Las Vegas in 3 Days: tips, what to see, and much more

Going on a 3-day trip to Las Vegas? Discover the highlights you can see in Nevada City in this time.

Katherine Betances

Katherine Betances

10 min read

Las Vegas in 3 Days: tips, what to see, and much more

Las Vegas | ©Grant Cai

Las Vegas is an amazing city and here are some ideas that will allow you to organize a three-day itinerary to perfection in this city of Nevada, which surrounded by glitz, glamour, giant neon signs and luxury hotels will not leave you indifferent. Enjoy your vacation!

Day 1: Spend the day on The Las Vegas Strip

Eiffel Tower and Fountain| ©Jorge Láscar
Eiffel Tower and Fountain| ©Jorge Láscar

Although it may seem otherwise, waking up early in Las Vegas has its rewards. Especially if your goal is to get to know the city in all its facets.

That's why, on the morning of your first day, I suggest you explore The Strip, the name by which the most important and touristic avenue of the city is known. I recommend starting the route in the northern part of the city, near Caesars Palace, and gradually descend to the southern end of the boulevard.

Meet the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas

Start the tour early in the morning at arguably the most impressive themed hotel in Las Vegas. On the front concourse of the Paris Hotel and Casino Las Vegas you'll find your own version of the Eiffel Tower (which is half the size of the actual monument) and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The fun part is that you can book your tickets to the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas and go up, even if you're not a guest of the resort.

  • Transportation or Travel: The hotel is located at 3655 Vegas Boulevard. The 202 bus line is an inexpensive transportation alternative to get to this part of town. The "Nb Las Vegas at Polo Towers" stop is minutes walk from the Hotel.
  • More info: Check out this post on how to climb the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas.

Book your tickets to the Eiffel Tower

Pay a visit to New York - New York, Hotel and Casino

Another must-see themed hotel on any Las Vegas Boulevard tour. On the front concourse you'll find representations of **New York'**s most important landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and the iconic Empire State Building.

The New York is also a favorite hotel for young souls visiting Las Vegas because of the party atmosphere at places like the Coyote Bar.

  • Transportation or Tour: Following the walking route along the boulevard, the New York - New York Hotel is approximately a 15 minute walk.

Attend the exhibits at Hotel Luxor Hotel and Casino

The Luxor is a fantastic themed hotel made up of a 30-story pyramid and a giant Egyptian-inspired Sphinx. When it was built in the 1990's it was the tallest building in the city.

My recommendation is that you head to the Luxor Hotel and Casino to enjoy not only its fantastic architecture, but also two major themed exhibits that you will find on the Atrium level:

You may feel hungry after the exhibitions so I recommend you take advantage of this stop to enjoy a delicious meal. On the same level of the Atrium, where the exhibits are located, there is a food court.

  • Hours: Both exhibits open at 11 am.
  • Admission fee: Approximately 32 € adult ticket for each of them.
  • Duration of visit: You will need two hours to see Titanic the Artifact Exhibition: and one hour for the Bodies exhibition.
  • Transportation: From your location at the New York-New York Hotel, the Luxor is less than a 15-minute walk.

Reserve your tickets to the Titanic Exhibition

Go to Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Shark Reef Aquarium| ©Yelp
Shark Reef Aquarium| ©Yelp

Mandala Bay is a hotel famous in the city for being a paradise of 100% real pools and sand. You can opt to spend an afternoon of fun at the facility, especially if you're visiting the city during the hot summer months in Las Vegas.

But no matter what time of year you visit the city, a fabulous recommendation is to book tickets to the Shark Reef Aquarium to admire an exotic collection of fish, reptiles and endangered creatures and, of course, sharks!

The shark collection totals some 100 specimens of 30 different species swimming in a 1.3 million-gallon tunnel-style tank. This experience is especially fun if you are going to Las Vegas with children during the vacations.

  • Hours: From 10 am to 6 pm.
  • Admission fee: Approximately €29 for an adult ticket.
  • Duration of the visit: The complete tour takes only an hour and a half to complete.
  • Transport: From the Luxor the Mandala Bay is only a seven minute walk.
  • More info: Tickets to the Shark Reef Aquarium.

Take the most iconic photo at the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas"

What would a visit to Las Vegas be without the iconic one in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign? Unthinkable! Take advantage of this point on the tour and your exit from the Aquarium to go all the way to the end of Las Vegas Boulevard, the location of the famous sign.

  • Transportation or Tour: From your location at Mandalay Bay the sign is a 15 minute walk.

Take in a nighttime show on Las Vegas Boulevard

Another must-do activity on any trip to the city is to attend one of the world-famous shows in Las Vegas. The catalog is varied so it will be easy to find an activity that catches your attention.

I always recommend buying tickets in advance after checking the show calendar for the most popular choices. Here is a selection of my favorites:

Book tickets for a Michael Jackson tribute concert

Day 2: Visit the Mafia Museum and the old city center

Mob Museum| ©Viator
Mob Museum| ©Viator

On your second day I recommend getting to know Las Vegas beyond the Strip. For this we will visit highlights such as the old and famous Fremont Street, the Arts District and of course the American Mob Museum!

Arrive at the Mob Museum at opening time.

Whether you do a 2-day or 3-day Las Vegas itinerary, you need to book your tickets for the Las Vegas Mob Museum.

Located in the former federal courthouse, in a three-story high structure, is one of the most peculiar museums in the American nation, considered by many as one of the best museums in Las Vegas: The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, popularly the Mob Museum

It is a very entertaining historical museum in which you will find several thematic rooms on the involvement of the mafia in all kinds of illegal activities, including prostitution and white slavery, smuggling, gambling and drug trafficking. In addition, it is also a space to commemorate certain special operations, as well as the titanic efforts of law enforcement to answer and eliminate these criminal organizations that took center stage at different stages of U.S. history.

  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Admission fee: Approximately 29 € for an adult ticket.
  • Duration of the visit: I recommend reserving about three hours of the itinerary to visit the museum in its entirety.
  • Transportation: You can take The Deuce Bus to get to this part of the city. The closest stop is "Eb Stewart After 4th" located a three minute walk from the museum entrance.
  • More info: Mob Museum of Las Vegas.

Book your tickets to the Mob Museum

Stroll and have lunch in the Las Vegas Art District

Take a leisurely stroll through the Las Vegas Art District, a space dedicated to culture and independent art filled with great places to eat and drink, as well as a large collection of independent art galleries.

Street art is present in the beautiful murals and graffiti; take advantage to take fun photos! Some recommendations for good places to eat in the area include:

  • Esther's Kitchen: The best rotisserie chicken in the area, as well as a wide collection of classic dishes and beer of all kinds.
  • The Garden Las Vegas: Primarily gay bar serving casual appetizers and delicious cocktails, the garden tables offer a unique atmosphere.
  • Makers & Finders: Specializes in Latin food and premium coffee. Served in an elegant setting with tables and chairs outside.
  • ReBAR: Sandwiches, light snacks and cocktails are the specialty of this place. Open from morning until late at night.

Transportation or Tour: You can reach the Art District from the Mob Museum on foot, but the walk will take about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take the DVX Bus, a 5-minute ride that will drop you off just one street away from the Art District's northwest boundary.

Get to the Stratosphere Tower

Stratosphere. Las Vegas, NV.| ©DL Wise Photography
Stratosphere. Las Vegas, NV.| ©DL Wise Photography

The Stratosphere Tower is one of the most visited attractions in the city and is ideal if you are visiting the city with children or if you are simply an adrenaline junkie.

Upon arrival you will find a space composed of several elements. I recommend booking tickets for Stratosphere Tower, the tallest building in Las Vegas and a perfect viewpoint from which you can admire the whole city and take pictures of the Strip and the Fremont area.

In addition, you will find several mechanical attractions such as shuttles, roller coasters and a carousel.

  • Hours: Open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to after midnight.
  • Ticket price: From 20 € if your intention is to climb to the viewpoint. If you want to go up to the attractions the price increases.
  • Duration of the visit: As long as you want. Climbing to the top of the tower in the elevator only takes 30 seconds.
  • Transportation or Tour: From your location in the Art District the Stratosphere Tower is a 15 minute walk. If you don't want to walk, I recommend taking The Deuce Bus which stops just a few feet from the entrance.
  • More info: Stratosphere Tower.

Book your tickets to the Stratosphere Tower

Take the Fremont Street night tour

To end your second day on a high note, I recommend you to take a night tour to get to know one of the most iconic areas of Las Vegas: Fremont Street.

The tour is known as the Fremont Street Experience. It is a fun group tour that takes you to see the most historic and oldest area of the city, its neon lights, bars, old hotels and street art displays.

  • Schedule: Varies depending on the company you hire, it usually starts after 8 pm.
  • Ticket price: From 29 € the adult ticket.
  • Duration of the visit: You should reserve a full two hours of your itinerary for this experience.

Book a guided tour of Fremont Street

Day 3: Don't leave without seeing the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam

At the Grand Canyon| ©Pom'
At the Grand Canyon| ©Pom'

Finally, I recommend dedicating the last day to experiencing some of the many wonders beyond the glitz and splendor of the iconic city of Las Vegas. Both the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam are considered among the best tours from Las Vegas.

In the city you will find many tour companies that run both individual excursions to each of these destinations as well as companies that offer combination tours. Whichever alternative you choose, it will be an experience you will enjoy.

Let yourself be dazzled Grand Canyon

But the essential plan is to book your excursion to the Grand Canyon, a national park that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is an impressive natural plateau formed by the Colorado River during millions of years of interaction.

Considered a must-see on any trip to Las Vegas, a trip to the Grand Canyon is ideal for appreciating one of the world's most famous natural wonders.

With an elevation of some 2,483 meters, expert archaeologists place the Grand Canyon's origin some 5 to 6 million years ago. Believe me when I tell you that photos and videos do not do it justice, you have to see it with your own eyes! In addition, there are several plans available:

Book your Grand Canyon tour

Meet the Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is considered one of the most impressive engineering works of the last century and it is also a must to book a tour to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam.

From an impressive height of 220 meters high and a length at its base of 200 meters, it holds to this day the title of the largest dam in the world despite being close to 100 years since the beginning of its construction. An excursion to the Hoover Dam is ideal to get to know natural landscapes and admire the skill of human genius.

  • Schedule: Although it may vary depending on the company you hire, these types of tours usually depart from Las Vegas first thing in the morning, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., approximately.
  • Price: The adult entrance ticket is available from 175 € per traveler.
  • Duration of the tour: You will need to reserve a full day for this experience. The excursion can last between 9 and 12 hours on average.

Book your Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Tour

Come out and enjoy one last night in Las Vegas

If you have enough energy left after your tour to continue discovering all there is to see and do in Las Vegas, go out and enjoy one last meal in Las Vegas.

Although the city is famous for its extremely vibrant nightlife; for its big parties and dance clubs, there are also options for those looking for a more relaxed plan. Here are some of the most emblematic restaurants in Las Vegas, all located on the Strip:

  • Eiffel Tower Restaurant: Located in the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. the specialty is French food, as is obvious.
  • Rivea: Extremely elegant restaurant, ideal for romantic dinners. The gastronomic offer includes French and Italian food.
  • Parasol Down: Located in the New York Hotel, New York, it is another elegant restaurant option with an amazing collection of chandeliers on the ceiling. The specialty is American food.

And to end your trip, check out the different transfer options to and from the airport. But if you have the opportunity to stay an extra day, be sure to check out the following 4-day Las Vegas itinerary.