According to a 2022 survey from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), 75% of visitors gambled while in Vegas, which makes sense, as Vegas is the gambling Mecca of the United States.
Most visitors, however, have an interest in putting together an itinerary that includes activities other than gambling.
For first-timers, building the perfect 3 day itinerary in Las Vegas can be a daunting task with SO many dining and entertainment options competing for your time and money.
I figured it would be helpful to share my ideal 3 day Las Vegas itinerary, crafted with the experience gained over countless trips to Vegas.
Day 1 Of my 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary
Breakfast at Peppermill: It’s vintage Vegas and the perfect way to fuel up for the day and set a base for the alcohol consumption that is about to transpire. Peppermill is known for its 70’s neon decor and generous portions.
I’d recommend trying to get there at a non-peak time, as wait times can be significant.
Enjoy an omelet or a waffle stacked with a mountain of fruit. You may need to plan a ride, as Peppermill is located at the north end of the Strip across the street from Resorts World but it’s the perfect way to kick off your Vegas itinerary.
Experience Freebies on the Strip: If you’re new to Vegas, there are plenty of free things to see and do that are worth the time investment.
Check out the Fountains of Bellagio which are choreographed to music and the conservatory, also at Bellagio, which is a seasonal display made up of millions of flowers.
In the evening, the Mirage volcano is an impressive sight, but will disappear soon as The Mirage transitions to the Hard Rock brand.
Happy Half Hour on the High Roller Observation Wheel: Alright, you’ve had a big breakfast and checked out some free attractions.
It’s time to start drinking. Some of the most memorable drinks you’ll have are on the High Roller Observation Wheel which stands at 550ft tall.
A typical spin on The High Roller costs around $25, however, for $60, 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.
I recommend ordering High Roller tickets online in advance, which will allow you to skip the ticketing line at the High Roller.
Dinner Downtown 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.
Brilliant! Jackpot at Neon Museum: After dinner, grab an Uber to the Neon Museum for their after-dark “Brilliant” Jackpot display.
If you are unfamiliar, the Neon Museum is an outdoor display of vintage neon signs from historic casino properties and is worth the trip day or night.
At night though, projector technology is used to bring signs in their North Gallery back to life and it is spectacular. A perfect couples activity that even a non-history buff can enjoy.
Enjoy the Fremont Street Experience: After Brilliant, make your way back to Fremont Street to enjoy free live music on the street, drink, and take advantage of lower gaming limits and better game odds than casinos offer on the Strip.
While downtown, ensure to stop by Circa, the newest addition to the neighborhood. Here is a full rundown of things to do on Fremont Street besides gambling.
Day 2 Of My 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary
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.
Beat that hangover down with one of numerous endless mimosa/bloody mary brunch deals up and down the Strip.
I put together a comprehensive list of bottomless brunch deals in Las Vegas here!
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 stopping into Ghost Donkey, find Cosmopolitan’s secret pizza place. Secret Pizza, or as it is officially named “The Pizzaria” at Cosmopolitan doesn’t even advertise their 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 favorite slices in all of Vegas.
You can find more specific directions to find Secret Pizza here.
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 the show and should ignore this advice and see Love, a Beatles-themed acrobatic Cirque Show at Mirage. Very tame, and your feelings will not be hurt.
But back to Absinthe – In addition to unparalleled humor, you’ll see various acrobatic and circus-type acts that defy reality. Since the Venue is small, tickets can sell out quickly.
As one of the more popular shows in Vegas, buying in advance is something you’ll want to do.
Related: Bringing Kids? Add these kid-friendly activities in Las Vegas to your itinerary!
Day 3 Of My 3 Day Las Vegas Itinerary
Breakfast at Hash House a Go Go: Like Peppermill (part of Day 1), many visitors swear by Hash House.
That loyalty is primarily due to massive serving sizes that qualify as Instagram-worthy.
Locations can be found both at LINQ on the Strip and Plaza Downtown.
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 Circus Circus offers token slot machines (about 25), and downtown, coin slot machines can still be found at El Cortez although a number of additional casinos still offer quarter video poker.
I estimate that coin-operated machines will continue to fade away and soon every machine in Vegas will be coinless.
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 something everyone should experience.
For the thrill-seekers among us, STRAT also offers 3 rides atop the tower that are both exhilarating and inexpensive.
Of the 3 rides atop the SkyPod, two 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. While I’m not a big ride person, I have really enjoyed the options on top of STRAT.
Observation deck and optional ride tickets can be purchased in advance with Vegas.com – Oftentimes at a discount when compared to booking direct, or in person.
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 personal favorite, however, is Bacchanal at Ceasars Palace.
Bacchanal serves high-end, single-serving cuisine options (no troughs of food) that are focused on quality over quantity.
While the masses flock to staples like crab legs, shrimp, and prime rib, I enjoyed the Quesabirria tacos, whose roasted pig, bone marrow, stuffed risotto balls, and the expansive dessert selection.
Karaoke at Ellis Island: Ellis is set 2 blocks off the Strip, right behind Horseshoe. It’s a small casino and brewery with low limits, great food, and performers scattered across the talent spectrum 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!
See Also: Check out my unique ideas for your Las Vegas Bachelorette Party, or Bachelor Party itinerary.
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.