A week in Las Vegas: your 7-day Sin City itinerary

A week gives you plenty of time to get under the skin of Sin City. There's so much to do here, including dizzying observation wheels, majestic fountains, world-class shopping and side quests to epic natural wonders.

By Katie Sagal
Las Vegas

Las Vegas remains a perenially popular vacation destination for a reason, with its unique combination of art, culture, entertainment, nightlife and eye-popping natural landscapes. All that neon light and noise can be a little overwhelming for newbies, but fear not: we've got your back. Our 7-day itinerary has you covered if you’re traveling to Vegas for a longer stay – read on for our top suggestions for what to do in and around the city that truly never sleeps.

Featured Las Vegas attractions include:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Las Vegas Tour
  • High Roller Observation Wheel and LINQ Promenade
  • Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
  • Exhibitions at The Luxor, Bellagio and Horseshoe
  • The Eiffel Tower experience
  • Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • Hoover Dam Tour
  • Grand Canyon Tour
  • ...and more!

Day 1: Best of Vegas views

If you're visiting Las Vegas for the first time, there's no better way to get a sense of the city than aboard a hop-on hop-off Big Bus Las Vegas Tour. Get the expert lowdown on Downtown and the Strip and enjoy the flexibility to explore the attractions that interest you most along the way.

The classic daytime route takes you on a tour of all the hottest spots in the city, including the Strip, Downtown, those skyscraping Bellagio fountains, the Mob Museum, the Strat, and so much more.

High Roller Observation Wheel

The High Roller in Las Vegas

One of the best ways to truly appreciate the glitz and glam of Las Vegas is from an aerial vantage point. Which is where the High Roller Observation Wheel comes in! Only the highest observation wheel in the western Hemisphere, the High Roller stands at a head-spinning 550 feet tall. Take a daytime ride to take in the full glitzy scope of the Strip and the red-tinted desert landscapes beyond the city limits. The ride lasts around 30 minutes and is all but guaranteed to serve up some of the most Insta-perfect snaps of your trip.

LINQ Promenade

After disembarking the High Roller, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the LINQ Promenade over which the massive observation wheel towers. Frankly, there's enough to fill the rest of your day here: from burger joints to comedy clubs, magic shows, bowling alleys and death-defying zip lines for adrenaline fiends. It’s a great place to get some souvenir shopping sorted and linger over a classic Vegas lunch or dinner. Bonus: your Las Vegas pass from Go City includes $25 credit to spend at Favorite Bistro, enough to cover a Hangover Burger, a classic margherita pizza or a garlicky plate of French escargots. Bon appetit!

Day 2: Madame Tussauds and the Venetian

Miley Cyrus at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

You don’t need to go to Hollywood for your celebrity culture fix – just pop by Madame Tussauds Las Vegas instead! Located right in front of the legendary Venetian, this perennially popular Vegas attraction features stars from the worlds of film, music, art, sports, and more, all lovingly rendered in wax. Find your Wolf Pack in the Hangover Bar, strike a pose with Miley and her wrecking ball, and hob-nob with RiRi and Kourtney in the secret speakeasy.

The Grand Canal Shoppes

As you’re in the area, you might as well give your credit card a workout – and we mean a serious workout – ain the Venetian's super-luxury Grand Canal Shoppes. Handbags and gladrags not quite your vibe? Imagine yourself in Venice on a gondola cruise along the canals, or go for something completely unexpected: an escape from the desert heat at this cooler-than-a-cucumber ice experience. 

Day 3: Sin City's most memorable museums

Spend today checking out some of Vegas's finest (and weirdest) exhibitions. First up, it's the Real Bodies experience at the Horseshoe in which – if you'll pardon the expression – you'll get right under the skin of the human body. And we mean right under. These preserved bodies really connect you to what it means to be alive, from nervous systems to modern medicine and, inevitably, death. Cheery!

If you're in the market for something to make you feel a little more... alive, look no further than the Erotic Heritage Museum. Featuring art and artifacts covering the entire history of sex, this one is strictly for grown-ups only. Then there's the epic graveyard of decommissioned signage that is the Las Vegas Neon Museum (best visited at sundown), the Aria's homage to Princess Diana (and, to a significantly lesser extent, the other British royals), and a journey into the ancient, opulent world of King Tut in this immersive reproduction of the pharaoh's tomb over at the Luxor.

Day 4: Strip sensations

Las Vegas Eiffel Tower

You don’t need to splash out the cash on a plane ticket to Europe to explore the beauty and grandeur of Paris – just head to the Eiffel Tower experience at Paris Las Vegas. This recreated version of top Parisian attractions – including the Louvre, the Paris Opera House, and L’Arc de Triomphe, as well as the Eiffel Tower itself – is the perfect addition to the opulence and splendor of Las Vegas.

Explore these landmarks, then ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower for another great observation deck experience. You’ll get to see many famous landmarks across the Las Vegas skyline and learn about the city from the local guides.

Bellagio Gallery, Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Located in the Bellagio Hotel, the beautiful Botanical Gardens provide a lush, cooling retreat from the heat of the Strip. Enjoy painstakingly detailed exhibitions comprised of flowers, plants and more that are, of course, particularly impressive during the festive holidays.

The hotel's Gallery of Fine Art is equally pleasing to the eye. Again, the exhibitions change frequently, so you never quite know what you might get, depending on when you visit, but previous collections have included works from the likes of Pablo Picasso, Dale Chihuly and Faberge.

The Bellagio Fountains... and a sweet treat

The Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas

Whether you only know of them from the final scenes of Ocean’s Eleven or you've been waiteingto make a pilgrimage to the famed Bellagio Fountains from the moment you first booked that plane ticket, this one's a must-see for all Vegas visitors. Come here at night to enjoy the dancing lights and flowing waters of the fountain, and snap that truly iconic Vegas photo.

Afterwards, pop along to Sweet Sin at the LINQ Promenade for your pick of Willy Wonka-esque confections that are sure to satisfy even the most substantial of sugar cravings – cakes, crepes, gelato... you'll find them all (and more!) here.

Day 5: Downtown

Explore a new area of the city with a walking tour of Downtown and the bustling Fremont Street entertainment zone. You’ll spot old-school casinos, famous movie locations, more lofty zip lines and – in the covered Fremont Street Experience – a quite extraordinary cinematic ceiling and more cool bars and restaurants than you can shake a dice cup at.

The Mob Museum

Mob Museum

If you have any interest at all in mob movies or the history of organized crime, then a visit to the Mob Museum is a must. This engaging museum includes interactive, high-tech exhibits, unique artifacts and objects, plus previously unknown information about the history of organized crime in America. Stroll the rogues' gallery, slip into the secret speakeasy for a Prohibition-era cocktail, and watch out for dodgy-looking men in pinstripe suits, braces and fedoras.

Downtown Container Park

You’ll visit this park during your Fremont Street tour, but it’s worth coming back later to enjoy the plethora of activities on offer – especially during the spring and summer months. Explore shops and galleries, a playground, and restaurants, and get involved in seasonal special events.

Day 6: Hoover Dam tour

Hoover Dam

So you've done Sin City, and now it's time to explore the desert landscapes that lie beyond its neon-lit limits. Fans of the Great outdoors will be in clover (or, y'know, sand) at any number of locations: the Grand Canyon, the Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon, the utterly psychedelic Seven Magic Mountains and, of course, the staggeringly awesome Hoover Dam.

This marvel of twentieth-century engineering is truly an incredible sight to behold. Use your Las Vegas pass to enjoy a half-day bus trip out to the Dam, where you can also see the Colorado River and Black Canyon. 

Las Vegas shows

Of course you can’t leave Las Vegas without taking in at least one of the legendary shows here. Whether your boat is floated by top-tier comedy, burlesque shows, acrobatics, theater or household-name rock and pop shows, Vegas has you covered. Hit up relative newcomer Sphere, which has played host to the likes of U2 and the Backstreet Boys. Or go old school in the mighty Colosseum at Caesars Palace, where stars who have graced the stage read like a who's who of music history: Sinatra, Madonna, Elton, Mariah, Liberace and Cher, to name just a few.

Pro-tip: access to several shows, including Cirque du Soleil spectaculars, plus comedies, magic and musical tributes, comes included with the Las Vegas pass.

Day 7: the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

Last (but very definitely not least) on our list is perhaps the most memorable way to round off your week in Las Vegas. For here's your chance to experience one of the most incredible natural wonders on the planet – the one and only Grand Canyon. This full-day tour provides round-trip transportation out to the Canyon's South Rim, with a tour of Grand Canyon Village, viewpoints, trails and attractions, plus a picnic lunch and snacks.

En route, you’ll also pass over the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge (the perfect place to catch a glimpse of the Hoover Dam), through the Mojave Desert and past Route 66.

Swoop over the Strip

And finally, if there's a better way to cap off a perfect day at the Grand Canyon that this night flight over the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, we've yet to find it. So buckle up, it's going to be one hell of a ride.

Appetite for all things Las Vegas well and truly whetted? Then roll the dice on our pick of Sin City casino hotels, from entry level to high-roller. And discover the best things to do on epic day trips that take you beyond the city limits.

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!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Pool party
Blog

Fun things to do in Las Vegas on Labor Day Weekend

Get your party on for the last big blowout of the Las Vegas summer!
Casey Makovich
Las Vegas Skyline
Blog

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.
Casey Makovich
couple enjoying a drink at a cafe
Blog

Where to People Watch in Las Vegas: A Front Row Guide

In Las Vegas, the real show doesn’t end when the curtain drops—it spills onto the streets, casino floors, and bustling plazas. Planning your trip here means more than slot machines and neon lights; it’s about experiencing the endless carnival of tourists, legends, and trendsetters mingling under the desert sky. Whether you want offbeat characters, bold fashion, or just love watching the world whirl by, Las Vegas is the ultimate people-watching playground. We’ll whisk you to our favorite vantage points, from lively outdoor promenades to breezy patios, all serving up great snacks, drinks, and unbeatable views of the Vegas parade.  The Best Places to People Watch in Las Vegas Include:  The LINQ Promenade  Fremont Street Experience  Bellagio Fountains  High Roller Observation Wheel  The Cosmopolitan’s Chandelier Bar  Paris Las Vegas’ Café Belle Madeleine patio  The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes  New York-New York’s Brooklyn Bridge  MGM Grand Lobby  Fly LINQ Zipline Deck  The LINQ Promenade  The LINQ Promenade is a hotspot for good vibes and great people watching, smack in the middle of the action between Flamingo and The LINQ. You get the perfect blend of tourists snapping selfies with the High Roller, street performers drawing a crowd, and friends catching up over frozen cocktails. Grab a patio table at Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe or snag one of those oversized Adirondack chairs—this is prime territory for people-watching.  The crowd here is pure Vegas: bachelorette parties in matching sashes, families looking lost-but-happy, and fashionistas making the most of the desert heat. The backdrop isn’t bad either—colorful storefronts, glowing neon at twilight, and a live DJ on weekends keep the energy high. Snack in hand, you’re right next to Fly LINQ Zipline, where you can catch those first seconds of surprise (and sometimes shrieks!) as flyers launch overhead. It’s a steady stream of entertainment even if you never step inside a single attraction.  Bellagio Fountains  The Bellagio Fountains are more than a water show—this spot is a crossroads for Las Vegas crowds. People pack the railing at showtime, from camera-toting tourists to couples out for a romantic stroll. As you wait for the music to start and the fountains to soar, you’ll catch snippets of different languages, spot visitors in glittery outfits heading to a show, and families organizing for their perfect photo-op.  Stake out a rail-side spot (ideally around sunset) or settle onto the benches scattered along the lakefront. The fountain display itself is always dramatic, and so are the crowd reactions—gasps, applause, even a few happy tears. After the show, linger awhile: late-night brings a parade of well-dressed guests, street magicians, and performers. It’s wonderfully lively, especially after major events when people spill out onto Las Vegas Boulevard.  High Roller Observation Wheel  Why just watch people when you can see everyone—at once? The High Roller Observation Wheel offers a sky-high vantage point right in the center of the action. As you gently ascend, you look down onto the LINQ promenade and The Strip, getting a fantastic bird’s-eye view of crowds swirling between bars, shops, and neon signs. Every cabin offers a new story: proposals, family reunions, birthday toasts, and friends posing for the group shot of a lifetime.  Back on the ground, the boarding area is its own lively scene with excited first-timers, nervous daredevils, and seasoned selfie champs. Try to book a sunset ride for that soft desert glow—and watch as the Strip transitions from sun-soaked into electric nighttime. People watching from both above and below? That’s a Vegas bonus.  The Cosmopolitan’s Chandelier Bar  If stylish crowds and high-energy conversation are your thing, The Cosmopolitan’s Chandelier Bar is the spot. Draped in millions of sparkling crystals, it’s both glamorous and inviting—a magnet for trendsetters, influencers, and night-owls. The bar itself spans three floors, with ultra-modern decor and a cocktail list worth lingering over; the Verbenas (with their signature buzz button garnish) are an experience in themselves.  Plant yourself at the edge of the bar or on one of the sleek couches and watch it all go by: fashion statements, camera-ready couples, and friends gathering for a night on the town. The ever-changing mix makes it fresh every time, and you’ll be close to both casino thrills and some of the best restaurants in town. We recommend coming during the early evening for a lively but relaxed vibe, or later at night if you want pure Vegas energy.  Paris Las Vegas’ Café Belle Madeleine Patio  Nothing says leisure quite like a sidewalk café, and Café Belle Madeleine’s patio delivers Parisian flair with top-tier Vegas people watching. Located just off the Strip, you can sip a latte or nosh on a flaky almond croissant while watching the foot traffic on the Paris casino promenade. The people here run the gamut—tour groups, cosplayers headed to a show, and locals stopping for their caffeine fix.  String lights, painted facades, and the soft hum of accordion music set the mood. This is our go-to spot for a mid-morning break or a pre-dinner treat. As the sun sets, things stay busy: watch as couples wander under the Eiffel Tower, selfie enthusiasts strike a pose by the Arc de Triomphe, and families pause for crêpes. There’s always something happening, with none of the rush—just slow sips and smiles as Vegas goes by.  New York-New York’s Brooklyn Bridge  Outdoors, upbeat, and always moving—New York-New York’s Brooklyn Bridge captures Vegas’ sidewalk spirit. This replica bridge bustles with street musicians, artists sketching caricatures, and streams of visitors making their way between dining spots, bars, and the rollicking Big Apple Roller Coaster. At night, the energy ramps up with illuminated signs, music, and impromptu dance-offs.  Grab a table at one of the outdoor bars or eateries (we’re fond of theirs for fried pickles and burger baskets) and watch the crowds roll by. Weekend nights have the best people watching—costumed entertainers mingle with karaoke hopefuls and families out for a first roller coaster ride. It’s lively but never overwhelming, and there’s always another scene just around the corner.  MGM Grand Lobby  Few places in Vegas better capture the city’s 24/7 buzz than the MGM Grand’s lobby. Over-the-top floral arrangements set the scene for a daily circus of arrivals and departures. Roll in day or night and you’ll see a unique cross-section of Vegas—the excitement of newly arrived travelers wheeling suitcases, wedding parties dazzling in sequins and tuxes, and red-eyed night owls stumbling in after a big night. This is where you’ll see the raw anticipation (and sometimes the recovery!) that makes Las Vegas so entertaining.  If you love people watching with a side of luxury, grab a coffee from Starbucks or a pastry from the on-site café and park yourself in view of the main entrance. The dramatic lion statue is a selfie magnet, and it’s not uncommon to see someone Facetiming relatives from halfway around the world, grinning in front of the green and gold backdrop. Hotel staff keep things moving in a friendly, efficient manner, adding just the right touch of polished hospitality to the parade. The lobby’s energy ebbs and flows, so every few hours brings a new wave of personalities to observe—the excitement is always in the air.  Fly LINQ Zipline Deck  For those who love their people watching with a dash of thrill, the Fly LINQ Zipline Deck is your jackpot. Perched above the bustling LINQ Promenade, the launch platform provides front-row seats to excitement, nerves, and pure Vegas joy. Watch as zipliners gear up—matched groups in novelty t-shirts, wide-eyed kids, and intrepid tourists psyching themselves up before stepping off the ledge.  The pre-flight anticipation is half the fun. There’s nervous laughter, playful dares, and celebration photos that capture people right on the edge of adventure. Once the harnesses snap and flyers zoom overhead, the reactions range from giggles to shouts, with everyone below pausing to look up and cheer. Even if you prefer your feet planted firmly on the ground, there’s always something happening here. Plus, with street eats, coffee, and frozen treats just steps away, you can settle in and enjoy the spectacle from every angle.    Ready to experience Las Vegas like a local—with a little people watching and a lot of personality? Whether you find yourself on the Strip, Downtown, or relaxing on a patio, the city’s best show will always be the unforgettable cast of characters that pass you by.    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! 

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.