Two days in Las Vegas – a weekend itinerary

Spending the weekend in Las Vegas? See the best of Sin City and experience all the highlights with our two-day sightseeing itinerary.

By Casey Makovich
Las Vegas Skyline

Spending a weekend in Las Vegas? See the best of Sin City and experience all the highlights with our two-day itinerary. Jam-packed with classic Vegas sights and attractions, this plan delivers a different slice of Vegas each day: you'll spend the first day exploring the old-school charm of Downtown and the second day focusing on the glitz and glamor of the Strip.

Your weekend itinerary includes:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus sightseeing tour
  • The 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign
  • The Mob Museum
  • Fremont Street
  • Stratosphere Observation Deck
  • Madame Tussauds
  • High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ
  • Helicopter night-ride over the Strip

📅 We’ve also got 4-day and 7-day Las Vegas itineraries, in case you happen to have a little more time on your hands.

Day 1: Downtown Las Vegas

Fremont Street casino in Las Vegas

  

Big Bus Las Vegas sightseeing tour

This Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is hands-down the best way to see all the top sights in Las Vegas in one comprehensive tour, particularly if you're a Sin City newbie. The bus's two routes travel to various points of interest along the Strip, Downtown and beyond. Along the way, you'll be regaled with entertaining and educational anecdotes about Las Vegas history, culture and landmarks.

Some highlights along the bus routes include the 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada' sign, the Golden Nugget casino and Fremont Street. Plus, you'll get to spot legendary hotels and super-casinos, Miracle Mile, the malls, museums, monuments and more along the way.

You can use the bus tour to get to the next stops on this itinerary, although be aware you'll be dealing with the same traffic as you would if driving yourself, so be sure you leave plenty of time to get from A to B.

The 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

Use your pass on the Big Bus tour and ride out to the iconic 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada' sign.This historic sign serves as a relic of Las Vegas' neon sign history and was designed in 1959 by Betty Willis of the Western Neon Company. Photo ops and selfies here are gratis, but be aware you may have to jockey for position with other tourists who had the same idea as you.

Alternatively, leave the selfie stick at the hotel and book a pro photographer for snaps that are guaranteed to make your Insta pop. It's a great way to take your holiday pics up a level, and you'll find it included (along with the Big Bus tour and many other Las Vegas attractions in this guide) with a Las Vegas pass from Go City.

The Mob Museum

Mob Museum

Hop on and continue your ride to the last stop where you can switch routes and join the Downtown route. Pay attention to the layout of the Strip as you ride along the first section, you'll be exploring some of the sights you've spotted along this eye-popping boulevard tomorrow!

Once you're on the Downtown route, The Mob Museum stop drops you off right at the main entrance. Head inside for an interactive and entertaining account of Sin Citys's origin story: the Mob that built the city.

You'll learn about the notorious battle between the Mob and the law enforcement that sought to put a stop to their activities. Hear both sides of the story brought to life with multi-sensory, immersive exhibits and exclusive insights from some of the key players. Oh, and there's a secret speakeasy serving up Prohibition-era cocktails here too. Bottoms up!

Fremont Street walking Tour

Couple sightseeing in Downtown Las Vegas

Stroll over to Fremont Street, a five-block entertainment destination in historic Downtown Las Vegas that's lined with shops, famous hotels, old-school casinos and more. Join the Fremont Street walking tour to discover the storied background to this cool corner of the city. Look up to the ceiling to experience the Fremont Street Experience's Viva Vision, the world's largest video screen featuring free light shows and more.

If you're looking to eat dinner while you're here, downtown Las Vegas, particularly Fremont East, has become a bit of a foodie destination in the past few years, so there are plenty of options for just about any appetite.

Day 2: The Strip

The Stratosphere Observation Deck

The Tower at the STRAT

Head up the iconic Tower at the STRAT – the tallest freestanding observation deck in the United States – for 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip, the Valley and beyond – be sure to wave to the passing helicopters! You'll have access to both indoor and outdoor decks and the Stratosphere's viewfinders will help you identify landmarks across the city and beyond.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Don't skip the opportunity to work a few celebrity sightings into your Las Vegas itinerary, albeit these are very much of the wax varierty. Mosey over to Madame Tussauds for an entertaining interactive experience with celebrity selfie opportunities galore. Pose with Miley and her wrecking ball and schmooze with Gaga, Styles, the Hulk and more in this incredible rogues' gallery.

You can also relive a crazy Vegas night with Bradley Cooper, sing on stage for Simon Cowell, and fight crime alongside Nick Fury. Touching and interacting with the wax statues is encouraged, plus there are props that visitors can use for unforgettable (and really rather believable) photos.

High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ

High Roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas

Go for an early afternoon spin on the High Roller, America's tallest observation wheel, at 550 feet above ground. The 30-minute ride promises stunning, 360-degree views of iconic sights along the Las Vegas Strip and beyond.

If you want to toast your trip to Vegas, grab a drink from the High Roller’s wheelhouse bar before boarding your observation pod, then head to the right-hand side of the observation cabin for the best views. When you're done with your ride, be sure to spend a little time exploring the LINQ shopping and entertainment district. It's a great place for souvenirs or lunch and Las Vegas pass holders get credit to spend at Favorite Bistro and Sweet Sin, as well as a chance to ride the Fly LINQ Zipline (ideally before rather than after you've scoffed all those wonderfully Wonka-esque Sweet Sin desserts).

Helicopter night ride over the Strip

Night view of the Las Vegas Strip

What better way to round out your Las Vegas weekend adventure than with a thrilling after-dark helicopter ride over the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip. The 15-minute experience, which also takes in parts of Downtown, is hands-down the best way to see the Bellagio Fountains, Eiffel Tower and Venetian waterways in all their glory.

Prefer to stick to terra firma? Your Las Vegas pass also includes entry to several of Sin City's biggest shows, from comedy and magic spectaculars to musical tributes and the death-defying acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil.

Want more tips on making the best of a trip to Las Vegas? Course you do! Find out which of the All-Inclusive and Explorer Las Vegas passes is right for you. And check out our favorite ways to spend a morning in Sin City.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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people enjoying a rollercoaster
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Laugh, Stroll, and Snap: Free Things Near the Big Apple Coaster

Las Vegas isn’t just about dazzling lights and daredevil rides—it’s also a playground for those who love finding fun without flashing cash. The towering Big Apple Rollercoaster at New York-New York Hotel may set your heart racing, but the surrounding neighborhood overflows with experiences that don’t cost a penny. Whether you want to soak in famous sights, snap perfect photos, or simply take in the city’s quirky energy, this part of the Strip has you covered. Stick with us as we share the best free things to do near the Big Apple Rollercoaster—perfect for rounding out an unforgettable Vegas adventure, no matter your budget.  Our favorite free things to do near the Big Apple Rollercoaster include:  Snap NYC-style photos at the Brooklyn Bridge Replica  See the Bellagio Fountain Show  Discover the Park and Bliss Dance Sculpture  Enjoy the Streetmosphere at The Park MGM Plaza  Marvel at the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat  Explore the ARIA Resort Art Tour  Window Shop at The Grand Bazaar Shops  Wander through the M&M’s World and Coca-Cola Store  Watch Performers on the Strip  Stroll the LINQ Promenade and see the Selfie Walls  Snap NYC-style Photos at the Brooklyn Bridge Replica  Just steps from the Big Apple Rollercoaster, you’ll find yourself transported to New York’s legendary Brooklyn Bridge—well, almost. The half-scale Brooklyn Bridge replica outside the New York-New York Hotel isn’t just an architectural nod to the East Coast; it’s a gathering spot with loads of energy. We love wandering here early in the morning before the crowds, when the backdrop is perfect for snap-happy tourists. The bridge looks especially stunning at dusk, all lit up with Vegas sparkle and the glow of passing traffic. Play “spot the differences” with your favorite New York scenes, snap selfies worthy of your socials, or take group shots with Lady Liberty peeking in the background. Musicians and street performers sometimes add even more flavor, turning the walk into a lively, free show.  Discover The Park and Bliss Dance Sculpture  Venturing toward Park MGM, you’ll stumble upon The Park—a lush, airy pedestrian plaza filled with shade, public art, and cooling misters. The real star is Bliss Dance, a magnificent 40-foot-tall sculpture of a dancing woman that captures Vegas’ energy and spirit. By day, she’s metallic and stately; by night, she glows with color-changing lights. The Park is all about chilling out under artful trees, admiring modern design, and people-watching. Follow the winding walkways, snap photos with Bliss Dance, and listen for pop-up performances. It’s a taste of open-air Las Vegas that feels worlds away from the casino crowds.  Enjoy the Streetmosphere at The Park MGM Plaza  Vegas excels at live spectacles, and many don’t require a ticket. The Park MGM Plaza, right between New York-New York and Park MGM, bursts to life with vibrant Streetmosphere—think strolling musicians, costumed entertainers, or even impromptu magicians. You never really know what you’ll stumble upon, which is half the fun. The constant activity gives the area a friendly, anything-can-happen vibe, perfect for families, friends, and solo wanderers alike. We recommend chilling here with a to-go iced coffee while you take in surprise performances—great for people-watching and creating spontaneous Vegas memories, absolutely free.  Explore the ARIA Resort Art Tour  Right across the street, ARIA Resort & Casino houses one of Las Vegas’ most unique—and totally free—art tours. Their diverse collection features dramatic sculptures, abstract murals, and installations by world-famous artists, scattered through the property’s lobby and public spaces. Grab a free map at the concierge, or simply wander and create your own gallery walk. We love how the contemporary pieces mix with ARIA’s sleek decor, transforming a simple walk into an art adventure. Standout works include Maya Lin’s elegant silver river and Henry Moore’s monumental bronze. Even if you’re not an art buff, the sheer creativity and scale promise a memorable (and air-conditioned) escape from the Strip heat.  Window Shop at The Grand Bazaar Shops  If you want to soak up all the color and excitement of a Vegas street market, but keep your wallet tucked away, The Grand Bazaar Shops in front of Bally’s are the place to be. Bursting with neon signs, open-air stalls, and quirky vitrines, this spot feels like an urban bazaar meets 24-hour carnival. Stroll the maze of stalls filled with playful souvenirs, dazzling crystals, and dazzling LED displays. Window shopping here is an adventure in itself—plus, there’s people-watching galore. Often you’ll catch live music, pop-up performances, or just an infectious buzz that feels unique to the city. Sometimes, there’s even a free sample handed out by shop owners eager to chat.  Wander Through the M&M’s World and Coca-Cola Store  A short walk will bring you to two of the Strip’s most photogenic pit stops: M&M’s World and the Coca-Cola Store. Four floors of colorful, oversized candy installations invite you to tour, pose, and giggle (no purchase required). Watch the mini-movie in the M&M theater, create your own M&M’s character pose, and gawk at retro candy memorabilia throughout the store. Next door, the Coca-Cola Store offers quirky photo spots with the Coca-Cola Bear and a sweeping overlook from its upstairs balcony. If you’re lucky, you may catch a mascot meet-and-greet. Kids and adults alike leave with big smiles (and no pressure to buy).  Watch Performers on the Strip  Las Vegas Boulevard is famous for its impromptu sidewalk shows—where else can you see Elvis impersonators, acrobats, break-dancers, and living statues all while simply walking? Grab a patch of sidewalk near New York-New York, and let the Strip’s most magnetic characters come to you. Some days, you’ll spot dazzling costumes and over-the-top characters; other evenings, musicians fill the air with the sounds of jazz, pop, or mariachi. It’s a sideshow only Vegas can deliver, brimming with energy and photo ops for the whole crew. Best of all? You can enjoy as many acts as you like, for free.  Stroll the LINQ Promenade and See the Selfie Walls  A short stroll north lands you at the LINQ Promenade—an open-air entertainment district packed with quirky art installations and “selfie walls.” Vibrant murals, funky sculptures, and rainbow-colored wings provide the perfect backdrops for Instagram-worthy travel snaps. Strolling the promenade is fun at any hour, with regular street artists, window displays, and glimpses of the High Roller Ferris wheel spinning overhead. We find the LINQ’s easygoing, playful vibe infectious, and the scenery inspires creativity. Even on the busiest days, it’s easy to find a quiet corner for a group photo or a quick dance break—without spending a penny.    You don’t need to splurge to enjoy thrills, people-watching, and those unforgettable only-in-Vegas vibes just steps from the Big Apple Rollercoaster. From snapping iconic photos by faux bridges to wandering lush wildlife habitats, the Strip rewards anyone with a sense of curiosity and a healthy respect for fun on a budget.     Enjoyed this? Check out our picks of the best casino hotels to call home on your Vegas adventure, and browse our guide to 4 amazing days on the Strip.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 
Casino croupier taking bets at the roulette wheel
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Las Vegas in March

March marks the start of spring and kicks off Sin City’s popular shoulder season in earnest. Neither as chilly as deepest, darkest winter nor as intolerably sweaty as June and July, it’s a fine time to vacation here. Read on for our expert guide to visiting Las Vegas in March. Visiting Las Vegas in March Average Temperature: 57°F • Average Rainfall: 5 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day The period between March and May is among the very best times of year to visit Vegas, thanks to increasingly summery days and balmy evenings, though perhaps 'balmy' is a little optimistic for March. Still, what you can expect from a March Vegas vacation is highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s and clear blue skies stretching all the way to the horizon; cloud and rain at this time of year is rare, if not entirely unheard of. But hey, there’s plenty to keep you entertained indoors in this huge desert playground in the unlikely event you’re dealt a poor hand with the weather. Milder weather does of course go hand in hand with rising hotel prices though there are bargains to be had if you're willing to shop around. Vegas is traditionally a weekend destination but, frankly, the party here doesn’t stop just because it's Tuesday, so it’s worth considering a mid-week trip if you want to bag the best room rates. Prices also tend to start rising mid-month due to upcoming Easter holidays and increasingly pleasant temperatures. It’s also a good idea to do some research to find out about any major conventions taking place in or around specific hotels that might be pushing prices up. Things to do in March March means one thing in Vegas: it’s time for pool season, baby! Sure, the weather may still be a little too chilly for some. Nevertheless, March is when the vast majority of pools that closed down for winter begin to reopen again. You know what to do: claim your cabana, order a pina colada and peer over the tops of your dark glasses as the beautiful people emerge butterfly-like from hibernation and the pool decks of Sin City begin to throng with party people once again. Among the first to open will be Mandalay Bay’s sprawling Daylight Beach Club with its enormo 4,400 square foot pool, Wet Republic at the MGM Grand, and Flamingo’s Go Pool Dayclub. Dive in! (Or use the steps if the signs say ‘no diving’, obvs). If you prefer your entertainment a little... weirder, try Area15. The play on ‘Area51’ is deliberate as what goes on inside this massive warehouse is kept largely under wraps until after you’ve entered. What we do know is you can expect supersize art installations, VR experiences, altered universes, thrill rides and fantastical immersive experiences like the Illuminarium, an epic out-of-this-world space adventure where you can cruise through technicolor nebulae and asteroid belts to infinity (and beyond!). March is also prime time to visit the Neon Museum, an organization dedicated to preserving and exhibiting that most Vegas of art forms: the neon sign. Because the whole thing is outdoors it becomes somewhat less enjoyable to visit when temperatures start to soar, so March’s milder temperatures are ideal for wandering among these hulking relics that so deftly evoke Sin City’s gaudy history. Visit at night to enjoy the full impact and to feel like you’ve walked straight into a scene from Blade Runner. Las Vegas (or, at least, the mountains and canyons that surround it) are an absolute paradise for hikers. You can (and must) take a trip out to the Grand Canyon, whether by helicopter (spectacular) or coach (long). There are many variations of tours that depart Vegas for the West and South rims, but most include a bit of rambling among the wildflowers and distinctive red rocks. Bolt on posh picnics, champagne lunches and Hoover Dam excursions at your leisure. Or why not hire a car yourself and swing by the Red Rock Canyon? Much closer to Vegas – just a few miles west in the Mojave Desert, in fact – it offers many attractions along well-worn trails that weave past towering sandstone stacks, rushing waterfalls and caves daubed with Native American petroglyphs. You can find a comprehensive guide to the canyon’s marked hikes and trails here. Finally, in March as in every month in Vegas, you’ll find casinos that are open 24/7 and more magnificent magic shows, comedy acts, visual spectaculars and music concerts than you can shake a very large stick at. Take in a classic Cirque du Soleil performance or check listings at the MGM, Colosseum and T-Mobile Arena for some of the biggest names in rock and pop. What’s on in March? St Patrick’s Day Paint the town green on this special day, when revelers the world over honor the world’s most celebrated saint in the traditional manner: by dressing up as leprechauns, downing pint after pint of Guinness, attempting a dodgy Irish accent, then falling over. Vegas is no different, with major landmarks including the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and the High Roller lit up in bright green and Patrick-lovin’ parties running the length and breadth of the Strip. Head to O’Sheas at the LINQ for the ultimate St Paddy’s party pub. Here, lurid green drinks accompany high-energy beer pong and classic casino table games including blackjack and roulette. Don’t forget your novelty green hat! March Madness March Madness is the nickname given to the fantastically popular NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament that sees cavernous Vegas sports bars full to bursting for much of the second half of the month. Sports fans and gamblers alike pour into town for a piece of the action, with giant screens showing the games in many of the major casinos, including the Venetian, MGM Grand and Caesars Palace. Difficult to avoid completely and occasionally overwhelming, it can feel like the whole town’s gone, well, basketball crazy. Head to the relative calm of downtown if you fancy a bit of respite away from the fanatics. Boulder City Beerfest A mere 20-odd miles south of Vegas is where you’ll find this annual mecca for beer lovers. Ok ok, so it’s a little out of town, but you managed to make it all the way out to the Grand Canyon, didn’t you? And that’s in Arizona! Expect award-winning ales and more from dozens of top Nevada brewers, soaked up with hearty fare from local food trucks. Save on attractions in Las Vegas Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Taking a selfie in Las Vegas
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Best Las Vegas Souvenirs

Vivaaaaa Las Vegas – so the song goes, a cheesy tune to match the cheesy lyrics. And chances are, reading that line conjured up images of flashing neon signs, feathers, roulette wheels and Elvis in his famous white jumpsuit. Well, you wouldn’t want to go to Vegas and not see all of that, right? Just as you wouldn’t want to go to Vegas and not come home with a tacky souvenir or two – although you’ll be pleased to learn that there are plenty of genuine, high-quality products around as well. Here are our best ideas for your Vegas souvenirs, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous: Casino gambling chips No doubt you’re planning to have a bit of a flutter in Vegas, and whether that’s playing poker, roulette or slot machines, the sound of chips stacking and falling will become an indelible reminder of your Vegas holiday. Each casino has its own chips, ranging from $1 up to the thousands, and you are allowed to take them with you, so they make a good souvenir if you have some leftover (just keep in mind that they can expire, so maybe cash in any big ones!) Some casinos will let you buy a new one if you ask the cashier, or you can buy customized chips and other items like cards and dice from specialist stores like Spinetti’s. Chocolate Ok, we know it’s not Switzerland or Belgium, but chocoholics may just find their new favorite thing at Bellagio Patisserie, in the foyer of the Bellagio hotel. The café is famous for its treats and delicacies, but the crowds really come to see the world’s largest chocolate fountain, an ever-flowing cascade of milk, white and dark chocolate sending cocoa aromas permeating through the lobby. You can’t sample it, sadly, but you can take home a box of artisan chocolates or macarons. Whether you share them or not, we’ll leave up to you. Blue Man Group drumsticks The Blue Man Group is one of the endearing favorites of the Las Vegas line-up – their color-filled show combining paint and percussion has been delighting audiences in Vegas for more than twenty years. You can take home a great memento from the show – other than a splashed shirt, that is – by buying a set of Blue Man Group drumsticks before the show. Then if you hang around afterwards, the Group comes out to meet the audience and will sign the sticks if you ask them, so you’ll have the perfect personalized souvenir! A mini ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign It’s one of the most iconic sights in the city and one that every visitor looks for when they first approach the strip – the dazzling, diamond-shaped ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign. This double-backed, internally lit emblem has been there since 1959, with its red and yellow eight-pointed star, ‘welcome’ letters outlined in silver dollars and flashing yellow lights chasing each other around the outside. Visitors can take home their own mini version from any souvenir shop, in the form of a magnet, sticker, mugs, towels, flashing ornaments and just about anything else you can think of. A new spouse Don’t worry, we’re only joking – mostly. If you have been meaning to tie the knot, and you’re a fan of the King, then why not pop by the Graceland Chapel while you’re here? You might even be able to convince people to look at your holiday pics... On the other hand, you could just pick up a trinket from the gift shop – there’s mugs, keyrings, clothing, records and collectibles, instruments, snow globes and of course Elvis bobble heads. Or pick up an authentic Elvis suit – all your theme parties from now on will be sorted! Navajo turquoise jewelry We promised sublime, and this is it. Known as the ‘stone of life’ by the Navajo tribe of Nevada, turquoise has long been valued by local craftsmen as a unique and beautiful component of jewelry and talismans. When the art of silversmithing was introduced to the region around a hundred years ago these two elements were combined, with the result that Navajo silver and turquoise jewelry is some of the most prized in the world. And because varying levels of copper and aluminum deposits in the stones make each piece slightly different, your souvenir will be beautiful, local and totally unique. A podium prize If you’re traveling to Las Vegas with the family you’ll need to find something to do other than sitting in a casino all day – so how about a family go-karting day? At Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix there are four tracks to try out, from the Kiddie Kart track for the little ones up to the Euro High Speed Track for the speed demons in the family. There are also games and an arcade room, and at the end of the day winners can redeem their tokens for a prize of their choice to take home – bragging rights included of course! A group photo with a difference A group photo with a neon sign in the background is all well and good, but let’s face it, it’s not very exciting or interesting. On the other hand, if you’ve got some adrenalin junkies in the group, how about a photo in mid-air? Take a selfie from a ‘limousine of the sky’ on a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Tour or, if you prefer to get physical, up to ten people at a time can ride the Fly LINQ Zipline, which is a 1,121-foot-long zipline over the streets and signs of the city to the High Roller Observation Wheel at the other end. Afterwards you can purchase a professional photograph of you and your group in mid-flight – a unique souvenir perfect for sticking on the fridge at home. Or if you prefer a video memento, how about a SkyJump from the top of the 108-floor STRAT building? Get more from your vacation with Go City Whether you’re after happy snaps, memorable experiences or just want to shop till you drop, Las Vegas has it all and more. Make sure you’ve got your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass so you can save time and money while you’re busy enjoying yourself.
Karleen Stevens

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