How to Enjoy 48 Hours in Las Vegas

Want to know how to enjoy a whirlwind 48 hours in Las Vegas? Whether you are on a relaxed couple’s getaway or a high-energy girls’ trip, this is the best itinerary for 48 hours in Las Vegas covering a bit of everything that Sin City has to offer.

How to Enjoy 48 Hours in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most overwhelmingly exciting cities to visit. There is a reason Vegas is called “The City That Never Sleeps” when the lights on the strip never turn off. Casinos don’t have clocks or windows and many clubs and restaurants stay open past bedtime. When there is seemingly countless somethings to do at all hours, how do you cram in the best things to do in just 48 hours in Las Vegas?

Getting Around the Heart of Las Vegas

The best way to explore the heart of Vegas is to beat the heat and Ride the Las Vegas Monorail. You can spend hours exploring the Las Vegas Strip without actually walking the entire 4.2 miles. The Las Vegas Monorail makes seven stops between MGM Grand and Sahara Las Vegas every 4–8 minutes. It’s fast, efficient, clean, and air conditioned.

If you don’t like public transportation, taxi cabs are alive and well in Vegas. Taxi stands can be found everywhere from the airport to every hotel turnaround. Uber and Lyft are another option through a downloaded app on your phone.

48 Hours in Vegas: The Best Itinerary (Without Gambling)

There are two things everyone must do in Las Vegas: eat and explore. There is so much to see and so many different places to eat that one could spend weeks in Las Vegas trying to do it all. If you only have 48 hours in Vegas, you want to create the best itinerary possible.

What about gambling?! What is the best casino in Vegas to win slots? What’s the luckiest casino on the strip? I can’t advise any gambling related content for Las Vegas because I am NOT a gambler (I’ve never been a fan of losing money). However, I can offer a list of the top 10 free must see sights in Las Vegas.

Top 10 Free Must See Sights in Las Vegas

1. Visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens — Marvel at the elaborate seasonal displays of flowers and plants at the Bellagio Conservatory. The gardens are open 24/7 and are free to enter.
2. Gape at the replica of the Eiffel Tower at Paris or buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower Experience
3. Watch the free choreographed water show at The Fountains at the Bellagio (schedule here)
4. Stroll the Grand Canal Shoppes or get serenaded while riding a gondola at The Venetian
5. Walk through the Wynn Flower Atrium (with an actual floral covered carousel) to grab at drinks lakeside at Aft Cocktail Deck or to watch a sporting event at Charlie’s Sports Bar (best sweet potato fries ever!)
6. Check out The Sphere — You don’t need a ticket to simply see the MGM Sphere in all it’s massive glory in Las Vegas. Just stop to take it all in while walking across the bridge from The Venetian to Wynn Hotel.
7. Transport yourself to NYC just by standing outside the New York New York Hotel where you can find a 1/3 Scale Statue Of Lady Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge
8. Ride (or watch) the Big Apple Coaster at New York New York — Get your thrills going over 67mph on the world’s first coaster to feature a 180-degree “heartline” twist and dive maneuver and 203 ft drop
9. Freemont Street Experience — This historic street offers a light show, live music, and street performers — plus a zip line ride above it all. Personally, I did not enjoy Freemont Street as it’s very overwhelming, but I know many people who love it!
10. Wander the Strip — I promise there is so much ‘free entertainment’ you won’t know what to do with yourself.

From top left: Botanical Gardens, Botanical Gardens, The Sphere, Caesar’s Palace, Wynn Flower Atrium, Bellagio fountains, The Venetian, New York New York, Caesar’s Palace shopping, MGM Grand, The Venetian, Palazzo Lobby Ceiling

5 Must Visit Places to Eat and Drink in Las Vegas

1. Spago at the Bellagio — handmade pasta with the best fountain view in Vegas
2. Crush in MGM Grand — large tapas at this American grill with Greece vibes
3. Aft Cocktail Deck at Wynn — stunning lakeside views and fabulous cocktails
4. LAVO at The Venetian — Italian dining at it’s best, currently under renovations
5. Vanderpump á Paris at Paris Hotel — gorgeous interior design, tasty appetizers and fun cocktails

TIP: Don’t miss out on the best complimentary breakfast and happy hour I’ve ever experienced! If you can score access to the Club Level at The Venetian it is worth every penny.

5 Non-Gambling Things to Do in Las Vegas

Not being a gambler is no reason to stay away from Vegas! Anyone can have fun in Sin City without gambling. Here are 5 non-gambling things to do in Las Vegas.

1. Go to a Show. From acrobatic Cirque du Soleil to stand-up comedy to live musical performances, the entertainment options are endless.
2. SPA SPA SPA. Did you need a massage after a busy day? There are so many highly recommended spas, like Canyon Ranch Spa at the Venetian and The Spa at the Wynn. If you’re looking to swap strolling the busy strip for a luxurious oasis, here is a list of the Best Spas in Las Vegas.
3. Visit the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are one of the most popular activities for visitors. Make sure to plan for a full day away from the strip for travel and touring.
4. Pool Party! I’ve never experienced a Vegas pool party, but I read they can get wild! Check out all of the best pool parties and day clubs here.
5. Museum Hop! From the Titanic Exhibit to Clark County Museum to REAL BODIES, you’ll find some of the most fascinating museums in Vegas!

Read more about my travel adventures here.