Las Vegas One-Day Itinerary
Welcome to the second stop on my solo female trip across the United States! I've designed this Las Vegas guide to be incredibly efficient, ensuring you see all the iconic sights without wasting a single step. As a solo traveler without a car, I relied on public transport and strategic planning to conquer the Strip. Here's my battle-tested plan. 🫡 🚌 Transportation: Getting Around Without a Car Bus Pass: The RTC bus system is your best friend. A 2-hour pass costs $6, but I highly recommend the 24-hour pass for $8. You can buy tickets at the vending machines at every bus stop (they accept credit/debit cards and cash). This pass works on all buses, including the Deuce on the main Strip. The Deuce: This double-decker bus runs very frequently along the Strip and is perfect for hopping on and off. ⚠️ Warning: The evening rush hour (around 4-7 PM) gets extremely congested, so factor in extra time. Ride-Sharing: Uber/Lyft prices in Vegas are surprisingly reasonable compared to Los Angeles. A ride from the airport to a main Strip hotel takes about 20 minutes and is quite affordable. 🗺️ The "No Backtracking" Walking Route (North to South) This route is designed to flow seamlessly, hitting all the major free attractions without ever needing to double back. Start on the RIGHT Side of the Street (Heading South): 📍 Wynn Las Vegas: Start your day here. Their buffet is highly rated (dinner from 1 PM - 9 PM, $100 per person including tax and tip, featuring seafood and an elaborate dessert station). Reservations are essential! 📍 Sphere Vista Point: From Wynn, walk to the pedestrian bridge connecting Wynn and The Palazzo. This is the best free spot to view the massive Sphere screen. The emoji animations appear about every 20 minutes—wait for them, they're adorable! ❤️ 📍 The Venetian: Continue south to see the outdoor gondola docks and the stunning Italian architecture. The indoor shopping canal is identical to the one in Macau. 📍 Flamingo Las Vegas: Step inside to visit the free wildlife habitat and see the hotel's famous pink flamingos. 🦩 📍 Paris Las Vegas: Admire the half-scale Eiffel Tower and the charming European-style buildings. Cross the Street to the LEFT Side: 📍 Bellagio: Don't miss the breathtaking Conservatory & Botanical Gardens in the lobby. The floral displays are a work of art and change seasonally. Cross Back to the RIGHT Side: 📍 M&M's World, Coca-Cola Store, and ABC Store: These three flagship stores are right next to each other. The ABC Store is a goldmine for souvenirs—I highly recommend buying the limited-edition black Hello Kitty and My Melody keychains and plushies here! 🎀 📍 Happy Lemon & Panda Express: Located in the mall next to the above stores (on the 2nd floor). I was thrilled to get my milk tea fix, but be prepared for the price—it cost me about ¥50 RMB! 🥹 📍 Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign: This iconic sign is located further south, near the airport. I ran out of time and didn't make it, but if you have an extra hour, it's worth the trip. ⚠️ Crucial Tips & Safety 🏨 Book Hotels Early: Book your accommodation at least two weeks in advance! I booked last-minute and paid a huge premium. Also, all Vegas hotels charge a resort fee (around $40) upon check-in, which is not included in the online price. 🚨 Safety: The main Strip is very safe, even late at night. There are some homeless people, but they are not aggressive, and the area is always bustling with tourists. However, avoid the area north of the STRAT (Stratosphere) hotel, especially after dark. It gets quieter and has a higher concentration of homeless individuals. If you're staying up there, head back to your hotel earlier. 🏜️ Beyond the Strip: Day Trips If you have more time, I highly recommend exploring the natural wonders surrounding Las Vegas. Option 1: Rent a car for maximum flexibility. Option 2: Join a guided tour. A one-day tour to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bay costs around $200. There are also fantastic 3 to 7-day loop tours that cover multiple national parks. #US #Florida #Las Vegas
