7 day Las Vegas itinerary
Seven days in Las Vegas is enough time to see the neon, leave the Strip, and explore the high desert. Most people burn out in 72 hours because they never leave the casino floor. This itinerary balances high-energy tourist landmarks with local neighborhoods and rugged day trips.
Use this 7 day Las Vegas itinerary to plan a trip that covers the world-famous resorts, the rejuvenated downtown district, and the natural wonders of the Mojave.
Day 1: The Strip Essentials
Your first day is about scale. The Las Vegas Strip is nearly four miles long. Don’t try to walk the whole thing in one afternoon. Focus on the central cluster where the architecture is most dense.
Morning
Start at the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. It is located at the southern end of Las Vegas Blvd. Arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid a 45-minute line for a photo. From there, move north to the Luxor and Excalibur. These older themed resorts offer a look at the "Theme Park" era of Vegas.
Afternoon
Head to the Caesars Complex. Walk through The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. It is one of the highest-grossing malls in the world and features a ceiling that changes from dawn to dusk. Cross the street to the Flamingo. The Wildlife Habitat is free and houses a flock of live Chilean flamingos and exotic ducks.
Evening
Watch the Fountains of Bellagio. They run every 30 minutes in the early evening and every 15 minutes after 8:00 PM. Follow this with a visit to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The display changes seasonally and uses tens of thousands of live plants. Finish the night with a high-view drink at Skyfall Panoramic Lounge at Delano for a view of the entire valley.
Day 2: High Stakes and High Tech
Focus on the newer, more tech-forward end of the Strip.
Morning
Visit the Wynn and Encore. These are the gold standard for luxury on the Strip. The lobbies are filled with floral installations and high-end art. Walk across to Fashion Show Las Vegas if you need retail therapy, or head to Resorts World, the first major resort built in Vegas in a decade, to see their massive LED globe.
Afternoon
Experience Sphere. This $2.3 billion venue is a feat of engineering. Even if you aren't seeing a concert, you can book "The Sphere Experience" to see the interior and the "Postcard from Earth" film. It is the most advanced cinematic experience currently available globally.
Evening
Head to The Linq Promenade. This is an open-air district with dining and retail. Ride the High Roller, a 550-foot tall observation wheel. One rotation takes 30 minutes and provides the best 360-degree views of the Strip. For dinner, try the LINQ’s "Flour & Barley" for brick-oven pizza or "Yard House" for a massive beer list.
Day 3: Old Vegas and Neon History
Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) is where the city started. It has more character and lower table minimums than the Strip.
Morning
Visit the Neon Museum. This is the "Boneyard" where retired casino signs go to live. You must book tickets in advance. The guided tour explains the history of the city through its typography and glass tubing. It is the most "Instagrammable" spot in the city with genuine historical weight.
Afternoon
Walk through the Mob Museum (National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement). It is housed in the former federal courthouse where the Kefauver Committee hearings held organized crime to account in 1950. It’s a deep dive into the dual history of the police and the outfits that built Vegas.
Evening
Fremont Street Experience. Walk under the Viva Vision canopy, the world's largest single video screen. Watch the overhead light shows that happen every hour on the hour. For a more "local" vibe, walk two blocks east to Fremont East. This area is non-gaming and features bars like Commonwealth and The Griffin, which feel more like Brooklyn than Nevada.
Day 4: Local Life in Summerlin and Arts District
By day four, the Strip’s noise will wear on you. Spend today where the locals live.
Morning
Drive 20 minutes west to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You need a timed entry reservation. Drive the 13-mile scenic loop. If you want to hike, Calico Tanks is a 2.5-mile round trip that ends with a hidden view of the Las Vegas Strip framed by red sandstone.
Afternoon
Head to Downtown Summerlin for lunch. This is an upscale outdoor mall that serves as the hub for the west side of the city. Afterward, drive to the 18b Arts District (located between the Strip and Downtown). This neighborhood is filled with converted warehouses, antique shops, and local breweries.
Evening
Dinner in the Arts District. Try "Esther’s Kitchen" for seasonal Italian food—it is arguably the most popular restaurant for locals right now. Afterward, go to "Velveteen Rabbit" for craft cocktails. The vibe here is moody, eclectic, and devoid of slot machine chimes.
Day 5: The Grand Canyon West or South
A 7 day Las Vegas itinerary isn't complete without seeing the Big Ditch. You have two primary options.
Morning
Option A: Grand Canyon West (2.5 hours away). This is on Hualapai land. It is home to the Skywalk, a glass bridge over the canyon. It is reachable as a day trip. Option B: Grand Canyon South Rim (4.5 hours away). This is the National Park. It is a long drive for one day, so consider an overnight stay in Tusayan or Williams.
Afternoon
If you chose the West Rim, spend time at Guano Point for 360-degree views of the canyon and the Colorado River. If you chose the South Rim, walk the Rim Trail or descend slightly into the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail.
Evening
Return to Vegas (if doing the West Rim) and grab a late-night meal at a "Chinatown" spot on Spring Mountain Road. This 3-mile stretch features some of the best Asian cuisine in the United States. "Raku" for Japanese charcoal grill is a standout.
Day 6: Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire
Today covers engineering marvels and prehistoric landscapes.
Morning
Drive 45 minutes to the Hoover Dam. Walk across the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for a high-angle view of the dam. To see the turbines, take the official Powerplant Tour. It is an Art Deco masterpiece and a vital piece of American infrastructure.
Afternoon
Drive north to Valley of Fire State Park. This is Nevada's oldest state park. The bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops are world-class. Drive the Mouse's Tank Road for the most famous view in the park. Visit "Atlatl Rock" to see ancient petroglyphs carved into the stone by Ancestral Puebloans.
Evening
Head back to the Strip for a "Big Production" show. Cirque du Soleil’s "O" at Bellagio or "KA" at MGM Grand are the benchmarks. These shows use custom-built theaters that cannot be toured; they are permanent fixtures of the Vegas experience.
Day 7: Leisure and Departure
Use your final day to hit anything you missed or simply relax by a pool.
Morning
Eat a classic Las Vegas brunch. "Bouchon" at The Venetian offers high-end French fare in a quiet, sun-drenched courtyard. If you want the classic "Vegas Buffet" experience, the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace is the most expansive (and expensive) option.
Afternoon
Visit a "Secret" attraction. Head to the Pinball Hall of Fame near the airport to play hundreds of vintage machines. Alternatively, go to Area15, an immersive entertainment complex. Inside, "Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart" is a surrealist art installation disguised as a grocery store. It takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore.
Evening
End your week with a view at the Stratosphere. The SkyPod observation deck is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US. If you are feeling brave, try the thrill rides at the top. For a final meal, Top of the World rotates 360 degrees every 80 minutes, ensuring you see every corner of the valley you just spent seven days exploring.
Where to stay for a week in Las Vegas
Choosing the right base for a 7 day Las Vegas itinerary depends on your tolerance for crowds and your budget.
- The Center Strip (Best for first-timers): Stay at Caesars Palace or The Flamingo. You are within walking distance of the most famous sights. You won't need a car for the first three days.
- Luxury & Quiet: Wynn Las Vegas or Encore. These resorts are on the north end of the Strip. They are quieter, cleaner, and offer the best service in the city.
- Non-Gaming & Modern: Vdara or Waldorf Astoria. These hotels do not have casinos. There is no smoke in the lobby, and the elevators are faster. They are located in CityCenter, a very walkable, high-end district.
- Downtown (Value & Vibes): Circa Resort & Casino. This is an adults-only (21+) resort with a massive sportsbook and a multi-level pool stadium. It is the newest and nicest hotel in the downtown area.
- Off-Strip (Local experience): Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. Located in Summerlin, this is perfect if you plan on doing multiple days of hiking and want to avoid the Strip chaos entirely. It has a massive pool, great dining, and easy access to the 215 beltway.
Pro-tip: Regardless of where you stay, check for "Resort Fees." Most Las Vegas hotels charge an additional $35–$50 per night on top of the advertised room rate. Factor this into your 7-day budget.