Las Vegas is an iconic city and travel destination well known worldwide. While it is often advertised as ‘Sin City’ where partying and gambling take precedent, there are many other things to do! Check out our guide to spending 3 Days in Las Vegas.
As there is a lot to experience in Las Vegas, first timers should plan their time well in order to maximize their trip. You can expect to see some awesome hotels, enjoy some hot weather, see the spectacles all over town and of course, you can find gambling everywhere.
This is also a destination that can easily be revisited since there are constant travel deals year-round. For your 3 days in Las Vegas, you can visit over a 3 day long weekend or during the weekdays. This is enough time to take in some of the highlights, do some gambling, eat some great food take in a show and venture off the strip.
Typically, the city is flooded with weekend revelers between Thursdays into Sundays. Since we have visited Las Vegas many times, our preference is to arrive either Sunday afternoon or Monday morning and stay for 4 to 5 days during the week in order to avoid these crowds and leave prior to the weekend rush. Remember if you’re from the east coast you will have to get accustomed to the 3 hour time change quickly!
Best Time to Visit Vegas
We have visited Las Vegas at different times of the year and would recommend the Spring and fall months. The best times of the month to visit are the end of May, the beginning of June, and late September or the beginning of October.
Las Vegas can get extremely hot in the summer months reaching well over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit or 38 + degrees Celsius. Our top pick for the perfect temperature for sightseeing and the best time to spend 3 days in Las Vegas, would be at the end of September.
Where to Stay
If this is your first trip to Las Vegas we recommend staying at one of the hotels along the strip. The Las Vegas strip is a four and a half-mile stretch of Las Vegas Blvd filled with hotels and casinos. Choosing to stay here for your 3 days in Las Vegas will allow you to easily walk to many of the restaurants and sights mentioned in this itinerary.
Transportation
Besides using your feet and walking everywhere, you will find that taking taxi cabs, Uber, and Lyft to different hotels and destinations will save your energy and time. Taxi cabs can be found in abundance right outside of your hotel. Ridesharing options can be found at different entrances and will have a designated drop-off/pick-up point at the hotel.
When leaving the airport, we would suggest taking a Las Vegas taxi cab as they have priority pick-up points at the terminal exits. If you’re taking a shuttle, remember that you may have to endure dropping off other tourists at their respective hotels along the way.
Tip: Make sure to plan your stops and walking along the strip with the bridges across Las Vegas Blvd. They are pretty spread out.
Recommended Hotels with Great Room Deals
The Mirage Resort Hotel
The Mirage is a great hotel option for first timers visiting Las Vegas as it is centrally located on the strip and has an expansive tropical pool and patio space. It consistently has decent room rates throughout the year for your vacation.
The hotel rooms are quiet, clean, and comfortable. There are also several bars and restaurants onsite making it easy to have breakfast before you head out or upon your return to enjoy a refreshing drink and snack after a day out.
The Mirage is now part of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casinos as of the end of December 2022, formally with MGM resorts. We have stayed at the Mirage multiple times and were able to use a rewards program towards the room, restaurants, and get show ticket discounts in the past.
The MGM Grand Hotel
The MGM Grand is another landmark hotel towering over the strip with a unique green glass exterior. This resort hotel is enormous with close to 5000 guest rooms and 6.5 acres of outdoor space with multiple pools and patios. There are several bars and restaurants inside as well as a few theater venues.
We have stayed at the MGM Grand a few times as this hotel is also part of the MGM Rewards Program and have always received great room deals for 3 days in Las Vegas. It makes a great home base at the south end of the strip.
As previously mentioned, this hotel property is sprawling, from the walk across the lobby to the long guest room hallways so if you have mobility issues or don’t like long walks this might not be the choice for your Las Vegas stay.
Must Visit Las Vegas Hotels
We encourage you to visit each hotel along the Strip during your 3 days in Las Vegas. You can walk through the lobbies and casinos to enjoy the different themed architecture and displays. Below we have chosen our favorite places along the strip for you to pick and choose based on your own interests.
It can get exhausting to walk to and through the expansive hotels, so don’t try to visit them all in one day!
Mid Strip
Along with the Mirage Hotel mentioned above these hotels are worth a visit.
The Venetian
The Venetian Hotel has a lovely Italian-themed design, a spacious casino (one of our favorites for gambling) as well as several excellent restaurants. The shops at the Venetian is a massive shopping mall that is beautifully designed with its own waterways just like the streets of Venice! You can even take your own gondola ride with singing gondoliers! Madame Tussauds wax museum is also a worthy attraction to visit here.
Caesars Palace
A colossal hotel property! Inside Caesars Palace, you will find not only a casino and hotel with many buildings and restaurants but also the Forum shops which is a massive full mall complex. A fun sight at the entrance to the Forum shops is their spiral escalator which makes for an interesting ride.
Bellagio
The Bellagio hotel is most famous for its fountains and a man-made lake. There are daily shows every 30 minutes between 3-8 pm weekdays then every 15 minutes each evening 8 pm until midnight. The show consists of over 1000 fountains swaying and jetting water 140 meters up while paired with a musical sequence. We prefer to view the fountain show after sunset when the water is also enhanced with colorful lights.
Another draw of the Bellagio is their botanical garden and conservatory located across the lobby. These beautiful gardens are fashioned into unique seasonal displays all year long.
In keeping with its Italian theme, the Bellagio also has a terrific gelateria and café in their lobby concourse. If you are a fan of gelato don’t miss out on trying some here. The Bellagio is another of our favorite casinos for gaming.
North Strip
The Wynn and Encore
The Wynn and Encore resorts are worth a short visit to see the opulence of some expensive shops and casinos.
The Strat Hotel
The hotel and casino here are not really to be desired, but the views from the observation area are worth a visit. The Strat also features some death-defying rides high above the Las Vegas Strip which are not for the faint of heart.
South Strip
Along with the MGM mentioned above…
Aria Hotel
The Aria is another one of our favorite casinos in Las Vegas, with its’ sleek and spacious décor the venue never feels crowded but it is always bustling with action. The Aria complex houses a choice of great restaurants ranging from French, Italian, Spanish to Pan Asian cuisine. This hotel is also an MGM property.
New York-New York Hotel
Themed after the city of New York, this hotel has room towers based on the buildings of New York City. Inside you will find many restaurants designed like you’re walking through the streets of New York. This hotel also features a roller coaster that actually goes through the casino as well as outside.
Luxor
While the exterior is something to marvel at based on an Egyptian pyramid, the interior of the Luxor Hotel is quite impressive to gaze up onto from the lobby to see how they designed the rooms and floor of the hotel.
Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay is at the far end of the South Strip. This hotel features another of the most expansive pool complexes in Las Vegas as well as the usual many restaurants and massive convention space.
A Few Recommended Restaurants and Snack Stops
In the Venetian:
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer
This trendy diner serves up terrific gourmet burgers, salads, wings as well as both classic and themed milkshakes. There are vegan and gluten menu options available. Be forewarned that their ‘crazy shakes’ can be a meal in themselves or a shareable dessert. You can find more information on the restaurant and menu here.
Yardbird Southern Table and Bar
A meal at Yardbird feels like traditional home cooking with a welcoming Southern flare. Their chicken entrées paired with cornbread are our favorite menu items here. If you can manage to save room for dessert their cobbler baked in-house is delectable.
Buddy V’s
This Italian restaurant is another great dining option within the Venetian complex. Buddy V’s Menu options range from fresh bread, antipasto appetizers, salads, pasta, pizza, meat, and fish. Their artisan pizza is delicious and perfect for sharing. Both gluten-free and vegetarian menu options are also available. Don’t forget to try some cake from the Cake Boss!
At The Linq:
Guy Fieri's Las Vegas Kitchen & Bar
Another great restaurant choice at the Linq hotel is Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar. The menu features many pub favorites tweaked with Fieri’s flare. Burgers, chicken, and ribs are the staples here however the themed salads are quite delicious and filling.
We often stop here for lunch. The beverage menu offers some great craft beers, fun cocktails, and a terrific lemonade made fresh in-house.
In the MGM Grand Hotel:
Crush
Crush is one of our favorite restaurants in Las Vegas as it has an intimate bistro feel and terrific food. Their menu ranges from wood-fired pizza, pasta, to meat and fish entrees. Crush also has special diet menu options so if you have a food allergy or intolerance you can dine confidently here. They also have a great selection of beer, ciders, cocktails, and wine to enjoy with your meal.
Tom Colicchio’s Craft Steak
A fantastic choice for enjoying a mouth-watering steak. The food and service were excellent. We would recommend the crab bisque, caesar salad, and rib Steak. You won’t be disappointed.
In Planet Hollywood:
Gordon Ramsay Burger
Another great dining option along the strip is Gordon Ramsay’s Burger restaurant inside the Planet Hollywood casino. The gourmet burgers are made to order and hand-cut fries here are amazing.
Menu options range from appetizer snacks, soup of the day, salads, hot dogs, a crispy chicken or fish burger as well as vegetarian/vegan burgers with plant-based patty substitutions available. Personally, I always go for a classic cheeseburger with a fun beverage as the burgers are quite filling in their own right.
In the Aria Hotel:
Carbone
Carbone is an award-winning restaurant featuring Italian-American food. Their menu ranges from classic appetizers to fresh pasta, fish, and meat entrees. The wine list and cocktail menu are also impressive. The staff is very attentive to all your needs. Quite a dining experience!
Aria Patisserie
The Aria Patisserie is a must during your visit to this hotel. Open 24 hours 7 days a week the Aria Patisserie always has fresh coffee, a juice bar, pastries, sandwiches, salads, delicious sweets, and gelato.
Best Las Vegas Bars and Lounges to Visit
Las Vegas has a vast array of bars for visitors to enjoy. Here are our favorites to experience during your 3 days in Las Vegas
Rhumbar - Mirage Hotel
Located at the south entrance of the Mirage, the Rhumbar is a terrific outdoor bar with great lounge seating offering views of the strip. Their drink menu offers a selection of rum-based mojitos as well as other tropical drinks and classic cocktails. This venue is a perfect spot for an early happy hour or nightcap. We always enjoy a beverage here when in Las Vegas.
Chandelier Bar - Cosmopolitan Hotel
Inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel shimmers the lavish Chandelier Bar, another one of our favorite places to sip a cocktail and watch the casino action. This multi-level lounge has seating underneath, inside, and above the chandelier so that every seat captures the ambiance and sparkle of the crystals.
Skybar - Waldorf Astoria Hotel
The Skybar is located on the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria hotel where you can enjoy a view of the strip from any seat inside. Plan to arrive just before sunset to watch the dazzling lights begin to sparkle over the evening sky. Make sure to have some of their signature cocktails…simply fantastic! Be advised that a reservation is required and you can do this online or ask your hotel’s front desk staff for assistance with the booking.
Skyfall Lounge - Delano Hotel
For another bird’s eye view of the strip visit The Skyfall Lounge located on the 64th floor of the Delano hotel. This venue offers a panoramic view of Las Vegas both inside and out with its glass-enclosed balcony section. Once again, a reservation is required for this venue.
3 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary
Day 1 - Check into Your Hotel & Explore the Strip!
We like to start our Vegas trip by flying in early and arriving before noon. Most hotels have early check-in options, or you can just leave your bags and head out to the hotel pool or explore the strip.
If you get a chance to freshen up in your room before heading out, plan on what you need to pick up at the local CVS pharmacy for supplies. We tend to make sure we have a lot of bottled water, snacks, and a selection of adult beverages!
Don’t forget sunscreen/block lotion which is a critical component for 3 days in Las Vegas!
Explore your own resort, find out where the pool is and where the restaurants are. The casino will not be hard to find!
On the first day, you should try and see as many hotels as you can along the strip.
We will base this sightseeing trip as if you’re staying at the Mirage and we would recommend the following:
Start by heading out to Las Vegas Blvd. and Visit the Venetian across the street for some lunch at some of their fabulous restaurants mentioned above.
Check out Caesars palace next to the Mirage, you can enter through the Forum shops.
Across the street, you will find the Linq. Skip the hotel and head straight to the promenade.
Linq Promenade
Located in the center of the strip the LINQ Promenade is a pedestrian zone filled with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Here the most eye-catching attractions are The High Roller, the World’s Tallest Observation wheel, and Fly LINQ Zipline, the strip’s only zipline.
Despite being afraid of heights I braved a ride on the High Roller during our last visit to Las Vegas and I can say that it was a fun experience. We went in the late morning and it was not busy, so we were in a cabin with just a few other people.
The High Roller wheel moves quite slowly so you don’t feel any motion. The views of the strip and desert mountain range in the foreground are astounding. Be sure to take lots of photos.
Check out the Flamingo Hotel next door for the wildlife habitat to see real pink flamingos and other animals.
Most likely by now, your feet will be ready for some rest!
Head back to your hotel and enjoy the pool and some refreshments. Figure out your dinner plans while you take a break before heading out and enjoying some nightlife in Las Vegas.
Some recommended Vegas first-timer night attractions along the strip are the fountains of the Bellagio and the Volcano at the Mirage Hotel. But really these attractions always amaze us and we will continue to experience them whenever we can.
Day 2 - Shop and See Some Attractions
Start your day off by venturing off the strip for some shopping or spend some time relaxing by the pool and continue visiting the hotels on the strip.
After enjoying a wonderful breakfast at one of the many restaurants of course! Give the Bouchon at the Venetian a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Check out the Las Vegas North Premium Outlet Mall
This outlet mall is an easy taxi drive away from the strip and offers ample shopping from designer apparel, shoes, jewelry to electronics. As this is an outdoor mall with free-standing stores spread across 40 acres so be prepared for lots of walking. Our preference is to go here first thing in the morning when the stores are just opening to avoid crowds and take our time browsing for deals.
Once you drop off your shopping back at your hotel, we would recommend continuing exploring the strip. Take a taxi or Uber, Lyft, or your feet and visit the Paris Hotel for a brief stop. You can head up their Eiffel tower for a view of the strip. Next door you will find Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. While not much to see, we would recommend stopping at Gordon Ramsey’s Burger for Lunch. Then take a look at the Miracle Mile Shops.
If you didn’t get a chance to see the Bellagio, now is the perfect time as it’s across the street.
Next door to the Bellagio is yet another shopping complex the Shops at Crystals. Take a quick peek at the extravagant shops here.
From here you could check out the Aria Hotel complex next door and then start heading to the south end of the strip to see the New York hotel for a visit and from there you can easily take the walking bridge to the MGM hotel.
If you want to visit the Luxor or any hotels south of here, we would recommend taking the free monorail and save your feet for the night!
Plan to visit these next sights over the late afternoon and into the evening in Old Vegas or Downtown Las Vegas which is North of the Strip.
Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is housed within the 1930s restored courthouse and post office building. Inside you will explore various artifacts and interactive exhibits detailing the history of the contentious relationship between organized crime and law enforcement. Be sure to have your camera ready for lots of photos including a seat in their decommissioned electric chair.
Neon Museum
As dusk approaches, make your way over to the outdoor Neon Museum. Here, you can enjoy a guided tour of their ‘Neon Boneyard’ where you can walk amongst the vintage neon signs and learn more about Las Vegas history. Some of the old signage on display is lit up so an evening visit adds to the ambiance of this sight and the glory of the preserved neon designs.
Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street is a famous and historic street in downtown Las Vegas dating back to 1905. Before the construction of the mega-hotels along the strip, Fremont Street was the destination for gambling, shows, and revelry. Fremont Street has a different vibe from the touristy feel of the strip, and this is where the locals come out to play.
This pedestrian zone spans 1.3 km and is bustling with action amidst the classic casinos, live music, street performers, and zip liners braving the Slotzilla overhead. The retro dazzling lights of the Binion, Golden Nugget, and the Four Queens hotels beckon visitors to come inside and try their luck. A visit to Las Vegas would not be complete without taking a stroll down Fremont Street.
Day 3 - Do a Day Tour and See A Show
Start your day off with a Tour of Hoover dam in the morning.
Hoover Dam - AM Tour
The Hoover Dam is another recommended sight while spending 3 days in Las Vegas. There are half-day tours that travel the 53 km from the strip to Boulder City where the dam is located. The tour company will pick you up from certain hotels along the strip and return you there afterward.
The tours offered at the Hoover Dam are either 1 hour (visitor center and dam lookout) or 90 minutes which also includes a 30-minute tour of the power plant. Admission is free for children. Both seniors and military personnel are offered discounted rates.
You will also get a chance to stop at the Famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign for a photo opportunity!
After your morning tour of Hoover Dam, return to the strip for lunch and some final sightseeing or just relax at your hotel.
If you can during your last evening in Las Vegas, take in one of the many shows on offer and visit some of the specular bars mentioned above.
Cirque du Soleil
The Cirque du Soleil shows are each unique with their own choreography, music, and special effects. The hotels which host these shows have theater venues specifically designed for them ensuring that every seat in the house has a terrific view of the stage. We have seen the following Cirque du Soleil shows: Beatles Love, ‘O’, Michael Jackson’s One, and Ka. Each show has been outstanding in its’ own right so we cannot recommend one over another. I would say if you are more of a music fan then either the Beatles or Michael Jackson is the choice for you. The O and Ka productions showcase the incredible acrobatics of the aerial performers set against the backdrop of a dramatic story.
Magic Shows
There are always magic shows playing in Las Vegas. David Copperfield is the resident magician at the MGM hotel. You can see Cris Angel’s production at the Luxor hotel. Penn & Teller perform their hybrid comedy and magic show at the Riu hotel just off the strip. We have seen both Cris Angel and Penn & Teller’s shows
Blue Man Group
Last but not least we have to mention the Blue Man Group. It is difficult to describe exactly what the Blue Man Group does onstage, but you will never forget seeing one of their shows. This trio performs a combination of skits using dance, humor, illusion, music, and audience participation which all culminate into a very funny and unique experience. Personally, we have found their show very fun and would recommend this.
Even though we have been to Las Vegas several times we always feel that each visit is a different experience with the influx of international visitors and what is happening around the city. Spending 3 days in Las Vegas can be just the introduction to a number of future trips.
We hope you enjoyed this extensive guide and itinerary to spending 3 days in Las Vegas for first timers. Please leave any comments you have below.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you make a booking or purchase.
LV is my favorite city