One Day in Vegas: How to Spend A Day in Las Vegas

One Day in Las Vegas Itinerary

Vegas in One Day: Do you have a day in Vegas and wondering what to do? There are so many things to do in Vegas it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do in just one day in Vegas.

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That’s why I’ve put together the top things to do in Vegas in One Day so that you don’t miss anything. If this is your first time in Vegas check out my post on what to do in Vegas for First Timers.

This One Day Vegas Itinerary focuses on the Strip and things to do on the strip. If you are looking for ideas to do off the strip you can check out my post on Outdoor Activities near Vegas, Best hikes in Red Rocks or Hikes near Vegas.

Here are my other posts on Las Vegas to help you plan your 1 day in Vegas:

How to Spend a Perfect Day in Las Vegas

The Strip – a must for Las Vegas in a Day

It won’t be long until you’re cruising the Strip after passing the famed “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign along Las Vegas Boulevard South. The famous artery in Sin City serves as the focal point of any Vegas trip.

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The Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Las Vegas, The Luxor’s pyramid and sphinx, and The Venetian’s Grand Canal are among the most famous sights in Las Vegas.

The “Strip” extends from Mandalay Bay on the south end, which has an aquarium and a man-made beach, to the STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod casino on the north end, which has the country’s largest free-standing observation tower (where you’ll go for the perfect Vegas shot).

You can walk around the Strip if you have the stamina; just make sure to wear comfy shoes. The Deuce bus, on the other hand, runs continuously from the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Vegas to the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard. The Monorail, which runs between the MGM Grand and Sahara Avenue, is another option. You may also book guided tours, ranging from helicopter flights to bar crawls to food-focused excursions.

The Strip is best visited at night to view all of the casinos and attractions illuminated in the desert. You can walk the Strip at any time of day or night, but individual companies have their own operating hours.

Bellagio Casino and Fountains

From table games and slot machines to a race and sports book, this Strip icon has lots of opportunities to put your money on the line.

The Bellagio, however, is more than just a casino. Even non-gamblers laud the Bellagio for its posh ambiance and diverse amenities and attractions.

The Bellagio’s gigantic fountains will be familiar to anyone who has seen a movie set in Vegas: Every 15 to 30 minutes, those passing through the Bellagio are treated to a gratis light and water display, with the fountain’s jets blasting water into the air during meticulously planned “dances.”

Within the Bellagio, you’ll find a fine art gallery and 14,000-square-foot botanical gardens, as well as a luxury hotel, several restaurants, Cirque du Soleil’s “O” show, luxury shops, a spa, a variety of nightlife venues, and several restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck’s Spago and the Michelin-starred Picasso.

You don’t have to pay to walk about the Bellagio or watch the fountain show or botanical gardens, but you will need money to eat, drink, and shop. The Bellagio is open 24 hours a day to visitors.

Caesars Palace Casino and The Forum Shops

Caesars Palace, a Vegas Strip landmark, has been welcoming visitors to Sin City since the 1960s. It has since appeared in popular films such as “Rain Man,” “Iron Man,” and “The Hangover.”

Those who gamble at Caesars will be transported to ancient Rome, complete with massive columns and frescoes honoring the casino’s namesake. Those who would rather spend their money on something else can visit The Forum Shops, which houses over 160 specialized stores and restaurants, including Cartier and Dior, as well as more budget-friendly options like H & M and Nike.

The 75,000 square-foot Omnia Nightclub and the contemporary Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, a favorite among fans of the “Real Housewives” reality television program, are among the entertainment destination at Caesars Palace. Meanwhile, popular musical residencies such as Rod Stewart, Sting, and Usher can be found at the on-site Colosseum venue.

The shops are popular, especially if you want to get away from the casino and the desert heat. Even if you don’t want to shop, travelers say the mall is beautiful and enjoyable to walk around. The hotel rooms of Caesars Palace have got mixed reviews, with some guests complimenting the amenities and others criticizing the service and antiquated décor.

The Venetian Casino and Grand Canal

The Venetian, located on the Strip, reconstructs the highlights of Venice, including gondola rides along the Grand Canal.

The Venetian Streetmosphere program gives visitors a taste of life in the Queen of the Adriatic: singers, stilt walkers, and “living statues” recreate the typical scene you’d likely find in the real Venice for those who choose to spend the day shopping in the Grand Canal Shoppes.

Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., you can enjoy a gondola trip along the Grand Canal. and 11 p.m. Gondola rides are available Monday through Thursday until midnight, and on Friday and Saturday until midnight. The rides were overpriced and short, according to several recent visitors, but the ambiance is romantic.

A Madame Tussauds wax museum, a Canyon Ranch Spa, 11 pools, the TAO nightclub, and a variety of comedy and theater events are all available. In terms of dining, you should expect to find gourmet Italian cuisine, as well as a vast number of restaurants serving anything from burgers to noodles.

The Venetian, across the street from The Mirage, is located in the heart of the Strip. The entrance fee is free; however, the on-site attractions are not. Visit the hotel’s and casino’s websites to discover more about The Venetian and the Grand Canal.

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum illuminates the city’s pervasiveness during the gangster era of the twentieth century. The former federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas, only a few streets northeast of the Fremont Street Experience, now features several interactive exhibitions about America’s mob history.

The museum’s visitors will learn about renowned gangsters like Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, and John Gotti, as well as committed G-men and FBI officers like J. Edgar Hoover, Eliot Ness, and Harry Anslinger, who were all involved in fighting crime across the country.

The Mob Museum takes visitors on a trip through the history of organized crime in the United States and around the world, from the rise of organized crime families to today’s complex gaming schemes.

The Mob Museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Upgrade to a deluxe or premier pass for exclusive interactive experiences like a distillery tour and tasting.

Fremont Street

Classic but less-frequented casinos that seemed past their prime formerly dominated Fremont Street. But now, this section of downtown Las Vegas is ready to compete for visitors’ attention with the Strip.

The Fremont Street Experience, which spans several blocks of Fremont Street near the Mob Museum, features a massive “Viva Vision” light show with 16.4 million pixels and a 600,000-watt sound system. Food stands, souvenir shops, and the SlotZilla zip line, which is 11 stories above the pedestrian walkway, are among the other attractions in the area.

You can go to the Fremont Street experience at any time of day or night, but after dark, keep your wits about you. The area is free to enter, however, some of the activities under the “Viva Vision” canopy will cost money.

From Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street, and from Ogden Street South to Carson, the Fremont Experience spans six city blocks. The Deuce bus is the most convenient way to get to Fremont Street.

Cirque de Soleil

When it comes to entertainment, Las Vegas knows how to go for it. It’s no surprise, however, that a performance company like Cirque du Soleil thrives here.

Cirque du Soleil, which translates to “Sun Circus,” is known for its spectacular acrobatic feats accomplished with unparalleled artistry.

Cirque du Soleil’s shows are influenced by a wide range of environmental and cultural elements. For example, the “LOVE” performance (at The Mirage) pays homage to the Beatles, while “O” (at the Bellagio) incorporates water into its acrobatics. Furthermore, “Michael Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay and “Mystère” at Treasure Island are two other Cirque du Soleil shows in town.

A Cirque du Soleil show can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While tickets can be costly, fans do not appear to mind, praising the presentations’ brilliance. Dates, performances, and venues all have different pricing and showtimes.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Try some of Las Vegas’ high-end burgers for lunch, a mix of high luxury and basic thrills that is so Vegas. Try Hard Rock Café, which is near MGM Grand, or Gordon Ramsay Burger, just across the street from the Chelsea.

The Gordon Ramsay Burger is a must-try for fans of the famous chef. It’s stylish and colorful, but not as snobbish or elite as you might imagine. No reservations are necessary, even though you will immediately notice Ramsey’s legendary attention to detail and top-notch quality.

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park, which is right next to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, features a fort full of historical artifacts worth exploring, as it was the first non-native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley.

The visitor center at the park’s entrance is filled with photos and exhibits depicting the lives of the Mormon missionaries who built the fort in 1855. During the summer months, you can walk about the park grounds after the tour to enjoy the pleasant weather.

The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is a short distance from Downtown Las Vegas and is a great place to stop on your way to see more of the town.

Neon Museum

The Mormon Fort is only a 6-minute walk from the Neon Museum. The majority of the displays are located outside in a large courtyard filled with artwork and antiques.

The Neon Museum will provide you with a fresh way to study the artwork if you don’t like the usual ambiance of indoor museums.

Most of the vintage goods come straight from Las Vegas. You’ll learn about the history of Las Vegas and how it became one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The original “Welcome to Las Vegas” neon signs date from the 1930s.

Gondola Ride

Take your loved ones on a moonlit gondola ride after filling up at one of the strip’s most famous restaurants. When you’re done, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right out of Venice, Italy. The Venetian hotel on the Las Vegas Strip is where the Gondola rides begin.

With an expert gondolier, you’ll float down actual canals. Gondola rides are far more enjoyable at night than during the day. The city will be illuminated and bustling with people and street performers. You can explore the hotel after your ride.

The Venetian features high-end shops and a replica of the Rialto Bridge. You can also have some gelato or chocolate there.

Stratosphere Tower

You will surely notice the Stratosphere Tower soaring above the city’s skyline as you walk throughout Las Vegas. The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower touts itself as the country’s “tallest freestanding viewing tower.”

Several heart-stopping thrill coasters, including Insanity, Big Shot, SkyJump, and others, are available on the rooftop, 1,149 feet above the city. If that sounds like too much for you, then visit one of the city’s observation decks (outdoor or indoor) and take in the spectacular vistas.

You may get there at sunset and witness the city lights eventually drown out the last red-tinged rays of sunshine over Las Vegas at night if you time it right.

Free Mermaid Show at the Silverton Hotel

The Silverton Hotel and Casino’s Free Mermaid Show is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Vegas. Although not quite on the Strip, this free show in Vegas is only five miles away and well worth watching.

The mermaids will pose for photos and interact with children after performing spectacular stunts. In addition to the mermaids, there is a daily stingray feeding show which is both free and educational.

Unless you’re looking for a special experience like the aforementioned gondola ride, everything else on the Las Vegas Strip is free to check out and explore.

Grab Dinner on the Strip

Your tacos should be completely digested by now, and you should be hungry again. There are plenty of restaurants on the strip to suit all diets and cravings.

Try Edge Steakhouse or Primal Steakhouse if you’re craving steak. Sushi enthusiasts can find various options along the strip, including Chin Chin and Kabuto.

The street also features an abundance of Southeast Asian and Japanese restaurants. You may either wander the strip until you find anything that seems appealing, or you can make reservations in advance.

Before heading out to spend the rest of the evening and night, fuel up at one of the famed Las Vegas strip restaurants.

Las Vegas Night Show

You’ll probably be eager to sit down and relax after being on your feet for most of the day. Seeing a Las Vegas night show is a great way to cap off your 24-hour visit. While the Blue Man Group, David Copperfield, and Cirque du Soleil may come to mind when thinking about Las Vegas night shows, there are many more.

The rest of the shows are held in hotels or venues along the strip. If you’re traveling alone or without children, check out X Rocks at the Bally Hotel and Casino or X Burlesque at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino.

Instead of sitting down for a show, if you aren’t exhausted from wandering all day, you can go to one of the city’s nightclubs. Night parties with drinking and dancing are hosted at Omnia at Caesars Palace, Hakkasan at MGM Grand, and Lily Bar & Lounge at the Bellagio Hotel. The Tao nightclub in the Venetian is Asian-themed. You can walk right in after your gondola ride.

One Day in Vegas: How to Spend A Day in Las Vegas – What Not to Miss