It’s impossible not to have a good time in Las Vegas because there’s always so much to do. However, you really need at least a week to get a good idea of what all the city has to offer. But if you only have a long weekend to spend in Sin City, here’s what you should keep in mind to make the most out of your trip.
Stay on the Strip
There are many ways to make your trip to Vegas a success, and choosing the right place to stay should be at the top of your list. Although hotels farther from the Strip are cheaper, you’ll probably want to stay in a hotel along the Strip so you’ll be closer to all the action: casinos, clubs, shows, restaurants, and shopping. This will make your trip far more pleasant because you’ll spend less time getting around and more time having fun. And that’s especially important to do when you’re only there for a long weekend.
Hit Up the Casinos
You can’t go to Vegas and skip the casinos — Vegas is home to some of the best casinos in the world. Our top picks to visit are Caesar’s Palace, Silverton Casino, and the Bellagio. But if you’re looking for a casino that is known for a particular activity or game, it helps to do some research in advance. For example, Caesar’s Palace is the best place to wager on sports. The Bellagio is known for poker, and the Silverton Casino and ARIA are known for their slots. Additionally, the MGM Grand and the Golden Nugget are often the best choice for those who are new to Vegas and aren’t heavy gamers.
See a Show
Besides being nicknamed Sin City, Las Vegas is also known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” due to its quantity of high-production stage shows like the Cirque du Soleil shows and the Tournament of Kings. But there are plenty of other great shows to see, like Terry Fator, Penn and Teller, the Blue Man Group, and Absinthe. Better yet, tickets are reasonably priced in comparison to other shows like Broadway shows. You can also get discounted tickets online on sites like Tix4Tonight or at booths along the Strip.
Vegas is also a popular tour stop for many well-known musicians, so if that’s a priority for you, check out upcoming concert dates before booking your trip. Some recent and upcoming performers include Keith Urban, Gwen Stefani, Aerosmith, and The Chainsmokers.
Go on a Helicopter Tour
This might not be the first thing you’ll think of when planning a trip to Vegas, but helicopter tours are extremely popular in the area. You can take a tour of the city at night, which only takes about 10 minutes to one hour depending on the package you choose. If you have more time to dedicate to a tour — i.e. three to seven hours — choose a package that allows you to see the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon. It’ll certainly be an experience you’ll never forget!
Have a Nice Meal
Las Vegas is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, particularly French restaurants. So if you’re going to splurge on one fine meal over the weekend, do so at Restaurant Guy Savoy, Picasso, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Joel Robuchon, or Twist by Pierre Gagnaire. French food not your thing? Vegas is also known for its Japanese restaurants, American steakhouses, and Italian restaurants. Some options of these to consider include: Aburiya Raku, Hatsumi, Andiamo Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, and Piero’s Italian Cuisine. Just make sure to make a reservation beforehand and follow the dress code.
With a little pre-trip planning — such as booking a show or making a reservation — there’s no reason you can’t fit all of these activities into a weekend trip. You’ll definitely make the most of your time in Vegas if you do!
