Las Vegas Itinerary – 3 Days in Vegas for First Timers

Our guide to spending three days in Vegas.

Published: July 18, 2024
Las Vegas Skyline

Spending a few days in Las Vegas? See the best of this delightful city and experience all the highlights with our 3 days in Las Vegas itinerary. Jam-packed with classic Vegas sights and attractions, this popular 3-day itinerary encompasses a wide variety of things to do to showcase the best the city has to offer in a limited amount of time.

This 3-day itinerary includes:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
  • Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (free!)
  • Fountains at Bellagio (free!)
  • Show at the V Theater
  • Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
  • High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ
  • Eiffel Tower Experience
  • Grand Canyon South Rim Tour

Day 1, Stop #1: Big Bus Las Vegas

If you really want to see what Las Vegas is all about, then you have to take a Hop-On Hop-Off tour with Big Bus. They offer the most informative sightseeing tours around, with insider tips and historical trivia for all to enjoy. Best of all, as it's a hop-on hop-off tour, if you find something you just have to explore during your travels, you can disembark and spend some time checking it out.

The Classic Tour takes 2.5 hours if you stay on the bus for the entire time, so it packs in a lot to see! Be sure to check out our helpful Hop-On Hop-Off guide for top tips to make the most of your visit.

Getting In: Big Bus Las Vegas Sightseeing Tour tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas pass.

Big bus

Stop #2: Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Check out the seasonal displays at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, prepared by a team of 140 horticulturalists. Bring your camera for memorable photo opportunities, displays that include incredible flower formations, and water features that are nothing short of mesmerizing.

Getting in: Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are free to enter.

Bellagio Conservatory

Stop #3: Fountains at Bellagio

Next, stroll over to the Fountains of Bellagio for a beautiful musical water show. This stunning water show features choreographed fountains timed to famous musical numbers, from concert opera and classical to Broadway tunes, for an always entertaining show. The fountains are a quirky, classic Las Vegas attraction and an unmissable stop on your itinerary.

Getting in: Fountains at Bellagio are free to watch.

Bellagio fountains

Stop #4: Catch a show at the V Theater

Don’t leave Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” without seeing one of the shows that uphold the city’s title. Head to the V Theater to catch one of their award-winning performances. Owned by the famed Las Vegas producer David Saxe, the V Theater is home to some of the most entertaining shows, including VEGAS! The Show; V - The Ultimate Variety Show; The Mentalist; Zombie Burlesque; and several more!

There are plenty of kid-friendly options, too like pet-based shows and comedy shows. Each show creatively pays tribute to the spectacle that is Las Vegas’ unique entertainment culture.

V Theater

Day 2 Stop #1: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Be sure to work some celebrity sightings into your Las Vegas itinerary. Head to Madame Tussauds for an interactive and entertaining experience with all your favorite movie stars, athletes, celebrities, and more. Pose for the paparazzi with Lady Gaga, relive a crazy Vegas night with Bradley Cooper, sing on stage for Simon Cowell, and fight crime alongside Nick Fury.

Taking pictures with the wax statues is highly encouraged, and props are provided that visitors can use for unforgettable (and highly believable) photos. Cameras at the ready - be prepared to fool your Instagram followers!

Getting In: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas tickets are included on all Las Vegas passes.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

Stop #2: High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ

Take an afternoon spin on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel – 550ft above the ground! Your 30-minute ride will feel like it ends too soon, as you soak up amazing panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and the scenery below. Don't forget to keep your phone or camera charged for this attraction!

Ready to get the party started? Grab a drink from the High Roller’s wheelhouse bar before boarding. Afterwards, there are plenty of options to explore in the LINQ area, whether you're after food and beverages or shopping. For our High Roller top tips, read our helpful guide.

Getting in: High Roller tickets are included on all Las Vegas passes.

High Roller

Stop #3: Eiffel Tower Experience

Visit Paris without the transatlantic flight! Head to the Paris Las Vegas Hotel - their Eiffel Tower Experience is just like setting foot into a recreated Parisian cityscape. Ascend to the top of their Eiffel Tower (46 storeys above ground level), and then stroll through replicas of the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and more.

It's a great way to experience the grandeur and opulence of Las Vegas casino culture, and makes for some awesome photos to fool your friends that you're in Paris too. Here's our guide to the Eiffel Tower Experience before your trip. It's full of top tips and ideas to help you make the most of your visit.

Getting In: Eiffel Tower Experience tickets are included with the Go Las Vegas pass.

Las Vegas Eiffel

Day 3 Stop #1: Grand Canyon South Rim Tour

You simply can't visit Las Vegas without taking the time to see the natural wonders nearby. Take a guided bus tour out to the Grand Canyon, where you'll see many of the South Rim's signature spots. Visit the historic (but still operational) Grand Canyon Railway, Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and many sites in Grand Canyon Village, where you can pick up souvenirs.

You'll pass by the Hoover Dam on the way, a nice included extra where you can get great photos, and pass over the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, located adjacent to the Dam itself.

This tour will take the entire day (from approximately 5am to 7.30pm), so sit back and relax on your ride out to the Canyon aboard a luxury motorcoach. You have three hours to explore the National Park itself, so make the most of your chance to see this natural wonder. The Bright Angel Trail is a good choice for active folks, and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Getting In: Grand Canyon South Rim Tour tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3, 4, and 5 day Las Vegas All-Inclusive passes.

 

Grand Canyon South Rim

Let’s Recap

This 3 days in Las Vegas itinerary features a variety of activities and attractions that cover all the best Las Vegas highlights. The itinerary is jam-packed with fun but features a schedule that’s easy to do in three days. 

🗓️ Spending less time in Las Vegas? We’ve also put together a sample 1 day itinerary and a weekend in Vegas itinerary.

Las Vegas

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Discover our full line-up of Las Vegas attractions from Bellagio Fountains to the High Roller Observation Wheel.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Wild for Winter: The Best December Experiences in Las Vegas

Las Vegas in December dials up the sparkle. Whether you’re visiting for world-class shows, twinkling light displays, or just hoping to trade snow boots for something a little more fabulous, there’s an energy here that’s electric—even when the desert temperatures cool down. Love a bit of holiday magic? Craving vibrant nightlife or family-friendly adventures? Sin City’s got you covered every day this month. So, grab a scarf (but leave the gloves at home), and get ready for some of our favorite Las Vegas December experiences that make this city unforgettable.  Our favorite Las Vegas December experiences include:  High Roller Observation Wheel  The Mob Museum  Strip Highlights Night Flight on Papillon Helicopter  The Neon Museum  Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour  KA by Cirque du Soleil  minus5° "Cool Experience" at the Venetian Canal Shoppes  Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at the LINQ Promenade  High Roller Observation Wheel: See the Holidays from New Heights  The holidays look extra special when you’re 550 feet above the neon-lit Strip, and nowhere serves up that view like the High Roller Observation Wheel. Step into your cozy glass pod—heated for those chillier December nights—and watch as Las Vegas unwraps its festive side right beneath you. Each rotation gives you a full panorama: bright casino marquees, glittering decorations, and, sometimes, a glimpse of distant snow-capped mountains. We especially love riding at sunset when the city glows gold, or later in the evening as everything lights up like a giant holiday village.  December is the perfect time for this view: cooler air equals crisp, clear vistas, making photos pop and the city feel extra magical. Want to amp up the celebration? Book a Happy Half Hour cabin and toast the season with drinks as you spin. Whether you’re traveling with friends, making it a date night, or exploring with family, the High Roller offers a fresh perspective—literally—on all things Vegas in December.  The Mob Museum: Unearth Sin City’s Wild Side  Love a bit of intrigue with your history? The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas is both fascinating and utterly fun—especially when you want a break from the busy strip. Set in a gorgeous 1930s courthouse, this immersive attraction lets you step into the world of speakeasies, bootleggers, and notorious gangsters. Interactive exhibits pack in real stories (and some juicy gossip), while hands-on experiences like the Crime Lab and the Underground Speakeasy give you a taste of the action.  In December, the Mob Museum gets into the spirit with themed cocktails and seasonal events—perfect for those looking to sip a little holiday cheer in a place unlike any other. It’s equal parts educational and thrilling; you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Las Vegas’ storied past and maybe a few conversation starters for your next holiday party.  The Neon Museum: Vintage Vegas, Lit Up for the Holidays  Nothing says Vegas nostalgia like the Neon Museum: a boneyard of rescued neon signs, all shimmering in their retro glory. December brings a whimsical touch to this already dreamy spot: the chill in the air, the glow of vintage bulbs, and often some holiday-themed tours or family-friendly events. The museum’s outdoor yard displays dazzling signs from casinos and motels gone by—all set against a crisp winter sky.  Guided tours share quirky stories behind each sign, from celebrities to scandals, so you’ll leave as both an expert and an admirer. Our favorite time to visit? After dark, when hundreds of bulbs flicker to life, the atmosphere is festive, and the city’s history feels almost alive. Bonus: If you’re visiting with kids, the museum often adds a few merry surprises around the holidays.  Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Daytime Tour: Easy December Exploring  December in Las Vegas strikes the perfect balance: comfortable cool weather and fewer crowds. What better way to explore than letting someone else do the driving? The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour is your ticket to all the sights—from the Strip’s most famous attractions to quirky downtown gems. Warm up on the upper deck, camera in hand, as your guide shares zippy tales and local secrets. You can hop off at spots like the Bellagio, Fremont Street, or the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign, then catch the next bus when you’re ready to roll.  It’s the best way to cover ground without worrying about parking (or chilly winds). In December, you get holiday lights, festive window displays, and maybe even some snow-dusted rooftops in the distance. Wrap up, pick a comfy seat, and see Las Vegas at your own pace.  KA by Cirque du Soleil: An Epic Adventure Indoors  If you’re looking to balance outdoor adventures with something spectacular inside, head to KA by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand. This isn’t just a show—it’s an all-out sensory spectacular, combining gravity-defying acrobatics, spellbinding stagecraft, and a heart-thumping story. The massive moving stage has to be seen to be believed, and even seasoned Vegas visitors find themselves wide-eyed as the drama unfolds.  Why do we love it for December? KA’s immersive world is the perfect place to escape a cool desert evening, and it never fails to put you in a festive mood. From epic battles to tender moments, every act feels like a gift—no wrapping required.  Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at the LINQ Promenade: Festive Treats & Cozy Vibes  No December adventure in Vegas is complete without happy taste buds, and Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe always delivers. This tempting spot at the LINQ Promenade serves up delicious desserts, cheerful lattes, and Instagram-worthy pastries. Their cannoli are legendary and the seasonal treats—think peppermint mocha cupcakes or gingerbread macarons—make for perfect holiday indulgences.  The ambiance strikes a balance between modern cool and sweetly cozy, with bistro seating and lots of natural light. It’s the perfect place to regroup after riding the High Roller or meandering through the promenade’s festive light displays. One bite, and you’ll see why Sweet Sin is a crowd favorite—especially in December.    One of the best things? The Conservatory is completely free to visit, and the atmosphere feels magical (and a bit less hectic) in the mornings or late    Enjoyed this? Check out how to celebrate a birthday on the Strip, and discover how to make Pride in Vegas a memorable one.  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! 

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