A Long Weekend Itinerary for Las Vegas: Beyond Casinos

The iconic Las Vegas Strip is undoubtably best known for it’s opulent casinos and neon lights, but did you know there’s so much to do here beyond placing your bets? 

Whether you fancy a flutter in the casinos alongside some other fun activities, or want to avoid gambling all together, this Long Weekend Itinerary to Las Vegas will help you plan the perfect itinerary. This is the very best of Las Vegas, beyond casinos, will help you to design an itinerary that balances glamour with good food, culture and a touch of adventure.

Las Vegas is a city that can feel fresh, exciting and new with every single visit. You could visit 10 times, and still never pull back all the layers of this magnetic and captivating city. It’s bold, playful and wonderfully over the top, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find much more than the iconic casinos it’s famous for. Think Michelin-starred dining, mesmerising live shows, desert landscapes that look painted by hand and the kind of five-star hotels that feel like destinations in their own right.

Day 1: Check In, Slow Down and See the Strip from Above

Where to Stay: The Venetian, Bellagio or The Cosmopolitan

Choose a hotel that doubles as a mini world within the city. The Venetian is ideal for travellers who love a touch of European grandeur, Bellagio is timelessly elegant (especially if you book a fountain-view room), and The Cosmopolitan is a design-led, youthful option with some of the best bars in the city. Staying in an immersive hotel is all part of the Vegas experience.

Browse all hotels in Las Vegas.

Afternoon: Explore at Your Own Pace

Spend your first afternoon easing into Vegas. Wander through your hotel, take a dip in the pool, or head straight out to the Strip to get your bearings. If you’re arriving mid-afternoon, it’s worth booking a table somewhere with a view. The terraces at The Cosmopolitan or Bellagio offer exceptional people-watching and a postcard-worthy vantage point as the city comes to life. Pop into a few casinos if you’re curious, they’re fascinating places to see. 

Evening: Fly Over the Strip on a Helicopter Tour

As the sun dips behind the Spring Mountains, head to Las Vegas North Airport for an evening helicopter flight over the Strip. Seeing Las Vegas from the air at night is nothing short of cinematic. The fountains, the lights, the skyline — everything feels sharper and more magical from above. It’s the perfect way to begin the weekend on a high note.

Day 2: Culture, Cuisine and One of Vegas’ Iconic Shows

Morning: Choose a Museum or a Moment of Culture

You may be surprised to know that Las Vegas has a surprising number of genuinely brilliant museums. Two standouts include;

The Neon Museum, where vintage neon signage from Vegas’ past now glows in an open-air boneyard.

The Mob Museum, which dives into the city’s fascinating relationship with organised crime.

Both are immersive, well-curated and offer something deeper than the typical Strip experience.

Lunch at Eataly Las Vegas or Bardot Brasserie

Las Vegas does food exceptionally well. Eataly offers a vibrant, café-style lunch with fresh pasta and gelato counters, while Bardot Brasserie inside Aria feels like a refined Parisian escape.

Afternoon: Pool Time or Retail Therapy

Spend the afternoon by the pool with a book or wander through the shops at The Forum or Wynn Esplanade. Vegas shopping is an experience in itself, with everything from high-end luxury to niche beauty brands you can’t always find at home.

Evening: See a Headliner or Cirque du Soleil

Las Vegas is the live entertainment capital of the US. Whether it’s a 2026 A-list residency such as Jennifer Lopez, Dolly Parton or No Doubt or book a Cirque du Soleil masterpiece. Cirque du Soleil have multiple shows running in Vegas at any one time and they currently include O, KÀ, Mystère, Michael Jackson ONE, Mad Apple. Be sure to book in advance. This is Vegas entertainment at its absolute best.

Get tickets for Cirque du Soleil Vegas shows. 

Day 3: Brunch, A Yacht on Lake Las Vegas and Evening Views

Morning: Brunch at Sadelle’s or Salt & Ivy

Fuel up with a long, leisurely brunch. Sadelle’s at Bellagio is a blue-and-white dream serving freshly baked bagels and French toast that deserves its own fan club. Salt & Ivy at ARIA is a sunny, laid-back alternative with a great terrace.

Afternoon: Charter a Yacht on Lake Las Vegas

For something unique (and wonderfully un-Vegas), head 30 minutes east to Lake Las Vegas. Here you can charter a private yacht or electric boat for an afternoon on the water. It’s scenic, calm and a welcome contrast to the Strip – ideal for groups or anyone wanting a moment of serenity among the chaos.

Evening: Sunset Drinks with a View

Close the day with a rooftop drink at Skyfall Lounge at Delano or The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay. Both offer incredible views over the Strip as it lights up for the night.

Travelista Tip: If you did want to try your hand in the casinos but you’re a complete first timer, try a few practice rounds online on responsible sites like NetBet UK before you go.

Day 4: A Day Out in Nature at Red Rock Canyon

If you have a fourth day to spare or want to factor in some time in nature, book a day tour to Red Rock Canyon, just 25 minutes from the Strip. It’s astonishing how quickly you can leave the neon glow behind and step into peaceful desert wilderness.

A Place to Reset

Red Rock is all sweeping sandstone cliffs, warm desert breezes and a quiet that feels almost otherworldly. It’s the perfect antidote to the sensory overload of the Strip.

Things to Do at Red Rock Canyon

Scenic Loop Drive
If you don’t fancy walking or hiking, drive the 13-mile route through the conservation area, dotted with viewpoints where you can stretch your legs and take photos.

Hiking
Trails range from gentle strolls to short scrambles. Calico Tanks is the standout, rewarding you with panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline.

Photography and Wildlife Spotting
Think red rock landscapes, desert flora, and if you’re lucky, wild burros.

Watching the Sunset
The cliffs glow warm amber at golden hour, making this one of the most atmospheric places near Vegas.

No need for a full day here. A morning or afternoon is perfect. Timed entry reservations may be required during peak season, so check before you go.

We hope this guide, going beyond the casinos, provides you with plenty of inspiration to design your own perfect Las Vegas itinerary. Safe travels!