Las Vegas in 4 Days: everything you need to know

Las Vegas is a truly fascinating destination, with a myriad of attractions to suit all tastes. Here's everything you can't miss in Sin City if you only have 4 days.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

12 min read

Las Vegas in 4 Days: everything you need to know

Las Vegas | ©Paul IJsendoorn

Believe it or not, 4 days in Las Vegas can be more than enough time to take a look around and enjoy the surprises that await in this incredible city.

If you are organising your trip, want to know what to see and do in Las Vegas and don't know where to start, don't worry, in this article I will tell you what things you can't miss in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. Are you ready? Here we go!

Day 1: Stroll down the Las Vegas Strip, tour the most incredible themed hotels and enjoy a tour bus ride

Sightseeing bus ride through the streets of Las Vegas| ©Tomás Del Coro
Sightseeing bus ride through the streets of Las Vegas| ©Tomás Del Coro

Welcome to your first day in Sin City! A day full of amazing experiences awaits you ahead of you. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes - here we go!

See the highlights of the city on a tour bus

Las Vegas has the quality of being both one city and many cities. It's one of the few places in the world where you can feel like you're in many places at once, one of the few places where, for example, Paris and its Eiffel Tower are just a few metres away from Venice and its canals.

To find out what this city is all about, a very good option is to start by taking a tour on a tourist bus. On board one of the best tour buses in Las Vegas, you will be able to visit the key points of the city, and then return to them, according to the ones you are most interested in.

These buses allow you to get an overview of the different attractions and their locations, as well as the distances between them.

Book the Las Vegas sightseeing bus

Stroll along the main artery of the city: the Las Vegas Strip

The Strip is undoubtedly the most famous and interesting avenue in the city. Along its almost 7 kilometres you will find the most incredible themed hotels, where the best casinos of Las Vegas operate. Strolling along this impressive avenue is an experience in itself, where you can feel like you're in the city with the most neon lights in the world.

Although its hotels have earned their fame thanks to their exuberant luxury and ostentatious casinos (which are capable of making you a millionaire in the blink of an eye), their attraction goes much further than that. They are architectural marvels that emulate a city or culture, creating a realistic illusion.

Book a Las Vegas Strip Tour

Behold the New York New York's décor

The New York New York Hotel, for example, has a décor, both inside and out, that will make you think that part of the Big Apple has been relocated and placed in the middle of the Mojave Desert, much to the delight of tourists.

In addition, between the skyscrapers on its façade there is an incredible roller coaster, the Big Apple coaster, everyone's favourite.

Climb the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas

View from the observation deck at night| ©Allen McGregor
View from the observation deck at night| ©Allen McGregor

But the Strip is more than just an avenue, you'll feel like you're in an amusement park, surrounded by so much to see and do.

And there are hotels that offer truly incredible shows without having to enter or stay in them.

Inside the Hotel Paris, for example, you can live the experience of being in the City of Light, and if you look up you can even see a Parisian sky 24 hours a day.

At the entrance, a huge replica of the Eiffel Tower completes the fantasy. Tickets for the Eiffel Tower observation deck start at 27 U$S per person.

Book tickets for the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas

Grab a bite to eat to refuel

You can spend the whole day on the Strip, so when hunger strikes I recommend that you duck into one of the many restaurants, inside or outside the hotels.

If you're a burger lover, I recommend Shake Shack, Five Guys or The Black Tap, where you can also try some of the delicious milkshakes.

But if you're one of those who wouldn't trade pizza for anything in the world, you should go to Grimaldi's without hesitation. There is one in The Venetian Hotel, you won't regret it.

But as with everything here in Las Vegas, when it comes to food you also have to choose the one you like the most, so explore a little and bon apetit!

Don't miss the Stratosphere Tower

After recharging your batteries you can continue strolling along the Strip until the sun goes down.

A great way to end your first day in the world's most sinful city is to climb the Stratosphere Tower. This is no less than the tallest observation deck in the United States, standing 350 metres high, from where you can get unparalleled views of the illuminated city. Tickets start at $22 per person.

Book tickets to Stratosphere Tower Las Vegas

Day 2: Try your luck at the casinos, visit The Mob Museum and enjoy one of the incredible shows

The Mob Museum| ©Viator
The Mob Museum| ©Viator

Start your second day in this amazing city early in the morning to make the most of the day. Of course, you can't be in Las Vegas and not try your luck. Who knows, maybe tomorrow you'll be a millionaire... Come on!

Meet and gamble a little in its imposing casinos

Without a doubt, the city of Las Vegas has become famous over the years for its casinos and shows. Nowhere else in the world can you find so many entertainment venues combined, so it's almost a must to try your luck. Who knows, you might be able to afford that luxury suite at Caesar's Palace after all.

Entering one of these casinos is to lose track of time, the hundreds of thousands of flashing lights and constant sounds will mesmerise even the most reluctant.

And I can assure you that if you get on a winning streak you won't want to leave. There are games of all styles, some with truly multi-million dollar prizes. There are many stories and movies about this city and its casinos, so it's no wonder you feel like you've been here.

While they are all absolutely amazing, I recommend the casino at the luxurious Bellagio Hotel. Its gaming floor is truly massive, and has many automated options to play if you don't speak English, including electronic roulette.

You won't be surprised to hear people speaking different languages, as Las Vegas and the Bellagio are true gambling meccas.

Visit The Mob Museum

A museum dedicated to the mob? If any city could have one, it's Las Vegas. With several floors dedicated to the history of organised crime in the United States throughout the 20th century, The Mob is a truly eye-catching and interesting museum.

You can see artefacts and documents from some of the most famous gangsters and learn all about the powerful place they held in the city of Las Vegas, as well as in other parts of the United States.

A museum with a difference. Visit it, you won't regret it.

Book tickets for The Mob Museum Las Vegas

Enjoy a show in the mecca of entertainment

For those who don't like gambling, or just want a small taste of it, there are plenty of entertainment options, from magic shows, musical shows with international stars to Cirque du Soleil, which offers mega-shows that include music, acrobatics and much more.

This is one of the city's favourites, and they usually offer several shows at the same time.

Get ready to enjoy the best shows in Las Vegas, here as you will see nothing is spared, seeing a show in this city is something incomparable, you can be more than sure of that.

If you are going to buy tickets for a sporting event, or to see a musical concert, keep in mind that they sell out easily, so I recommend that you book in advance, it would even be preferable to buy them online before travelling, to ensure your place at the event.

There are many well-known artists who make a stop in Las Vegas, some of them have already become classics in the city.

Book tickets for the best shows in Las Vegas

Day 3: Visit Hoover Dam, Red Rocks Canyon National Park and end the day on Fremont Street

Red Rock Canyon| ©Exothermic
Red Rock Canyon| ©Exothermic

Third day in Las Vegas, today I've booked you some out of town excursions that I'm sure will surprise you, and to end the day a trip through Vegas' past, Fremont Street.

Take a trip to the monumental Hoover Dam

Just 48 kilometres from the city of Las Vegas lies one of the most important engineering works in the United States.

The incredible Hoover Dam is located on the Colorado River and is responsible for the existence of the artificial Lake Mead.

Being so close to the city of Las Vegas, it is an essential excursion to include in a 4-day trip like this one. The Hoover is also responsible for powering all of Nevada, Arizona and part of California.

Guided tours start at 43 Euros and last approximately 4 to 6 hours. You will visit the inside of the hydroelectric plant, learn about how it works and how it was built. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views from the outside.

This tour will take all morning, so I recommend stopping for lunch on the way to Red Rock Canyon, which is on the other side of town.

Since it's a short distance, it's best to spend a full day outside Las Vegas, so you can focus on the city on the other days.

Book a tour to Hoover Dam

Visit the incredible scenery of Red Rock Canyon Wilderness Park

Another destination close to Las Vegas (just 30 minutes), where you can trade in the neon for a truly breathtaking natural setting. Red Rock Canyon is a vast Mojave Desert landscape with a deep reddish colour. You can breathe in the fresh air and take some absolutely incredible photographs.

You can hike , bike or even take a horseback ride, just like a real John Wayne. Hikers will find many interesting routes here, with varying levels of complexity.

This is a great way to get to know a little more of the natural areas of this beautiful country. Don't miss the Calico Hills and Ice Box Canyon, which will leave you speechless with their majesty and colourful rock formations.

From Las Vegas you can take a bus tour, or simply rent a car. Along the way, you can stop as many times as you like and take in the scenery from the many viewpoints.

Book a Grand Canyon tour

End the day on Fremont Street

If you've still got some energy left after all that walking in the middle of the desert, be sure to check out the fascinating Fremont Street.

Just off the Strip is one of the most popular streets in the old city of Las Vegas. Today most of the hotels and casinos are no longer located here, but it retains a certain mystique of yesteryear that generates a strong attraction.

There's something about Fremont. In addition to its festive atmosphere, its many concerts and street musicians, it has a multimedia show every night. A large part of this street is under a roof, but be aware that it is not just any roof, it is nothing less than the biggest screen in the world, under which hundreds of people crowd around to enjoy the show.

The Fremont has a bit of kitsch and a bit of demodé, to deny it, but it is a good place to eat for much less than you would on the Strip, and certainly much more abundant.

This is also where you will find the Neon Museum, with all the illuminated signs that made history. You can take all the pictures you want. Ideal for the more nostalgic.

And for those who still don't want to go to sleep at the hotel, the Fremont Street area at night is full of nightclubs and bars, where it will be impossible not to keep up with the rhythm around you. A very Vegas experience... but remember what the saying goes: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Book a night tour of Las Vegas

Day 4: Las Vegas Sign, Shark Reef Aquarium, visit the Bellagio Hotel and ride the High Roller

Welcome to Las Vegas sign| ©Sung Shin
Welcome to Las Vegas sign| ©Sung Shin

For this last day I've booked some of the classics and a couple of jaw-dropping attractions. Get ready because your fourth and final day in Vegas is about to begin!

Take the traditional photo with the most iconic sign in Las Vegas

You can't leave Sin City without posing in front of this classic sign. It is located on the south side of Las Vegas Boulevard, next to a monumental Harley Davidson shop.

There is a queue at all hours to get your souvenir, so be patient. From the sign you can see the imposing Mandalay Bay Hotel, home to one of the kids' favourite attractions, the highly recommended Shark Reef Aquarium.

Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium

Just a few metres from the legendary Las Vegas sign is one of the most fascinating attractions you'll ever visit - did you ever think you'd be able to see sharks in the middle of the Mojave Desert?

As you may have already realised, Las Vegas can do it all. The Shark Reef Aquarium, located near the South Convention Center of the luxurious Mandalay Bay Hotel, is ideal for the whole family.

Thanks to its glass walkways you can enjoy up to 15 different species of sharks passing just a few centimetres away from your body. In addition to sharks you can see smaller species such as stingrays, crocodiles, piranhas, eels and jellyfish.

For the more daring, the aquarium offers the experience of diving and swimming with the sharks for about 45 minutes. This is the Shark Reef's dive with sharks programme, and can only be done by certified professional divers.

Visit the traditional Bellagio Hotel

After leaving the aquarium you can hop on the El Deuce bus and in just 20 minutes you will find yourself in front of one of the most important hotels in Las Vegas: the Bellagio.

Famous for its dancing water show, the Bellagio is one of the most important hotels in Las Vegas. You've probably seen it in the movie Ocean's Eleven.

But beyond the spectacle of its fountains, I recommend you take a look inside. Inspired by the Italian village of the same name, located on Lago di Como, its lobby boasts an impressive work of art by sculptor Dale Chihuly. With over 2000 blown glass flowers, this work has become a true classic.

Another Bellagio must-see is the massive Conservatory and Botanical Garden, which changes according to the season. With a concept as surreal as it is surprising, I can assure you that it will not leave you indifferent.

Strolling through this botanical garden with giant flowers and arrangements of infinite colours will make you feel like you're in Alice in Wonderland.

Hop on the High Roller and have a few drinks at The Linq

The last hours of this trip are coming to an end, and there's nothing better than ending this fourth and final day in Las Vegas with one of the most beautiful views of the city.

Located at The Linq, an entertainment and dining complex that belongs to Caesar's Palace, the giant Ferris wheel High Roller will allow you to enjoy the Las Vegas landscape at sunset. The full ride lasts 30 minutes, allowing you to take as many aerial photographs as you like.

Then you can stroll along the new The Linq Promenade, relax with a few drinks or dine in its many restaurants and lounge bars, to say goodbye to this tireless city, or at least "see you next time".

Book tickets for the High Roller

Some things to keep in mind on our 4-day trip to Las Vegas

Las Vegas Monorail| ©louis.foecy.fr
Las Vegas Monorail| ©louis.foecy.fr

Before I finish I would like to give you some practical tips to make your trip to Las Vegas perfect.

What should I pack?

The preparation of your suitcase is always very particular, as it will depend on the time of the year you plan your trip, and if you are more or less cold.

What you should bear in mind is that all, absolutely all the hotels, shows and casinos in Las Vegas are air-conditioned (don't forget that, although it may not seem like it, we are in the middle of a desert), so a jumper or a light jacket is never a bad idea.

Can I stop a taxi on the street in Las Vegas?

No, you can't hail a taxi on the street - this is one of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make. Taxis are ordered by phone only or from the hotel reception desk.

In general, within the Strip attractions, walking or taking the monorail is the most common way to get around. Unless you need a transfer to the Las Vegas airport.

Is it true that you can drink alcohol on the streets in Las Vegas?

It is one of the only places in the United States where you can drink alcohol on the streets, so you can walk around with your cocktail in your hand without any problems.

Do I have to pay for cocktails in casinos?

No, cocktails inside casinos in Las Vegas are absolutely free. This is a way to encourage gamblers to stay in the hotel rooms, consume and leave their good betting dollars.

Beware, if someone approaches you with a drink and tells you that you must pay for it, they are probably trying to rip you off. The best thing to do in such cases is to politely refuse the drink and carry on enjoying yourself.

Avoid dates close to mega events

Las Vegas hosts numerous sporting events and big music shows. When you plan your trip, try not to make it coincide with a highly anticipated fight or a mega concert, because you will probably pay extra for your accommodation, plus everything will be much more crowded than usual.