Your Guide to the Ultimate 48 Hours Spent in Las Vegas
Visiting Vegas is like stepping into a star-spangled universe like the real world except at high contrast and the highest possible volume. Everything about Vegas is extra and extreme. Gambling palaces decked out in lights would put any Christmas display to shame, and the characters that stalk the strip are like people out of comic books and fairytales. Entertainment comes at you fast and furious, ensnaring your senses and bewitching your mind. Visiting Vegas, even if you only have a short time to enjoy it, is something everyone should do at least once. There's so much to do and see near wherever you stay in Vegas that you’ll be spoiled for choice. If all you have is two days, we have a list of experiences to make those the best 48 hours you've ever had.
Travel to Vegas
Depending on where you travel from, several options exist for getting to Sin City. Opting for a private jet will provide you with the highest level of comfort and the freedom to plan your schedule.
The VIP treatment in Harry Reid International Airport’s VIP lounge is second to none. If you're looking for freedom, why not take a road trip to Vegas? Rent a car and experience the Nevada desert in all its lonely and enticing glory on the way to your weekend in the city.
If you’re interested in visiting Vegas on a budget, there are bus travel options that will get you into Sin City on time while taking in some of the scenery.
Stay in Vegas
There is no shortage of incredible Airbnbs, hotels, and even quaint, characterful motels in Vegas. You'll find something special here whether you are a “lap of luxury” traveler or someone who likes something a little more off the beaten path.
The MGM Grand offers breathtaking luxury, especially at the BetMGM casino. It's one of the most famous casinos in the world, and the hotel that goes along with it is a sight for sore eyes. There are Sky Lofts for ultimate privacy and luxury, dog-friendly rooms for those who can't travel without their furry friends, a 6.5-acre pool complex (including a lazy river), and a spa and salon for pre-night-out grooming.
If you like quirky and colorful things, stay at The LINQ Hotel. The decor may be loud, but this hotel is calm and relaxing in contrast to the craziness of the strip outside. Stay on a budget at the Desert Hills Motel, where the rooms are road trip-themed and come with all the mod cons you’ll need in 48 hours.
Exploring the Las Vegas Strip
If you travel to Vegas with only 48 hours, you’ll want to use them well. There are a few things not to miss when exploring Vegas, and most of them are on or near the famous Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is the most heavily used road in Vegas, and it's home to a cast of interesting characters.
The Mirage Volcano has been erupting in front of the MGM Mirage for more than 30 years now, and it's an unmissable VEgas sight. Fiery “lava” erupts against a backdrop of gorgeous water jets. The sound and vibrations can be heard and felt every evening, as can the heat that the display emits.
Would you prefer to look down on things from above? Visit the Eiffel Tower’s viewing deck. It's an iconic part of the city’s skyline and an incredibly romantic location for a sunset with your loved one.
Visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden to treat yourself to some time in a lush garden in the middle of the Nevada desert. This Alice In Wonderland-esque garden features an incredible selection of plants, flowers, and attractions that change every season, with special displays for events like the Lunar New Year and the changing seasons.
If you want the best view of Vegas, get a ticket for the High Roller. Beware, this is not an activity for the faint of heart. As the second largest Ferris wheel in the world (550 feet tall), it provided an uncompromising view of Vegas and the nature surrounding it. Every pod holds up to 40 visitors, and one revolution takes about half an hour.
Dining and Nightlife/Entertainment
There's so much to choose from in terms of dining and nightlife in Vegas. Vegan, keto, junk food, dancing, schmoozing, drinks — you name it, Vegas has it.
Class and indulgence live in the dishes at Cathédrale, where France, Spain, Greece, and Italy all meet in a monument to exquisite lighting and grand design. Outrageous and audacious junk food finds a home at the Heart Attack Diner. The servers are all up for a great time, and the portions are enormous.
Have an artsy evening drink at the Velveteen Rabbit, a bar and restaurant overseen by a pair of sisters who ensure that the seasonally rotating cocktail menu will blow your mind every time you visit. Round off your trip and the evening by dancing into the wee hours at Omnia Nightclub. The opposite of an arty little bar, this behemoth club holds over 75,000 square feet of space for dancing, drinking, and incredible performances.
Making the Most of Your Las Vegas Adventure
These sights and places make up the tapestry of Vegas. Enjoying these fine experiences is doable in just 48 hours and will make for an incredibly entertaining and memorable trip you’ll want to relive as soon as possible.
