Last Updated on July 22, 2023
Vegas is one of those destinations that lends itself to a long weekend, and I’ve spent quite a few there the past five years or so. We always make the most of our three days in town, and now I want to share with you an itinerary so you can try it out for yourself.
Day 1 in Las Vegas
Since I was fly from the East Coast, it takes me most of the day to get to Vegas. So, I’m going to assume a late afternoon check-in on day one and take you from there.
Get checked in
On our last visit, we decided to stay at Park MGM because we wanted to take advantage of their smoke-free casino so we could enjoy our video blackjack without coughing all night and winding up with clothes and hair that reek of smoke.
There are some great restaurant options at Park MGM, and because I’ve stayed at Aria and The Cosmopolitan previously, I like that they’re all right in a row so I can hit my old favorites too. There’s also a great tram from Park MGM to Bellagio that makes it easy to head over there too.
Dinner: Superfrico
After you get checked in, shower off the plane or car ride and get ready for a reservation (which I recommend making in advance) for Superfrico at The Cosmopolitan. We wanted to stretch our legs, so we walked from Park MGM through Aria to The Cosmopolitan.
To say Superfrico was an experience is an understatement. The restaurant bills itself as “Italian American Psychedelic.” Not only was our food amazing, and the cocktails creative, but you get little mini shows all through the meal. I’m talking every type of performer you can imagine. It lives up to its description as a “smorgasbord for the senses.”
Don’t miss the Tableside Mozzarella, which was as much fun to watch as it was to eat. The square pizzas were also incredible with burnt cheese all around the edges and gooey cheesy goodness on top.
It’s one of those places that only exists in Vegas (and apparently Atlantic City). 10/10 highly recommend.
After Dinner Cocktails: The Chandelier
It would be criminal to visit The Cosmopolitan and not stop by The Chandelier bar, where you feel like you’re inside a chandelier. Gorgeous and elegant, they also have incredible cocktails. It’s my favorite spot to head with my ladies when I’m in Vegas for a girls trip.
Explore the Strip
We took a little bit of a long walk back to Park MGM out on the strip to just take in the sights and sounds (and excellent people watching). We were too tired to pop in any bars or clubs, but you’ll have no lack of options if you want to extend your evening.
Day 2 in Las Vegas
Breakfast: Salt & Ivy
We walked over to Salt & Ivy for breakfast and were able to get right in without waiting. We split the Mixed Berry Dutch Baby Pancake, and it was delicious! Light, fluffy and fruity, it was satisfying without being too heavy. We also got some eggs and bacon on the side to add a little protein.
We also both fell in love with the Patio Crusher fresh juice blend. Light and refreshing, I could have drank these all day.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and Fountains
After breakfast, we headed over to the Bellagio to check out the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens before taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous Bellagio fountains. We walked through Aria and Cosmo to get there, but you can also take the tram from Park MGM to the Bellagio.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are 14,000 square feet of awe-inspiring “sights, sounds, scents and colors.” The design is changed out seasonally (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Lunar New Year). You can also now eat in the conservatory, by reservation only.
From there, you can head outside to watch the famous Bellagio fountains (schedule here). We were lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes tour and meet some of the engineers who work behind the scenes 365 days a year to keep the fountains running.
It was an incredible experience we won’t soon forget!
Lunch: Eataly
We took the tram back to Park MGM and headed to Eataly for a quick lunch. This Italian marketplace has great options that are quick and reasonably priced. We loved their wood-fired pizza and Aperol Spritzs, and the bartender who served us was fantastic. It was fast and easy while also being high quality.
Dinner: Catch
Catch at Aria is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Vegas, so we always head there for pictures even when we don’t eat there. However, it’s also a great restaurant.
With Asian-inspired dishes, you can choose from a wide variety of sushi, seafood and steak entrees here. It’s one of my favorite spots for a fancy evening out in Vegas.
After Dinner: Take in a Show or Roll the Dice
When I’m in Vegas, I go to a show almost every night. There are just so many good ones to see!
- Vegas: The Show: I love this one because it takes you through the history of Vegas and is emblematic of the iconic Vegas show you expect in your mind on your first trip.
- The Beatles LOVE: this is my favorite Cirque du Soleil show! I’ve seen it three times, and I’d happily go again. If you like The Beatles, this is a must-see.
- Michael Jackson ONE: for an 80s kid like me, this show was at the top of my to-do list on my first trip in Vegas a handful of years ago. Really well done and worth seeing!
There are always great entertainers in town for concerts or residencies. I’ve seen Britney Spears, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift on past trips, and I’ve got tickets for Garth Brooks next year!
Check out all the shows, residencies, concerts and more for your trip by date here.
Day 3 in Las Vegas
Brunch: Primrose
If you’re staying at Park MGM like us, Primrose downstairs is a charming French-inspired restaurant that’s a perfect choice for breakfast. They have all-you-can-drink sparking rose and brunch every day until 2pm. As with most restaurants in Vegas, I recommend making a reservation so you don’t have to wait.
If you’re like me and have gotten a little carried away with your meals so far on the trip, the Mediterranean Plate with avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, lemon, a hard boiled egg and olive oil is a healthy choice.
The LINQ
After breakfast, head to The LINQ’s High Roller Observation Wheel (you’ll need a cab/Uber/Lyft), which provides panoramic views of the city from its spacious cabins. We went up in the wheel, which gives you great views of the Strip and beyond.
Afterwards, stroll The LINQ Promenade, a bustling open-air shopping area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The Mob Museum
If you really want to delve into Las Vegas history, you can’t miss The Mob Museum. You’ll need to take a cab or ride share over to downtown Las Vegas for this one.
Housed in a former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office building, this unique museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the rise and fall of the mob and its notorious figures. The Mob Museum showcases the stories of both the criminals and the law enforcement officials who fought against them, offering a balanced perspective on this intriguing chapter of American history.
From the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre to the intricacies of wiretapping, the museum provides a comprehensive and educational experience that appeals to history buffs, crime enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the complex dynamics of power, crime, and justice.
Say Goodbye—For Now
Sadly, it’s probably now time for you to head back home. There’s always more to do in Vegas, and outside of town, but that just keeps you coming back!
