Entertainment
The Best Way To Spend 5 Days In Las Vegas
Do you want to spend 5 days in Las Vegas, but not sure how to organize everything? Have no fear, we’ve come up with a detailed plan to help you get the most out of the city..
Read on for your day-to-day guide to Las Vegas.
Day 1: The Strip
You’ll definitely want to spend at least one day exploring everything the Strip has to offer.
Any good trip to Las Vegas starts with a day on the Strip. After all, it’s full of iconic sites, luxurious casinos, top restaurants, and mind-blowing shows. You’ll have more than enough to keep yourself occupied for an entire day.
Sightseeing
Traveling along this iconic 4.2-mile street is like taking a trip around the world—minus the long flight and hefty price tag.
Whether you choose to explore on foot or via bus tour, you’ll pass by Egyptian pyramids, New York City skyscrapers, and the Eiffel Tower in a matter of minutes.
During your exploration, you can take a selfie in front of the ‘Welcome To Las Vegas’ sign, marvel at Bellagio's musical water show, and admire the Roman ruins at Caesars Palace.
You’ll also see The Church of the West, Las Vegas’s most famous wedding chapel, and The Stratosphere, a 1,149-foot observation tower with spectacular views of the Las Vegas Skyline.
Casinos
If you get the urge to risk it all on black (or just want a break from the Vegas heat) head to a casino. Las Vegas Boulevard (a.k.a. The Strip) is home to over 30 of them! And that’s without counting places like Rio, Palms, or the new Virgin Hotel that are within walking distance, but aren’t directly on the Strip.
To feel like a high roller, head to casinos like The Cosmopolitan or Wynn Las Vegas. Or if exotic locales are more your style, try The Venetian (modeled after Venice, Italy) or Luxor (inspired by Egyptian pyramids). No matter what you’re looking for, you’re guaranteed to find a casino that fits your style without too much effort.
Dining
If you get hungry during the day, the Strip’s dining options won’t let you down. Here you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity-chef-owned hot spots next to taco stands and pizza parlors.
Shows
If you still have energy left after your busy day of sightseeing and gambling, head to a show. After all, Las Vegas isn’t called the Entertainment Capital of the World for nothing. Check out our top picks for Las Vegas shows reopening in 2021. And for an in-depth look at Cirque du Soleil’s future, check out this article.
However, if you’re beat from a busy day of sightseeing, there’s no shame in calling it an early night. After all, you’ve still got four more busy days in your 5-day Las Vegas itinerary.
Day 2: Downtown Las Vegas
Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas offers gambling, dining, and attractions—all with smaller crowds than on the Strip.
On day two of your 5 days in Las Vegas, head Downtown. This area, abbreviated DTLV, is the historic center of Las Vegas. When The Strip was just another empty expanse of desert, locals flocked to DTLV for fun.
Downtown is a great place to take a break from the chaos of The Strip without feeling like you’re missing out on anything. Even better, it’s only about a 15-minute drive from the Strip.
We recommend checking out these downtown highlights.
The Mob Museum
Located in Las Vegas’s former federal courthouse, The Mob Museum provides an interactive look at the history of organized crime in 20th century America. Here you’ll learn about infamous gangsters like Al Capone and John Gotti, as well as the G-men and FBI agents who worked to shut down the mafia in the U.S.
Spend time poring over the thousands of archival photos and historical documents, or get hands-on experience in the Firearm Training Simulator. The Speakeasy, a 20s-style bar complete with Prohibition-era cocktails and snacks, is also worth exploring.
The Neon Museum
Since 1996 The Neon Museum has been the final resting place for over 200 iconic Las Vegas neon signs from bygone eras. You can see them all by taking a trip to the outdoor exhibition space dubbed ‘The Neon Boneyard.’
Explore The Neon Boneyard at your own pace or opt for a one-hour guided tour that provides an in-depth history of old Las Vegas.
The Fremont Street Experience
Once you’ve had enough of the museums, take a break out at The Fremont Street Experience. This pedestrian mall is truly a playground for adults.
Here you can take your picture with a million dollars at Binion’s Casino, play some penny slots, or take a tour of Banger Brewing’s microbrewery. Adrenaline junkies will have a hard time resisting SlotZilla, a 12-story, slot machine-inspired zipline that gives riders a bird’s eye view of Fremont Street.
And be sure to check out the nightly Viva Vision light show. This free light and music show wows visitors with awesome high-resolution graphics and concert-quality sound every night of the week.
Day 3: Take A Tour (Or Two)!
Spend day 3 seeing off the beaten path attractions, like 18b, the Las Vegas Arts District.
By now you’ve probably had enough time to get your bearings. In addition, you’ve probably passed some sites you’d like to learn more about. Spend your third day in Las Vegas diving into whatever interests you most.
Here are a few suggestions:
Food Tours
If you want to experience the best of Las Vegas dining, check out Secret Food Tours Las Vegas. During this 3 ½ - hour walking tour, you’ll visit celebrity-chef-owned restaurants and taste a variety of dishes from all over the world. The Downtown Food Tour and the Afternoon Culinary Adventure Tour are also great options for foodies.
Art Tours
If it’s art you’re interested in, check out the Las Vegas Vintage Art Tour. During the tour a local guide will take you into the Arts District and give you the background on the city's most beautiful public murals and graffiti. You’ll also have a chance to explore Nevada’s best vintage shops and meet local artists.
Nighttime Tours
As night falls, take a helicopter tour and see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower replica and Caesars Palace lit up in all their glory. If heights aren’t your thing, check out the Neon Happy Hour & Fremont Street Experience. This adults-only tour takes you through the historic center of Las Vegas. Along the way, a local guide will share stories about some of Las Vegas’ most famous inhabitants while you sample drinks and snacks.
Want even more? Check out our picks for the top 11 tours in Las Vegas.
Day 4: Day Trip Out Of The City
Lake Mead, located about 30 minutes from the Strip, is a great place for a Las Vegas-area day trip.
There’s more than enough to keep you occupied for 5 days in Las Vegas, but if you need a break from the frenetic pace of Sin City, there are lots of sites close by worth checking out.
Nature-Focused Trips
If you need to reconnect with nature, head to Lake Mead and rent a boat for the day. Or take a hike in the Red Rock National Conservation Area. Both destinations are only about half an hour from the Strip but feel much farther away.
History Trips
History buffs will enjoy sites like the Eldorado Canyon And Techatticup Mine and The Hoover Dam. Both are located about 45 minutes from Las Vegas.
A trip to the Eldorado Canyon and Techatticup Mine gives you a glimpse into a true wild west town where gold was plentiful and shootouts were a daily occurence.
Hoover Dam is not only an engineering marvel, but also one of the most recognizable American landmarks. Here you can peek at the lake and dam vistas for free or pay to take a tour of the visitor center and powerplant.
For more information about these and other day trips from Las Vegas, check out our full article here.
Day 5: Pamper Yourself
Going to the spa is an art form that Las Vegas has perfected.
Spending 5 days in Las Vegas can be pretty exhausting. From sightseeing to gaming to taking a day trip, it’s likely you haven’t had much down time since arriving. As your trip comes to an end, take some time to relax and recharge before heading home.
Hang Out By The Pool
For a simple activity sure to please everyone you’re traveling with, grab a lounge chair or rent out a cabana and chill by the pool. Order some tropical cocktails and sample tasty treats while working on your tan. We recommend the Venus Pool + Lounge at Caesars Palace or Go Pool at Flamingo Hotel. Both properties have a strong reputation of being LGBTQ-friendly.
Have A Spa Day
If you want to take your pampering to the next level, head to one of Las Vegas’ many spas. After all, there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a jacuzzi while waiting for your massage appointment.
There are plenty of choices when it comes to Las Vegas spas. If you need help choosing one that fits your needs and budget, check out our list of the top 10 spas in Las Vegas.
Start Planning Your 5 Days In Las Vegas Now
Now that you’ve read our recommendations for spending 5 days in Las Vegas, you’re more than ready to book your next trip.
For help finding flight deals, check out these 11 tips. And for money-saving tips on accommodations and food, see our complete guide here.
Only have 3 days in Las Vegas? We’ve got the perfect 3-day itinerary here!
