Are you planning a quick 48-hour getaway to Vegas and wondering what you can do besides spend it all in the casinos? I’ve got you covered on how you can spend 48 hours in Vegas and have a blast.
This post is months in the making, as I recently spent a few days in Vegas to celebrate my birthday. I originally planned this trip the previous year and had a list of things I wanted to see and do. However, due to circumstances changing in 2021, I scrapped a few of my plans, including my travel companion, and instead took my adult daughter with me. Believe it or not, Vegas isn’t just for adults; you can have fun in Vegas with kids as well.
While I spent a lot longer than 48 hours, a lot of the things we did can be condensed into one day. There are quite a few unique things you can only do in Vegas, and if you follow my guide, you’ll be fine. So how can you spend 48 hours in Vegas? Here goes! What can you see, do, and eat?
First: Where to Stay!
I highly recommend staying at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. It’s a luxury 5-star hotel and well worth the splurge. It’s in a prime location along the strip, and the service is impressive. As we were only there for a few days and it was my birthday, it was well worth it. It’s also in a great location to hotel/casino hop, as we wanted to experience as many of the casinos as we could.
DAY 1
Breakfast
Start with breakfast at The Henry at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Be sure to book a reservation, as it’s difficult to walk in and be seated. If you’re looking for a food recommendation, Henry’s Big Brioche French Toast is simply divine.
Take A Pic of the Las Vegas Sign
You haven’t been to Vegas if you didn’t get a picture of the sign. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as crowded as I thought it would have been. There is ample parking if you’re worried, and while there was a line, it went by pretty fast.
Visit the Seven Magic Mountains
While this is just slightly outside of Vegas, about 20 minutes away, it’s a must-visit attraction. It was currently under repair when we visited, so we couldn’t get up close as we would have liked, but here’s hoping it’s all repainted and you get lucky.
Next, Make a Stop at the Neon Museum
You can explore the Neon Museum in less than 45 minutes. It’s a boneyard filled with retired neon signs, but while we visited during the day, I’ve heard that visiting at night is even better. Cameras are not allowed during daytime tours, and you will have to take all photos with your mobile phone. To use your camera, you’ll have to book a special package available at night.
Visit the Tim Bavington Sculpture
About 10 minutes away from the Neon Museum is the perfect backdrop for your photographs. If you’re looking for the picture-perfect setting for some colorful shots, then make a pit stop at Symphony Park and take in the colorful pipes.
Take it Indoors
You’ve been outside most of the day, and if you’re visiting Vegas in the summer, when the temperatures are high, you may want a break. Cool down inside a Casino and hit the slot machines, or take a dip at your hotel’s pool, or you can even enjoy a bit of shopping.
Dinner!
There are many options available in Vegas, and it truly all depends on what your palette is calling for that particular night. Maybe you’re looking for the best NY pizza in Vegas. I wanted something simple, and we decided to head to the Sugar Factory. The food and drinks were great, and there was no regret here.
Then Hit the Strip At Night!
It’s why you’re in Vegas, right? Because whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. The Bellagio Fountain is a must-see and occurs every 15 minutes from 3 p.m. to midnight. A few doors down, the Mirage Volcano erupts every hour on the hour at 8, 9, 10, and 11 p.m.
Day 2
You’ve spent most of day one outside, so now it’s time to take it indoors and visit the different “cities.”
Visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
One of the highlights of staying at the Bellagio is being able to visit the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens whenever you want to. It’s a must-stop before you head off to brunch. The atrium is a stunning display of flowers and plants, and the attention to detail is simply astounding.
Head to Paris for Brunch
Have brunch in Paris at the Mon Ami Gabi conveniently located at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. This is a French bistro, and once again, reservations are recommended. The best views are on the patio, but be warned that there will be a long wait for patio dining. We were hungry and couldn’t wait, so we dined indoors as the wait time for patio seating was over 40 minutes.
Take A Gondola Ride in Venice
The Gondolas are located at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas and are an activity for which reservations are needed. There is an indoor and outdoor gondola ride, so you need to be specific when making your reservations. We decided on the indoor gondola ride as we made our reservation closer to noon, and it was hot outdoors, with temperatures reaching 120° the day of our ride.
Lunch at Black Tap
You can find the most extravagant milkshakes in Las Vegas at Black Tap, also located in the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, along with craft beer and delicious burgers. No reservations are required, and you’re seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Go Shopping!
There are numerous outlets around Vegas, but I recommend The Shops at Crystals if you’re into luxe, high-end shopping like I am. I had an appointment at Hermès and Cartier for my birthday as a treat to myself; however, there are numerous designer shops inside, such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga, to name a few.
End the Night With Dinner
We had dinner reservations at Nobu, but once again, there are numerous restaurants in Vegas, so it’s really up to you where you want to eat. Then take in the sights on the strip one last time.
Vegas is truly a city unlike any other. If you’re visiting in the summer, remember that temperatures can get extremely hot, so stay indoors in the shade as much as possible by perusing the casinos, hydrating, and lathering up on sunscreen. Here’s to a fantastic time in Vegas!
