I flew across the country to spend 48 hours in Las Vegas. Here are 4 things that were worth it and 4 that weren’t.

Las Vegas is a magnet for entertainment. From popular musical artists and bands in residency to Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic spectacles, no trip is complete without a night out enjoying a show.

Some shows even have multiple performance times each night, so you can be flexible with your schedule.

The Sphere is a performing-arts venue in Las Vegas that doubles as a stunning lights display.

The structure is a sight to see in its own right, and you don’t have to buy a ticket to whatever performance is happening inside to appreciate the engineering and technology.

However, if you can get inside, it’s pretty incredible. 

The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, many of which are led by world-renowned chefs like Bobby Flay, Guy Savoy, and Masaharu Morimoto.

It’s easy enough to find your favorite chain restaurant in Las Vegas, but I recommend filling your itinerary with exceptional, one-of-a-kind eateries.

The resorts found up and down the Strip, the iconic stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, are all open to the public. You don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the ambiance.

Many of the hotels in Las Vegas have beautiful artwork, shopping, dining, and attractions throughout, like St. Mark’s Square at the Venetian.

Even if the hotel you’re staying in has everything you need, it was a lot of fun to check out the other properties (and maybe even scope out a hotel for my next visit).

Sin City is known for its casinos, but I think gambling is the least interesting thing about Las Vegas.

I can justify throwing $20 into a machine just for the experience, but I don’t want to blow all my hard-earned spending money in less than 10 minutes. 

Like any major city in America, there’s an added cost when enjoying Las Vegas. There are tourist traps and overpriced souvenirs galore.

I was tempted by some of the fun treats along the Strip, but I don’t think I’d pay $6 for one doughnut again — especially if I’m trying to stick to my budget. 

If you’re a foodie who wants to check out as many restaurants as possible, it’s important to book reservations in advance.

I definitely spent a little too much time on my phone looking for available dinner reservations. Every minute counted, especially since I was only in town for 48 hours.

My time constraints got in the way a little bit during this trip, but I wish I’d trekked outside the city to find some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. 

Las Vegas is only a 30-minute drive from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and two hours from Death Valley National Park. 

I was basically on the Strip the whole weekend, but it would’ve been cool to explore more. 

This story was originally published in October 2023 and most recently updated on October 24, 2024.