Here’s a secret you may already know: It takes a lot of work to really relax. And in Vegas, that’s so true. It’s not only tickets and reservations, it’s knowing what’s going on in the area. In Las Vegas Magazine’s Day Planner series, we’ll suggest an itinerary that’s sure to help you pack in as much as possible on your trip. In this installment, find some options near Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard South. Some tips: Feel free to sub in a new restaurant or attraction if your first choice is booked. Get out walking shoes; they’re essential. And allow 15 to 20 minutes between stops. Getting tickets and reservations early is a must, even though they are not always required. (Some venues are not open or offer limited hours and menus on weekdays.)

8 a.m.: Hit Sadelle’s at Bellagio for breakfast. The bagels are fab and the coffee’s not bad, either!

Photo by: Courtesy

9:30-10:30 a.m.: After filling your belly, it’s a grand idea to tour the conservatory, which is filled with fabulous floral creations arranged around a central theme. Year after year, it gets better and better. The spring exhibit here opens on March 13 (it’s closed through March 12). Take your time, and snap all the selfies you want. A one-way flow through the exhibit makes sure no one jumps in front of your camera. Once you are done, amble toward the front entrance for a stroll around the placid lake and use the pedestrian bridge to cross Flamingo Road to Caesars Palace’s Roman Plaza.

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: First order of business in the Roman Plaza: Grab a selfie with the huge photo of Gordon Ramsay. Then head into the casino for a bit of gaming before lunch at Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, where you’ll indulge in those fish and chips and a Boddingtons, a mellow beer perfect for midday. Depending on the time, you may be able to squeeze in some retail therapy at The Forum Shops (you could probably spend a whole day there, TBH).

1:30-4 p.m.: It’s off to the Linq Promenade for a revolution in the High Roller. The High Roller observation wheel makes one full revolution every half hour and gets you up 550 feet in the air. From your pod, you get views in all directions of the Las Vegas Strip and city- and mountain-scapes beyond.

4-5:30 p.m.: Take advantage of happy hour at Tequila Taqueria at Bally’s, where you’ll find drink specials (sangria!) and snacks for a reduced price.

5:30-7 p.m.: Get thyself back to your room for a short nap (20 minutes is a perfect refresher) before dinner.

7-9 p.m.: Dinner at Giada at The Cromwell is always neat, with a fresh, pretty décor throughout and large windows curving around the dining room, allowing for a perfect view of the Bellagio fountains. The menu features California-influenced Italian dishes like cacio e pepe bucatini and veal chop saltimbocca. Do try to end with the lemon-ricotta cookies though: They’re so yummy.

9 p.m.-midnight: Put your luck to the test. Head to your hotel, try a few penny machines and a few beverages. Winning? Better try a few max bets; you never know when you’ll get a jackpot spin.

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