Las Vegas itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: The Strip by day and by night
From New York-New York north past the Bellagio fountains to the LINQ and the High Roller, then the whole Strip again after dark.
- 1
Morning
MGM Grand & New York-New York
Start at the south end of the busy Strip, where a replica New York skyline and Brooklyn Bridge stand across the boulevard from the huge MGM Grand, then walk north through The Park, a shaded walkway between the resorts.
- New York-New York
- MGM Grand
- The Park
- CityCenter
Distances on the Strip are longer than they look: one 'block' between resorts can take 15 minutes on foot.
Walk north along the Strip past Park MGM and CityCenter, about 25 min.
- 2
Midday
Bellagio fountains & conservatory
The dancing fountains on the Bellagio's lake are the Strip's most famous free show, and inside, the glass-roofed conservatory is redone with huge flower displays for every season.
- Fountain show
- Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- Bellagio lobby
The fountain shows run from the afternoon until late and come more often after dark, so you can catch one now and another tonight.
Walk north past Caesars Palace and the Flamingo, about 15 min.
- 3
Afternoon
LINQ Promenade & High Roller
An open-air street of shops, bars and restaurants between the resorts, leading to the High Roller, a giant observation wheel with views along the whole Strip.
- LINQ Promenade
- High Roller wheel
- Flamingo
Ride the High Roller around sunset to see the Strip by day and by night in one go.
Stay on the Strip as the lights come on and walk back south, about 10 min.
- 4
Evening
The Strip after dark
The Strip is a different place at night. Walk the lit-up boulevard past the Bellagio fountains and Caesars Palace to the Eiffel Tower of Paris Las Vegas, with the crowds and the neon at full strength.
- Bellagio fountains at night
- Caesars Palace
- Paris Las Vegas
Day 2: The Venetian, the Welcome sign & Fremont Street
The canals of the Venetian and the north Strip, a photo at the Welcome sign, and the light show over Fremont Street at night.
- 1
Morning
The Venetian & the north Strip
A copy of Venice with a Campanile, a Rialto Bridge and indoor canals where gondolas glide under a painted sky, with the Wynn and Encore a little further north.
- Grand Canal Shoppes
- Gondolas
- Wynn & Encore
The canals and shops are indoors and air-conditioned, a good plan for the hottest part of a summer day.
Taxi or rideshare south along the Strip, about 20 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
The famous sign stands in the middle of the boulevard just south of the resorts. From here, the drive north along the whole Strip shows how the resorts line up one after another.
- The sign
- Drive along the Strip
There is a small free parking lot beside the sign; expect a short line for photos.
Taxi or rideshare north to Downtown, about 25 min.
- 3
Night
Fremont Street Experience
Downtown's five-block pedestrian street of old hotel-casinos, street performers and live music, under a canopy that is one of the world's largest LED screens, with light shows after dark.
- Viva Vision canopy
- Old hotel-casinos
- Street performers
Fremont Street night walk in Downtown Las Vegas
Video by Wind Walk Travel Videos on YouTube
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 2-day Las Vegas plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Las Vegas
How many days?
Two days covers it: one for the centre of the Strip by day and by night, one for the north Strip, the Welcome sign and Downtown. One day is enough for the Strip highlights.
Where to stay
The centre of the Strip, around the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the LINQ, puts most of this plan within walking distance; Downtown is cheaper and has a more old-school feel.
Getting around
Walk the Strip itself, using the pedestrian bridges to cross the boulevard. For Downtown and the Welcome sign, take the Deuce bus along the Strip, a taxi or a rideshare.
Las Vegas for a first-timer is two places. The Strip is a four-mile line of giant resorts along Las Vegas Boulevard, each one a world of its own: a New York skyline, Italian lakes and canals, a Paris with its Eiffel Tower. Downtown, a few miles north, is the older city, where Fremont Street's casinos sit under a huge LED canopy.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see the resorts, the fountains and the lights before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Las Vegas itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
Two days is a good first visit: one for the centre of the Strip by day and night, and one for the Venetian, the Welcome sign and Downtown. Add more if you plan day trips into the desert or several shows.
Is the Las Vegas Strip walkable?
Yes, but it is longer than it looks: the Strip is about four miles end to end and the resorts are huge. Walk the centre, use the pedestrian bridges to cross, and take the Deuce bus, a taxi or a rideshare for longer hops.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable for walking. Summer days are often well over 40°C (104°F), so plan indoor stops for the afternoon and walk in the evening.
What is the difference between the Strip and Downtown?
The Strip is the long line of modern mega-resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard. Downtown, around Fremont Street, is the original centre, with older, smaller casinos, lower prices and the LED canopy light shows.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Keep exploring Las Vegas
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Las Vegas city guide →