We’ve seen it before in movies like “The Hangover.” When tourists take the weekend to visit Las Vegas, they go home drunk, hungover, and (probably) regretful after a wild party weekend. But locals know there’s much more to do in Las Vegas than what’s portrayed in the movies. Although anyone could stay on The Strip for 48 hours without running out of things to do, limiting yourself to just a small portion of Las Vegas means missing out on some of the best activities and food this city has to offer. Whether you’re a local taking a staycation or a newcomer to the city, here’s how to spend a weekend in Las Vegas. 

Friday Late Afternoon

Container Park / Shutterstock

Downtown Las Vegas is the locals-only version of The Strip with the added element of community. Since locals really live and work both downtown and in the Arts District, these neighborhoods have a certain degree of authenticity, and the bars and breweries really do cater to locals.

After checking in to your hotel, hit up Container Park in the afternoon for some shopping at locally-owned shops. Grab a pre-dinner dessert at Waffelato, which is known for its homemade chocolate and vanilla waffle cones served hot and topped with fresh gelato. While you’re at it, grab an early drink at Oak & Ivy. Before you leave, snap a picture of the fire-breathing mantis at the entrance to Container Park. 

Friday Evening

T-Mobile Park and Arena / Shutterstock

If you’re going to do one touristy thing over the weekend (not counting the Las Vegas sign), the replica Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas gives a composite view of everything The Strip has to offer. For dinner, indulge at French country-themed Primrose in the newly-rebranded Park MGM. The Fried Chicken Provencal or the King Salmon are highly recommended. After dinner, take a walk through the park by T-Mobile Arena and catch a show at the new Park Theater. End the night downtown at Atomic Liquors, which is Las Vegas’ oldest freestanding bar.  

Saturday Morning

View of Red Rock Canyon at sunrise

Skip the hangover on Saturday morning and wake up early to explore Red Rock Canyon. If you don’t have a car, Scoot City Tours offers a fun way to explore Red Rock in miniature scooter cars. While you could simply take a quick loop around the 13-mile scenic stretch of the national park, take a hike through at least one trail like Lost Creek (a one-hour hike that has a seasonal waterfall). If you still have a little time before lunch, visit Bonnie Springs Ranch to get a taste of the old west before heading back to town. 

Saturday Afternoon

The Mob Museum / Shutterstock

Back in downtown, stop for lunch at PublicUs, a comfy neighborhood coffee shop that also sells lunch items like Thai beef salad. A popular favorite at PublicUs is Iced Tower Coffee, a slow drip coffee that’s brewed for six hours. After lunch, visit The Mob Museum, which displays the history of organized crime in Las Vegas and includes exhibits on old-school speakeasies and distilleries along with a crime lab exhibit. 

Saturday Evening

Courtesy of Commonwealth

Make your own pub crawl and stop by several local watering holes like Velveteen Rabbit, which regularly hosts live performances and readings by local artists. You can also try their unique cocktail called The Mama Killa, which includes strawberry-infused pisco, house cherimoya liquor, chica ale reduction, aloe, and palo santo bitters. The Commonwealth is also worth visiting all on its own; it’s the speakeasy The Laundry Room behind a secret door that’s got everyone talking. Book in advance to save your spot.

Sunday Morning

Downtown Summerlin / Photo by Downtown Summerlin / CC BY-SA

On Sunday morning, take a drive into Summerlin to experience shopping at Downtown Summerlin. Then, stop at Makers and Finders in the shopping center for Latin fare like house empanadas and plantain chips and dip along with drinks like a lavender infused latte and french press. If you like hitting the slots, Red Rock Casino is right next to the shopping center. Or stop by Springs Preserve to take in the botanical gardens and museum.

Sunday Afternoon

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden / Shutterstock

Before heading home, wrap up your adventure by returning to The Strip. View the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens before stopping in at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Wrap up the afternoon with dessert on the terrace at Cafe Gelato, which is right across from the museum.