Stories · United States
A weekend in Las Vegas
Told the way I’d tell a friend, step by step.
You don’t visit Las Vegas; it takes you in. Here is how I’d spend 2 days there without rushing, leaving room for the things you can’t plan.
Day 1 · The icons
In the morning, it’s The Mob Museum. Give it a good two hours, and leave before you are full: that is the secret to wanting to come back. Unmissable, and for good reason. 4.7 out of 5 across 20,336 reviews: few places are this unanimous. To get organised: the public-transport route; skip-the-line book your visit, otherwise go through Tiqets.
Late morning, meet me at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s the kind of place that makes you go quiet for a moment, even when you thought you knew it all. Everyone goes; everyone is right. Travellers give it 4.8 out of 5 (26,000 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: how to get there, and if you’d rather skip the queue, get your tickets in advance or compare on Tiqets.
For lunch, Las Vegas is full of options: trust the rooms full of locals rather than the menus translated into six languages.
In the afternoon, head to Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. Unmissable, and for good reason. 4.6 out of 5 across 19,000 reviews: few places are this unanimous. Practical: here is the route by public transport · travellers’ reviews.
As the light fades, I make my way to Wynn Las Vegas. You’ve seen it a hundred times in pictures; in person it is bigger, closer, more alive. Unmissable, and for good reason. Travellers give it 4.7 out of 5 (66,000 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your tickets or also check Tiqets.
Keep the evening free. Las Vegas is a city that tells itself better at night.
Day 2 · The icons
To start, I make my way to High Roller. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. Unmissable, and for good reason. Travellers give it 4.6 out of 5 (32,292 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. To get organised: the public-transport route; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise also check Tiqets.
Around noon, I make my way to Trevi Fountain. You’ve seen it a hundred times in pictures; in person it is bigger, closer, more alive. To get organised: how to get there; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise also check Tiqets.
At lunchtime, stay around Las Vegas: a noisy room, a dish of the day, and you’ve understood everything.
After lunch, head to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. I always pick two or three rooms rather than seeing everything. You walk out light. Unmissable, and for good reason. Travellers give it 4.5 out of 5 (10,372 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: how to get there, and if you’d rather skip the queue, get your tickets in advance or also check Tiqets.
To end the day, I make my way to The Las Vegas Strip. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. 4.6 out of 5 across 9,361 reviews: few places are this unanimous. To get organised: how to get there; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise also check Tiqets.
In the evening, let go: a terrace, a walk, and Las Vegas does the rest.
If you’re still hungry
Other places I wish I could have fitted in: Fountains of Bellagio, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck, Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, The Neon Museum Las Vegas and Fremont Street Experience. Slip them in wherever a day feels light.
My advice
Walk. Then take public transport: that is where you see the city live.
Book the busiest places the day before: queues have ruined more than one morning.
Keep a little local cash: the best addresses are often the least equipped.
There. The rest is yours: the detours, the encounters, the café that becomes your own.
A Triovol story · written by someone who would go back tomorrow
Opening hours, prices and closures change: a quick look at the venue’s website before you go avoids bad surprises.