Las Vegas rose from a desert railroad stop in 1905 into a global playground of neon, spectacle, and culinary ambition. Beyond the resorts, Vegas holds a fascinating past—from Prohibition-era stories to the transformation powered by Hoover Dam—and a vibrant present shaped by artists, chefs, and outdoor lovers.

Today’s Las Vegas mixes headline shows, design-forward casinos, and world-class dining with old-school icons like the Bellagio Fountains and Fremont Street. It’s also the perfect base for day trips to the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and other Southwest wonders—meaning you can pair late-night marquee magic with sunrise desert calm.

Practical notes: the desert climate is dry and hot in summer—hydrate, wear sunscreen, and plan midday breaks. Rideshares are plentiful, the Monorail connects much of the Strip, and comfortable shoes are essential. Book popular shows and tours well ahead, especially weekends and holidays.

Las Vegas

Glittering mega-resorts line the Las Vegas Strip, each a themed world: Venetian canals, Parisian bistros, botanical conservatories, and choreographed fountains. Downtown’s Fremont Street delivers classic neon, street performers, and museums that unpack the city’s wild history.

Top sights include the Bellagio Conservatory, the High Roller, The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes, the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum, AREA15 with Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, and the cutting-edge Sphere (check the current show). Outdoors, day trips unlock the Grand Canyon West Rim, Hoover Dam, and scenic paddling on the Colorado River.

• Where to stay (Hotels.com affiliates): Iconic suites at The Venetian Resort; mid-Strip convenience at The LINQ Hotel + Experience; budget-friendly fun at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino; a tropical pool scene at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Browse more stays on Hotels.com or check condos and homes on VRBO.
• Getting here: Fly into Harry Reid International (LAS). Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: LAX ~1 hour, DEN ~2 hours, ORD ~3.5 hours, JFK/EWR ~5 hours (roundtrips often $120–$450+ depending on season).
• Getting around: The Monorail runs from SAHARA to MGM Grand; the Deuce bus serves the Strip and downtown; taxis and rideshares are ubiquitous. Allow extra time for resort walking—everything is bigger than it looks on a map.

Day 1: Arrival, First Flashes of the Strip

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. If you want grand suites and dining at your doorstep, consider The Venetian Resort. For a central hub with easy access to the High Roller and Promenade, The LINQ Hotel + Experience is a smart base. Freshen up, then stroll the LINQ Promenade for a feel of Vegas energy.

Evening: Catch the Bellagio Fountains (shows typically every 30–60 minutes), then a patio dinner at Mon Ami Gabi for Strip views with steak frites and onion soup gratinée. Nightcap at the classic Peppermill Fireside Lounge—retro booths, neon glow, and oversized cocktails set the tone for the week.

Day 2: South-to-Mid Strip Icons + Helicopter Night Flight

Morning: Fuel up at Eggslut (The Cosmopolitan) or Bardot Brasserie (ARIA) for a French-leaning brunch. Walk or tram your way through Mandalay Bay (Shark Reef Aquarium), Luxor’s pyramid, and New York-New York’s Brooklyn Bridge facade.

Afternoon: Lunch at Best Friend (Park MGM) for Korean-American comfort—short rib tacos, kimchi fried rice, and a fun bodega-style entrance. Continue north: the Bellagio Conservatory’s seasonal installations, then The Venetian’s canals and an espresso-and-macaron pause at Bouchon Bakery.

Evening: See the Strip from above with the Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight and Optional VIP Transportation (10–12 minutes over the glittering skyline; hotel transfers available). Reserve a pre- or post-flight dinner at Spago (Bellagio) for lakefront views or Jaleo for tapas and paella.

Day 3: Old Vegas Stories—Downtown & the Arts District

Morning: Head downtown for coffee and pastries at PublicUs—an airy café beloved by locals. Tour the Mob Museum to trace the city’s bootleggers, bosses, and lawmen; interactive exhibits bring the narrative to life.

Afternoon: Lunch at Le Thai (try the waterfall beef and house curries) or Pizza Rock for award-winning slices. Explore the Neon Museum’s Boneyard in daylight for photos, or book a later slot to see restored signs glow. Swing through the Arts District for galleries and a tasting flight at Able Baker Brewing or Nevada Brew Works.

Evening: Fremont Street Experience brings vintage neon and live music under a massive LED canopy. Classic cocktails at Atomic Liquors (the city’s oldest freestanding bar) or a reservation-only speakeasy, The Laundry Room, tucked inside Commonwealth. For dinner, Esther’s Kitchen’s seasonal pasta and house bread are worth the hype—reserve ahead.

Day 4: Grand Canyon West + Hoover Dam (Full-Day Tour)

Trade neon for sandstone on the Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Lunch and Skywalk. Expect early morning pickup, a scenic drive past Lake Mead, a Hoover Dam photo stop, and time at Eagle Point and Guano Point (Skywalk optional; spectacular views either way). The West Rim sits on Hualapai land—plan on 2.5–3 hours each way by coach and a full day out.

Day 5: Mojave Thrills, Pool Time, and a Show

Morning: Kick up sand on the Half-Day Mojave Desert ATV Tour from Las Vegas. Guides handle transport from a central Strip location; you’ll ride through wide-open desert with short safety briefings and breaks. Wear closed-toe shoes; goggles and helmets are provided.

Afternoon: Recover in classic Vegas style: Mandalay Bay’s sandy beach, the Venetian’s pool deck, or a spa session at ARIA. Grab an easy lunch at Eataly (Park MGM) or Shake Shack at New York-New York.

Evening: Choose a headliner: Cirque du Soleil’s “O” (Bellagio) or “KÀ” (MGM Grand) remain bucket-list shows—book ahead. Late-night drinks at Skyfall Lounge (Delano) reward you with one of the city’s best panoramic views.

Day 6: Kayak the Emerald Cave + Chinatown Flavor

Morning–Afternoon: Paddle the Colorado River on the Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup. This guided trip from Willow Beach glides along Black Canyon’s calm, clear waters into the iridescent Emerald Cave (weather and light dictate the glow). It’s approachable for beginners and scenic enough to wow seasoned paddlers.

Evening: Celebrate with dinner in Las Vegas’s celebrated Chinatown corridor. Lotus of Siam (Flamingo or Red Rock locations) serves Northern Thai standouts like khao soi and nam prik ong; Raku excels at charcoal-grilled skewers and pristine sashimi. For a sweet finish, seek out soft-serve at SomiSomi or boba at Tiger Sugar.

Day 7: Last Bites, Last Looks, Departure

Morning: A nostalgic breakfast at Peppermill (try the colossal fruit plate or country fried steak) or a lighter coffee-and-croissant stop at Vesta Coffee Roasters. Window-shop the Forum Shops and the Fashion Show mall for a final souvenir.

Afternoon: Squeeze in one last view from the High Roller or a quiet wander through the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art if time allows. Depart in the afternoon with a camera roll full of fountain mist and desert horizons.

Where to Eat and Drink (Shortlist to Bookmark)

• Breakfast & coffee: PublicUs (house-baked pastries), Vesta Coffee Roasters (single-origin pours), Café Lola (playful, photogenic treats), Bouchon Bakery (Viennoiserie).
• Lunch: Le Thai (downtown), Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan (New York-style slices down a signed hallway), Eataly (Italian counters), Best Friend (Korean-American).
• Dinner: Spago (fountain views and California cuisine), Jaleo (tapas and paella), Esther’s Kitchen (seasonal pasta), Raku (grilled robata and sashimi), Lotus of Siam (Northern Thai classics), Hell’s Kitchen (Caesars).
• Drinks: Skyfall Lounge (sweeping skyline), Atomic Liquors (historic), Velveteen Rabbit (craft cocktails, Arts District), Parasol Down (lakeside ambiance at Wynn).

Booking Essentials

• Flights: Compare prices and times on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Hotels: Browse Hotels.com or book favorites: The Venetian, The LINQ, Circus Circus, Mandalay Bay. For apartments and homes, see VRBO.
• Tours: Pre-book the big-ticket adventures to secure times: the Grand Canyon West day trip, the Strip helicopter night flight, the Mojave Desert ATV ride, and Emerald Cave kayaking.

In seven days, you’ll experience both sides of Las Vegas: the neon spectacle and the soulful stories, the world-class dining and the quiet drama of the desert. Come hungry for flavor and adventure—you’ll leave with a reel of memories that outshine the Strip’s brightest bulbs.