A First Timer’s Guide to 4 Days in Las Vegas

As a first-time visitor, you simply must swing around and take the obligatory selfie in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Consider it a right of passage. Once you check in to your hotel, it’s time to hit the Strip.

The best way to get around The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard), is on foot. Even if the weather is hot, the path will take you through the casinos so you’ll have the chance to cool down and explore each of the complexes. Swing by the Mandalay Bay for award-winning dining and shark reef aquarium. Get Italian gelato at Ceasars and watch the fountain show outside of the Bellagio. Cross the street and take a stroll under the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Sit back on an indoor or outdoor gondola ride at the Venetian and walk through the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Casino.

If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at slots or one of the game tables and once you worked up an appetite hit up one of Las Vegas’ numerous dining options. It will be hard to pick a spot because there are honestly too many great options across the spectrum of budgets – from casual restaurants and cafes to fine dining and celebrity chefs.

Las Vegas is situated near several perfect day trip destinations. In under an hour, you could get to Valley of Fire State Park or the Hoover Dam. The edge of Death Valley is just about two hours away, while the Grand Canyon South Rim is about four hours. If you’re like me and enjoy road trips, then any of these are totally doable day trips that will get you back into Las Vegas late in the evening. Fortunately, it’s easy to find late-night eats!

If I had to pick one, I would probably go back to Death Valley. There’s just something about that park that’s otherworldly to me. Of course, it’s impossible to take in everything on a day trip, but with careful planning, you’ll definitely be able to hit up several of the famous spots with enough time to enjoy the views without too much of a rush.

After your late night, take some time to relax at the hotel spa with some R&R, and once you’re refreshed meet up with your guide for an afternoon foodie tour. Why limit yourself to trying just a handful of restaurants during your stay when you can take a casual stroll with a guide that will not only show you the sights but cue you into some of the best foodie spots Las Vegas has to offer?

Be sure to catch a Vegas show! If you can only do one, I’d definitely recommend hitting up one of the Cirque du Soleil shows. If you’re in Vegas for a girl’s weekend or bachelorette party, Thunder Down Under or Chippendales will definitely be a hoot. Guys’ trips and bachelor parties set your sights on X Burlesque. And if clubbing is your scene, then Vegas will not disappoint.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or explore one of Vegas' many classic buffets. If you’re looking to take in a bit more of the desert landscape, Red Rock Canyon is only about a 20-minute drive and will give you plenty of nature walking or hiking opportunities.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing pace closer to home, check out Mandalay Bay’s pool complex boasting real sand and wave pools. Take a stroll in Downtown Las Vegas's Freemont Street or return to Paris Las Vegas for a crepe and espresso under the Eiffel Tower. Above all, don’t worry about fitting everything into your first visit - a return trip will be even more rewarding if you choose to return.