48 Hours In Las Vegas: A Survival Guide

Planning to spend 48 hours in Las Vegas? Glitzy, kitsch-y and a million things besides, there really is no place on earth quite like Vegas. Remember though, even if you’re only staying for a couple of days, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas..!

Think: Papping dazzling sights, trying your luck at casinos and scaring yourself silly on thrill rides during the day; watching dancing fountains, taking in mega-shows and enjoy the nighttime buzz after dark.

How to Spend 48 Hours In Las Vegas

Day One:

Hit The Strip

Once you’ve checked-in to your surprisingly affordable digs at the MGM Grand and refreshed in its 6-acre pool, put on your shades and step out onto The Strip. Famed for its over-the-top hotels, dazzling monuments and kitsch attractions, this electrifying four-mile long stretch of sensation and sin will have you spitting out superlatives within moments.

The north end is where you’ll find The Venetian’s ever-popular mini-canals and gondola rides. The south end is home to that ultimate selfie opportunity, the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign (take care papping on the busy road).

Feel free to try your luck at any of the casinos. All of them offer free drinks for gamblers – just don’t forget to tip your waiter!

Watch the Fountains Dance at The Bellagio

It’s fair to say that the iconic fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel offers a most welcome change of pace following a day of exploring The Strip. Watching the beautifully lit fountains dance and sway in the warm evening air has a way of making you feel exceedingly calm. Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes beforehand – it can get pretty crowded at showtime.

Be Dazzled by a Vegas Stage Show

As the self-styled ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, it would be a sin to come to Vegas and not catch one of the town’s renowned stage shows. Cirque du Soleil and Celine Dion are the big hitters. Although, you’ll find no-end of other big name performances and tribute shows to choose from. The discount ticket booths dotted along The Strip are the best places to buy on-the-day tickets.

Day Two:

Explore Sin City’s Underworld Past

After filling up on breakfast at your hotel (the country fried steak and eggs is a winner), make like a wise guy and visit the Mob Museum on Stewart Avenue. Set within a former courthouse, it’s an excellent and ever-so-slightly disturbing museum. It highlights the ambitious endeavours and ‘colourful characters’ that helped earn Vegas its ‘Sin City’ moniker. Disclaimer: you will do a Joe Pesci or Bobby de Niro impression at some point.

Get Some Thrills

Vegas also has adrenaline pumping rides and slides on hand for visitors of all ages. Try the three-storey Shark Chute waterslide at the Golden Nugget if the idea of whooshing through a shark-infested tank at break-neck speed appeals. Or, if you’re just downright crazy? Hit the roller coaster that sweeps out of the New York, New York hotel and feel your lungs bust as you rocket out and across the Las Vegas skyline.

Have a Night Out on Fremont Street

After stopping by the Mandalay Bay to fuel up on hearty pub-grub at the convivial Rí Rá Irish Pub, head on over to Fremont Street for a night out in the spiritual heart of Vegas. An inviting mix of lively outdoor bars, snazzy light shows, and live music stages, this vibrant artery evokes the cool Rat Pack vibe of Vegas’ glory days. It showers it with the infectious ‘open to all’ attitude that makes the town such a truly unique destination. Irresistible.