Michelle Cacija

Get ready to experience the heart-pounding thrill of Las Vegas! From the iconic casinos where you can test your luck to the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon for hiking adventures, and the mesmerizing Bellagio fountains, this blog will guide you through a journey of the glitz and glamour of Sin City.

Servus and welcome to my three-day Las Vegas Itinerary! Before my friend and I arrived in Las Vegas, we embarked on an 8-day road trip through Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, leading us to our final destination, Las Vegas. We had planned to spend two days exploring the city. Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Our primary reason for visiting Las Vegas was to explore the “Haunted Museum of Zak Bagans” ^{(unpaid ad)} and to conclude our road trip in a vibrant city like Las Vegas. However, Las Vegas has much more to offer, including the famous Las Vegas Strip, the Bellagio fountains, and the High Roller observation wheel. Additionally, there are numerous shopping opportunities and nightlife options to indulge in. For those seeking natural beauty, you can venture to Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam, the Seven Magic Mountains, and, of course, the Grand Canyon if you haven’t already experienced its wonders.

As always, I want to remind you, that this itinerary isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and all trips involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all of my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Las Vegas
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities in Nevada
6. Summary of activities in Las Vegas
7. Summary of where to eat
8. Other North America Blogs

The Basics about Las Vegas

When to visit

The best time to visit Las Vegas is probably during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when temperatures are mild, ranging from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the Strip. These seasons also feature fewer crowds and lower hotel rates compared to summer. We went towards the end of September, and it was still very hot. Summer (June to August) is hot, with temperatures often exceeding 38°C (100°F). Winter (December to February) is cooler, with temperatures averaging 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F), but offers festive events and fewer tourists, making it a great time for those seeking a more relaxed experience. Each season has unique offerings, so your choice depends on your preferences!

Time period

Regarding the time period, I think three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Las Vegas as you’ll have the opportunity to discover the city’s downtown and explore some of the main attractions. However, in the end, it really depends on what you want to see and do in Las Vegas.

Getting There

When it comes to getting there, you can reach the American city by car, bus, train or plane depending on where you’re coming from.

Where to stay

Some popular areas to stay in Las Vegas are the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown Las Vegas, and the area around the Las Vegas Convention Center. Each of these areas offers different vibes and attractions, so you can choose based on what you’re looking for during your stay!

Renting a car

I’ve rented at least six cars and always booked them through check24 ^(ad), which I can highly recommend. The website offers good deals, the insurance is quite cheap and provides good coverage, and the customer service is very efficient and accommodating. However, Check24 currently only offers its website in German. So it’s mandatory to speak the language.

National Park Pass

If you are planning a road trip in the United States or want to visit some attractions located outside of Las Vegas, make sure you have an national parks pass ^{(unpaid ad).} This pass provides access to all national parks and costs around $80. This pass is definitely worth it since it would cost you more if you buy the ticket entrances for every national park or forest. Furthermore, it lasts for 12 months after purchase. You can buy it online or from visitor center shops in the city where you start your journey from.

Getting around

Las Vegas is a surprisingly walkable city, especially along the famous Las Vegas Strip, where many of the major attractions, hotels, and casinos are located within close proximity to one another. You can easily explore many of the top sights on foot. However, if you’d like to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time or venture beyond the central Strip area, public transportation is a convenient option. The city offers an efficient bus system, including the Deuce, which runs 24/7 along the Strip, as well as a monorail that connects various resorts and attractions.

What to pack

I would suggest bringing plenty of light and airy summer clothing as the weather can become extremely hot and humid. For cooler evenings or in case of rain, it’s advisable to bring at least a hoodie. If you plan on doing a lot of walking or hiking in the national parks, it’s a good idea to pack several pairs of comfortable closed-toe shoes. I would always recommend bringing your own small medical kit, including bandages, pain relievers, sleeping aids, bug spray, and after-sun lotion. You never know what you might need, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients. If you’re coming from outside the Untied States, don’t forget to bring a Type A or B power adapter.

Cost of Travel

The amount you’re going to spend during your stay in Las Vegas really depends on several factors, including where you want to go, your travel style, and what you will be doing. America is quite pricey in contrast to Europe, so a trip can get quite expensive. However, if you just plan it roughly and research ahead, you can safe a lot of money.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Las Vegas. You can safely drink tap water in Las Vegas as it meets stringent federal standards for cleanliness and safety. However, some residents and visitors note that the tap water may have a distinct taste due to the high mineral content. If you prefer a different taste, bottled water and filtered water are widely available throughout the city.

Toilet situation. Most public restrooms in America, including those in Las Vegas, are free of charge and generally well-maintained, particularly in casinos, shopping malls, and restaurants.

Tipping. In America, tipping is a common practice in many service industries. It’s customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and for services like taxis and haircuts.

Currency. The currency used is the United States Dollar (USD). When it comes to payment methods, both cash and cards are widely accepted in the U.S. You can use credit or debit cards for most transactions, but it’s always handy to have some cash on you for situations like tipping or small purchases.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

On our first day in Las Vegas, we decided to explore the city on foot. We visited iconic landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains, the Venetian Resort Hotel, Paris Las Vegas, and a few casinos along the way. In the evening, we dined at the Cheesecake Factory ^{(unpaid ad)}. If you ever find yourself in the USA, I highly recommend a visit to the Cheesecake Factory! Not only do they serve the most delicious cheesecakes I’ve ever tasted (second only to my mum’s), but they also offer a wide variety of delectable lunch and dinner options with generous portions. Their extensive menu includes everything from pasta and seafood to burgers and salads, making it easy for everyone to find something they love. Plus, the ambiance is relaxed yet stylish, making it a great spot for a casual meal or a special occasion.

Day 2

On our final day in Nevada, we woke up early to visit the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. This iconic symbol of the city is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, near the airport, and has become a classic photo spot for visitors. It’s free to visit and accessible 24 hours a day, but be prepared to wait in line for a picture. Even early in the morning, there can be a bit of a wait, as many people want to capture this Vegas moment.

Afterward, we enjoyed exploring some of the vibrant Vegas street art and had lunch at Shake Shack ^{(unpaid ad)} before heading to Luxor Las Vegas. The Luxor is one of the city’s most unique hotels and casinos, famous for its striking pyramid shape and the massive Sphinx statue at the entrance. In addition to its distinct architecture, the Luxor offers fascinating attractions such as the Titanic Artifact Exhibition, where you can view real artifacts from the ill-fated ship, and Bodies…The Exhibition, which provides a deep dive into human anatomy through preserved real bodies.

Our final stop before leaving was the highlight of our trip: Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum ^{(unpaid ad)}. If you’re into the paranormal or supernatural like we are, this place is a must-see. The museum offers a guided tour through a labyrinth of themed rooms filled with eerie and allegedly haunted artifacts. Some of the most infamous items on display include the Dybbuk Box, believed to house an evil spirit, and the “Devil’s Rocking Chair,” said to be connected to an exorcism case. The atmosphere is chilling, and each room comes with its own haunting story, making it a thrilling experience for anyone interested in ghostly tales. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for fans of the supernatural, it’s an unforgettable adventure. Now it was time to say good-bye Las Vegas!

Day 3

On day three, you have the option to either rent a car or book a tour to the mesmerizing Grand Canyon National Park. Since the one-way drive from Las Vegas takes about four hours, I recommend staying overnight either at the Grand Canyon or in a nearby town to fully enjoy the experience without rushing. When we visited, we chose to stay in the town of Kingman, Arizona. Kingman, situated near the Nevada border, is a charming city along the historic Route 66, known for its nostalgic connection to the iconic highway and its small-town appeal. It’s a great stop for those interested in exploring the history and culture of this famous American roadway.

The Grand Canyon itself is a massive natural wonder, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The canyon features stunning rock formations and vast landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a true sense of nature’s power. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t ideal during our visit, with clouds and rain greeting us for the first two hours. However, once the skies cleared, we were able to fully appreciate the remarkable beauty of the canyon’s layered rock formations and breathtaking views.

The park offers numerous viewpoints and hiking trails that vary in difficulty, making it accessible to visitors of all experience levels. Popular spots like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station provide incredible panoramic views of the canyon. If you’re more adventurous, hiking down into the canyon along the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails offers a more immersive experience. However, unlike some other national parks, you can’t drive your car throughout the main tourist areas. Instead, a shuttle bus service operates within the park, taking visitors to key viewpoints and trailheads.

It’s important to come prepared when visiting the Grand Canyon. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be intense even on cooler days. The edges of the canyon can be quite steep, so it’s important to stay cautious and watch your footing, especially if you’re exploring near the rim.

Overall, we enjoyed our visit to the Grand Canyon, though we felt it might be slightly overrated compared to other national parks we’ve visited, which we found more engaging. Of course, the weather may have played a role in shaping our perception, as it was difficult to fully appreciate the views during the rain. However, it’s undeniably one of the world’s great natural wonders and still a worthwhile experience.

If you’d like to embark on a road trip through America’s most breathtaking national parks, you might find my blog “USA National Parks Road Trip: Salt Lake City to Las Vegas” helpful and interesting. The blog futures this two-day Las Vegas trip at the end.

Summary of activities in Nevada

• Las Vegas
• Grand Canyon
• Seven Magic Mountains
• Hoover Dam
• Red Rock Canyon
• Colorado River

Summary of activities in Las Vegas

• Go to a Casino like Caesars Casino
• Bellagio Fountain
• Venetian Resort Hotel
• Paris Las Vegas
• Luxor Las Vegas
• Cheesecake Factory
• Zag Bagans: The Haunted Museum
• Grand Canyon
• Hoover Dam
• Red Rock Canyon
• Vegas Street Art and The Las Vegas Sign
• Seven Magic Mountains

Summary of where to eat

• The Cheesecake Factory – offers a wide range of lunch and dinner options and of course desserts like Cheesecake ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Shake Shack – typical American Burger resturant ^{(unpaid ad)}

Other North America Blogs