Las Vegas 5-Day Itinerary: The Strip, Downtown, and the Desert
Five days in Las Vegas means the Strip's landmarks and a single downtown stop no longer have to carry the whole trip. This plan keeps those foundations, then adds a full day trip beyond the city limits to the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon, and rounds out the week with a second live show and a museum afternoon you might not otherwise have time for. Big, walkable days sit alongside slower ones, so the back half of the week feels as good as the first.
- Strip landmarks, downtown, and two shows
- A full day at Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon
- An open day before the STRAT and a closing show
The plan at a glance
- Today opens on the Strip with three of its best-known landmarks: the Eiffel Tower's glass elevator, Madame Tussauds' wax figures, and an afternoon show at V Theatre, before FlyOver's simulated flight closes out the day.
- Shift to downtown, where the Mob Museum's real artifacts and wiretap recordings sit inside a genuine former courthouse, and Fremont Street's LED canopy takes over once night falls.
- Leave the city entirely for a full day out to the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon, trading neon for desert and one of America's great engineering feats.
- Climb the STRAT Tower at the north end of the Strip, then ease into an afternoon at your choice of two very different museums.
- Close the week with a second V Theatre show in the evening and a genuinely open day beforehand, since five days of sightseeing deserves a slower finish.
New to Las Vegas? Start with the city guide
This page is the day-by-day plan. If you're still deciding what Las Vegas is actually like, which attractions are worth your money, and what else the city and its surroundings have to offer beyond these five days, our full Las Vegas city guide covers the whole picture. It's the better place to start if your dates aren't locked in yet.
Read our complete Las Vegas city guide
Eiffel Tower Observation Deck
Rising 46 stories above the Strip at Paris Las Vegas, this half-scale replica of the Parisian original delivers its view gradually, with the glass elevator itself offering a preview of the city as it climbs.
- The Bellagio's fountains sit almost directly below once you reach the top, framed by the rest of the Strip stretching out on either side and open desert beyond.
- After dark, the tower's exterior runs a synchronized light display every half hour until midnight, though that's a detail for a return visit rather than something you'll see this morning.
Book your slot for right when the deck opens rather than mid-morning. The queue for the elevator builds steadily as tour groups arrive, and an early visit means having the platform largely to yourself.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Tucked inside the Venetian, this wax museum turns a walk through several themed galleries into a chance to pose beside instantly recognizable musicians, athletes and film stars.
- Right on the mid-Strip, it pairs naturally with a stroll through the Venetian's indoor canals afterward. It is air-conditioned relief that also happens to be one of the better photo backdrops nearby.
- Hold off on the combined Natural History Museum ticket for now. That pairing makes more sense later in the week rather than being squeezed into an already full first day.
Set yourself a hard stop around the 90-minute mark rather than letting the visit run long. A firm 2:30 pm curtain waits across the Strip, and there's no flexibility built into today's timing to make up for lingering here.
Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre
Staged daily inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, this matinee is the one fixed point in today's schedule. Everything else this morning exists to get you here on time rather than the other way around.
- Gregory Popovich, a veteran circus performer, shares the stage with more than 30 shelter-rescued cats, dogs, parrots, and a miniature horse, weaving their tricks together with his own juggling and physical comedy across a show running close to an hour.
- The rescue angle genuinely shapes the show's tone, and it's consistently held up as one of the warmer, more family-friendly productions on the Strip rather than a standard variety act.
Aim to be seated a good 15 minutes before the curtain rather than the standard 10. Miracle Mile Shops can be genuinely disorienting to navigate on a first visit, and building in extra buffer avoids a stressful dash through the mall.
FlyOver Las Vegas
A short hop from Planet Hollywood over to the LINQ, this attraction straps you into a seat with your feet hanging free in front of a curved 52-foot screen, then adds wind, scent and motion to match whatever landscape is unfolding on screen.
- Three separate films rotate through: the American West, the Canadian Rockies, and Iceland, each building its own distinct sense of place rather than recycling the same effects under a different label.
- Counting the pre-show briefing, plan on roughly half an hour total, with the simulated flight itself lasting somewhere between 8 and 10 minutes.
- A 102 cm height minimum applies, and the ride isn't recommended for anyone prone to motion sickness, living with heart conditions or photosensitive epilepsy, or uneasy with heights.
Skip overthinking which film to pick today. Whichever one your group leans toward is the right call, since a second visit later in the trip is entirely possible if a different destination starts to appeal.
Evening
Between the matinee and three separate attractions, today has already covered plenty of ground by late afternoon, so let tonight stay unstructured. Grab dinner wherever looks good rather than squeezing in a fifth stop. This is a benefit of building the whole day around one early showtime instead of an evening one.
The Mob Museum
Officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this museum occupies an actual 1933 federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas, where real mob hearings once took place.
- Genuine artifacts fill the galleries, including Bugsy Siegel's sunglasses, real weapons and surveillance equipment, and the Nevada gas chamber chair, among them, alongside authentic wiretap recordings used in real federal prosecutions.
- The museum spans three floors, and downloading the free official app beforehand unlocks self-guided audio tours and investigative missions that add real depth to a visit.
- Entry includes access to the Underground Speakeasy & Distillery inside the museum, worth building into your visit rather than treating as a separate stop.
Come on a weekday morning specifically. The museum gets noticeably busier in the afternoons and on weekends, and a quieter visit lets you actually read the wiretap transcripts and artifact placards rather than shuffling past them.
Fremont Street Experience
A short walk from the Mob Museum, this pedestrian stretch of downtown's original casino strip runs beneath a massive LED canopy that puts on synchronized light and music shows after dark.
- Street performers, live music and a noticeably more old-school Vegas atmosphere set this apart from the Strip's more corporate, resort-driven feel.
- General access to the street and the canopy shows is free, so budget your evening for food and drinks rather than admission.
Check the canopy's show schedule as you arrive rather than wandering off and missing it. Shows run at set intervals through the evening, and timing your dinner around one adds a genuine highlight to the night.
Evening
Dinner somewhere along Fremont Street closes out a day spent almost entirely away from the Strip's more polished, resort-driven side.
Getting there
The Hoover Dam sits roughly 30 to 45 minutes from the Strip, and Red Rock Canyon around 25 to 30 minutes in the opposite direction, so most tours pair the two into a single loop rather than a there-and-back trip.
- A guided tour with round-trip transportation is the practical choice for this day, since it removes the need to navigate desert highways yourself and typically times the dam visit for the cooler morning hours.
- Expect a full day once both stops and the driving between them are factored in. Most guided versions run 6 to 7 hours door to door.
The Hoover Dam
Spanning the Colorado River in Black Canyon on the Nevada-Arizona border, this dam remains one of America's great engineering achievements, and a genuine descent inside its structure is part of most guided visits.
- Guided tours typically take you 530 feet down into the dam to see the hydroelectric generators, a genuinely different experience from viewing the structure purely from the overlook.
- The Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge arches across the canyon just downstream, and the viewpoint from it looks directly down onto the dam and Lake Mead behind it.
- Boulder City, the small historic town built to house the dam's original construction workers, sits along the route and is worth a short stop if your tour includes free time there.
Arrive as close to opening as your tour allows. Both the crowds and the desert heat build steadily through the morning, and an earlier visit means cooler conditions for the outdoor sections of the tour.
Red Rock Canyon
A striking contrast to the dam's engineering, this conservation area west of the Strip centers on a 13-mile scenic loop drive through multi-hued sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
- Numerous scenic pullouts along the loop give you a chance to stop for photos, and several short hiking trails branch off if your tour builds in time for a walk.
- Being noticeably closer to the city than the Hoover Dam, this stop works well as the day's second half, easing you back toward Las Vegas rather than adding extra driving.
Bring more water than you think you'll need for this stop specifically, even if you're not planning to hike. The desert heat here is genuinely more intense than it feels back on the air-conditioned Strip.
Evening
Expect a later return to your hotel given the length of today's loop. Keep dinner simple once you're back, tomorrow returns to the city at an easier pace.
The STRAT Tower
Rising 1,149 feet at the Strip's northern edge, the STRAT holds the title of tallest freestanding observation tower anywhere in the country, pairing its viewing deck with a rooftop full of some of the most intense rides in Las Vegas.
- A high-speed elevator whisks you up to the SkyPod in roughly 30 seconds, where both indoor and outdoor viewing areas offer a full 360-degree sweep across the Strip, the valley floor, and the desert stretching out beyond it.
- Three rooftop rides each put the tower's height to different use: Big Shot rockets riders 160 feet up the central spire at 45mph, X-Scream tips you headfirst out over the edge at 866 feet, and Insanity spins you out into open space above the street below.
- Separate from the main ticket, SkyJump offers a Guinness-recognised controlled free-fall from the 108th floor, open to riders 14 and up.
If heights alone are the draw rather than the adrenaline, budget your time toward the SkyPod's outdoor deck specifically. The open-air section delivers a rawer sense of the drop than the enclosed indoor viewing area, without needing to commit to any of the rooftop rides.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum or Arte Museum
Two genuinely different indoor stops compete for this afternoon slot, one leaning educational, the other purely sensory, so let today's energy level decide which one wins out.
- The Natural History Museum works through dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, marine life, and wildlife from around the globe, an easy, family-friendly stop that also pairs naturally with a combo ticket if Madame Tussauds is still on your list.
- Arte Museum, a $25-million immersive space at 3716 S Las Vegas Blvd, cycles through 14 exhibits spread across 12 rooms, waterfalls, gardens, and starfields conjured through projection mapping, custom soundscapes, and scent design.
If you're travelling with restless kids, the Natural History Museum's hands-on sections and physical specimens tend to hold attention better than Arte's more atmospheric, walk-through format, which rewards a slower pace that younger visitors don't always have patience for.
Evening
Wind the day down with dinner somewhere close to the Strip, a fitting close to a day that opened at full throttle atop the STRAT and settled into something considerably calmer by the time the sun went down.
An open day
Leave today intentionally free rather than booking another attraction. After four days covering the Strip, downtown, the desert, and the STRAT, a genuinely open stretch suits the close of the week far better than one more ticketed stop.
- Sleep in, revisit a favourite spot from earlier in the trip, or simply wander the Strip without a fixed plan ahead of tonight's show.
- Resist the urge to fill this day. It's the one deliberately unplanned stretch across the whole five days, and it earns its place after everything that came before it.
The Mentalist
Tonight's show at V Theatre runs in its regular evening slot and trades Day 1's animal comedy for something considerably more interactive. Delight in a performance built around apparent mind-reading, psychology and comedy.
- Audience members are called up and questioned throughout, with names, hometowns and personal details apparently revealed without any prior information, the show genuinely differing from night to night depending on who's in the room.
- Running time is generally quoted as 60 to 75 minutes depending on audience interaction, and age guidance varies by source, so check current recommendations before booking if you're bringing teens.
Sit near the aisle if you'd like a genuine shot at being called up. The Mentalist tends to work the most accessible seats when selecting audience members.
Evening
Tonight's 7:30 pm show at V Theatre closes out five days covering the Strip's landmarks, downtown's real history, a full day in the desert, the tallest tower on the Strip, and a proper rest day, giving you a genuinely complete look at Las Vegas beyond the casino floor.
Swap any day for one of these
The week above suits travellers wanting a fuller look at Las Vegas and its surroundings, but individual days rearrange easily enough.
The High Roller Observation Wheel
The High Roller Observation Wheel, at the LINQ Promenade near FlyOver, for the tallest observation wheel in North America if you'd rather add a fourth Strip viewpoint to Day 1.
Big Bus Las Vegas Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Big Bus Las Vegas Hop-on Hop-off Tour, in place of walking between Day 1's stops, for a guided overview of the Strip's layout if this is your first trip and you'd rather get oriented before committing to specific attractions.
Book Now →Go City Las Vegas Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass
Go City Las Vegas Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass, in place of booking individual tickets across the week, for a bundled option covering the High Roller, Eiffel Tower, Madame Tussauds, Mob Museum, Big Bus and more, worth considering if your group plans to hit several of these attractions regardless.
Book Now →A Grand Canyon West Rim extension
A Grand Canyon West Rim extension, added onto Day 3 if your schedule and stamina allow it, since several tours combine the Hoover Dam with the West Rim as a longer full-day option rather than pairing it with Red Rock Canyon.
The Erotic Heritage Museum
The Erotic Heritage Museum, an 18-and-over stop worth knowing about if your trip is an adults-only one, though it isn't part of this itinerary given how broadly it's written.
Book Now →Getting Around
Las Vegas's major attractions cluster along a few key stretches, the mid-Strip resorts, the north Strip near the STRAT, downtown around Fremont Street, and the desert landmarks well outside the city.
| Route | Without a car | By car |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Reid International Airport to the Strip | Taxi, rideshare, or resort shuttle, about 15 to 20 minutes | About 15 to 20 minutes |
| Within mid-Strip resorts (Paris, the Venetian, Planet Hollywood, the LINQ) | Walking, 10 to 20 minutes between most points | Not worth driving |
| Mid-Strip to the STRAT Tower (north Strip) | Taxi, rideshare, or the Las Vegas Monorail to SLS/Sahara Station, about 10 to 15 minutes | About 10 to 15 minutes |
| The Strip to downtown (Mob Museum, Fremont Street) | Taxi, rideshare, or the Deuce bus along Las Vegas Boulevard, about 15 to 20 minutes | About 15 to 20 minutes |
| The Strip to the Hoover Dam | Included tour transfer, about 30 to 45 minutes each way | Rental car via US-93, about 30 to 45 minutes each way |
| The Strip to Red Rock Canyon | Included tour transfer, about 25 to 30 minutes each way | Rental car via Charleston Boulevard, about 25 to 30 minutes each way |
The Best Time to Visit Las Vegas
Five days in Las Vegas add a full day outside the city, so the season matters more here than on a shorter trip. Spring and fall keep the Strip’s outdoor stops and Day 3’s desert excursion to the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon comfortable, while summer’s extreme heat makes an early departure worth prioritizing for that day specifically, and evening plans the better call for anything outdoors.
March to May, and September to November
Spring and fall bring the most comfortable daytime temperatures, well suited to walking the Strip, visiting outdoor viewpoints, and spending a full day outdoors at the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon.
June to August
Summer brings genuinely extreme heat, often well above 100°F during the day, which makes Day 3's desert excursion considerably more demanding. Consider prioritising an early morning departure if your trip falls in this window.
December to February
Cooler and occasionally chilly, particularly after dark, with the holiday season bringing its own crowds and higher hotel rates despite the milder weather.
Regardless of season, desert heat drops off fast after dark, so pack a light layer for evening activities even if the daytime temperature felt warm, and bring sun protection specifically for Day 3's time outdoors at the dam and the canyon.
Where to Stay
The Strip itself works well as a base for most of this itinerary, keeping Day 1's attractions within walking distance and reasonable access to downtown, the STRAT, and tour pickup points for Day 3.
Mid-Strip
It is closest to the Eiffel Tower, Madame Tussauds, Planet Hollywood's V Theatre and FlyOver, with easy monorail access north toward the STRAT.
North Strip
It is worth considering if the STRAT Tower is a priority, cutting down on Day 4's travel time.
Downtown
It sits near Fremont Street and the Mob Museum, a genuinely different atmosphere from the Strip resorts and a reasonable option if Day 2's stops matter most to your trip.
Las Vegas 5-Day Itinerary FAQs
Is 5 days too long for Las Vegas?
Not if you're using the extra time for genuinely different territory, as this itinerary does. The Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon take you well outside the city, and a second V Theatre show plus a proper rest day round out a week that doesn't feel like the same three attractions stretched thin.
Why does Day 1 build around a 2:30pm showtime instead of an evening one?
Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre runs as a daily matinee rather than an evening production, so fitting it into the day means treating the early afternoon as fixed and building the morning and late afternoon around it, rather than saving it for a typical evening slot the way you would The Mentalist on Day 5.
Should I book a Go City pass instead of individual tickets?
It depends on how many attractions you're planning to visit. If your group intends to hit most of what's covered across this week, the Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass can work out cheaper than booking each ticket separately, worth comparing the bundled price against your specific itinerary before deciding.
Do I need a car for the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon day?
Not necessarily. A guided tour with round-trip transportation is the more practical choice for most visitors, since it removes the need to navigate desert highways and typically times the dam visit for cooler morning conditions. Self-driving remains an option if you'd rather set your own pace.
Is it worth seeing both V Theatre shows across the week?
Yes, if variety appeals to you. Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre on Day 1 is a family-friendly matinee built around animals and circus skills, while The Mentalist on Day 5 is a considerably more interactive evening performance built around apparent mind-reading. They're different enough in format and timing that seeing both doesn't feel repetitive.
Should I combine the Hoover Dam with the Grand Canyon's West Rim instead of Red Rock Canyon?
It's an option worth considering if you have the stamina for a longer day, since some tours combine the dam with the West Rim rather than Red Rock Canyon. That combination runs considerably longer, closer to a full day dedicated entirely to the drive and the West Rim itself, so weigh that against wanting a lighter finish to Day 3.
Do I need a car in Las Vegas generally?
Not for most of this itinerary. The Strip is walkable in sections, the monorail connects several resorts efficiently, and rideshares or taxis cover downtown and anywhere else you need to go. A car becomes more useful specifically for Day 3, though a guided tour handles that without one.
What is the best month to visit Las Vegas for a full five days?
March through May and September through November offer the most comfortable temperatures for a trip built around walking the Strip and spending a full day outdoors at the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. Summer brings genuinely intense heat that makes Day 3 considerably more demanding, while winter is cooler and quieter, if occasionally chilly after dark.
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