A perfect day in Las Vegas

If we had to invent a new tagline for Las Vegas, it would probably be: “If you dream it, it can happen.” And if your dream is seeing the best that Vegas has to offer in just 24 hours, we can make that happen. The one-day itinerary I’ve put together packs a lot into a single day, but in Vegas, that’s the point. The activities I’ve lined up will give you a feel for what makes this desert oasis so remarkable. Since we’ve only got 24 hours, we’re sticking close to The Strip—which means you’ll be saving other attractions for a return trip.

To minimize your trekking time, I’ve organized this one-day itinerary by location. I’ve also built in stops along the way to rest (in a few unexpected places, like a botanical garden) and refuel (quick bites from some of the city’s best chefs) so that you have enough stamina for the jam-packed day and night ahead. Even better, my picks are based on Tripadvisor ratings and reviews to make sure you see and taste the very best of Vegas.

One day isn’t nearly enough to see everything Vegas. But knowing that you only have a day should help you let go of some of that FOMO. Remember that in Vegas, it’s as much about just being here, soaking up all that bright neon energy around you. But if you're coming for 2 days, 3 days, or even 4 or 5 days, we've got you covered, too!

First things first: food. Start out at the Buffet at Wynn, where 16 cooking stations whip up everything from eggs benny to irresistible pastries. The light-filled atrium makes this a lovely place to linger over that second helping of breakfast dessert. (Because that’s absolutely a thing in Vegas.) If big buffets aren’t your jam, head to Bouchon Bakery at The Venetian for a cup of coffee and a perfect croissant. The Vegas outpost of Thomas Keller’s Napa Valley favorite delivers some of the flakiest, butteriest croissants this side of the Champs-Elysees.

After breakfast, put on your best walking shoes (save the party shoes for later) and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. From the Strat at the north end to Mandalay Bay in the south, The Strip runs for more than four miles, so you won’t see it all on foot. The Deuce, a double-decker bus that runs up and down The Strip, is the best way to get where you’re going. One of my favorite spots is the surprisingly peaceful Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden. (Tripadvisor reviewers agree, giving it a “best of the best” rating.) With decorations that change with the seasons—Lunar New Year is one of the most extravagant displays—this glass-topped Victorian-style garden at the Bellagio is the queen of free attractions in Vegas.

The Strip’s massive shopping arcades start to open around 11 am. Even if you’re not a big shopper, they’re definitely worth a look to see how they compete with each other to create the most jaw-dropping spectacles. Case in point: the Forum Shops at Caesars (a 15-minute walk north from the Bellagio), where the ceilings painted to resemble the sky slowly change from pink and amber at dawn to vivid red at sunset, and the statues come to life to tell the fiery story of the fall of Atlantis. It has more than 150 shops, including ritzy perfumer Creed and ultra-chic South Korean sunglasses brand Gentle Monster. And for an all-luxe-all-day kind of vibe, stroll The Shops at Crystals at the Aria Resort and Casino (a 15-minute walk south from the Bellagio) for Balenciaga, Cartier, Hermès, and Tom Ford.

In the last decade, food halls have transformed the dining scene in Vegas. Don’t confuse them with the food court you’d find in a typical shopping mall. These cool, casual eateries feature foods from some of the world’s hottest restaurants. At Block 16 Urban Food Hall at The Cosmopolitan, treat yourself to a meaty and delicious grilled flatbread at Momofuku, a mezcal tasting flight at Ghost Donkey, or the cult-fave chocolate blackout donuts from District: Donuts. For a wish-you-were-here mini-trip to Italy, head to nearby Eataly at the Park MGM for Roman-style pizza and nonna-approved cannoli. Both food halls are in easy walking distance of the Shops at Crystals.

After lunch, head to the High Roller at the LINQ Promenade, across the street from Caesars Palace. No mere ferris wheel, this is a 550-foot-tall observation wheel that moves at a relaxed pace and offers 360-degree views of The Strip, the rest of Vegas, and out across the desert. The temperature-controlled cabins take you up and over the city in about 30 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to chill. If what you’re looking for is more of a thrill, head over to Fly LINQ’s 12-story-high zipline for some super-fast flightseeing.

For a sure win, book a treatment at one of Vegas’ gorgeous and pampering-forward spas. Splash around in the waters of the Fountain of Youth at Awana Spa at Resorts World (more than a half-hour walk from LINQ Promenade, so you might want to take the Deuce). It includes six pools, a crystal room, mist showers, and a rain walk. For a spa treatment that’s unlike any you’ve ever experienced, try the Art of Aufguss, an immersive theater event staged (yup, staged) by an expert Sauna Meister.

While the desert sun is dazzling, it’s nothing compared to the nighttime lights of Vegas. Ease into your big night out with a playful happy hour at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. At the Flight Club, you can pair your drink with socializing during a fast-paced game of what it calls “social darts.” Or head to The Cabinet of Curiosities and the Lock for a cocktail, a scavenger hunt, and a puzzle—solve it and you’ll gain access into the bar’s hidden speakeasy.

Some of the world’s most famous chefs are behind the restaurants in Las Vegas. For the ultimate experience, reserve a table (at least a month in advance) at the award-winning Joel Robuchon, where the lush velvet draperies and crystal chandeliers in the Art Deco dining room set the stage for its epic tasting menu, a parade of exquisitely prepared dishes featuring ingredients like lobster, truffles, and foie gras. It’s the ultimate fine dining experience, and definitely worth a splurge, but if you want a little of the Joel Robuchon magic in a less formal setting, you could opt for the swanky bistro vibe of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. You can’t go wrong with the seasonal tasting menu (Caviar! Oysters! Waygu beef!), but if you prefer a more manageable meal, opt for something from the a la carte menu.

To make it a truly Vegas night out, squeeze in another short stroll along The Strip on your way to a show. Pause to watch the famous Fountains of Bellagio, another free attraction that Tripadvisor readers love. It mixes leaping aquatic displays with synchronized music.

Then head to the Sphere, the massive concert venue with the biggest buzz in town. If you can score tickets here, prepare for the show of your life. But even if there’s not a live performance, you can still come to the nightly shows that showcase technology that feels like surround sound for your eyes. Another great option is Cirque du Soleil, which currently has five incredible shows running simultaneously that blend whimsy, storytelling, and performers doing stretchy, bendy, and jumpy things that normal mortals can only dream of.

The Strip: If you’re in Las Vegas only for a night, it makes sense to stay right next to the action. Stretching for more than four miles, The Strip has options in every price range. NoMad Las Vegas delivers a Euro-chic boutique hotel experience in the heart of The Strip. For classy and classic Las Vegas, The Venetian blends Italian-inspired design and indulgently spacious rooms. And for high-tech, highrise vibes, along with sleek rooms and killer views, Aria is a winner.

Looking for more options? Browse all hotels in Las Vegas.