Las Vegas 1-day itinerary

Start at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on Las Vegas Boulevard — arrive before 9am to skip the line for photos. Walk north along the Strip to Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium ($29) or head straight to the Bellagio to see the stunning botanical conservatory (free, changes seasonally). Breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas — their French crepes ($14) on the Strip-side patio with Bellagio fountain views are the best morning in Vegas.

Walk the mega-resorts: the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes (indoor gondola rides, $34), Caesars Palace's Forum Shops with living statues, and the LINQ Promenade to the High Roller observation wheel ($25 daytime, $37 night). The Bellagio fountain shows run every 15 minutes from noon (free). Lunch at the Cosmopolitan's Secret Pizza — follow the hallway on the 3rd floor past the pizzeria signs for $6 slices that rival New York.

Take the Deuce bus ($8 all-day pass) or Uber to Fremont Street Experience downtown — a 5-block pedestrian mall covered by a massive LED canopy with light shows every hour. This is old-school Vegas — neon signs, cheaper drinks, and friendlier tables. Dinner at Carson Kitchen in a converted motel ($16–24 plates). Grab a $3 beer from one of the Fremont bars. Walk to the Arts District on Main Street for cocktails at Velveteen Rabbit or ReBar.