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So you’re heading to Las Vegas for just ONE day? We know how stressful it can be to have a short layover in such an epic city – how will you possibly see it all!?
To make the most of your limited time and truly “Viva Las Vegas” you’ll need to be strategic when planning your activities.
After spending time here for ourselves, we have put together this itinerary that hits the highlights, includes our top travel tips, and lets you tailor the experience to have an unforgettable 24 hours in Sin City. You truly can see it all if you follow this guideline!
- Getting Around Las Vegas
- 1 Day Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Las Vegas
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Getting Around Las Vegas
There are two things I knew about Vegas before I ever got here: there are a lot of people and it can be pretty expensive. This is especially true when you’re trying to figure out how to get around! Taxis and Ubers are often people’s first choice, but they can be costly and traffic is pretty terrible. Don’t worry though, we have some great alternatives that can make your 24-hour stint seamless.
Walking (on the strip only)
Walking is a great way to get your bearings and cover some ground on the strip. The first half of the day will be dedicated to walking, so be sure to choose some comfy yet cute shoes! It’s important to understand that even walking from one destination to another isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Vegas is set up to distract you, so you’ll be weaving through casinos, stopping to gawk at street performers, or simply getting turned around in the crowd.
Google Maps is a good tool, but don’t trust it entirely! I recommend asking the casino staff for directions. If you’re walking to an event or show, be sure to leave extra early and plan on it taking longer than you think. If you happen to arrive early, that’s just extra time to grab a drink and play a few slot machines!
We think that walking is the best way to experience the organized chaos that is Las Vegas!
Las Vegas Strip Bus
If walking isn’t your thing, the Las Vegas Strip Bus is another great option. It’s super flexible with options to purchase a single ride, a 2-hour pass, or a 24-hour pass and the buses arrive every 15 minutes, all throughout the day (and night!).
There are dozens of stops stretching from Fremont Street, all the way to the airport, running north and south down the strip. Check the exact stops here to see how easy of an option this bus is!
It’s really easy to buy and use your bus ticket when you download the rideRTC app. Simply scan your mobile ticket when you get on the bus, and you’re on the way! It’s only $8 USD for a 24-hour ticket, which is perfect for your one day in Las Vegas.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus
For a convenient, informative, and unique way to get around Vegas, take this hop-on hop-off bus! This is ideal if you’re hoping to avoid a long walk in the heat or paying for costly rides.
The hop-on hop-off bus stops at 9 locations around the strip and downtown Las Vegas. You can hop off wherever you’d like, and another bus will be back one hour later. While on the bus, you can learn all about the fabulous Las Vegas from onboard narration and cool down with the air conditioning. This is a great option to see some big-ticket sights, without having to do much planning yourself.
Buses run from 10 am to 4 pm, so you can use this pass for your morning sightseeing easily. Tickets start at $55 USD, which is about the equivalent of 2 Uber rides in this city – not a bad price if you ask me!
Reserve this hop-on hop-off bus here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
1 Day Itinerary
Breakfast – Brunch at Alexxa’s
Fuel up for your day of exploring with brunch and bottomless mimosas at Alexxa’s! Okay – maybe go easy on the bottomless mimosas, you have the whole day ahead of you! But, the brunch options are amazing and it’s conveniently located across the street from the Bellagio. We love the views of the Bellagio Fountains and the Vegas Strip from the patio.
As far as food goes, it all looked amazing! We had the classic eggs benedict (my go-to) and the brioche French toast. And yeah, we went for the bottomless mimosas – you have to live it up with one day in Vegas! Alexxa’s is open daily for brunch from 7 am to 2:45 pm, but they also stay open later for dinner and the cocktail lounge.
Morning – Walk the strip!
We are going to maximize your time in the city, so get ready to get your steps in! The best way to immerse yourself in this madness is by wandering around and taking in all the sights. This morning, we’ll have you walk from Caesars Palace to New York New York, and make stops at some of the most iconic locations on the strip.
However, I encourage you to follow whatever catches your eye and allow yourself to get lost in this amazing city. Stop and gamble, do some shopping, and do a lot of people-watching! You might just find some of the secret hidden gems all over Vegas.
Tip: You might be tempted to wear your cutest outfit, but I recommend going comfy this morning! You’ll be walking A LOT and nothing ruins your day more than blisters in the first hour.
Caesars Palace
Step back in time and head to Caesars Palace! This is one of the most famous hotels and casinos on the Strip, modeled after the Roman Empire. It has massive columns and domed ceilings, fountains with statues, and ornate paintings. We learned that the architect’s goal was to make every guest feel like royalty – and it shows!
You don’t have to be a guest to visit or feel how fancy it is, it’s actually one of the best places to walk around while you’re exploring. At least walk through and check out the design! You might recognize it from the movie The Hangover, too. You can grab a drink at one of the many bars or have your first go at gambling – I had my first decent win here!
See a free water show at Bellagio Fountain
Next door to Caesars Palace is one of the best free shows you’ll ever see in Las Vegas – the Bellagio Fountains! This massive fountain sits in front of the gorgeous hotel, and every 15-30 minutes a water show begins. There are actually 32 different water shows, complete with sprays over 1,000 feet (305 meters), lights, and music – it’s pretty impressive!
The fountain show takes place every 30 minutes Monday through Friday from 3-7:30 pm, and every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight. It follows the same times during the weekends, however, it starts at 12 pm instead of 3 pm. It’s worth hanging around for a few minutes to see while you’re exploring!
Walk through the Bellagio Garden
Next up, head inside the Bellagio hotel for even more awe-inspiring views. The hotel itself is exquisite, but once you enter the main doors and go through the lobby, you’ll see the Bellagio Garden – one of the most beautiful displays in the city.
The Bellagio Garden is a massive indoor green space, but it’s much more than that. The display changes each season and has a new theme – it uses props, sounds, lights, and tons of flowers to create an elaborate display. The engineering of this design blows me away, and every time I’ve visited Las Vegas I make sure to stop here, just to see what they’ve come up with!
You’ll need about 20 minutes here to explore, but go slow and pay attention to the details – that’s where the craftsmanship comes in! Spend some time wandering through the Bellagio while you’re here too, it is one of the prettiest hotels in Vegas.
See the strip from the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck
If you think Vegas is impressive from eye level, wait until you see it from above! Head up to the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck to see just how sprawling the Vegas Strip is. And no – you’re not traveling to Paris for this experience, they have a replica of the Eiffel Tower right on the strip. It’s half the size but twice the fun.
This viewing deck is a popular attraction at night when the whole city is lit up, but we recommend going during the day! There are far fewer people and you don’t have to fight for the best viewpoints. We watched the planes fly in, heard all the sounds, and enjoyed the views! We spent about 30-45 minutes up here and thought it was a good use of $29 USD.
It’s best to purchase your tickets ahead of time, that way you can avoid the crowds and lines, and get straight to the views.
Check availability and book your admission tickets in advance here!
Museum of Illusions – Las Vegas
Only Las Vegas would have an entire museum dedicated to illusions, and after going for ourselves I can tell you that it’s as impressive as it sounds!
The Museum of Illusions is full of interactive displays, and they aren’t your typical art installations but instead are quirky, offbeat, mind-bending exhibits. You can get some hilarious photos here, and if you’ve had a few drinks this will really get you laughing!
But this place isn’t about booze (like so much of Vegas is) – it’s a great family-friendly activity or fun if you’re traveling with a group. It’s best to buy your tickets in advance here to save $5 USD, otherwise, you can buy them at the door for $45 USD.
New York New York Hotel and Casino
Before you know it, you’ll be strolling into New York New York! It’s pretty easy to spot this hotel with the replica of the New York Skyline out front – just look for the mini-Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty!
Once you’re inside, it looks exactly like the Big Apple. Okay not exactly, but pretty dang close. True New Yorkers are probably rolling their eyes at this, but I can’t help to be impressed, especially after spending so much time in NYC ourselves.
Spend some time wandering through the hotel and casino, which looks like it’s a neighborhood in Brooklyn or Queens. All the shops and restaurants have facades that match the design, but there are heaps to explore here.
Lunch – Have a meal at New York New York or Eataly
After all that walking, you’re probably ready for some lunch. Well, you’re in the perfect spot, as New York New York is full of yummy restaurants. Play off the theme and grab a slice of the famous New York-style pizza or a classic hotdog.
For something a bit classier, sit down at Gallagher’s Steakhouse! I heard through the grapevine that you can often spot Las Vegas’s top athletes here since it’s next door to the T-Mobile Arena. You can also grab some amazing Italian food at Eataly – there are too many options to choose from here!
Afternoon – Enjoy a fun activity
So far I’ve been giving you a step-by-step itinerary, but now I’ll give you a couple of ideas about how to spend the rest of the afternoon before the evening. The ones below are some classic Las Vegas activities and all worthy of your time depending on what you’re into. Of course, there are way, way more than these, but I can personally vouch for the ones we list here as 5-star Vegas experiences.
Top Golf
If you’re competitive and like drinking while swinging a club, you’ll likely have fun at Top Golf Las Vegas. You don’t have to be a great golfer or even enjoy the sport to have a good time here – the whole atmosphere makes this place a good time. It’s also more than golf, so it appeals to any sort of person!
We came here as a group and had a blast at the driving range. This isn’t your typical driving range though. It’s more competitive and set up like bowling – you rent a bay, have a set amount of time to play, and have a nice big couch to hang out on, order drinks and food, and talk a lot of smack to your fellow golfers! There are games you can play, targets to hit, and you can be surprisingly good at driving, even if you’ve never done it before.
Once you’re done golfing, cool off in the pool (don’t forget your swimsuit!), grab a meal in the restaurant, or relax at the bar. While you’re at the driving range, you don’t have to worry about sweating the entire time, it is climate-controlled!
I recommend booking your bay in advance – 2-hour slots range from $89 USD to $163 USD depending on the time and day. If you don’t book in advance, you might be waiting hours to get in. Each bay comes with golf balls and clubs.
Drive an Exotic Car
Vegas may be known for its fast times, but what about going fast… literally? You can do that when you rent an exotic car at the SpeedVegas Motorsports Park! Fulfill your dreams of owning a Lamborghini Huracan or a Ferrari 488 GTB and spend 2 hours zooming around the track. If you’re a car person, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!
One of the things I love most about this experience is that you’ll be paired with an instructor while you drive. Not only do they help keep you safe, but they also teach you how to handle the car and drive faster – I think they are the biggest speed junkies! You can hit over 100 mph (161 km/hr) which is definitely a bit scary, but the coach has your back.
There are multiple packages to choose from, but the best deal is the silver package for $399 USD. This lets you choose between the Ferrari 488 GTB or the Lamborghini Huracan and go for 5 laps (higher packages have 10 laps available). The speedway is about 20 minutes from the Vegas Strip, so plan accordingly when you’re heading there.
Book this experience with over 2,000 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Gamble
With one day in Vegas, you gotta play big to win big! Just kidding, gamble responsibly – but have some fun with it. You won’t have any trouble finding a place to gamble, as there’s a casino around every corner. Slot machines are a fun intro if you’ve never done it before, but if you’re looking for a big payout head to the high-stakes room.
You can start in New York New York, since you’ll be there anyways, but the MGM Grand and ARIA aren’t very far. We also spent some time gambling at the Bellagio, the classy feel was so fun, and you have to make a stop at The Cosmopolitan at least once during your stay. You can grab a drink at The Chandelier Lounge, it’s literally a bar in a giant Chandelier!
Indoor Skydiving
While you don’t have time to go skydiving this afternoon, you can do the next best thing – indoor skydiving! This experience is still thrilling and has different perks than your typical outdoor skydiving. First of all, if you’re scared of heights, you don’t have to worry about it here. You can also learn tons of tricks and go by yourself, rather than having an instructor on your back – it’s still so much fun!
Indoor Skydiving Las Vegas is a top-rated experience. When you show up, you’ll get a safety briefing and suit up in your flying suit, goggles, and helmet. Then get in the large tube and get ready to fly – it’s that easy! Getting shot by the giant fans that send you into the air is thrilling, and the instructor is nearby to show you how to do tricks for even more fun.
This experience is easy to fit into your schedule, as it only takes 45 minutes. It’s also much cheaper than regular skydiving at $149 USD. It’s a great way to spend your day in Vegas!
Book this thrilling experience here and get FREE cancellation before you take off!
Pool Party
If hitting the pool is at the top of your Vegas bucket list, kick it up a notch and go to a Las Vegas Pool Party. Swanky pools, live DJs, overflowing booze, and people looking for a good time – they are as legendary as they sound!
Although, this kind of party comes at a cost and most charge a cover of $20-$100 USD – ouch! This doesn’t include drinks, so budget for that! We booked general admission tickets, which was perfect for us, but they also offer private cabanas with bottle service and a personal server.
These parties occur all over Las Vegas, but the best of the best are at the luxurious hotels, like the Cosmopolitan, MGM Grand, and Venetian. This is also a great way to get access to these nice pools because they are typically guest-only.
After going to a few pool parties my top tips are to bring your own sunscreen (it’s really expensive to buy there), be ready to wait in line for entry, and have a few drinks before you go to help save some money.
Dinner – Go for a romantic dinner in the desert by firelight
After a full morning and afternoon of exploring the city, we are going to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of Vegas for dinner. This romantic picnic in the desert takes you out of the chaos and up into the mountains that overlook the city lights. Sip on champagne and enjoy a charcuterie with your partner for a truly memorable night!
You might be wondering how this will fit into an already very busy schedule. Don’t worry – it’s only 1.5 hours and the host takes care of ALL the details for you. They will drive from the meeting point to the mountains, light a fire, pop the champagne, and prepare the charcuterie board. I love that you’ll have plenty of alone time with your partner, and the host does a fantastic job of setting the mood for this evening!
This is a steal at $150 USD per person, and certainly a relaxed change of pace. You can choose a start time of 5 pm, 6 pm, or 8 pm, and be back in town for the last few activities. If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question, they also offer a proposal package! Just remember that the desert can get cold, so dress for the occasion.
Book this special night in advance here, with reserve now pay later options!
Related Read: Looking for another epic evening activity? Check out the High Roller Las Vegas – we wrote our honest review on this experience here!
Night – See one of the best magic shows in the world
One of my favorite parts of Vegas is the shows! World-class performers dream of taking the stage in the fabulous Las Vegas. We were so blown away by the magic show we went to that we had to throw in a few options. It will definitely be one of the best parts of your trip.
The Magicians Study
We really loved The Magician’s Study magic show, and not just for their impressive tricks (although, there’s a reason we are suggesting this one first!). This show was small and intimate, which made the entire experience feel up close and personal. However, I couldn’t figure out the tricks, even being up close to the magic!
They don’t let just anyone into the show, you have to answer a riddle to enter! Okay, I’m sure they will let any paying customer into the show, but we thought the riddle was pretty cheeky. What else would you expect from a magician wearing a giant rabbit head?
We were lucky enough to book our tickets in advance and snag VIP tickets, which let us be right up front for the show. I highly recommend doing the same, but be sure to buy tickets as far in advance as possible, as this is definitely a popular show!
Book your tickets to The Magicians Study here, before they sell out!
David Copperfield at the MGM
If we’re talking about Las Vegas and magicians, David Copperfield’s name is sure to come up. He’s one of the greatest illusionists of our lifetime! And after having a show in Las Vegas for the last 13 years, he’s a staple in the scene. Plus, he is a great performer with his charisma, energy, and the way he can wow a crowd!
Every show is a bit different, but you’re sure to see some of his legendary tricks and also some new ones he’s working on. Regardless of if you’re a long-time fan or unfamiliar with any of his work, you’re sure to enjoy his famous show.
Because Copperfield is such a big name in the industry, he holds shows in the MGM Grand, which is a massive arena. Shows happen daily at 7:30 pm and 9 pm, so you can easily get tickets on the day of the event. This is a great option if you are traveling with a big group! Tickets range from $100 to $168 USD depending on which seats you choose.
Grab your tickets to David Copperfield’s show here with flexible cancellation and payment options.
Mat Franco at the LINQ
Newer to the magic scene, but impressive nonetheless, Mat Franco puts on a fantastic show in Las Vegas! He first hit it big by winning America’s Got Talent in 2014, and now has a residency at the LINQ here in Vegas. I love that his shows revolve around audience participation, so no one in the crowd is safe from being part of the show!
While many magicians focus on the drama and seriousness of their performance, Mat Franco has a more laid-back and comedic style. I think this makes it even more fun to watch and it also makes his illusions even more surprising. The LINQ is a pretty big venue, so this is also great for groups or last-minute tickets. He performs almost every day at 7 pm and tickets start at just $55 USD per person.
Check availability and snag tickets to this budget-friendly show here!
Late night – Fremont Street
It’s already been one jam-packed day in Las Vegas, but since it’s just ONE day, we are going to squeeze in another can’t-miss sight! Fremont Street is the original heart and soul of Las Vegas and is still a great spot to party. It has a completely different vibe than the massive hotels and casinos that dot the strip, it’s more charming, historic, and authentic.
Fremont Street was first built in 1905 and was the city center of Las Vegas. It became the party hub during prohibition (1920 to 1933) as speakeasies and underground gambling rose in popularity. Everyone in the state knew that you could find moonshine and cards on Fremont Street!
After prohibition, the theme of drinking and gambling stuck, so the first casinos and liquor stars were born! You can still visit the original liquor store/bar, Atomic Liquors, and see the very first liquor license in Vegas – #00001. I love checking out these old-school casinos, such as the Golden Gate and its retro charm. Just think how many people have won big (and lost big) here!
Fremont Street isn’t solely about history though, it still has that same Vegas spirit that makes this city so fun. You’ll see street performers of all kinds trying to make it big here, plenty of bars, clubs, and wedding chapels too! Vegas is the wedding capital of the world you know. Plus, drinks are considerably cheaper on Fremont Street!
There’s even a zipline that stretches across the street, live music, and tons of trouble to get into. If you had more time here, I’d definitely recommend spending more time on Fremont Street (like in our 3-day Vegas itinerary!). Don’t miss out on this historic and awesome slice of Las Vegas!
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Even if you’re only staying one night – you’ll need somewhere great to crash! There are about a million options on where to stay in Las Vegas, so it really comes down to your budget, location preference, and what you want to do! Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate by season or if there is a big event going on! But to help narrow down your options, here are our top three picks on the Vegas Strip.
Bellagio – $$$
There’s no doubt that the Bellagio is the premier hotel and casino on the Vegas Strip. So if your travel budget allows, I can’t think of a better place to stay for a lavish experience! Centrally located in the heart of the Strip, you’ll find multiple restaurants and bars, 5 pools, a spa, a huge casino, and amenities to make you feel like royalty.
Rooms are available varying from an average hotel room up to multi-bedroom strip-view suites, but even the “average” room is fitted with marble features. Regardless of what you choose, it will be luxurious and the service is top notch.
Prices range from $240 USD to $1,600+ USD, depending on the time of year and which room you select. Book your stay at the Bellagio on Booking.com
The LINQ – $$ (where we stayed!)
We stayed at The LINQ Hotel last time we were in Vegas and loved it! It’s centrally located on the Vegas Strip which means it’s super easy to visit the best casinos and restaurants. We also liked that it has direct access to the LINQ Promenade which is a huge open-air district with shopping, restaurants, and the huge High Roller Ferris Wheel which we hopped on one night!
The rooms are modern with artsy touches and if you can, try to get one that faces the strip or the High Roller Wheel for the best views! Prices can go as low as $50 USD, but average more around the $100 USD mark and can go higher depending on availability. Book The LINQ online here!
Excalibur – $
Just because you’re staying on the Strip doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget. The Excalibur is a great choice to stay within budget and still get that Vegas resort feel. Located on the south end of the Strip, it’s a short walk to the main attractions. You won’t be compromising quality with spacious, comfortable, and clean rooms, 4 onsite pools, 14 restaurants, and a large casino.
Best of all, rooms start at $21 USD! Check availability and book the Excalibur on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
You can still experience Las Vegas to the fullest in just one day – and I think this itinerary does a great job of hitting the highlights! You can either follow it exactly or pick and choose your favorite activities, regardless I know you’ll have a great time.
Thanks for reading our blog! If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other USA blogs. Don’t let Vegas be your only stop, there’s so much more to explore! Here are a few related reads to inspire your travels – cheers!
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