There’s so much to see in Las Vegas but there’s never enough time. Believe me, I understand how this feels! Planning 2 days in Las Vegas can be overwhelming. There are so many things to see and do. Where do you begin? Which attractions deserve your time and which ones are overhyped?
But help is at hand. I’m familiar with quick visits to Las Vegas. My first trip to Las Vegas lasted less than 24 hours. I joined my partner on a round trip when he was working as cabin crew. We had less than 20 hours in Las Vegas before the flight returned to the UK. To make things more complex, I had broken my leg so I was on crutches. But I still managed to see everything on my list!
20 hours wasn’t enough. I’ll admit that. But I’m very confident that 2 days in Las Vegas is enough to see all of the city’s best sites.
So what are you waiting for? Join me on the whistle stop tour of the very best that Las Vegas has to offer plus everything you could possibly need for the perfect 2 day visit to sin city!
(I’ll also share my fool-proof strategy for never losing in the casinos…..but shhhhhh, it’s a secret!)
Note: I’ve compiled the perfect 2 days in Las Vegas with sightseeing in my mind. This doesn’t leave a huge amount of time to spend gambling or drinking in the casinos. If you’re heading to Las Vegas to party, you may need to add 2 days onto your party itinerary so you have time to see everything.
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2 Days in Las Vegas – How to see everything in a flying visit.
You’ve got 2 days in Las Vegas so having a list of the places you’d like to see is key. Make sure you prioritise this list so you’re seeing that sites that are more important to you. Here are my recommendations.
Hit The Strip
When you arrive in Vegas, head for the strip or Las Vegas Boulevard. I’d give you directions but it’s pretty hard to miss. Just look for the flashing neon lights and massive multi-story hotels. This is where most of the Las Vegas action happens and the atmosphere is electric, especially at night time. Head here at the beginning of your 2 days in Las Vegas to absorb the amazing atmosphere and to visit some of the world’s biggest hotels.
Fountains of Bellagio
Head to the Bellagio hotel to witness the spectacular, choreographed water fountains which run regularly throughout the day. The fountains perform to the world’s most famous songs as well as some Las Vegas classics. The fountains run all day but the night time shows are the best. Find a spot near the middle and watch as many tmes as you like. I always end up coming back here for more.
The Volcano at the Mirage
Competing with the Fountains of Bellagio, the Mirage hotel literally has volcano which erupts in a choreographed spectacular. Expect balls of fire and dramatic volcanic explosions. Don’t stand too close though, you could lose your eyebrows.
Eiffel Tower at Paris
No French themed hotel would be complete without a life-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas is no exception. Ok, it’s not quite life sized, it’s about half the size of the real Eiffel Tower but it’s still pretty massive. If you’re looking for a bird’s eye view of the strip, then this is your best bet. There’s also a restaurant up there if you’re feeling peckish.
The Luxor Hotel
For a taste of Egyptian, head to the Luxor Hotel and the southern end of the strip. This hotel has it’s own Pyrmid and is guarded by a giant sphinx. Of course this is Las Vegas so there’s an added touch of glamour. The Pyramid is made of sleek black glass and a beam of light shines from it’s peak. The Luxor Sky Beam is the strongest beam of light in the world and can be seen from over 275 miles away.
Las Vegas Sign
The Las Vegas sign is iconic and will be instantly recognisable to most visitors. To get to the sign, you’ll need to grab a taxi. It’s on the outskirts of the city, on the very southern tip of Las Vegas Boulevard. Visiting the sign for pictures is good fun, but there’s not much else here to make the trip worthwhile. With only 2 days in Las Vegas, this one isn’t a priority. There are plenty of replicas in and around the strip that are equally good for your Instagram profile.
New York New York
This hotel re-creates the iconic skyline of New York with miniature versions of the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building. And just to make it all a little bit more Vegas, there’s a rollercoaster twisting around the skyscrapers. It’s pure Las Vegas indulgence and brings a taste of the east coast into the Nevada desert.
Head to the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas
Today, most of the thrills and spills of Las Vegas take place along the strip, but this wasn’t where Las Vegas started. Freemont Street is one of the city’s oldest streets and was home to some of the city’s most iconic hotels and casinos. There were so many neon lights on this strip that the road became known as “Glitter Gulch”.
Today, the Fremont Street Experience is the main attraction on Fremont. Many of the iconic neon lights are still here and they are now joined by Viva Vision which is the world’s largest video screen. Viva Vision hovers above the pedestrians on Fremont Street creating epic light shows and amazing visual displays.
For thrill seekers, the best way to experience Fremont Street is from above. A zipline will transport you along the 5 blocks of Fremont Streets most iconic sights, 11 stories above the ground.
See a show
Las Vegas is famous across the globe for it’s spectacular shows and residencies. So when spending 2 days in Las Vegas you have no excuse. In fact, 2 days in Las Vegas means you could see two shows! There are a huge number of shows available and again there is something for every taste.
Residencies
I was really excited on my first visit to Vegas. I’d heard of the superstars who have residencies in the city and I couldn’t wait to see their amazing performances. I imagined Celione Dion playing to a sold out auditorium almost every night, it is called a residency afterall.
But it’s not as simple as that. There’s no shortage of big names playing at hotels in the city but the term residency is a little misleading. In fact most artists will be in residence for 3-4 weeks per year. If there’s a particular artist you’d like to see, be sure to book your trip whilst they are performing to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, take a lucky dip and see who is performing during your visit. I’ve managed to see Cher, Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera this way. With the Las Vegas production values, there’s no better place to see your favourite performers, but you need to get the timing right.
The Cirque du Soleil
If you thought there was only one Cirque du Soleil travelling the world with different shows, then think again. The Cirque du Soleil is a huge franchise which has 7 or 8 shows running Las Vegas at any time. That’s in addition to it’s touring productions. The Cirque du Soleil have shows in most of the large hotels. Each one is different so there’s plenty of variety.
Amazing Museums
2 days in Las Vegas means you have time for educational activities. These are great in the winter months because Las Vegas can get pretty cold! Most visitors wouldn’t come to Las Vegas for its museums, but there are some really interesting exhibits here. There are plenty available but take a look at these three.
Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition
Dive into the splendor of 1912 and the icy cold waters of the Atlantic ocean with this exhibit at the Luxor Hotel. The exhibit tells the story of the Titanic using artefacts from the wreckage. Chief among these artefacts is preserved section from the ship’s hull. As well as an insight into history, recreate iconic movie moments for a souvenir of your visit.
The Neon Museum
Get your glow on at the Las Vegas Neon Museum. This outdoor exhibition is home to some of the city’s most iconic neon signs which have been lovingly preserved for your enjoyement. The museum is filled to the brim with American kitsch and gives a fascinating glimpse into Las Vegas history.
Liberace Museum
Curated by Liberace himself, this museum is home to the flamboyant star’s most iconic outfits and accessories. Bizarrely located in Thriller Villa, the former home of Michael Jackson, this museum is by booking only. There are never more than 12 guests in the museum at any time and admission includes a champagne reception as well as transport.
FOOD!
Spending 2 days in Las Vegas is enough time to sample some of the fantastic food available in the city. There are restaurants, cafes and bars for almost every taste and lots of opportunities to try something new. You’re not likely to go hungry in a city like Vegas.
- Head to Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris Hotel for a delicious breakfast on the outdoor terrace. Sit in the shade of the Eiffel Tower, eating French style crepes while watching the fountains at the Bellagio. Bacon on crepes is quite normal in the United States but it’s very acceptable to ask that this isn’t included.
- Most of the hotels in Las Vegas offer an all inclusive buffet. The Buffet at Wynn is one of the best. Alongside a wide selection of food options, guests are sit alongside marble interiors and the stunning topiary displays which are symbolic of the Wynn Hotel.
- Giordano’s next to the Bally’s Hotel serves up some of Chicago’s finest deep dish pizzas. Forget calorie counting, because these pizzas are to die for and are practically dripping with cheese. You may need to skip lunch though as the portions are generous to say the least.
- Despite being a large chain in the United States, the Cheesecake Factory is a novelty for international visitors. The menu has more pages than most novels and it’s an actual restaurant, not just puddings which is a little confusing. That being said the selection of cheesecakes is impressive so make sure you leave room for desert.
Outside Las Vegas
Most of the main attractions in Las Vegas are on the strip. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture a little further afield. If you only have 2 days in Las Vegas though, you’ll need to be careful with your time. And the further you travel means less time in sin city. You may want to consider adding extra days onto your Vegas trip if you’re looking to explore any of these sites.
The Grand Canyon
Parts of the Grand Canyon are very close to Las Vegas and there are many ways you can explore this further. I opted for a helicopter ride but there are other options available including buses and horse riding. The views over the canyon are spectacular. My helicopter trip was at sunrise so I was able to watch the sunlight casting it’s shadows across the rock formations as the day ended.
The Hoover Dam
Another huge landmark in driving distance of Las Vegas is the Hoover dam. Many of the trips to the Grand Canyon also visit the Hoover Dam. My helicopter tour passed over the Dam and Lake Mead giving us amazing views over one of the world’s largest reservoirs. In a landscape that otherwise arid, the lake here creates a beautiful view.
Shopping in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a great city for shopping and the shopping malls here mop up a lot of the winnings from the hotel casinos. If you’re only spending 2 days in Las Vegas, I wouldn’t suggest that shopping is a priority, but there are a few shopping areas that are worth visiting.
The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace
One of the largest shopping malls in Las Vegas, the Forum Shops feel as though you’re shopping within roman ruins. The foyer at the entrance of the forum is particularly impressive with huge Romanesque statues and curved escalators, setting the scene for the luxury shopping brands further inside the mall.
The pinnacle of the forum shops is the Fall of Atlantis. Each hour, this fountain/aquarium turns into a spectacle of animatronic figures, fireballs and lasers. It’s slightly bizarre but completely free so draws a large crowd.
Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Resort
The Grand Canal Shoppes are another great location for luxury shopping. The stores here are arranged to look like the streets of Venice. You can even get a gondola ride between the shops or absorb the Streemosphere which brings the atmosphere of Venice to life with professional singers and musicians.
Head down to Bauman Books, one of the only bookshops on the Las Vegas strip. This tiny store specialises in first editions and antiquities and there’s usually a few on display. The books here can cost thousands so you’re not likely to pick up a trashy novel to read by the pool. But its still worth having a look if you’re a book lover.
Fashion Show Mall
If your tastes are a little more high street, the Fashion Show Mall will be your best option. There aren’t any Vegas style gimmicks or explosions at this one so it’s not somewhere you’d browse if you’re short on time. But it’s still a decent sized mall with most of your high street brands for those who are determined to shop.
Las Vegas Outlets
If you’re looking for a bargain, you’ll need to head away from the strip, but it’s only a short journey from your hotel in a taxi. Like most outlet malls, you’ll find all of the big brands here at discount prices. Again, there’s little here you won’t find at an outlet else where but again it’s an option for any diehard shoppers.
Notes For First Time Visitors to Vegas
Hotels
There are around 38 major hotels on Las Vegas Boulevard and approximately 40,000 hotels rooms. The hotels in Las Vegas are a little different from hotels elsewhere. They’re filled to the brim with casinos, restaurants, shopping malls, show, spas and tourist attractions. Each one is a miniature resort with everything you could need for an amazing time in Las Vegas. As a visitor you’re welcome to visit other hotels. In fact, the hotels would encourage it. Each one is competing for your custom, even if you aren’t sleeping in that particular hotel. So get out, explore and see what the different hotels have to offer.
Each hotel is uniquely themed, offering a different experience to guests depending on preference. There are plenty of rooms available, some of the hotels have over 5,000 bedrooms.
A walk from the MGM to the Wynn should take between 2 and 3 hours and will pass most of the large hotels on the Las Vegas strip. It’s not a difficult walk but there is a lot of pedestrian traffic. Don’t worry about getting back again, there’s a mono-rail which offers transport between the main hotels.
Where did I stay?
On my most recent trip I stayed at the Venetian-Palazzo, one of the larger hotels on the Las Vegas strip. There’s not a huge amount of difference between the hotels, particularly between the hotel rooms. That being said, as soon as I had arrived the staff made it clear that my loyalty was important to them, and I received a few perks in support of this. So I’d recommend shopping around, see which hotels want your custom the most and what they’re offering in exchange.
In The Casino
Las Vegas is famed for its vibrant atmosphere. And the best place to experience this is in the casino.
Smoking and Drinking
Your drinks are free while you are gambling in the casino and you will be served at your seat. Although the drinks are free you are expected to tip a couple of dollars. This is important to the staff as the minimum wage in the US isn’t very high.
Smoking is permitted inside most of the casinos and ashtrays are provided.
Gambling – My foolproof casino strategy!
So I promised a strategy that would ensure you never lose in the Las Vegas casinos. That was a lie. I’m sorry!
When I first arrived in Las Vegas, I quickly googled to see if there was a way I could cheat the system and win a jackpot. And there are plenty of websites out there that would have you believe that their solution works. I even tried a few of them.
The truth is that the hotels make a massive amount of money from their casinos. That’s why they fight so hard for your custom; in the hope that you will lose your hard earned cash in their casino. The truth is that if you stay in the casino for long enough, you will come away with nothing.
Sure, some people win the jackpot. But for each jackpot winner there’ll be hundreds if not thousands who lose money in the casinos. So don’t be afraid to have a flutter but know your limits and when to stop.
2 Days in Las Vegas – Thanks For Reading
Thank you for reading this post. I hope you’re now feeling equipped for your quick visit to Las Vegas and that you feel confident to see the city’s sights in 2 days. There’s so much to see here so it’s been a challenge to condense this into a shorter itinerary.
If you’ve enjoyed this post, you may enjoy these other posts:
- A Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
- The New York City High Line Walk
- How to Discover Europe with the Eurovision Song Contest
