5 Days in Vegas Itinerary: Things to Do + Day Trips

Last Updated on February 7, 2025

Spending 5 days in Vegas is the perfect amount of time to see this epic city, and day trip to nearby attractions.

While searching flight deals one afternoon, I stumbled on a package deal from Toronto to Las Vegas. 

For a great rate, my friends and I could fly direct to Vegas and stay for 5 days. The package included a hotel that boasted it had the largest shark tank in all of Vegas. Sharks? We were sold.

During our 5 days in Vegas we had a blast visiting museums, browsing vintage shops, people watching in casinos, dining in small off-strip restaurants, and day tripping to nearby sights. We discovered that Last Vegas truly has something for everyone!

I enjoyed that first trip to Vegas so much, that I decided to go back in spring 2023, this time with my partner Luke.

This comprehensive 5 days in Vegas guide covers must-visit casinos and shows to the best museums and day trips. Plus, I’ve included some of Sin City’s lesser known attractions, too. All based off of my personal experiences visiting this awesome city!

Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and keep Pina Travels reader-supported. Thank you!

cityscape aerial view of las vegas lit up at dusk, a view you can have during 5 days in vegas
Cityscape view of Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is More Than Gambling and Partying

Vegas is known for being an adult playground in which you can indulge in all of your vices, including the ones you didn’t know you had: Gambling, pool parties, all-night clubs, strip clubs, limousines, buffets, and extravagant shows.

With its risque reputation, Vegas is the kind of city where smoking inside and burlesque girls posing on the streets is not a surprise. In Vegas, you can visit the Eiffel Tower, Venetian canals, and Egyptian pyramids all in a day.

But behind this excess is a regular, American city that has a fascinating history. Off-strip you will find typical city neighborhoods: Chinatown, the place for Asian groceries, sushi, dim-sum and ramen shops. 

The Arts District is home to vintage and thrift shops, as well as quirky bars and restaurants. Other parts of the city are totally suburban, with schools, parks and local Walmarts.

Red Rock Canyon State Park is a tourist attraction, but it’s also where locals go for their early morning jog. 

Vegas’s outward facade of excess but underbelly of normalcy is what makes the city so interesting, and it also means, there’s truly something for everyone in Vegas. 

A Brief History of Las Vegas 

Las Vegas was originally named in 1821, and founded as a settlement in 1905. By the 1930s urbanization had taken hold, and work was begun on the Hoover Dam. 

In 1941 the El Rancho Vegas resort opened on a section of U.S. 91 just outside the city’s jurisdiction. This section of highway would soon become known as “The Strip,” filled with hotel-casinos that were built around Old West themes.

During the 1950s and 1960s the hotels were largely funded by mobsters and organized crime. But, in 1966 Howard Hughes checked into the penthouse of the Desert Inn and refusing to leave, ended up buying the hotel.

This purchase was the first of many changes that would shift ownership from mobsters, to corporate investors. 

In 1989 the first mega-resort, the Mirage was built, and in the following two decades more massive casino-hotel complexes would be built. 

All the hotels built throughout the 90s used themes of glamorous world locations such as Paris, Venice and Egypt. From there, Las Vegas grew over the years into the city of hotels and casinos that it is today. 

the famous las vegas sign on a sunny day
The famous Las Vegas sign

How Long to Stay in Las Vegas

Spending 5 days in Vegas gives you enough time to visit the Vegas highlights, see some lesser-known sites, and go on at least one day trip, like to the Hoover Dam. With 5 days, you’ll strike a balance of being able to explore without feeling rushed, and you’ll have a more in-depth experience of Las Vegas. 

Is 3 days enough time in Las Vegas?

With 3 days in Vegas you’ll be able to have a solid taste of what the city has to offer. On a 3-day trip you’ll be able to experience casinos, Vegas brunches, a Vegas show, neon lights, and a few of Vegas’s highlights like the famous Las Vegas sign. 

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

There are two key areas of the city where tourists tend to stay for the classic Vegas experience: The Strip, and Fremont Street. 

Staying on The Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas strip is an iconic part of the city. It’s here that you’ll find Vegas’s most famous hotels, casinos, pools, and restaurants. 

Here are three recommended hotels to stay in on The Strip: 

$ Harrah’s Las Vegas 

Harrah’s Las Vegas is perfectly located right on the Vegas Strip. This is one of the more budget-friendly Strip hotels, so the rooms aren’t anything fancy. But you won’t be spending much time in your room, anyways! 

$$ The Venetian Resort

The Venetian Las Vegas is a popular hotel and casino on The Strip because it has shops, shows, and more attractions, all modeled after monuments found in Venice, Italy. Inside this massive hotel complex, there’s a convention center, shopping hall, nightclub, and of course, a casino.

$$$ Bellagio Hotel and Casino

If you’re looking for luxury, head to the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. This hotel resort is well located, has beautiful rooms, and tons of amenities. The resort’s main attraction is the Fountains of Bellagio.

Every evening, the fountains do synchronized shows to music. The fountains are part of an 8.5-acre man-made lake, in front of the resort. Other attractions at the Bellagio include the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, and a conservatory and botanical gardens.

the bellagio hotel in las vegas lit up at night with the fountain show happening in front
Bellagio Hotel and their famous fountains lit up at night

Staying on Fremont Street

Fremont Street is in the north of Las Vegas. It’s an off-strip area that has its own hotel corridor and vibrant casino culture. 

Because this area is off-strip, the hotels in Fremont are often cheaper than on the Strip. I would argue that this area is better to stay in, especially if you are visiting Vegas on a budget, because from the hotels in Fremont many shops, bars, and casinos are within walking distance.

Here are three recommended hotels to stay in near Fremont Street: 

$ El Cortez Hotel and Casino

This hotel is a great budget option near Fremont Street. Just note that this hotel is adults only (21+). El Cortez is well known in Vegas because it’s the longest continuously running casino in the city. 

It was also the first Hotel & Casino to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, because this casino has never changed its exterior facade. It’s had some of the same signage and Spanish ranch themed architecture for over 80 years.

$$ The Golden Nugget

The Golden Nugget is well located, in the heart of Fremont Street. This hotel has a casino, bars, and a large pool area complete with kid’s pools, a slide, and a shark tank. You’ll also find dining options like Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Claim Jumper, and Saltgrass Steakhouse. 

$$$ Circa Resort and Casino

Circa has a claim to fame! This Fremont Street hotel has the longest outdoor bar on the Fremont Street Experience, and the state’s longest indoor bar, known as the “Mega Bar.” Circa is also home to an outdoor pool where you can watch the game on a massive 40 ft+ screen (more on that later in this guide!). 

the front of the El Cortez hotel in Fremont, Las Vegas
The El Cortez Hotel

How to Get Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas is bigger than you expect it to be. I went to Vegas with the impression that it’s reasonable to walk the entire Vegas Strip. Well, it’s not. 

Las Vegas is a sprawling city, and all of its strip hotels are at least a 10 – 25 minute walk from each other. While you could probably walk the entire strip, I wouldn’t recommend it, particularly if you’re there during hot weather.

So, getting around Las Vegas will definitely require wheels – and public transport will be your best budget option:

The Monorail in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Monorail is a great transport option if you choose to stay on the strip. The trains come often, are fast, and they stop at 7 key places along the strip. It’s not the cheapest option for getting around Vegas, though – it’s $5 per ride. Day passes are also available.

Public buses in Las Vegas

The public bus system in Las Vegas is known as “The Deuce.” Buses will take you all over the city, and are cost effective at $8 for a day pass or $20 for a three day pass. Busses also run to and from the airport, making them the most cost effective way to arrive and depart from Las Vegas.

Taxis and Uber in Las Vegas

Traditional taxis, Uber, and Lyft are all available in Las Vegas. Although taxis and ride-shares aren’t the budget-friendliest way of getting around Las Vegas, they’re definitely the most comfortable way to get around, particularly if it’s a hot day. 

Getting around by car

Need a car rental for your Vegas adventures? Discover Cars compares the prices for a vehicle from a variety of suppliers to ensure you get the cheapest rate, and you can reserve your car rental in advance. Reserve a car rental here!

the mirage hotel in las vegas at sunset
The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas

Your 5 Day Vegas Itinerary 

Ready to spend 5 days in Vegas? Here’s an itinerary for your trip, day by day.

Vegas Day 1: Explore the Vegas Strip & See a Vegas Show

The best way to kick off your 5 days in Vegas is by getting to know one of Vegas’s biggest attractions: The hotel casinos!

Go casino hopping in Vegas

Each hotel and casino has a theme. Head to the Venetian for a slice of Italy. You can go on a gondola ride, or do some shopping at the Grand Canal Shoppes.

If you’re interested in seeing interesting exhibits, be sure to drop by the Luxor. It’s home to the “Bodies” exhibition, and “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.”

a blonde woman standing with a piece of the siding of the titanic, which was brought up from the wreck site.
Me with a part of the Titanic’s siding, that was brought up from the wreck site.

The Bodies Exhibit at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas is an educational and immersive display where you can look at preserved human specimens that showcase the intricacies of the human body, including organs, muscles, and circulatory systems.

The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition presents artifacts recovered from the shipwreck, along with detailed recreations of the Titanic’s interior, giving you a look into the lives of the infamous ship’s passengers and the tragic voyage. This exhibit has an actual piece of the ship on display.

Circus Circus of course has a casino, but you can also visit this hotel to go to the Adventuredome, which is an indoor theme park, or to see one of their daily shows. And at the STRAT hotel, you can go up to the SkyPod, a viewing deck where you’ll have panoramic views of the Las Vegas valley. 

See a Vegas show

After a day of casino-hopping, it’s time to see a Vegas show! Shows are on rotation, so it’s always best to research what shows are currently on during the time you’ll be in Vegas. 

If you’re not sure what show to see, or simply want a deal on tickets, book same-day tickets. These often save you up to 50% off. To book same-day tickets, look for booths on the Strip that are called “Tix4Tonight.” 

These booths sell discounted tickets for that evening. You won’t have as much choice when it comes to which show you see, but this is a great hack for having the Vegas show experience without the hefty price tag.

a bright colourful sign with elvis on it that reads "The Little White Wedding Chapel"
The Little White Wedding Chapel

Vegas Day 2: White Chapels and Fremont Street

Day 2 in Vegas is all about heading to the northern part of the city, an area called Fremont Street. On the way up to Fremont Street, make one essential stop: At Vegas’s Little White Chapel! 

Vegas is the city of late night marriages, and this chapel is where the magic happens. It’s a great pit stop to make as you head up to Fremont Street, for a fun photo opp.  

From the Little White Chapel, continue north to Fremont Street. This street has historical significance in the city because it was Las Vegas’s first paved road. 

The street is home to the Fremont Experience, a pedestrian mall that features a canopy of lights and hosts street performances and free concerts regularly. 

the lit up ceiling of the the Fremont Experience, a pedestrian mall that features a canopy of lights and hosts street performances
Fremont Street Experience

During the day, you can do some casino hopping in the area. Be sure to pop into the Main Street casino to see their small antique collection. 

Fremont Street is also known for its zipline! When you ride the SlotZilla zip line, you go soaring over the pedestrian mall street.  

For a quirky Vegas experience, have your photo taken with a millions dollars in cash. Binion’s Gambling Hall in Fremont Street offers guests a free photo of a million dollars in cash. 

Fremont Street also has a microbrewery! Banger Brewing offers free tours of its facilities. You’ll find Banger Brewing near the base of the SlotZilla zip line take-off tower. 

At night, Fremont Street becomes bustling with live music and street bars. You can grab a drink from a street vendor and wander up and down watching live entertainment, dancing, and popping into the casinos.

If you want to go out in Vegas to a lesser-known spot, head to Oddfellows. Oddfellows is a video night club just off of Fremont Street. This small club has different themes every night. 

Vegas Day 3: See an Art Installation and a Vegas Museum

On your third day in Vegas, you’ll kick off the day by visiting Seven Magic Mountains. It’s a public art installation, about a 15 minute drive south of Las Vegas. 

The installation is by Ugo Rondinone, a New York-based, Swiss-born mixed-media artist who is known for his contemporary paintings and sculptures. 

This desert art installation features seven painted boulder totems which are up to 35 ft. high. The colorful installation is striking to see out in the flat desert. 

After seeing 7 Magic Mountains, head back into the city to do some museum hopping. Below are a couple fantastic Vegas museums to choose from. 

people standing around the tall and colourful rock installations at 7 Magic Mountains near Las Vegas
The installations at 7 Magic Mountains near Las Vegas

Visit the famous Neon Museum

The Neon Museum is an open-air museum and a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, history, arts and cultural enrichment. 

You can visit the museum with the option for guided tours or exploring at your own leisure. Entry prices vary, starting at $15.00, based on whether you have a guide, come during the day or at night. 

We visited during the day (cheaper!), but night-time visits mean you will get to see the iconic signs lit up! From Fremont we were able to walk to the museum, otherwise it is a short bus or car ride away.

a vintage Las Vegas sign that reads "colour tv by RCA," at the Neon Museum in North Vegas
Old signage at the Neon Museum

Pop into Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Museum

Madame Tussauds is known for being the best wax museum in the world, and for good reason. When you visit the Las Vegas Madame Tussauds, you’ll go on a journey of meeting wax figures of your favorite celebrities, sports legends, historical icons, and political heavyweights. 

There are no ropes or poles in this museum, so you can get up close and personal, and take fun pictures with the wax figures!

The Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas

The Mob Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the history of organized crime, and the impact it’s had on American society. It’s a great place to learn interesting history during your 5 days in Vegas!

The museum is inside a restored 1933 former courthouse and post office. There, you’ll learn about crime in vintage Las Vegas, as well as other American cities through stories of actual Mob history, and interactive exhibits. 

the outside of the mob museum in las vegas, nevada
Mob Museum, Las Vegas

Check out the Burlesque Hall of Fame

For a lesser-known Vegas museum, head to the Burlesque Hall of Fame.  This small, off-strip museum is a registered educational non-profit that houses an incredible collection of donated items which relate to the history of exotic dance in Las Vegas.

The museum seeks to teach visitors about the history of, and social impact of, the art of teasing.   You’ll learn the living legacy of burlesque as an artform and cultural phenomenon.

Entry is approx $15 USD, ($10 USD for students, seniors, children) and the museum’s guides are knowledgeable, warm and friendly. This museum was a highlight when I spent 5 days in Vegas!

Vegas Day 4: Day Trip From Vegas

Las Vegas is in the middle of the Nevada desert, which makes it perfectly positioned for day tripping to nearby parks and interesting landmarks. 

It’s possible to book tour groups for day trips, but if you’re with a group, a car rental is cheaper. On day 4 of your 5 days in Vegas, plan to go on one of these Vegas day trips. 

  • Need a car rental for your Vegas adventures? Discover Cars compares the prices for a vehicle from a variety of suppliers to ensure you get the cheapest rate, and you can reserve your car rental in advance. Reserve a car rental here!

Drive Through Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is a National Conservation Area that’s just a 30 minute drive from the city. For a small entry fee you can enjoy a 13 mile scenic drive of the park, with opportunities to stop for pictures or for a hike. For example, hike the Calico Tank Trail, a 2.5 mile long out and back trail. 

the view of red rock canyon as you approach by car, a day trip from Las Vegas
Driving into Red Rock Canyon

Explore Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the USA. It’s known for Titus Canyon, with a ghost town and colorful rocks, and Badwater Basin’s salt flats, North America’s lowest point. 

Driving through Death Valley is amazing in itself, and if you’re up to taking on the hot temperatures, there are plenty of great hikes to do ranging in length and difficulty. Death Valley is about a one hour drive from Las Vegas, making it an easy day trip during your 5 days in Vegas.

Visit Nelson Ghost Town

Nelson is known for being the site of the most successful gold mining boom in southern Nevada history. In the late 1850s, prospectors discovered gold. In 1861, Nelson’s most well known mine, the Techatticup Mine, was established.

This is one of the most popular ghost towns near Las Vegas, because it’s open to tourists to wander around freely. You can visit the town’s old General Store, see vintage vehicles, old motel signs, and more. It’s also possible to go on a tour of the Techatticup Mine.

Nelson Ghost Town is an easy day trip from Vegas. The drive there takes you through beautiful desert landscapes. When you arrive, you’ll get to experience the old wild west history that this part of the USA is famous for. And, you’ll get some very cool pictures to take home with you.

The address for Nelson Ghost Town is: Nelson Cutoff Rd, Searchlight, NV 89046, USA. Nelson Ghost Town is a private property that charges a small fee to visit.

If you are walking around without taking any photos, you’ll pay just a few dollars. If you plan to shoot photos, you’re asked to pay a slightly higher fee.

Old structures and vehicles in the desert at Nelson Ghost Town, one of the ghost towns near Las Vegas
Nelson Ghost Town

Road Trip the Extraterrestrial Highway

The Extraterrestrial Highway, also known as Nevada State Route 375, is a 98-mile stretch of road that starts at the intersection of U.S. 93 and continues west to the intersection of the Highway and U.S. 6. 

The highway runs alongside the famously secretive Area 51. Area 51 is the colloquial name of a highly classified United States Air Force facility that’s located within the Nevada Test and Training Range.

A road trip from Las Vegas to the tiny town of Rachel along the Extraterrestrial Highway is a great opportunity to get out of the city, enjoy the desert landscape, meet some quirky people, and pick up unique alien paraphernalia. 

And, road-tripping the extra-terrestrial highway is guaranteed to spur lots of laughs and memorable photos. It’s a memorable way to spend one of your 5 days in Vegas!

signage in Rachel, Nevada on the extraterrestrial highway that reads "Earthlings Welcome"
Rachel, Nevada

Should You Day Trip to the Grand Canyon from Vegas?

Day tripping to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas can definitely be done, but you’re in for a very long day. The drive to the closest entry point from Las Vegas is Grand Canyon West Rim, which is 128 miles away, about a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. This day trip can definitely be done, just be prepared for a long day!

Vegas Day 5:  Visit Hoover Dam & Relax by a Vegas Pool

On your final day in Las Vegas, go on a quick trip outside the city to see Hoover Dam, before heading back to relax by the pool! Hoover Dam is just a 30 minute drive from Vegas. This dam is known for being one of the world’s most incredible engineering marvels. 

When you visit, you can walk across the dam itself for spectacular views, before heading inside to learn more about the history, construction, and operation of the dam. 

You can drive to the Hoover Dam in your own rental car, or join a tour group. Most tours are about 3 hours long, which means you’ll have plenty of time to hit up a Vegas pool afterwards. 

Most hotels in Las Vegas include free entry to their pool, but you also have the option to buy a day pass for pools at other hotels. The pools at Vegas hotels offer varying amenities. Some are more family-oriented with kid’s areas and slides. Other’s are adult only, including lounging areas and bars. 

the las vegas pool at caesars palace on a sunny day
The pool at Caesars Palace

Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino

Stadium Swim has 6 pools, cabanas, lounging areas, swim-up bars, and a 40-foot HD screen. Reserve your spot in advance to head to this pool for game day. 

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Pool

This pool has oversized daybeds, loungers, cabanas, and an open-air entertainment stage. This pool offers pool-side dining from Kassi Beach House, an Italian seaside-style restaurant. This pool, with its modern desert aesthetic, is laid-back compared to other Vegas pools. 

4 Seasons Las Vegas Pool Deck 

This pool is one of Las Vegas’s quietest. It’s tucked inside Mandalay Bay, part of a non-gaming property. The pool has its own entrance, away from the crowds. There’s just one pool with eight cabanas, and so this pool doesn’t get packed like others in Vegas. With your entrance, you get complimentary hourly amenities. 

The Beach at Mandalay Bay (Good for Kids!)

The Beach at Mandalay Bay is your family friendly pool! It’s an 11-acre aquatic playground where you can lay out in the sun, swim, splash around and ride tides in the wave pool.

The Beach even has a lazy river you can float down. When you’re ready for shade, there’s plenty of cabanas, as well as a restaurant to keep you from going hungry. 

the outside of mandalay bay hotel on the las vegas strip
Mandalay Beach, Las Vegas

Where to Eat in Las Vegas

You won’t struggle to find great places to eat during your 5 days in Vegas. The city has plenty of options to choose from on The Strip, in Fremont, and off-strip. Below are a couple choices to get you started. 

$ Monta Noodle House is a tiny, and well-reviewed ramen noodle restaurant. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait a couple minutes before getting a seat.

$ Tacos El Gordo is a delicious counter service taco shop. The shop is a simple, no frills kind of place but serves yummy Mexican for a couple bucks. It’s actually on the Vegas Strip, so a great option as far as restaurants in Vegas on a budget go.

$ AmeriBrunch – This little brunch cafe is a short walk from Fremont Street and serves delicious, inexpensive breakfasts and coffee. We loved this place so much that we went there for breakfast every single day. The owners are a lovely young couple, and we enjoyed chatting with them about our adventures around the city. 

$$ Evel Pie is walking distance from the core of Fremont Street, so if you’re staying in that area it’s super convenient. This pizza restaurant has a rock n’ roll vibe that makes it tons of fun. Friendly staff and affordable but delicious pizza!

$$$ Sparrow + Wolf is right off the Vegas strip. Here you’ll find a rotating menu of complex dishes created using locally sourced ingredients. 

$$$ Momofuku is where David Chang brings his inventive takes on Asian fare to Vegas. The menu in Las Vegas draws influence from all over the world, including the United States, Korea and Japan. You’ll find steamed buns, noodles, and meat and seafood all meant for sharing.

Final Thoughts: Spending 5 Days in Las Vegas

With 5 days in Vegas you’ll have time to do all the quintessential Vegas things, like casino-hopping, hanging at the pool, visiting Vegas museums and day tripping to nearby sites. And, you’ll be able to fit in plenty of relaxing as well as lesser-visited attractions like the Burlesque Hall of Fame.

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13 thoughts on “5 Days in Vegas Itinerary: Things to Do + Day Trips”

  1. Great post!! I visited on a budget too and really enjoyed it. We stayed at Circus Circus which was surprisingly cheap, although then you have a resort fee on top, AND when we turned up they basically said "you’re gonna be in really bad rooms, but you can upgrade for $11 a night" or something… which we ended up doing. Smelled of a scam really, but it had been really cheap in the first place so what the hell. I think you’re right about going in with the right mind frame – I embraced the crazy and had a really good time! I do want to see more of the "other side" of Vegas though, the Neon Museum was on my list and we ran out of time! We did go to a buffet off-strip, the strip ones are hella expensive but the one we went to was like $15 each!

  2. I’ve visited Vegas a couple of times now, but it has always been for conferences so I’ve never got further than The Strip. The excess of Las Vegas really isn’t my sort of thing, so it’s interesting to see what else the city has to offer that sounds more appealing. Thanks for the great guide!

    Hannah | https://getlost.blog/

  3. I went there for an evening last summer (passing through on a road trip) — I’d love to go see a show there someday (+ stop by Red Rock Canyon + Death Valley)! The burlesque museum sounds really interesting too!

  4. I was shocked at how much I loved Vegas when I was there, but just fell into all the cash-grabbing traps. Now I have to go back and try out all of this stuff!!

  5. I so wish I had seen this article before I visited Vegas in 2018! I had no idea how far apart the hotels on the Strip were!

  6. Loooove Las Vegas! I went back when I was 16 and had a blast even then. Now that I’m ‘of age’ definitely want to revisit but was always out off my by the cost. Thank you so much!

  7. Love the tip about heading to the pools at the end of the day! 😉 Will be using that one next time I visit Vegas. Thanks for this! 🙂

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