If you only have one day to spend in Las Vegas, you’ll want to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. From iconic landmarks to world-class entertainment, there’s plenty to see and do. Follow this family-friendly itinerary to hit the must-see spots and experience the best of Sin City in just 24 hours.
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One Day In Las Vegas – 24-Hour Itinerary
From eating to exploring some of the most revolutionary shops in the world, here’s how to experience all of glitzy Las Vegas in just 1 day.
Start with a hearty breakfast.
To make the most of your one day in Las Vegas, start with a hearty breakfast. There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for a classic diner experience or something more upscale. Some popular breakfast spots include Eggslut at The Cosmopolitan, Hash House A Go Go at The LINQ, and The Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge.
We started our day in Vegas enjoying southern dishes at The Venetian’s own Yardbird Table & Bar.
You never know what time it is at The Venetian with these skies
Visit the iconic Las Vegas sign.
No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a visit to the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Located at the south end of the Strip, this famous landmark has been greeting visitors since 1959. Take a selfie or group photo in front of the sign to commemorate your trip to Sin City. Be prepared for crowds if you arrive after 10 am, as this spot is a popular tourist destination. There’s a visitor parking lot just for the Las Vegas sign!
Must do before 10 am before the crowds arrive
Explore the Strip and its famous hotels.
The Las Vegas Strip is home to some of the world’s most famous (and largest) hotels, and exploring them is a must-do activity during your one day in Sin City.
The Bellagio fountain show is free & easy to watch for your 1 day in Vegas
My favorite Vegas hotels and what to see at each:
- Caesars Palace – 50,000-gallon aquarium, the Atlantis Show, Shops at The Forum, Dominique Ansel’s Bakery (the cronut from his former London cafe), Culture Kings hat wall (largest hat wall on the planet!), Urban Necessities sneaker wall (a must-see for sneakerheads)
- The Venetian – Gondola ride through the indoor canals
- Bellagio Hotel & Casino – Musical fountain show, botanical gardens, and the world’s largest chocolate fountain
- Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino – Eiffel Tower viewing deck
- The Mirage – Volcano that erupts nightly at 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm, and 11 pm
- Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino – Shark Aquarium (and 11-acre pool complex with wave pool)
- New York-New York Hotel & Casino – The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade
- The Flamingo – Flamingos!
- The Strat Hotel & Casino – SkyPod rides including Big Shot, Insanity, and X Scream, plus the SkyJump. I’ve only done the X Scream and question my decision-making skills for doing so!
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to Caesars Palace for shows and shopping
Visit the LINQ Promenade.
Take a stroll down the LINQ Promenade. This outdoor shopping and dining area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Take a 30-minute ride on the LINQ High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel (even taller than the London Eye), for stunning views of the city.
The LINQ is a 30 minute ride and the world’s tallest
Explore Fremont Street.
Explore Downtown Las Vegas, also known as Fremont Street. Experience the vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and the famous Viva Vision light show on the canopy overhead. To make the most of your one day in Las Vegas, the fastest way to Fremont Street from LINQ Promenade or Vegas Strip is by car. A taxi will cost approximately $6.
Enjoy a world-class dinner and show.
No trip to Las Vegas is complete without experiencing one of the many world-class dinner and show options. From the classic Cirque du Soleil shows to insane magic performances, there is something for everyone. Many of these shows also offer dinner packages, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal before the show. You don’t need to buy a dinner/show combo, but to maximize time choose a dinner location near the show venue. The Strip is 4 miles long and gets busier with traffic as the night goes on. Book dinner reservations and show tickets according to how long it might take you to get there.
Vegas Show Recommendation: Mat Franco Magic Reinvented Nightly at The LINQ Hotel
Mat Franco’s magic venue offers an intimate environment so it’s not a massive theatre like many of the other Vegas performances. His magic is mind-blowing, appropriate for all ages, and will leave a lasting impression. 5 stars all the way! This is also one of the more affordable performances available in Vegas.
Mat Franco’s Magic Show is a highlight of any Vegas visit
Important Reminders For Your 1 Day in Vegas
Start Early – By 9 am
To make the most of your one day in Vegas you must start early. Although the hotels are amazing, with the best mattresses, comfy linens, and fluffy pillows to have a long lie in, simply resist the urge. Get going by 9 am for this day in Vegas to cover all the must-see attractions in 24 hours.
The MOST amazing thing to do in the morning
Start your day in Vegas at Arte Museum, located on the 2nd floor connected to Aria Resort shops and across the street from The Cosmopolitan.
It is an awakening immersive experience focused on eternal nature. From an infinitely running waterfall to sketching your own animal that springs to life, it is an activity that appeals to all ages. The Arte Museum invigorates you so it’s perfect for getting any day started in Vegas. This is my new favorite thing to do in Vegas!
Skip Lunch
Another important factor is to skip lunch. As long as you have a hearty breakfast, skipping lunch isn’t a big deal. You’ll snack and try different foods at some of the top hotels on the Vegas Strip, so you won’t be hungry anyway. And with a big dinner planned before 6 pm (to make that dinner show on time), you won’t want a big lunch.
Now skipping lunch isn’t a big deal for my family when we eat a ton for breakfast and splurge on ALL THE THINGS along the Strip, but do what’s best for your own situation. Stop for lunch if you need to but try to choose a restaurant that isn’t full service or so busy that it will eliminate hours of sightseeing in the afternoon.
Avoid Street Performers
Avoid engaging with street performers that ask if you want a picture, show you a trick, or any/all offers that might seem like a “freebie”. Some of these street performers are wearing nothing but pasties and G-strings. While it might be hilarious to some to get a photo, plan on paying for it if you do. And if traveling to Las Vegas with kids, prep them ahead of time.
The Best Ways To Getting Around In Vegas
The best way to get around Vegas is a combination of mostly walking, taxis, and trams. The Las Vegas Monorail may also be the best option given the order of things you choose to do and the maximum amount of walking you can handle in a day.
If you need glitzy sneakers for your day in Vegas -> Urban Necessities
Las Vegas Monorail – On the MGM Side (East)
The Las Vegas Monorail on the east side runs between MGM Station and Sahara Las Vegas Station. It does not stop at all major Vegas hotels between these two stations but does shorten the walk if you want to try something a bit different. One Monorail ride costs about the same as a typical short taxi ride along Las Vegas Boulevard, but a 24-hour pass could be worth it.
Despite the number of times I’ve been to Vegas, I did not know about the east side Monorail until we saw a sign for it in the Flamingo Hotel and pursued it. Given how empty the LV Monorail was on a Saturday during spring break, I’d say this is a hidden mode of transportation for visitors in Vegas.
Don’t miss the flamingo feeding at 8:30 am and 2 pm
3 Free Las Vegas Trams – On the Mandalay Bay Side (West)
The most populated free transportation method visitors can use in Vegas to get from one hotel to the next is on the west side of the Vegas Strip. It’s 3 free trams paid for by the casinos. And they were absolutely packed during our spring break trip.
The free tram system has far fewer stops than the east side, but it’s super convenient and fast for connecting between these Vegas hotels:
- Mandalay Bay to Luxor to Excalibur Tram. Note there is no stop at Luxor on the way back to Mandalay Bay.
- Park MGM to Aria to Bellagio Tram
- Mirage to Treasure Island Tram
If you choose to ride the trams, check each originating hotel for operating hours and where to find them. Some points aren’t obvious and do require a bit of walking to find them.
From the free tram that stops at Excalibur, cross the bridge and you’re at NY-NY
Ultimate Destination To Pair With Las Vegas: Grand Canyon
If you can extend your one day in Vegas, visit the Grand Canyon. Helicopter tours are available near the Strip, but to really experience the Grand Canyon and other gorgeous American landmarks, do this epic Grand Canyon road trip.
Vegas x Grand Canyon Road Trip
Final Tips For Making The Most Of Your One Day In Vegas
To see all the must-see spots in Vegas in a day, start early, eat a big breakfast but skip lunch, choose transportation that gets you around the fastest, and navigate along the Strip in order. Pick a location on the Strip, typically your hotel, and work your way along Las Vegas Boulevard to experience these must-see Vegas sights:
- Breakfast at a top Las Vegas restaurant
- Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
- Las Vegas Strip Hotels
- LINQ Promenade
- Fremont Street
- Dinner at a Las Vegas hot spot
- Las Vegas Show
Wear comfortable walking shoes and a crossbody bag for walking all day. I’ve included a few of my walking favs in the link!
Viva Las Vegas!