Welcome to Las Vegas, a desert outpost turned neon legend. Founded in 1905 as a railroad town, the city exploded in the mid-20th century with showrooms, mob-era lore, and the first megaresorts. Today it’s an ever-evolving stage where culinary superstars, cutting-edge venues like Sphere, and classic casino glamour share a single, dazzling boulevard.

Beyond the Strip, Las Vegas opens onto staggering desert scenery: the Hoover Dam, Black Canyon, and the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, all reachable in a day. Vintage Vegas still glows in the Neon Museum, while the Arts District buzzes with murals, galleries, and chef-driven kitchens. Expect sensory overload—then lean into it.

Practical notes: The best weather is October–April; summers are hot and dry, so hydrate and pack sunscreen. Distances are bigger than they look—use rideshares, the Monorail, or walk in short bursts. Book popular restaurants, shows, and tours in advance, and remember most resorts charge nightly resort fees.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a kaleidoscope of spectacle: choreographed fountains, sky-high observation wheels, immersive art, and some of the world’s finest dining and nightlife—all stitched together by the Strip’s electric ribbon. Downtown’s Fremont Street adds vintage swagger with neon, live music, and classic casinos.

Top highlights include the Bellagio Conservatory and Fountains, Venetian canals, The LINQ Promenade’s High Roller, and the Fremont Street canopy. For culture with character, visit the Neon Museum, Mob Museum, and the Arts District’s indie galleries and breweries.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• The Venetian Resort — All-suite comfort, grand canals, and a powerhouse dining lineup (think black truffle pasta at CUT and a classic French breakfast at Bouchon). Center-Strip convenience for first-timers.
• The LINQ Hotel + Experience — Value-friendly, modern rooms and unbeatable access to the High Roller and LINQ Promenade’s eateries and bars.
• Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino — A tropical pool complex, Shark Reef Aquarium, and easy access to South Strip arenas and restaurants.
• Circus Circus Hotel & Casino — Budget pick with the Adventuredome for families; north-Strip location.
• Prefer a condo or house? Browse VRBO Las Vegas listings or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Getting there: Fly into Harry Reid International (LAS). From most U.S. hubs, flights take 1–6 hours and often range $120–$350 roundtrip. International fares typically start around $650–$1,100. Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If flying to or from Europe, compare with Omio. Taxis and rideshares to the Strip take ~10–20 minutes depending on your hotel.

Day 1: Arrival, the Heart of the Strip, and Sky-High Views

Morning: Travel day. Aim for an early flight so you can hit the ground running. Fuel up en route or pack a snack; once you land, drop bags and request early check-in if available.

Afternoon: Start at Bellagio: wander the seasonal Conservatory and time a viewing of the Fountains (afternoon shows every 30 minutes; evening every 15). Grab coffee and a pistachio croissant at Bellagio Patisserie, then stroll to ARIA to peek at public art before heading to The Cosmopolitan’s Block 16 Urban Food Hall—try Hattie B’s hot chicken or Tekka Bar’s handrolls.

Evening: Book the High Roller at The LINQ for sunset-to-neon panoramas; the 30-minute rotation is a gentle, photogenic kickoff to Vegas.

High Roller Wheel Admission Ticket at The LINQ
Get unmatched views of the Strip and mountains—perfect at golden hour.

For dinner, choose your vibe: At Resorts World, swing by Tacos El Gordo (adobada sliced off the trompo; lines move fast) or settle in at Carbone for tableside Caesar and spicy rigatoni. Craving Thai? Lotus of Siam (multiple locations) is beloved for garlic prawns and crispy rice (nam kao tod).

Nightcap with a showstopper: a helicopter night flight over the glittering Strip. It’s 8–12 minutes of pure spectacle and an unforgettable first-night memory (hotel transfers available on select departures).

Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Night Flight with Optional Transport
See the Strip, Sphere, and downtown glow from above.

Day 2: Grand Canyon West and Hoover Dam (Full-Day Adventure)

Trade neon for nature on a guided day trip to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, with a Hoover Dam photo stop. Typical pickup is 6:30–7:30 a.m., returning early evening; expect 2.5 hours to Hoover Dam/Lake Mead and ~2 hours more to the West Rim. At Eagle Point, consider the glass-bottom Skywalk; at Guano Point, soak up sweeping views and dramatic ridgelines. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and layers—the high desert can be breezy.

Grand Canyon West + Hoover Dam Photo Stop + Optional Skywalk Tour
A well-paced, top-rated route that hits the canyon’s best viewpoints with time to spare.

Back in Vegas, keep it easy with a casual feast: Secret Pizza (unmarked spot at The Cosmopolitan—foldable New York slices), or head to Best Friend at Park MGM for Korean BBQ tacos, kimchi fried rice, and a hip-hop soundtrack. If you still have fuel, slip into The Chandelier bar for a sparkling nightcap.

Day 3: Arts District, Neon History, and Downtown Flavor

Morning: Start in the 18b Arts District with a cappuccino at Vesta Coffee Roasters or horchata latte at Makers & Finders. Browse murals and boutiques, then head to the Neon Museum for a guided tour through Vegas signage history—the “boneyard” is catnip for photographers. Brunch ideas nearby: Eat. downtown (shrimp and grits) or Esther’s Kitchen (house-made pastas; reserve if possible).

Afternoon: If your flight is later, detour to the Fremont Street Experience for live music and vintage casinos. Pop into the Mob Museum for Prohibition-era intrigue and an award-winning underground speakeasy. Prefer one last view? Loop back to the Bellagio Fountains or The Park’s shaded patios for a relaxed lunch.

Evening (if extending): Book a Cirque du Soleil show—“O” for aquatic ballet at Bellagio or “KÀ” for martial-arts storytelling at MGM Grand. Steak lovers should try Barry’s Downtown Prime (table-side service, wagyu cuts) or Peter Luger at Caesars for a New York classic reimagined on the Strip.

Optional quick tour (fits before an afternoon flight): If you want one final marvel, this efficient Hoover Dam mini tour (about 3 hours) pairs well with a late departure—just confirm pickup and timing against your flight.

Award Winning 3-Hour Hoover Dam Small Group Mini Tour from Vegas
Historic Boulder City, sweeping dam vistas, and Lake Mead lookouts—short and sweet.

Eat & drink favorites to slot anywhere:

• Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge — Old-school Vegas portions, neon glow, and a cocktail by the fire pit. Perfect for brunch or a late-night bite.
• Chengdu Taste (Chinatown) — Fiery Sichuan classics; mapo tofu and toothpick lamb are stars.
• District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew. — Brioche donuts and creative sliders for a fun snack stop.
• Bāng Bar by Momofuku — Portable spit-roasted wraps to keep you moving.
• Ski Lodge (inside Superfrico) — Cozy, wood-paneled cocktail den with a Japanese-leaning menu.

Local logistics: The Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip and is handy for hopping between resorts. Rideshares and taxis are plentiful but use hotel rideshare zones for pickup. Build in extra time for long casino walks; what looks “next door” can be a 15-minute stroll through air-conditioned corridors.

Upgrade ideas (for your next visit): Kayak the Emerald Cave on the Colorado River, book an off-road UTV blast in the Mojave, or take a Grand Canyon helicopter landing tour—each pairs adrenaline with big scenery.

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour (alternative for nature lovers)

Wrap-up: In three days, you’ll savor Vegas at its best—skyline views, destination dining, a bucket-list canyon, and neon-soaked nights. The city rewards curiosity, so wander, graze, and look up often—there’s always another surprise one escalator away.