How Many Days in Las Vegas Is Enough?

Las Vegas, the self-proclaimed Entertainment Capital of the World, is world-renowned for its glitzy shows, extravagant concerts, and the slightly more nefarious activities that earned it the epithet of Sin City, but there are plenty of other reasons to hit Vegas and its infamous Strip.

Day-trips to national parks, various conventions and conferences, and several major sporting events, such as Formula 1, also draw in the crowds.

And when the chips are down, how many days in Las Vegas will be enough will depend a little on your main reason for travel. Long weekends and two- or three-night stays are often enough for some, but if you’re planning to also explore the iconic national parks a little outside of Vegas, an extra night or two may be a good idea.

For first-time visitors, unpacking how much you can and cannot pack into your Vegas time may throw up a few surprises that you hadn’t accounted for. So, let’s take a look at how much of Vegas you can realistically take in according to the length of your stay…

Recommended Trip Lengths

There’s no hard and fast rule about how many days to stay in Las Vegas, but in general, a two- or three-day trip is enough to take in a few of the top attractions without getting overwhelmed. Some people opt for shorter stays, flying in on a red-eye flight and out on an early-evening flight the next day, and others go for longer stays of up to a week.

But we like the Goldilocks approach. Not too short, so you have to race around trying to fit everything in, and not too long, so you start to feel a little like a member of Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead come the final day.

Short Trips (1-2 Days)

While a whistle-stop tour of Las Vegas is wholly possible, you have to be careful not to try to pack too much into too short a space of time. A couple of days can give you a little taste of Vegas, but you won’t be able to fit everything in.

But you can experience the Strip, maybe taking in an evening show and trying your luck at the black jack tables or slots. During the daytime, you can also take in some of the Strip’s best-known attractions like the High Roller Observation Wheel, the Big Apple Coaster at New York, New York, or the botanical gardens and fountain show at the Bellagio.

Standard Trips (3-5 Days)

Being able to tack one or two extra days onto your Vegas itinerary allows you to take in a few more of the sights and sounds, and to do so in a more relaxed, less hectic manner. You’ll have a couple more nights to explore the Strip and will also be able to try a few more of its famous dining experiences, such as the Bacchanal Buffet or Top of Binion’s Steakhouse.

With a little more time on your hands, you can also take in a day-trip or two. The Hoover Dam and Death Valley are reasonably close, and there’s also the option of a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.

Extended Trips (6+ Days)

We say…Don’t do it!

Unless you have another vacation booked to recover from your week-long Vegas blowout, a longer stay may not be your best bet. The constant crowds, tiresome traffic, and evenings of excess, while fun for a short stay, can begin to grate a little, especially when the desert climate is at its fiercest.

Yet a longer stay is not entirely impossible without winding up in a zombie-like state on the last day. A couple of day trips thrown into the mix can provide a little relief from the stresses of the city, but they don’t guarantee an escape from the crowds. While you can pack more into a longer stay, you may be too exhausted to enjoy the last couple of days of your trip to their fullest.

Factors Influencing Trip Duration

Ultimately, how many days in Las Vegas will be best for you will depend a little on your personal interests as well as any time and budgetary constraints you may have.

Personal Interests Or Conventions

• If there’s a particular event—a certain show, concert, or convention—in town or certain Vegas experiences—the casinos, fine dining, or shopping—that are on your bucket list, then that will be a factor in deciding how many days in Las Vegas you’ll need.
• Las Vegas is also a premier destination for doing international business, and the city receives over 2 million convention visitors each year. If you’re in town for a convention or conference, you can also add a day or two to your stay to allow you to enjoy the city at leisure too.
• If you are eyeing up a Vegas trip specifically to take in a couple of shows, don’t fall into the trap of booking two shows on the same night. As much as it looks doable online, the reality is you will not make the second show—trust us, we’ve tried!

Budget Considerations

• Avg Hotel on the Strip: $200/night
• Avg Casual Meal: $30-$50/person
• Avg Show Ticket: $50-$75/person

While it’s easy to spend a small fortune in Las Vegas, with a little planning you can also save a few dollars here and there and stick to your budget.

If planning to stay in a hotel on the Strip, allow for around $200 per night. Off-Strip hotels will be available for a little less.

Vegas’ most famous fine dining options may come with a hefty bill, but you can also eat well for around $30 per meal. Self-catering accommodation can help you save a little more too.

Allow for between $50 – $75 per person for regular Vegas show tickets, and remember to book in advance.

Time Constraints

• Figure 30 minutes to get to another hotel on the strip during the day. An hour at dinner time.
• Figure 20 minute walk from one end of a hotel to the other. And Venetian and Caesars take about an hour to walk – no joke.
• Book reservations for all dining – even breakfast and lunch

The stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard known as ‘the Strip’ covers over four miles, and getting from one end to the other can take time. Both foot and road traffic can tangle the bustling street, and evenings are especially busy.

If you are in town for a short stay and want to maximize your time, make sure you make reservations for all your meals. Otherwise, you may find you have a long wait for a table and you won’t be done with your meal at the time you expected, which can then impact the rest of your plans.

Maximizing Your Stay in Las Vegas

Depending on how many days in Las Vegas you have decided on, here are a couple of tips that can help you get the most from your trip:

For Short Stays

• Book everything in the same hotel. You can easily plan a show, restaurant, and thing to see or do all within the same hotel. You’ll save lots of time, and your feet will thank you too.

For Longer Stays

• Include day trips to the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, or Hoover Dam for some respite from the Strip. Also explore the more diverse dining options and shopping outlets that the crowds on shorter trips may not get around to visiting.

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