According to a 2024 survey from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), 78% of visitors gambled while in Vegas, which makes sense.
Most folks, though, want to plug in a few activities that don’t involve lighting your money on fire.
For first-timers, building the perfect 3-day itinerary in Las Vegas can be a daunting task… There’s a lot to choose from.
I’ve spent more time on the Strip & Downtown than I’m proud to admit, have done darn near everything, and figured it’d be fun to share some of my faves.
Day 1
Brunch at Wicked Spoon: Buffets are slowly fading away in Vegas, a city once known for buffets. But a few solid options still remain. Among the top options is Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan, which is known for high quality fare, much of which is plated individually.
No, it’s not cheap, but I treat it as a high-quality brunch that’ll tide me over until dinner. While prime rib and the seafood get all the action, I love the shrimp & grits and angry mac & cheese.
Experience Freebies on the Strip: If you’re new to Vegas, there are plenty of free things to do worth the time investment.
Everyone knows to check out the Fountains of Bellagio, and the conservatory, but don’t forget to run up to see the art at Fontainebleau, Wynn’s Lake of Dreams Show, and the themed Greenwich Village area of NYNY.
Happy Half Hour on the High Roller: Alright, you’ve had a big breakfast and checked out some free attractions, and now it’s time to start boozin’.
A typical, non-boozy ride, on The High Roller starts at around $25, but for $40 more, your pod will have an open bar allowing you to drink as much as you can in 30 minutes.
Trust me, you’ll get your money’s worth. Yikes. They even let you grab a drink for the road. Dangerous.
Dinner at Pizza Rock: I’ve eaten my fair share of pizza in Vegas and have declared Pizza Rock as the best in town – I think you’ll agree.
While they sell pizza by the slice (pictured below) in front, Pizza Rock is also a sit-down restaurant with a full menu, viewable here.
The Neon Museum & Brilliant! Jackpot: After dinner, grab a ride to the Neon Museum for a boneyard tour.
If unfamiliar, the Neon Museum is an outdoor collection of vintage neon historic casino signs from long gone resorts, and a few that are still with us. A handful have been restored to their previous glory, and they come back to life at night.
I also suggest adding Brilliant Jackpot! to your ticket, which is a separate experience that takes place in their North Gallery.
They use projection technology to bring old, busted-up, historic signage to life, and the show is choreographed to music. It’s fantastic.
Enjoy the Fremont Street Experience: After Brilliant, make your way back to Fremont Street to enjoy free live music on the street, and to take advantage of lower table minimums and better game odds than casinos offer on the Strip.
Here’s my rundown of things to do on Fremont Street besides gambling.
Day 2
Brunch with bottomless mimosas and bloodies: I get it, you followed my advice and hit Fremont Street WAY too hard last night. You slept in a bit, but are still hurting. I apologize.
Beat that hangover down with one of numerous endless mimosa/bloody mary brunch deals up and down the Strip.
Popular options on the Strip include Cafe Lola at Caesars Palace and Alexxa’s at Paris, but options are plentiful.
Grab a signature cocktail on the Strip: You can get a drink anywhere in Vegas. Bars are numerous. But only a few sling drinks that are unique to the destination. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Verbena Cocktail at Cosmopolitan’s Chandelier Bar: A lemon-flavored cocktail topped with a Verbena flower which, when eaten before consuming the drink, provides a tingling sensation and enhanced ability to taste.
- Frozen Baileys at O’Shea’s: Think a malt or smoothie made of Baileys Irish Creme. The least pretentious of my favorite Vegas cocktails, this option is served up in a plastic cup and hits the spot on a hot day.
- Pisterolo at Ghost Donkey: While you are at Cosmopolitan, find the hidden Ghost Donkey speakeasy, found in the back of the Block 16 food court. I love the Pistorolo, a spicy, yet sweet drink concocted with tequila, pineapple juice, lime, roasted poblano, and ancho verde.
Find the hidden Secret Pizza at Cosmo: After Ghost Donkey, find Cosmopolitan’s secret pizza place. Secret Pizza, or as it is officially named “The Pizzaria” at Cosmopolitan, doesn’t even advertise its existence to passers-by, instead relying on word of mouth to drive traffic.
Hidden at the end of a record-lined hallway on the 3rd floor of the property, Secret Pizza is one of my solid, hearty slice.
You can find more specific directions to find Secret Pizza here, but you’re looking for this hallway.
See Absinthe at Caesars Palace: Of the million shows in Las Vegas, Absinthe at Caesars Palace is the best. Period. Well, if you like raunchy, wildly inappropriate humor that is…
If that type of show isn’t up your alley, then you’ll hate it and should ignore this advice and see Mystere, a high-flying acrobatic show at TI. Very tame, and your feelings will not be hurt.
But back to Absinthe. In addition to unparalleled, disgusting humor, you’ll see acrobatic and circus-type acts that defy reality. Since the Venue is small, tickets can sell out quickly.
A cheaper show by the same folks, Atomic Saloon at The Venetian, is also a humorous option with some cool variety acts. But the best part of the show is the theater… I didn’t realize I would be sitting ON the stage.
Related: Bringing Kids? Add these kid-friendly activities in Las Vegas to your itinerary!
Day 3
Breakfast at Hash House a Go Go: HHAGG has a cult following. Folks love their outrageous portions, it’s affordable, and there are restaurants both at Plaza downtown and at LINQ on the Strip.
Below, are a couple of pictures of breakfast meals I’ve personally indulged in.
Related: Hash House a Go Go review – Plaza Las Vegas location.
Play Token Slots & Coin VP: The timer on this itinerary item is running out, folks.
On the Strip, only Slots a Fun at Circus Circus has token slot machines (about 25), and downtown, coin slot machines can still be found at El Cortez. Several additional casinos still offer quarter video poker.
Coin-operated machines will continue to fade away, and soon every machine in Vegas will be coinless… and by default, characterless.
In the meantime, here’s a full rundown of where you can still play coin slots & Video Poker in Vegas.
Visit the Skypod at STRAT: Admission to STRAT’s observation deck starts at around $23 when purchased in advance, and it’s worth it.
There are 2 rides up there that can be added inexpensively (an extra $5). They’re terrifyingly awesome.
The two rides either dangle visitors off the edge of the tower, while the other shoots you 160 ft straight up at a speed of 45 miles per hour.
Dinner at a top-tier buffet: I’m a sucker for high-end buffets and have recently reviewed top options like Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan, The Buffet at Wynn, and The Buffet at Bellagio.
My favorite is Bacchanal at Ceasars Palace.
Bacchanal serves high-end, single-serving cuisine options (no “Vegas Vacation”-style troughs) stocked with top-shelf fare with global influence.
While the masses flock to staples like crab legs, shrimp, and prime rib, I enjoyed the Quesabirria tacos, roasted pig, bone marrow, stuffed risotto balls, and the expansive dessert selection.
Karaoke at Ellis Island: Ellis is 2 blocks off the Strip, right behind Horseshoe. It’s a small casino and brewery with low limits, great food, and people attempting to sing in front of strangers.
Karaoke fires up at 9 pm and can be a blast to watch.
If it’s not your thing, you should still go for the cheap gaming and affordable craft beer.
In addition to the items mentioned guide for spending 72 hours in Vegas above, I recommend squeezing in plenty of pool time along the way into your ideal Vegas itinerary. After all, kicking back and forgetting about the world you left behind is what this city is all about!
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Dena
Sunday 13th of August 2023
How do you fit attractions such as: Ethel M's Cactus Garden, Eiffel Tower View, Hello Kitty Cafe Truck and Vegas Sign View to name a few in...As well as Eateries such as; Gordon Ramsay Pub, Virgil's BBQ, Maggiano's and Yardbird in a Three day itinerary... Thanks
Thursday 9th of January 2020
Absolutely the best suggestion on this list is Peppermill. Anyone who visits Las Vegas but skips a meal at this iconic spot are truly missing out on a fabulous experience. Everything about Peppermill transforms you back in time and it's near impossible to not leave that place completely full.