In this city surrounded by glitz, glamor, giant neon signs, and luxury hotels, choosing what to see and do at every moment of your trip is often very complicated. Las Vegas is a wonderful city, and today, we will give you some ideas that will allow you to organize a 36-hour itinerary to perfection!
Spend the day on the Las Vegas Strip
Although it may seem otherwise, waking up early in Las Vegas has rewards, especially if you want to see the city in all its glory, and if you’ve got limited time.
That’s why, on the morning of your first day, we’d absolutely suggest you check out The Strip! We recommend starting the route in the northern part of the city, near the magnificent Caesars Palace, and gradually descending to the southern end of the boulevard – you’re not likely to regret it!
1. Meet the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas
Next, how about the Eiffel Tower? Yes, you can visit that in Las Vegas too (well, sort of)! Start the tour early in the morning at the most impressive themed hotel in Las Vegas. On the front concourse of the Paris Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, you’ll find Las Vegas’s very own version of the Eiffel Tower (okay, it’s only around half the size of the actual monument, but still) and of the Arc de Triomphe.
And guess what else? You can climb the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas, even if you’re not a guest at the resort!
2. Visit New York – New York, Hotel and Casino
This is another must-see themed hotel on any Las Vegas Boulevard tour. On the front concourse, you will find representations of the most important New York landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and the iconic Empire State Building.
The New York is also a favorite hotel for young souls visiting Las Vegas because of the party atmosphere at places like the Coyote Bar – it’s pretty amazing!
3. Attend the exhibitions at Hotel Luxor Hotel and Casino
The Luxor is another fantastic themed hotel with a 30-story pyramid and a gigantic Egyptian-inspired Sphinx. When it was built in the ‘90s, it was the tallest building in the city.
4. Visit Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Mandala Bay is a hotel famous in the city for being a paradise of pools and 100% real sand. You can spend an afternoon of fun at the facility, especially if you visit the city during the hot summer months. After all, Las Vegas is not just for playing casino games all day; on the contrary, some people prefer to chill out at the poolside by reading a book or listening to music.
However, the casino fun doesn’t have to stop just because you’re not in a physical casino; you can still win some spins on your phone, even with your feet in the lovely, refreshing water! There are tons of online casinos you can enjoy, so try a game of roulette, test your hand at poker, or even consider playing online pokies – okay, it might seem odd to play online when you’re actually in Vegas, but nobody’s going to judge you.
And while you’re there, consider getting tickets to the Shark Reef Aquarium so you can admire an exotic collection of fish, reptiles, endangered creatures, and sharks! The shark collection totals about 100 sharks of 30 different species swimming in a 1.3 million-gallon tunnel-style tank.
5. Take the most iconic photo at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas”
What would a visit to Las Vegas be without an iconic snap in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign? Unthinkable! Take advantage of this point on the tour and your exit from the Aquarium to go to the end of Las Vegas Boulevard, the location of the famous sign.
6. Take in a nighttime show on Las Vegas Boulevard
Another must-do activity on any city trip is attending a Broadway hit at the Smith Center for Performing Arts. There are loads of shows each season, so you should be able to find something you love!
There are other places to see great shows too. Here is a selection of my personal favorites:
- Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. The famous Canadian-born circus troupe has a regular show at the Bellagio.
- MJ Live at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. You will assist with fabulous performances, dances, and live music with the most outstanding hits of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
- The Mentalist at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, named the best magic show in Las Vegas.
7. Reach the Stratosphere Tower
The Stratosphere Tower is a must-not-miss if you are visiting the city with children or you’re simply an adrenaline-lover. It is the tallest building in Las Vegas, and offers a perfect vantage point from which you can admire the entire city and take pictures of the Strip and the Fremont area.
8. Arrive at the Mob Museum at opening time
Located in the former federal courthouse, in a 3-story high structure, this has to be one of the most peculiar museums in America, and it’s also said to be one of the best in Las Vegas: The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement – imaginatively and fondly referred to as the Mob Museum.
Inside, you’ll find several thematic rooms on the involvement of the Mafia in all kinds of illegal activities, including prostitution and white slavery, smuggling, gambling, and drug trafficking.
The Mob Museum of Las Vegas is also a space to commemorate certain special operations, as well as the titanic efforts of law enforcement to eliminate the criminal organizations that took center stage at different moments in U.S. history.
