4-Day itinerary for a Las Vegas trip
2023, Nevada USA
After missing our Anniversary celebrations for four years due to covid and other stuff, the Las Vegas trip took the crown as the highlight of our Anniversary vacation. Vegas bestowed upon us the ultimate compensation for any missed anniversary celebrations with its opulent suites, extravagant casinos, breathtaking shows, and the vibrant energy of its bustling crowds.
We dare say, it was the most exhilarating part of our journey across the States.
You may have heard the famous saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." But when it comes to our travels to this vibrant city, we're breaking the rules and bringing you all the juicy tips and insider secrets. Las Vegas, known as the ultimate playground, is an undeniable hotspot that draws millions of thrill-seekers to its glittering strip each year.
We are thrilled to unveil our exclusive 4-day itinerary to the infamous "Sin City" allowing you to experience the best this dazzling destination has to offer.
Before we dive into the exciting details of our itinerary, let's address some burning questions you may have:
How to get there?
Getting to Las Vegas is a breeze. You can conveniently fly into the city as there are numerous flights to Las Vegas. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic road trip if you prefer the thrill of the open road. That is what we did.
What are the best places to stay?
Las Vegas offers a plethora of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Our recommendation is to stay right on the Las Vegas strip, preferably in one of the prime properties – Venetian/Palazzo, Caesers Palace, Wynn or Bellagio.
Pro Tip: For budget-constrained travellers, there are several Las Vegas hotels around the Las Vegas Strip that would not create a hole in your pocket. Also, remember most Vegas hotels charge a resort fee on top of the room price so do check it for your hotel.
What is the best time to visit?
Las Vegas is a year-round destination, so you can plan your visit based on your preferences. It enjoys a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. From, March to May and September to November, Las Vegas weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are enjoyable. If you plan to visit in peak summer, we recommend keeping it a short trip.
What should you wear?
Las Vegas is known for its vibrant and stylish atmosphere, so feel free to express yourself through your fashion choices. If you want to play it safe, wear Casual outfits during the day and trendy outfits at night.
How safe is it?
We felt extremely safe walking around the Las Vegas strip. However, as with any popular tourist destination, it's always advisable to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions.
What should be your daily budget?
Your daily budget in Las Vegas can vary depending on your preferences and activities. It's worth noting that expenses can add up quickly, especially if you plan to indulge in luxury accommodations, fine dining, shows, and gambling. Considering just the basic accommodation and food, it would be around 300-400 USD per day.
What are the food options?
Las Vegas is a culinary haven, offering an array of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. From celebrity chef restaurants (Gordan Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen Las Vegas) and gourmet buffets to casual eateries and international cuisine, you'll find a remarkable variety of food options to satisfy your cravings. There are several great options for vegetarians and vegans as well.
Pro Tip: As both of us are vegetarians, we always use Google Maps to find great places to eat. Just search for “vegetarian or vegan food near me” on maps.
Now that we've addressed these key questions, let's delve into the exciting details of our Las Vegas itinerary.
Allocating 3-5 days to fully indulge in Las Vegas’ extravagance is highly recommended. Our Las Vegas trip lasted for 4 days. For those with limited time, fear not, as we will also provide a condensed 3-day version to ensure you experience the essence of Las Vegas.
So, read on to find the most enjoyable path to explore the enchanting allure of this remarkable city.
Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas
Whether you're cruising down the highway or soaring through the sky, be sure to arrive in Las Vegas with ample time to check in, freshen up, and prepare for a night full of adventure. After our extensive two-day drive, we checked into The Palazzo Hotel around 4 pm and got some sleep.
The Palazzo is one of the most expensive and luxurious Las Vegas hotels.
Pro tip: Venetian is part of the IHG group so you can book it on their app or any online platform. For the best rates, book it in advance.
Check out our blog on LA to Canyon Road Trip
After indulging in some much-needed rest, we hopped into our convertible and embarked on the mission to capture the iconic 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign. With the car's top down, the gentle desert breeze enveloped us, creating a soothing and invigorating ride. In just 10 minutes, we arrived at our destination and parked at the convenient on-road parking adjacent to the sign.
After snapping some memorable pictures, we got back into our car and cruised along the Vegas Strip, fully immersing in its enchanting sights and sounds. We got back to our hotel, had a delightful dinner and called it a night.
Pro tip: The Las Vegas sign tends to draw crowds in the blink of an eye. Our experience taught us the importance of timing, as we went there after 8 pm and found it bustling with visitors. So, for a picture-perfect encounter with the Las Vegas sign, set your alarm clock for early in the morning and you will have the Sign to yourself.
Day 2: The Palazzo, The Venetian & the Las Vegas strip
After a blissful night's rest, we awakened in the comfort of our suite at The Palazzo. We got dressed and kickstarted our Vegas escapades. We started our day with coffee and croissants from Starbucks, which is conveniently available in The Palazzo lobby. Fuelled and ready, we ventured forth to immerse ourselves in the captivating world of The Palazzo and the Venetian Resort.
Note: The Palazzo and Venetian are two sister properties and are inter-connected.
Within these lavish properties, there is a whole world of indulgence. From high-class restaurants to branded shops like Louis Vuitton and Burberry, among others, the possibilities for entertainment and enjoyment are seemingly endless. You may need a whole day to explore these resorts.
We highly recommend spending your daytime hours exploring all popular resorts along the strip and reserving your evenings for the glamorous and dynamic nightlife.
Here are a few experiences at the Palazzo and Venetian, which we highly recommended.
Visit mesmerizing ‘Grand Canal Shoppes’ at the Venetian Resort, where the allure of Venice meets the excitement of Las Vegas.
Explore the charming canals, marvel at the stunning replicas of iconic landmarks, and indulge in some retail therapy at the upscale boutiques.
Enjoy an authentic gondola ride and check out the vintage Gondola on display at the Hotel (some interesting history there).
From Michael Kors to Coach and other luxury brands are waiting to satiate your high-end shopping needs with its exclusive collection.
Try lip-smacking food from one of the restaurants at its giant food court.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of pool parties where the true magic of fun, relaxation, and indulgence awaits.
Try your luck at the slot machines at the magnificent casinos. Trust us, it is undeniably one of the best things to do in Las Vegas.
As the sun began its descent, we ventured onto the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Stretching for approximately three miles, this vibrant thoroughfare will surely put your walking shoes to the test. To fully savour the strip's wonders, consider breaking it up into different sections to explore each evening, ensuring you don't miss a beat. We decided to split it over two evenings walking the full stretch and had a delightful time.
While strolling along this dazzling boulevard, there are a few things to do in Las Vegas.
Witness the enchanting Bellagio fountain dance that happens every 30 minutes.
Marvel at the Flamingo habitat at the Flamingo Hotel.
Take a moment to immerse yourself in the botanical garden at the Bellagio.
And as the clock strikes 7 pm and beyond, brace yourself for the fiery spectacle of The Mirage Volcano, erupting with captivating performances every hour.
Visit Luxor to get a taste of the ancient Egyptian era.
After exploring the highlights of the main resorts, we came back to The Palazzo for our dinner date. As vegetarians, we were delighted to discover a myriad of culinary options available at the Palazzo and Venetian.
We had an amazing dinner and went straight to the Casino to win some $$$$ :D.
We played on several slot machines and kicked off our adventurous gaming night. We wagered $100 and guess what, Amit sank the ship to $56. Fortunately, Aditi had her luck on her side that night and she won back $130. Her beginner's luck shone brightly. It was an amazing and thrilling experience for both of us. While Amit was tempted to continue playing, Aditi wisely chose to savour the winnings and preserve the joy of the moment. So, we decided to retire to our suite.
Day 3: Day trips from Las Vegas
Here, we present two enticing options to plan your third day in Las Vegas.
After immersing yourself in the splendour of the resorts and indulging in some gambling fun at the casinos, it’s time to venture beyond the city limits.
Option 1: Hoover Dam and Seven magic mountains
Within proximity to Las Vegas, there are two famous sightseeing locations. If you have a car, you can take on this journey on your own. However, if you don't have access to a vehicle, fret not, there are several tours available that will ferry you to these locations.
After indulging in a delicious breakfast at The Palazzo, we hopped into our car and set off to witness these captivating landmarks.
Seven Magic Mountains
Just 30 minutes away, the Seven Magic Mountains boasts an array of seven towering boulder totems, each adorned with vibrant and eye-catching colours, reaching heights of up to 35 feet. As we arrived, there were a few fellow explorers, enjoying the beauty of this installation. With no entry fee required, we captured memorable photographs and even created playful Instagram reels.
With our thirst for adventure still aflame, we continued our journey towards our next destination: the awe-inspiring Hoover Dam.
Hoover Dam
You can find a lot of hoover dam tours from Las Vegas. These tours span around 2-3 hours encompassing the round trip from Vegas to the Dam. If you have a car, you can travel at your own pace, enjoying a memorable trip to this monumental structure.
There’s no entry fee to see Hoover Dam. However, carrying firearms and drones is strictly prohibited within the premises (you are questioned at a security checkpoint as you drive in). The area surrounding the dam is heavily secured by police, ensuring the safety and integrity of this iconic landmark.
Here are some key highlights of hoover dam.
Hoover Dam visitor centre: Find restrooms, food shops, parking and information about the Dam. Gain deeper insights into the rich history and engineering marvel of Hoover Dam at the information centre.
Hoover Dam Bridge: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas as you stroll across the Hoover Dam.
Lake Mead: Enjoy scenic views of lead mead at hoover dam.
Helicopter tour: For an unparalleled experience and a mesmerizing 360-degree aerial view of Hoover Dam, consider booking a thrilling helicopter tour.
In the evening, you can indulge yourself in some popular things to do in Las Vegas:
Enjoy a spectacular show: There are several shows at iconic venues in the city. From mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas to exotic shows, there's something for every taste.
Try your luck at the Casinos: Test your luck and indulge in some thrilling casino games at different properties.
Visit Fremont Street: Explore Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas for a unique experience. Enjoy the dazzling light show, street performers, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Visit a Rooftop Bar: Lastly, take in breathtaking views of the city skyline from a rooftop bar.
Pro tip: Remember to check the schedules and make reservations for shows in advance, as these are extremely popular and sell out quickly, especially Cirque de Soleil shows such as ‘O’. We made all our reservations on the first day. Don’t spend your luck on reservations and save it for gambling.
Option 2: Horseshoe Bend and Lower/Upper Antelope Canyon
If you have your car, you can drive to these places and come back in one day from Las Vegas.
Otherwise, there are several reputed companies specializing in day trips to the Canyon and Horseshoe Bend from Vegas. By booking a day trip with them, you can enjoy a relaxing ride to these places.
Lower/Upper Antelope Canyon
Located approximately 4.5 hours away from Vegas, the Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons beckon with their mesmerizing beauty.
Exploring the canyons independently is not permitted. So, if you are visiting these canyons on your own, we recommend reading our blog titled "Exploring Antelope Canyon: The photographers's paradise". This will equip you with valuable insights and enhance your appreciation of this remarkable destination.
Once you have experienced the awe-inspiring beauty of Antelope Canyon, a short 15-minute drive will get you to the Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe bend
Horseshoe Bend is a popular tourist destination renowned for its breathtaking geological marvel, forming a distinctive horseshoe-shaped structure. You can embark on a relatively easy 3-mile hike (roundtrip) to witness spectacular vistas. The entry fee per vehicle is $10.
Explore the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, offering panoramic views of the iconic bend in the Colorado River.
Once you've explored both these incredible destinations, it's time to make your way back to the vibrant city of Las Vegas for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
Pro tip: Remember to pack essential items such as water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and an umbrella. Stay hydrated. Wear something comfortable as Hoover Dam and Horseshoe Bend are known for strong winds.
Day 4: A Day dedicated to pure leisure and relaxation (Optional)
We've arrived at the final day of our Las Vegas adventure. Today is your day to embrace complete freedom and spend your time according to your preferences.
Whether you want to indulge in relaxation, exploration, entertainment, or a mix of everything, make the most of your final day in Las Vegas.
Here are some suggestions for your last day in Vegas:
Go on a shopping spree: There are great outlet malls in Vegas. We recommend Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.
Relax by the pool: Make use of your resort fee dollars and enjoy the luxurious poolside at your hotel.
Indulge in a luxury spa treatment: There are a plethora of options in Vegas.
Play some more casino games: Well, once hooked, it’s hard not to play some more. But remember people, the house ALWAYS wins, so play responsibly.
And with that, we've reached the end of our wild and wonderful Las Vegas adventure. We hope this itinerary has left you buzzing with excitement and laughter, just like the slot machines on a winning streak.
Remember, what happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but the memories and laughter you've experienced will forever be etched in your heart.
Thank you for joining us on this exhilarating journey through Sin City. Until we meet again under the dazzling lights, may your travels be filled with laughter, luck, and a never-ending sense of adventure. Cheers to the next unforgettable chapter in your travel escapades!
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