things that are worth seeing during the day, as well. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum, for example, is a modern museum that uses dioramas, classes, and interactive displays to bring history to life. A great place to start your day! With recreations and replicas authorized by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, the museum allows its visitors to explore a realistic entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun and see how state of the art technology can be used to scan mummies and create medical imaging.

Among other artifacts, visitors can admire replicas of King Tut’s outer sarcophagus, the Golden Shrine, chariots, and the Golden Throne. In a city that is primarily focused on entertainment for adults, visiting this museum is certainly one of the best things to do in Vegas with kids.

 Move on to the Neon Museum

Just five minutes down Las Vegas Boulevard is the rather unique Neon Museum. With exhibits that include vintage Vegas neon signs all the way back from the 1930s, you can roam the sprawling outdoor exhibition and event area and experience this unique piece of Las Vegas frozen in time. Although the museum is more impressive during the nighttime, it is less crowded during the day. And you will probably want to spend your one night in Vegas partying and having the time of your life anyway.

Neon Museum, Las Vegas
Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Credit: The Neon Museum, Source: Flickr
Neon Museum, Las Vegas
Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Credit: The Neon Museum, Source: Flickr

Explore Fremont Street

Continuing down the Boulevard, you can go for a 15-minute walk until you reach Fremont Street, or you can take the bus 113 from Cashman to Carson (every 15 minutes). Attractions include the Downtown Container Park, an unusual shopping center made from actual shipping containers – with a large courtyard, a children’s playground, and numerous galleries.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you can visit the nearby SlotZilla Zip Line, a popular thrill attraction with two levels that is definitely worth a try. Later, explore the rest of Fremont street – a pedestrian-only area filled with street performers, music and video shows.

The Downtown Container Park
The Downtown Container Park, Las Vegas, Source: Flickr

Visit the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum

In case you are spending your one day in Las Vegas with children, after Fremont Street, you can hop aboard the SDX (Strip and Downtown Express) northbound at Casino Center @ Carson and get off at Symphony Park. The DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, just across the park, is filled with interactive displays to stimulate learning about science, art, food, music, and so much more.

Highlights include a model helicopter with a flight simulator, as well as small stores, banks, and hospitals where children can play and learn about a number of exciting professions. Needless to say, spending a couple of hours at the museum is among the best things to do in Vegas with kids, so make sure to take advantage of its valuable learning resources.

Take in the Sights Along the Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip, known simply as The Strip, is the central section of Las Vegas Boulevard and a must during your one day in the city. Lined with performance venues, luxury hotels, entertainment hubs, and fine dining haunts, the Strip is best experienced on foot, with most visitors choosing to actually stay on the Strip and go for long walks to get a feel for the true spirit of Las Vegas.

Among the wide variety of attractions, don’t miss the High Roller observation wheel and the beautiful towering Fountains of Bellagio. At the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, check out the iconic neon sign from the 1950s, “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada”. You may also want to visit Madame Tussauds Las Vegas with its selection of life-size wax figures of famous icons, or make the time to see the extensive collection of more than 250 artifacts recovered from the Titanic at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. It also has a large section of the ship’s original hull in addition to meticulous replicas its Grand Staircase and several cabins!

Luxor Hotel & Casino
Luxor Hotel & Casino, Author: Luis Villa del Campo, Source: Flickr
Bellagio
Bellagio, The strip, Author: Joao Carlos Medau, Source: Flickr

Grab a Bite to Eat

For lunch, you should try some of Las Vegas’ high-end burgers, a mixture of high-end luxury and simple thrills that is so typically Vegas. Try Hard Rock Café near MGM Grand or Gordon Ramsay Burger, across the street from The Chelsea.

A must-visit for fans of the famous chef, the Gordon Ramsay Burger is stylish and colorful, yet less snobbish and exclusive than you might expect. No reservations are needed, and you can ask for a table and go for a walk while you wait. The staff will text you as soon as your table is ready. The burgers are delicious, and you can even order a fully personalized burger.

Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe, Author: Abi Skipp, Source: Flickr

Tour the City’s Theme Hotels on the Strip

After lunch, you can continue your one day in Las Vegas by taking the bus up or down the boulevard and checking out all of the major hotels along the Strip. The properties and attractions listed here are merely a suggestion, so feel free to stop and admire any of the other sights and places you may come across.

Among Vegas’ famous theme hotels, though, you will love the medieval-style Excalibur Hotel and Casino with actual turrets, as well as the Luxor Hotel & Casino, shaped like a pyramid, with the sphynx in front of the hotel being one of the most recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas. New York-New York is also quite interesting, and Paris is another city-oriented hotel. In short, there is plenty to see.

The strip
The strip, Author: Joao Carlos Medau, Source: Flickr

Treat Yourself to a Gondola Ride

While sightseeing is perfectly fine, The Venetian, located on the Strip near Madame Tussauds, features a particularly impressive attraction that you do not want to miss. Apart from being one of the finest resorts in Las Vegas, The Venetian also has a themed shopping mall inside resembling the city of Venice, with replicas of its famous bridges (e.g. the Rialto Bridge) amid actual canals and gondoliers.

The outdoor gondola rides are a really exciting and fun way to experience the complex and the shopping arcade inside – a real extravagant treat with Italian music in the background to set the mood.

The Venetian Gondola Ride
The Venetian Gondola Ride

Climb the Stratosphere Tower

As you make your way around Las Vegas, you will undoubtedly notice The Stratosphere Tower rising over the city’s skyline. The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower calls the structure “the tallest freestanding observation tower” in the country.

On the rooftop, 1,149 feet above the city, you can enjoy several heart-stopping thrill rides such as Insanity, Big Shot, SkyJump, and others. If that sound like too much for you, you can just go to one of the observation decks (outdoor or indoor) and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

If you time it right, you can get there at sunset and watch as the city lights slowly drown out the last remaining red-tinged rays of sunlight over Las Vegas at night.

The view from the top of the Stratosphere tower
The view from the top of the Stratosphere tower, Author: Mike McBey, Source: Flickr

VISIT THE BEST VEGAS FREE SHOWS

No matter the reason of your visit, one thing is for sure: you already know that Vegas is anything but cheap. The city that was designed to make visitors spend, spend and spend some more offers a lot in terms of entertainment, but the glamorous lights and spectacular shows are there to lure people in and always offer them more to see, try, taste, and experience. That said, here are several interesting (and free) Vegas daytime activities that you will absolutely love.

Visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory

While technically in Henderson (18 minutes from the city center by car or 50 minutes with public transport), the Ethel M Chocolate Factory is one of the free Vegas attractions that is definitely worth a visit.

The factory, which produces gourmet premium chocolate and. is open to the public, with self-guided tours available for all visitors. There is also an outlet on site with different types of chocolate and a large four-acre botanical garden with hundreds upon hundreds of species of cacti.

If you are a chocolate enthusiast, watching the delicious sweets being made is one Vegas free show you don’t want to miss. While there are free samples as well, you will have to pay for the full gourmet tasting experience. And, naturally, you will be seriously tempted to buy tons of chocolate after the tour.

Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden
Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden, Author: Richard Martin, Source: Flickr

Check out the Free Mermaid Show at the Silverton Hotel and Casino

Seeing the Free Mermaid Show at the Silverton Hotel and Casino is definitely among the best things to do in Vegas with kids. Although not exactly on the Strip, this Vegas free show is only five miles away, and it is absolutely worth checking out.

After performing breathtaking tricks, the mermaids will pose for photos and interact with children. Accompanying the mermaids, there is also a stingray feeding show every day at 1:30 and 4:30 PM, which is both free and actually quite educational.

All the other things you can see on the Las Vegas Strip are free to check out and explore, unless you are looking for a special experience like the aforementioned gondola ride. 

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ONE NIGHT IN VEGAS

While there’s never a shortage of things to do in Las Vegas at night, you certainly don’t want to spend your one night in Vegas wandering around aimlessly, wondering what to do. So here are some suggestions to get you right on track.

For a Regular Night Out, Consider One of These Clubs

The good thing about nightclubs in Las Vegas is that all of the good ones are mostly located on the Las Vegas Strip, so getting from one to the other is usually easy and convenient. That said, on your one night in Vegas you still probably won’t be able to visit them all, so pick a few that suit your style and taste in music the most.

If you like Asian-inspired décor and EDM, then the Tao Nightclub at The Venetian is the right choice for you. Pair that with the excellent spicy tuna from the nearby Tao Restaurant and you have yourself an excellent night out.

Spicy tuna - Tao Restaurant
Spicy tuna – Tao Restaurant, Author: Studio Sarah Lou, Source: Flickr

Omnia at Caesars Palace features great DJs, a chandelier that looks like a spaceship, and a beautiful outdoor patio where you can take a short breather and enjoy great views of Las Vegas at night. If you are looking for something a bit more refined, or if you just want to try some perfect handcrafted cocktails, then you should check out Hyde Bellagio at Bellagio, a charming club with Italian-inspired décor.

For a chance to see (and hear) some of the world’s most famous DJs, you should definitely go to Hakkasan at MGM Grand, frequented by big names such as Calvin Harris and Tiesto.

Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace, Author: Dale Cruse, Source: Flickr

Consider these Las Vegas Adults Only Shows

If you want to make your one night in Vegas really special, you may want to check out some of these classic Las Vegas adult shows. After all, they don’t call it Sin City for nothing! For some sexy rock ‘n’ roll adult fun in Vegas, check out X Rocks at Bally’s Hotel and Casino.

Beautiful girls clad in leather, high heels and studded lingerie perform for 75 minutes with some of the greatest rock hits playing in the background. The show is a bit on the light side, with stand-up comedy acts during the intermission.

X-Burlesque at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino features a classic “Las Vegas adults only” show, with feather boas and a series of routines reminiscent of the can-can and the French cabaret. Lastly, there is the ‘Zombie Burlesque’ at Planet Hollywood’s V Theater with sexy zombies doing classic burlesque, in addition to a number of comedy and variety acts.

Just remember, although a bit of adult fun is to be expected and a great way to wrap up your one day in Vegas, don’t overdo it and turn the experience from a night you’ll never forget into the one night you’d do anything to forget.

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS?

Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas

Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas

2600 W Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89158

This exclusive resort on the Las Vegas Strip is among the most popular and highest rated properties in Las Vegas. With a full-service spa, a magnificent rooftop pool, a boutique grocery store, and a contemporary lounge serving a great selection of cocktails, the Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas truly has it all. In addition, all of the most popular shopping, dining, and casino venues in Las Vegas are mere minutes away. If you are spending only 24 hours in Vegas, this hotel will make you want to extend your stay.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

The Cromwell Hotel & Casino

The Signature at MGM Grand

145 East Harmon Avenue, Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas

The Signature at MGM Grand is absolutely everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel and more. Located on The Strip, it features an outdoor pool and a spa bath, among other things, plus you can enjoy a wonderful view from your room. The rooms themselves are quite comfortable and beautiful, plus the hotel is fairly calm and quite, which allows for plenty of quality rest. In short, a great place to stay when in Vegas!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Palms Place Hotel and Spa

Club Wyndham Grand Desert

265 East Harmon Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89103

A wonderful hotel that offers excellent value, Club Wyndham Grand Desert will not disappoint. It has an excellent location close to The Strip, offers shuttle rides to various popular venues, and has not one, not two, but three outdoor pools! Oh, and there’s a souvenir shop too for some last-minute shopping. The units are more apartments than single rooms, with kitchenettes and all, so there will be plenty of space and comfort for some quality R&R.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas South

 

Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas South

3245 Saint Rose Parkway, Henderson, Las Vegas

Located in Henderson, only a 15-minute drive from the Strip, the Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas South offers its guests free Wi-Fi, a daily hot breakfast buffet, an on-site hot tub, and a heated outside pool open 24 hours. With access to the hotel’s fitness center and business center, as well as the free shuttle service, there is no reason not to choose the Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas South if you’re looking to spend a day in Las Vegas sightseeing, enjoying great food, and partying.

DAY TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS

There’s no doubt that Las Vegas is an absolutely magical place, but if you have more than just one day here, you may want to get away on a day trip, just to clear your head a little. And there are some truly spectacular destinations nearby, places which in and of themselves can be every bit exciting as all those neon lights and glamour of majestic buildings on The Strip.

Grand Canyon 4-in-1 Helicopter Tour

If you are planning on going from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, you might as well do in in style. On this 6.5-hour tour, enjoy scenic views on an exciting flight from Las Vegas, with several stops to take in the scenery from iconic viewpoints on the ground. The helicopter will bring you down to the canyon floor, where you can go on a picturesque boat ride down the Colorado River. To make things as convenient as possible, the tour includes lunch at Guano Point and pick-up and drop-off by limousine from any hotel in Las Vegas.

Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam Tour

If you’d rather go from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon the old-fashioned way, however, then your best bet it to go for a relaxing day trip in an air-conditioned bus with a scenic ride through the gorgeous Nevada desert, a Joshua tree forest, and impressive dry riverbeds. The tour includes a stop at the colossal Hoover Dam for some amazing photos, hiking opportunities both at Eagle Point and Guano Point, and a fun wild west show at Hualapai Ranch.

Los Angeles and Hollywood Day Trip from Las Vegas

For something a little bit different, get a taste of South California and the City of Angels on a tour that includes legendary attractions in Hollywood and iconic LA locations such as Beverly Hills and the Santa Monica Pier. After a light breakfast and a ride through the beautiful Mojave Desert landscapes, enjoy day in La-La Land, go for a walk down Sunset Strip and the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take photos of the legendary Hollywood sign.

Emerald Cave

You could say that the Emerald Cave is the exact opposite of Las Vegas – small, quiet and relaxing, it is the perfect getaway from the busy city. You can go for a swim, go kayaking, and get know the great Colorado River firsthand. It really is an ideal way to recharge your batteries a bit after a crazy night out. The nature is incredibly soothing, and you can take a whole bunch of people with you and make a day out of it. Definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a day trip from Vegas.

Las Vegas Strip at sunset
Las Vegas Strip at sunset, Author: Mike McBey, Source: Flickr

EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING LAS VEGAS

-On your one night out in Vegas, it’s OK if you have a few drinks, just make sure not to carry any open containers and drink in public spaces, especially not close to schools, places of worship, and hospitals. Doing so is against the law and could get you in trouble.

-Some casinos will offer free cocktails in an effort to keep you gaming. If you plan on playing slots or table games, you don’t have to buy a drink right away. Wait a little until a waitress approaches you and offers you a drink. You could save quite a bit of money that way.

-For dinner, the busiest time in Vegas is between 6 and 8 PM. If you don’t want to wait in line, plan your dinner either before or after that time.

PIN FOR LATER!

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Anca One Day Itinerary
Anca B.
Travel writer at One Day Itinerary

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

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