One Day in Las Vegas Itinerary - Experience Vegas in a Day for Under $100

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2024
By Casey Makovich

Heading to Las Vegas with limited time to explore and wondering what to do? You’re in luck, because we have some great advice for where to go and what to see if you have only one day in Las Vegas. We put together a sample one day itinerary designed to showcase a few of the best Las Vegas highlights with limited time. This one day itinerary includes:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Las Vegas Sightseeing Tour
  • High Roller Observation Deck at the LINQ
  • Fountains at Bellagio (free!)
  • Show at V Theater

Spending more time in Sin City? Then take a peek at one of our weekend in Las Vegas or popular 3 day itineraries.

Save on Attraction Admission

With a 3-Choice Las Vegas Explorer Pass you can visit these great attractions all while saving on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Remember, this one day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Explorer Pass gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

Stop #1: Big Bus Las Vegas Sightseeing Tour

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This Hop-On Hop-Off bus is the perfect introduction to Las Vegas. More than a city bus tour, it will take you up and down the Strip past all the most iconic landmarks and provides a convenient way to get around and see lots of places along the Strip quickly. Your guide will provide fun facts about the city's history and culture and give you some insider insights and suggested points of interest along the way. Tip: Check out our guide for getting around Las Vegas with Big Bus before your visit. Bus tour highlights include the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign, the Golden Nugget, and Fremont Street. Passengers will see lots of legendary hotels and casinos, Miracle Mile, the malls, museum, monuments, and more along the Strip. Getting In: Big Bus Las Vegas Hop-On Hop-Off Day Tour tickets are available as an option on the Las Vegas Explorer Pass.

Stop #2: High Roller Observation Deck

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One of the other top ways to see the fabulous Las Vegas is from a great height. Get stunning aerial views from the High Roller Observation Deck at the LINQ. This is actually the world's tallest observation wheel -- standing at 550 feet above ground level. Enjoy a 30-minute ride with phenomenal, 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and beyond. The LINQ itself is an exciting outdoor shopping and dining destination, so you'll have plenty to explore after your 30 minute ride. Grab a drink, some snacks, or indulge in some shopping afterwards and enjoy a delightful afternoon! Getting In: High Roller Observation Deck tickets are available as an option on the Las Vegas Explorer Pass.

Stop #3: Fountains at Bellagio (free!)

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After lunch, take a short stroll over to the Fountains of Bellagio, one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas, for a mesmerizing musical water show. The stunning fountains are choreographed in time to famous musical numbers. Shows feature a variety of recognizable music, from concert opera and classical to Broadway tunes, for an always entertaining (and always free) show.

Stop #4: Show at V Theater

Take advantage of being in the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and catch one of the amusing and engaging shows Las Vegas is famous for. Choose from the huge variety of shows at the V Theater, located right on the Strip. Owned by the famed Las Vegas producer David Saxe, the V Theater is home to some of the most entertaining, award-winning performances on the Strip. Shows you can choose from include:

  • V - The Ultimate Variety Show: A little bit of everything Vegas packed into one, award-winning show featuring some of the best talent for a fun and memorable experience.
  • VEGAS! THE SHOW: Experience all of the glitz, glamour, and extravagant costumes that make Vegas the 'Entertainment Capital of the World' - a must-see show for all ages.
  • The Mentalist: This show features mind-blowing magic, mind-reading, and comedy from the TV show phenomenon, Gerry McCambridge.
  • and more!

Each show creatively pays tribute to the spectacle that is Las Vegas’ unique entertainment culture. No reservations required. A Go Las Vegas Explorer Pass grants you general admission seating only. Located inside Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Getting In: Vegas Shows at the V Theater are available as an option on the Las Vegas Explorer Pass.

Let’s Recap

This One Day in Las Vegas Itinerary features the perfect selection of activities and attractions to experience some of the best Las Vegas has to offer in a limited amount of time. Saving on things to do in one day in Las Vegas is easy. If you visit the stops mentioned in this Las Vegas itinerary you can save up to 55% off combined admission prices with a 3-Choice Go Las Vegas Explorer Pass. The pass offers flexibility to pick attractions you want to visit from over 10 choices, making it the perfect way to explore Las Vegas for any length of stay.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Is Las Vegas Safe to Visit?

Sit back and picture Vegas: we can guess what’s in your head. Neon strips. Roulette wheels spinning like carousels. Pristine casinos, so shiny they look like they were made just for you. Las Vegas is the land of entertainment opportunities - you’ll never be bored here. But if you’re reading this, what you really want to know is, will you be safe?.. Will I be safe in Las Vegas? 6 ways to stay safe at the slots and tables People carrying large amounts of money attract thieves and pickpockets in any city. But the number of slots and tables in the city may pose some unique considerations to tourists who don’t want to draw attention to themselves by flashing their cash. Here are some good ways to keep your money and valuables as safe as possible: 1. Stow your wallet in your front pocket rather than back. Wrap a thick rubber band around it to make it harder for it to be lifted out. 2. Why not invest in some travel-safe wardrobe pieces? Travel blazers contain special zippered inside pockets. Or if they’re too much hassle, a trusty fanny pack is a tourist classic. 3. Won on the slots? Excellent - drinks on you! But before you cash out, make sure you’re done playing to avoid having any of it lifted. If you’ve won really big, ask the casino for a cashier’s check. 4. Keep purses and backpacks on your lap or on a special hook that slides under the armrest of some blackjack tables. Do not leave them on the floor where a bag snatcher can grab it. Better still, stow your bags in your locked hotel room to avoid this scenario entirely. 5. You’re doing really well at the tables. Your chips are piling up. Maybe so high a thief can see them clearly from the other side of the room. Don’t make a totem pole of your winnings - exchange them for a higher denomination to keep things safe and a little humble. 6. Play safe by avoiding all betting games outside the casinos. What about areas around Vegas? 6 ways to stay safe at the slots and tables People carrying large amounts of money attract thieves and pickpockets in any city. But the number of slots and tables in the city may pose some unique considerations to tourists who don’t want to draw attention to themselves by flashing their cash. Here are some good ways to keep your money and valuables as safe as possible: 1. Stow your wallet in your front pocket rather than back. Wrap a thick rubber band around it to make it harder for it to be lifted out. 2. Why not invest in some travel-safe wardrobe pieces? Travel blazers contain special zippered inside pockets. Or if they’re too much hassle, a trusty fanny pack is a tourist classic. 3. Won on the slots? Excellent - drinks on you! But before you cash out, make sure you’re done playing to avoid having any of it lifted. If you’ve won really big, ask the casino for a cashier’s check. 4. Keep purses and backpacks on your lap or on a special hook that slides under the armrest of some blackjack tables. Do not leave them on the floor where a bag snatcher can grab it. Better still, stow your bags in your locked hotel room to avoid this scenario entirely. 5. You’re doing really well at the tables. Your chips are piling up. Maybe so high a thief can see them clearly from the other side of the room. Don’t make a totem pole of your winnings - exchange them for a higher denomination to keep things safe and a little humble. 6. Play safe by avoiding all betting games outside the casinos. What about areas around Vegas? Put a spotlight on the neon city Gangs are very much still a feature of the area outside of the Strip and Fremont Street. Darker neighboring streets are subject to car break-ins, theft and vandalism. One to bear in mind if you’re considering a car rental while you’re there and need a place to park. City officials are doing a good job of cracking down on crime, but like any good tourist in a new city, do your research before setting off to any unfamiliar area. Vegas gangs are often named for the neighborhoods in which they commit their crimes, so check what people are saying about the places you intend to visit before you set off: The ‘Gerson Park Kingsmen’ are named for the Gerson Park public housing complex, for example. There are also gangs named for Donna Street and Vegas Heights. The Las Vegas Valley has reportedly been home to hundreds of street gangs in recent years. If you’re travelling by car, exercise caution north of the Encore resort, near the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and near McCarran International Airport, owing to a slightly greater risk of car break-ins, theft, and vandalism. Getting around While on the subject of a car rental, we know they supply greater autonomy, but why not skip the designated driver part and relax into the Vegas experience? Uber, Lyft and the city’s super-secure monorail and bus transportation system are an excellent alternative to getting behind the wheel yourself. If this is your very first time in Vegas, take the opportunity to see the city by foot. The length of the Strip is around four miles, so there’s no better way of walking off a buffet than by taking a stroll and discovering some incredible hotels along the way. You can wander in and out of these huge entertainment complexes, wiling away the hours in true Vegas style before taking your picture at the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, just beyond the Mandalay Bay Hotel Resort and Casino. But if you’re new to Vegas or America in general, stay safe on foot by making sure you don’t jaywalk. Use a suitable crossing point or bridges and don’t cross into traffic as the city is heavily policed. Savvy travel in the city of lights So when it comes to visiting Vegas, you’ll be safe as long as you stay savvy. Remember to search before you explore. Whether you’re looking for an authentic local experience or a parking spot, in this city and any other you visit, check out neighborhoods and areas online first. Read what other tourists are saying before you set out and be mindful of places in Vegas where gangs feature, usually in certain areas off the Strip. Be scam smart by limiting how much you buy or take part in outside of the casino. Street vendors are an unsafe option. Stick to licensed shops and don’t buy water, VIP passes or take part in games, kerbside. And remember, what happens in Vegas may not stay in Vegas if you don’t drink responsibly. Try and have fun while keeping your wits engaged. However you decide to travel, get around like a local. You’d probably avoid unmarked taxis at all cost at home, so do the same in Vegas. If in doubt, speak to casino staff who’ll recommend transport companies affiliated with the casino. If you also have the Uber and Lyft apps, great, but remember to check the profiles, ratings (the higher, the better) and registration against the car you climb into. The monorail is also an excellent mode of transport that maintains strict safety measures - just remember to check its schedule first.
Go City Expert
Couple Las Vegas
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Romantic Things to Do in Las Vegas for Valentine's Day

Las Vegas can be an incredibly romantic city, with many great activities that are perfect for couples to enjoy, whether it's for Valentine's Day or a special date night. While they are certainly options, it’s not all about gaming or shopping – there's plenty more to appeal to a diversity of couples who may find Vegas an unexpected but delightful destination. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Las Vegas for Valentine's Day, or maybe for just a romantic evening, check out a few of our suggested activities. View the Strip From Above Take in the Breathtaking Beauty of Nature See the City By Night Hit Up the Clubs Want to get your dance on with your significant other? Choose this exclusive five-hour Rockstar Nightclub Tour that escorts you between a number of the city's most popular clubs in style – in a VIP limo bus, that is! You'll get an open bar on the VIP Party Bus, and all cover charges are included. Plus, you get VIP entrance privileges at all venues. It's a fun way to be romantic with your partner, or, alternatively, a great bachelor/bachelorette party idea for those of you looking to have fun before the ultimate romantic event. Indulge Your Love of Pop Culture When your favorite shared activity is a Netflix night, then you’ve got to make the trip to Madame Tussauds. It's a distinctive collection of wax figures that surpasses your traditional definitions of a "wax museum" and becomes a fascinating collection of stories about important historical figures. Here is where you’ll see your most beloved actors, musicians, and pop culture icons brought to life in amazing wax replicas, with everyone from Will Smith to Lady Gaga and beyond. Each area of the attraction features different themes – such as sports, music icons, "Viva Las Vegas," and more. Plus, it’s probably your best shot at meeting a celebrity outside of Hollywood! Take in a Show Get Swept Away to Paris Enjoy a Delicious Meal Stroll the Hip Areas of the City If you and your partner are looking to see more of the city than just the Strip, then perhaps a walking tour of the hip downtown area is in order. Explore the fun Fremont Street neighborhood, where you'll find everything from vintage Las Vegas sites to the incredibly popular Downtown Container Park. It's a rapidly revitalizing area and has a lot of new construction, so you can get a glimpse of where this area is headed in the next few years. Your two-hour walking tour is a great introduction to the neighborhood and may inspire you to come back for a romantic dinner or some drinks. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Las Vegas, just in time for Valentine's Day. Remember, some of these great options are included on the Go Las Vegas pass, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with a pass for Las Vegas by Go City.
Katie Sagal
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10+ Things to Do in Las Vegas for Families

When you think of family-friendly destinations, Las Vegas may not be at the top of your list. In fact, it may not even make your top ten, but you'd be surprised by all the attractions the so-called “Sin City” has to offer families with kids. Contrary to popular belief, you can (and should!) enjoy a vacation in Las Vegas with your family, there are lots of ways to experience the city that don't involve casinos and night clubs. The devilishly delicious buffets will be the only “sinful” thing you do! If you're looking to save on admission to top Las Vegas attractions and tours, pick up a Las Vegas Explorer Pass® for your choice from 10+ of the best area attractions for one low price. Save up to 55% on combined admission prices vs paying at the gate! Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Madame Tussauds wax museums are enjoyable for visitors of all ages. In the Vegas location you’ll find lifelike wax creations in eight themed rooms (music, sports, Club Tussauds, Viva Las Vegas, Marvel Superheroes, and more) that are recognizable to kids, like Shaq and Britney Spears, as well as celebrities even grandparents will recognize (be on the lookout for Elvis). Take some photos of your kids with their favorite stars— they’ll love showing them off to all of their friends when you get back home. Visitors are encouraged to be creative with their poses and are allowed to get up close and even touch the figures. World Class Circus Acts at Circus Circus Although Circus Circus is a hotel/casino by night, in the day it is home to the world’s largest permanent circus. The incredible acts you’ll see at this Cirque de Soleil-style family attraction include jugglers, unicyclists, trapeze artists, acrobats, contortionists, and more. Each act lasts about 10 minutes and they take place every half hour (on most days) starting at 11 a.m. Best of all, watching a show is absolutely free. The AdventuredomeTM Everyone in the family is going to have a blast at America’s largest indoor theme park. Adventuredome is five acres of thrill rides and attractions enclosed under a glass dome. If you plan on riding more than one attraction, purchase the all-day ride pass for the best deal. Discovery Children’s Museum Discover something new at the Discovery Children’s Museum, where families can explore various hands-on exhibits. This museum is home to both permanent and visiting exhibits, all of which are unique and exciting for kids of all ages. Las Vegas Natural History Museum Get an up close look at Nevada’s wildlife, including animated dinosaurs at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, fondly known by the local kiddos as "the dinosaur museum". Families with smaller children will have a blast in the children’s learning room, featuring a hands-on experience with the area’s natural history. M&M’s® World Discover four stories of chocolatey goodness right on the Las Vegas Strip at M&M’s World. This fun store features everything we all know and love about these candy covered pieces of chocolate, including T-shirts, caps, lithographs, candy machines, and so much more. Don't forget to go up to the fourth floor and watch the action-adventure film starring the M&Ms and get your own container filled with personalized candies. Pinball Hall of Fame Parents will have a blast introducing their kids to the games they used to play back when they were young while visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame, "a place to play pinball the way pinball was meant to be played!" featuring over 200 games. Adults will have fun reliving their childhood, while the kids will have fun testing out games they probably never knew existed. Even if you aren't a pinball wizard, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a worthwhile stop for anyone visting Vegas. Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Exhibit Get up close with some of the world’s most exotic animals at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. This impressive habitat is located at The Mirage Hotel and Casino. Animals residing at this exhibit include white tigers, white lions, leopards and bottlenose dolphins. After exploring the secret garden take time to kick back and wait for the volcano at The Mirage to blow. Toy Shack If you find yourself enjoying the Fremont Street Experience while in Las Vegas, make time to wander through The Toy Shack. This store specializes in vintage toys from the 80’s and is the perfect opportunity to share with your kids the toys you used to play with at their age. You'll be hit with a wave of nostalgia and may just find yourself on eBay after visiting this unique shop. Planet Hollywood Grab a meal at Planet Hollywood for classic, American fare and a very family-friendly atmosphere. The kids will be entertained by the Hollywood-focused surroundings and movie memorabilia. So Remember... You can save up to 55% on many of your attraction visits with a Las Vegas Explorer Pass, so pick one up today!
Katie Sagal

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