Las Vegas:
The Perfect Weekend
Ohhhh, Vegas. The weekend getaway for so many tourists. I’ve been to Vegas so many times I’ve lose count. It’s often thought of as wild, crazy and over-the-top…and let’s be real, it can be all of that. But, underneath all the shotgun weddings and neon lights, it can also be whatever you make it. You can go full throttle from morning to night, or you can be selective, maybe go off the beaten path and still have an incredible weekend.
A classic Vegas weekend is less about doing everything and more about leaning into the things the city does best: iconic hotels, amazing food, wandering around like an idiot with a comically large drink in your hand, late nights, and morning hangovers by the pool. For the weekend, we’re going to focus on The Strip and Fremont Street. These two locations offer completely different energies, and bouncing between them gives you a fuller picture of the city.
Whether this is your first time to Vegas or you’re here just perusing what to do for your next visit, this guide mixes the essentials with a few standout experiences. You won’t be able to do everything that Vegas has to offer, so no matter what you decide, try narrowing down your essentials—because a trip to Vegas should be anything but rigid.
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Day 1: Viva Las Vegas!
Today is about settling in and orienting yourself without burning out immediately. It’s important to remind yourself that Vegas is a marathon, not a sprint. If possible, arrive in Vegas on the earlier side. After checking into your hotel and dropping your bags, I’d recommend a walking along the Strip and popping into any hotel that piques your interest—each hotel feels like its own little world. Pop into a few lobbies, grab a drink to-go, and let yourself wander without an agenda. I’d recommend checking out one or some of the main attractions on the Strip like the New York New York Rollercoaster, The High Roller, Stratosphere or the Paris Eiffel Tower. Remember that you don’t have to do all of it on your first day, some things are better seen at night as well.
If you’re hungry, Eataly at Park MGM is perfect for arrival day—quick, with lots of options, and solid across the board. If you want something more old-school, head slightly off-Strip to Dirt Dog for something unapologetically Vegas. After that, I’d recommend taking a walk or a short drive to the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign, it’s touristy and an absolute must obviously.
As evening hits, take a break—it’s been a long day! Clean up a bit and lean into your first night out. No need to go hard. Take a look at some of the shows going on (Like me and my girlfriends going to see Thunder Down Under, pictured below, hehe). Maybe even go to a nice dinner and end with drinks overlooking the Bellagio fountains. Whatever you do, give yourself some grace, because tomorrow is another full day.
Day 2: time to explore
For your only full day in Vegas, we’re going to mix some spectacle, indulgence, and a late night out. So start slow, sleep in, hydrate aggressively (you’re in a desert need I remind you), and grab some hearty brunch. Late morning is perfect check out Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. Take a short ride there and spend the next few hours (trust me, you’ll need at least two, likely more) exploring the trippiest art installation in Nevada. Alternatively, this is a great window for pool time, a spa visit, or even just hotel hopping with an iced coffee in hand—maybe even a drink, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere and i’m not judging—it’s Vegas. Or if you’re feeling in more of a party mood, this would be the best day to look into a beach club. But if you want to see more before partying, I’d recommend going out at night instead, this is your only full day after all.
Tonight is the night to go out-out. Have dinner somewhere you’re excited about, make sure you planned ahead, reservations can be hard to come by. Afterward, pick one major nightclub and commit to it. Whether it’s XS, Omnia, Tao, or Hakkasan, go knowing that lines can be long and nights run late — that’s part of the deal. Check out the links below for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Remember to pace yourself, but let the night stretch. You’re in Vegas. This is what it’s meant for.
Day 3: fun on Fremont street
It’s time for a change of scenery and checking out my favorite—Old Vegas! After you nurse your hangover at one of the many Vegas brunch buffets (The Wicked Spoon is always my go-to), grab a ride to Fremont Street. This area is grittier and more old-school, in the best way possible. Walk under the LED canopy, pop into classic casinos like Golden Nugget, and let yourself bounce between bars, casinos, live music and street performers.
Check out one of the museums, The Mob Museum is phenomenal, and Neon Museum is unique and fun (although this one is better at night). This is also a great day for low-stakes gambling, vintage Vegas vibes, and doing things a little less polished. Eat casually, Fremont is full of quick, fun options, perfect for a slow last day.
If you’re flying out later that evening, head back to the Strip with enough time to grab one last meal or cocktail. If you’re staying one more night, enjoy a nice relaxing day by the pool, Vegas comedowns are real. By the end of Day 3, you’ll have seen the glitzy, the weird, the classic, and the chaotic sides of Vegas, without trying to cram everything in. And honestly, that’s the best way to do it.
