One Day in Las Vegas: Detailed Itinerary with Top Sights (+Map & Tips)

Visiting Las Vegas for a day and wondering what to see, what’s worth it the most, and how to plan your time? In this guide, we share a recommended 1-day Las Vegas itinerary that covers the must-sees and gives you a good introduction to the city. Find out!

World-known for its casinos and a huge array of entertainment options, the City of Sin has so much to offer that attempting to see the best of Las Vegas in one day might look like a daunting task…

There is so much to see and do in Las Vegas that you could spend weeks here and still not experience it all. However, if this is your first time in Vegas and you want to get a taste of what the city is like, you’ll be glad to know that it’s quite possible to see some of the most iconic places in Las Vegas in a day.

In this article, we share a recommended itinerary for one day in Las Vegas, coupled with practical tips based on our personal experience on a recent visit. We also created a map indicating all the places mentioned in this article.

Good to know: As you can imagine, Las Vegas is a city that comes to life at night. This means that many places are closed in the morning (especially on weekdays). This 1-day Las Vegas itinerary takes into account the actual opening hours and locations. It is structured in such a way that you can actually visit all the places in the order in which we recommend them.

TIP: Looking for a truly memorable stay in Vegas? We recommend staying at The Venetian. It’s one of the nicest and best-rated hotels, plus, it’s located in the most central part of the Strip.

Traveling on a lower budget and don’t mind a 15-minute walk from the main area? Check out Tuscany Suites – it offers great value and is still quite central.

Las Vegas 1-day Itinerary Overview & Map

With just a day in Las Vegas, we recommend that you focus on the most famous places that you really have to see when visiting the city for the first time. In addition to ‘the musts’, this itinerary also includes some unique experiences which will make your day in Las Vegas even more memorable.

Here is an overview of the suggested itinerary. Further below, you can find our complete guide with all the details about each of these places.

Here’s what your 1-day Las Vegas itinerary could look like:

• 8 am: Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign + drive through the Strip.
• Morning: Caesars Palace, Bellagio, lunch.
• Early afternoon: The Sphere Experience (close to the main Strip area), OR Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart (between the Strip and the old town), OR Mob Museum, OR The Neon Museum (these two are downtown, not too far from Fremont Street).
• 3-4 pm: Fremont Street Experience & Las Vegas downtown.
• 4.30-7 pm: The Venetian, LINQ Promenade, Bellagio fountains, early dinner. Optional LINQ High Roller or FlyLINQ Zipline.
• Evening: Shows and/or helicopter flight. Reserve in advance!

Please note that the hours are only indicated for your reference. A lot depends on the choices you make and how long you stay everywhere. Plus, some places/shows have varying opening/starting times depending on the day/season, so you may have to make some adjustments to this itinerary.

PRO TIP: Be sure to book experiences/shows in advance (click on the links above to check availability). That way, you can immediately see what’s available for your travel dates (and at what time!). This will make your travel planning simpler and your Las Vegas day trip much more relaxing.

To give you a better idea of where everything is located, we created a map indicating all the places mentioned in this Las Vegas itinerary for one day – see below.

Here’s what you could see and do in Las Vegas in one day:

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Start your day at the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign. It’s located on Las Vegas Boulevard to the south of the Strip, close to the airport.

There are several reasons to come here first thing in the morning. First, there are no opening times here, so it’s one of the places that you can actually visit at any time of the day.

Second, taking a picture with this iconic sign is one of the most popular things to do in Vegas. So if you come here later in the day, the chances are high that you will have difficulty finding parking and will have to stand in a very long queue for a picture…

Good to know: You will need a car in order to get here. With just a day in Las Vegas, I assume that you are in the area as part of a road trip, so likely, you will have a car. But if you are not renting a car, you can just take a taxi or an Uber, and – if it’s not busy – ask the driver to wait while you take a few pictures.

The Strip

You really cannot miss the famous Las Vegas Boulevard, aka The Strip. However, this street stretches over 4 miles (almost 7 km), and some parts are a lot more impressive than others.

The absolute ‘must-see’ is the Strip between Mandalay Bay (just north of the ‘Welcome to the Fabulous Las Vegas’ Sign) and The Venetian.

This stretch of the Strip is about 2.5 miles long and is home to the most famous casinos. With just a day in Las Vegas, you should probably just drive through here. You’ll pass the pyramid at Luxor, the Statue of Liberty at New York-New York, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, the famous Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Mirage, and many others.

Early in the morning, the Strip is usually very quiet, so you can slowly drive past all the famous casinos and get a good idea of the layout of the city.

Next, we recommend visiting one or two of the most famous casinos. Even if you plan to return to the Strip later in the evening, this is a great way to fill your morning (the casinos are open 24/7, while many other attractions in Vegas don’t open until later in the day). Yes, it might mean a bit of backtracking later on, but if you’re starting early, this is one of the best ways to make the most out of your day in Las Vegas.

Good to know: If you are driving by car, you could park at Caesars Self-Parking (indicated on our map).

Caesars Palace

There are so many famous casinos to choose from, so you can pick the ones that interest you the most. But if this is your first time in Vegas and you are not sure where to go, we recommend visiting Caesars Palace and Bellagio.

These are among the most impressive hotels/casinos in Las Vegas and each of them has plenty to offer. Plus, they are located just across the street from each other, so you can easily see both in one go. In addition – based on your interests and the time that you want to spend here – you can also pay a visit to a few other casinos in this same area.

Just to be clear – we don’t talk about gambling. There’s so much to see and do at the most iconic casinos in Las Vegas that they are always worth a visit (and you can go with the whole family).

Caesars Palace is huge, so you could spend hours here. But for a quick first introduction, just walk the entire length of the complex starting at either side.

On the outside, you can see Roman sculptures and fountains including the famous Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, just like the real ones in Rome, Italy.

On the inside, you’ll find several shopping ‘streets’ complete with the most famous fashion boutiques, Italian restaurants, lanterns, benches, and even a beautiful ‘sky’ that makes you forget what time of day or night it is.

Bellagio

Bellagio is another iconic hotel and casino in Vegas. Also here, there’s a lot to see! On the outside, you have a big pond that reminds you of Lake Como in Italy (where the real Bellagio town is located). Later in the day, there are musical fountain shows here (you may catch a show when you return to the Strip later).

Anyway, there are a few things to check out inside too. Don’t miss the “Fiori di Como” glass ceiling in the main lobby and Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens which has different displays for every season.

If you start your day at around 8-9 am and depending on how much time you decide to spend at these casinos, it will likely be at least 11-11.30 am by this time. If you feel hungry, you could have a quick lunch on the Strip or along the way to your next destination.

Fun Attractions and/or Museums

Below, we have listed 4 of the most interesting museums/attractions that you could fit into your 1-day Las Vegas itinerary: The Sphere Experience, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, the Neon Museum, and the Mob Museum.

Good to know: Depending on the opening times and what you decide to do in the evening (more info further below), it will be difficult to see all of these, so pick just one or two. If your evening is rather free, you could visit at least three or even all four.

Planning tip: We recommend The Sphere Experience and Neon Museum the most. If you have more time, consider either Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart (this one is great with kids!) or the Mob Museum (this is best for adults).

On the other hand, in some seasons, the Neon Museum sometimes only opens late in the afternoon. In that case, you may want to skip it altogether. The Mob Museum is the easiest to visit since it has the most flexible opening hours. The Sphere has just a few shows per day, but it’s centrally located so it should be easy to fit it into any itinerary.

Below, you can find more info about each of these places.

The Sphere Experience

Next on this itinerary is one of the newest and most unique experiences in Vegas – The Sphere Experience. The headline show at the moment is Postcard From Earth. It’s not just a movie, rather a full sensory experience of visiting all seven continents across the world. With 4D effects, you’ll literally feel the wind, the scents, the vibrations.

Good to know: The film takes 50 minutes, but you need to arrive at least 45 minutes early to explore the pre-show area and get the full experience. Kids under 6 aren’t allowed due to the intense sensory effects.

TIP: Check the show times for your travel dates in advance – on some days, they have shows at 11.30 am or 2 pm, for example, while on other days only in the evenings (in that case, you may have to adjust this itinerary a bit, to make it work). For the best views, opt for Zone P2: Terrace Level Seating. Check the availability and reserve in advance!

Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart

The next attraction is located in the AREA15 entertainment complex, a bit out of the way from all the other attractions in this itinerary. This place is not an absolute must, but it’s so unique and so ‘Vegas’ that we recommend checking it out. On the other hand, the tickets aren’t cheap, so decide based on your interests, time, and budget.

AREA15 features a variety of quirky and very unique experiences and what they call ‘experiential entertainment’. You’ll find a few eateries here too.

There is so much to experience that you could easily spend a big part of the day… But with only one day in Las Vegas, we recommend just visiting Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. It’s a very unique grocery store with immersive art installations and secret passages that lead to unexpected discoveries and fun adventures.

It’s really difficult to put into words what Omega Mart is like. It’s colorful, extraordinary, bizarre, entertaining, it’s… Vegas. And it’s fun for the whole family. We visited with teens, and they had a great time. Younger kids will enjoy it as well.

Good to know: AREA15 is just 2 miles, 10 minutes drive from Caesars Palace. You’ll need a car or a taxi to get here. Free parking is available.

TIP: Omega Mart operates on a timed-entry system and the tickets often sell out. So if you want to be sure to visit here without wasting your precious time, be sure to book your tickets in advance! Depending on the day, they are open from either 10 am or noon. If they are open at 10 (usually on weekends and busy seasons), you could adjust this itinerary by coming here earlier and visiting the casinos in the evening.

The Neon Museum

Next, head to Las Vegas downtown where you can visit one or two of the most interesting museums in the city. And don’t worry – these are not ‘boring’ traditional museums, but something a bit more entertaining (it’s Las Vegas after all).

The Neon Museum is another one of those unique places that you can only find in Las Vegas. It’s an outdoor museum where you can see some ‘retired’ neon signs coming from all kinds of iconic venues in Las Vegas.

The museum is rather small so you can see everything in less than half an hour. Plus, it’s located close to some of the must-sees in the old downtown area, so it’s really easy to fit it into your itinerary, even if you only have a day in Vegas.

Good to know: Depending on the season, The Neon Museum is open daily from 2, 3, or 4 pm. If you want to be sure to visit, you have to reserve in advance. There is a small car park here which is free for visitors.

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum is dedicated to the history of organized crime and law enforcement. Housed in the former federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas, the museum offers a fun and interactive way to learn more about some of the most famous mobs in U.S. history (Al Capone, Moe Dalitz, Frank Costello, Tony Spilotro, etc.).

The Mob Museum also has a speakeasy-style bar, which serves cocktails inspired by the Prohibition era. The Underground bar is located in the basement and can be reached through a secret door. You may even need a ‘secret’ password in order to enter ;).

Good to know: The Mob Museum is typically open from 9 am until late in the evening; the bar is open from noon on. You can find more info and book your tickets here. Tickets are valid the whole day and are usually available for bookings about a month in advance. Count 1.5-2 hours for a visit. There are several large parkings downtown, but they are not free.

Fremont Street Experience

Next, head to the most famous tourist attraction in the old town – Fremont Street Experience. It’s a sort of a covered pedestrian mall, best known for the dazzling light shows on the Viva Vision canopy made up of 12.5 million LED lights.

With its spectacular light displays, live entertainment, and vibrant atmosphere Fremont Street Experience is one of the must-see places in Las Vegas. You’ll also see street artists and all kinds of dressed-up characters in the strangest costumes charging you a fortune for a picture with them. The street is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and casinos, and there’s always a lot going on here.

Fremont Street Experience is open 24/7 and there are ever-changing light displays all the time. So it’s always worth a visit. However, it’s a bit more impressive when it’s dark and the street really comes to life in the evening. They also have some special featured music and light shows on the hour every hour starting from 6 pm until 2 am.

That being said, we found that these ‘shows’ aren’t really worth waiting for. Also, depending on when you visit, it can get dark pretty early or only late in the evening. So if you only have one day in Las Vegas and your time is limited, simply go to Fremont Street when it fits your itinerary best.

Good to know: Fremont Street Experience and the Mob Museum are located very close to each other. The Neon Museum is just nearby too. So you can easily adjust in which order you visit these places. Also, you will find plenty of eateries in this neighborhood if you get hungry.

TIP: In the old town, you can also find the iconic Golden Nugget Casino. Opened in 1946, it is one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas. If you have some time to spare, you may want to check it out. I indicated its location on our map further below.

The Venetian

In the evening, we recommend that you return to the main area of the Strip. It will be incomparably livelier than in the morning, and it’s the best place to experience what visiting Las Vegas is really about!

First, you may want to check out The Venetian. Built in the style of the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy, this is another truly impressive casino to visit in Las Vegas! Also here, you can just walk around, see the Venetian gondolas, and admire the architecture.

With more time and depending on your interests, you could also opt for a few experiences like a gondola ride and/or Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

LINQ Promenade

Next, head to LINQ Promenade, just a block or two from The Venetian (10 minutes walk). This pedestrian street is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions.

The main attraction here is the LINQ High Roller, a 550 ft observation wheel that offers panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline. The ride takes about 30 minutes and if you want to do it, it’s best to book your tickets in advance (they don’t even sell them on the spot and ask to buy tickets online).

Another popular attraction here is the Fly LINQ zipline, which allows visitors to zip line from one end of the promenade to the other. If interested in zip lining, you can get tickets here.

Bellagio Fountains

If you haven’t visited Caesars Palace and Bellagio in the morning, you can do it in the evening too. In addition, you could also see one of the famous Bellagio musical fountain shows.

Bellagio fountain shows are free and you can see them from the street. There are shows every day, in the afternoons every 30 minutes, and in the evenings after 7 pm, every 15 minutes. They usually only last 5 minutes, so it’s something that’s really easy to include into any Las Vegas itinerary.

Further, the Strip and its casinos feature a big variety of restaurants and bars, ranging from casual fast-food options to upscale dining experiences. So you’ll have no trouble finding a place for dinner.

Shows & Helicopter Flight over the Strip

End your day in Las Vegas with a bang! We recommend that you see one of the famous Las Vegas shows and/or take a nighttime helicopter flight over the Las Vegas Strip.

Good to know: The shows typically last about 1.5 hours and a helicopter flight is just 10 minutes (+ the time to get there, etc., still, can be done in about 1 hour). If you research the best available options, find that there is availability for a late-evening helicopter flight, and book everything in advance, you could do both on the same evening. Alternatively, depending on your interests, budget, and the availability of helicopter flights, choose just one of the two.

There are too many shows and concerts in Las Vegas to even start listing them. Plus, they change with time. So check what’s available and see if something catches your eye. The easiest to fit into this itinerary would be the shows at the casinos in the area around Caesars Palace/Bellagio.

We chose one of the Cirque de Soleil shows and it was spectacular. At the moment of writing, for this itinerary, you could book tickets for the evening show “O” by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio. Alternatively, see which shows are available at Caesars Palace.

A nighttime helicopter flight above the illuminated city of Las Vegas is another amazing experience that is well worth your time and money.

After doing quite some research, we booked this highly-rated helicopter flight and it didn’t disappoint. Seeing the Strip and all the iconic Las Vegas casinos from above is a really unique experience. Just like everything in Las Vegas, it’s not cheap, but we all found that it was absolutely worth it. The kids loved it too!

It’s a perfect way to end your unforgettable day in Las Vegas!

Getting Around

As you can see in the description and also on the map further below, you will need some kind of transportation for sightseeing in Las Vegas. In addition, prepare to do quite some walking.

If you have a car, it’s quite easy to get around, but you have to take into account that finding parking will take some time. Plus, you will have to walk more because you can’t always park your car exactly where you need to be. In addition, parking is not cheap at most places in Las Vegas.

Taking all this into account, you could just consider using a taxi/Uber. This could save you lots of time. Traffic can be really busy at times, especially in the afternoon/evening. But that’s the same whether you use your own car or taxi.

TIP: With just a day in Las Vegas, you could also consider using hop-on-hop-off buses. The route covers all the main attractions including the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign, the Strip, and Downtown Las Vegas. You don’t have to worry about parking or how much a taxi would cost, plus, you can enjoy great views of the city and take some nice pictures from a double-decker bus.

Where to Stay

Even if you have just one day in Las Vegas, you should try to spend at least two nights in the city – that way, you have one full day for sightseeing.

With just a day, it doesn’t really matter that much where you stay, especially if you have a car. On the other hand, staying close to the main area of the Strip could make your day – and evening – a lot more relaxing. Plus, you could also see some of the top places on the evening/morning of your arrival or departure.

The nicest – and best-located – hotel-casinos on the Strip are Bellagio and The Venetian. Caesars Palace has the same great location, but it’s overwhelmingly huge. We once stayed here and lost way too much time just to check in and find the room.

If you are looking for a better price/quality ratio, consider hotels that are located just off the strip but very close to the most central area, close to Bellagio/Caesars Palace. The best options are: Horseshoe Las Vegas (a mid-range 3* hotel just across the street), The Westin (a very nice 4* hotel about 5-10 minutes walk from the main area), or a lower-budget Ellis Island Hotel with free parking (10-15 minutes walk).

READ ALSO: Las Vegas Travel Tips for First Visit

So this is our guide to the best of Las Vegas in a day.

I hope that this itinerary gives you a good idea of what you can see and do within +- 24 hours in Las Vegas and how you can plan your time in order to make the most out of your visit.

Have a great trip!

TIP: In addition to visiting the top places in Las Vegas, you should really consider some of the nicest places in the area. In the immediate surroundings, Hoover Dam is not to be missed, and also the Seven Magic Mountains are worth a quick photo stop. Not even to mention all the iconic nature destinations that are well worth visiting in this part of the country…

If you are looking for more inspiration and information, take a look at our guides for all the top destinations via the links below:

• Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
• Grand Canyon in 1 Day (South Rim)
• Grand Canyon – Antelope Canyon Itinerary (2-day itinerary starting/ending in Las Vegas)
• Best of Death Valley (top sights)
• Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• Zion – Bryce Canyon Itinerary (1-3 days)
• Gold Butte National Monument
• Best Places to Visit in Arizona
• Best Places to Visit in Utah
• Best of Sedona (top sights)
• Phoenix – Scottsdale Itinerary
• Monument Valley
• … for many more destinations, please see our USA travel guide.

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More itineraries for city trips in the USA:

• 1 Day in New York.
• 2 Days in New York.
• 1 Day in Philadelphia.
• 2 Days in Chicago.
• San Diego Itinerary.
• Los Angeles 3 Days Itinerary.
• Phoenix – Scottsdale Itinerary.