How To Spend A Weekend In Vegas

The neon city, gamblers paradise, sin city. Las Vegas goes by many names. What is sure is that it is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Before the pandemic, over 40 million people a year visited Las Vegas, and it’s expected to reach those numbers again in the next few years. 

Alongside the casinos and shows, Las Vegas is also one of the most popular event centers too, with many huge conferences taking place there every year. 

Even if Las Vegas isn’t your usual type of vacation, you should try it at least once and see what all the fuss is about and if it truly lives up to its reputation. 

So if you find yourself in Vegas for the weekend, here are some things you have to try when you’re there. 

Getting around Las Vegas

When you’ve got a lot to see and only a short time in which to see it, you’ll need to plan how you’re getting around Las Vegas. As well as car services such as Uber and Lyft, you can also find some more stylish ways to get about. You can rent a Harley Davidson for a classic road trip experience. You can even make a day of it and take a ride out to the Grand Canyon, which is about a 4-hour ride from Vegas. Motorcycles are a great way to explore those fantastic areas of Las Vegas away from the strip. 

If you’re celebrating a special occasion you could even hire a Limo for the evening to be chauffeured around in style. 

The Las Vegas monorail also runs frequently throughout the day, stopping at all of the main points along the strip including the MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and the Convention Center.

While you won’t be able to do all of these activities in 48 hours, you can create an itinerary based on your interests. 

Book a hotel on the strip

In order to make the most of your short time in the city, you’ll need to book a hotel on the strip so that you’re in the heart of all the action. There are many amazing ones to choose from that suit most budgets. From opulent villa suites to standard hotel rooms, you’ll find the perfect one for you. Choosing one on the strip makes it easier to explore the center of Vegas rather than wasting time traveling back and forth.

Try your luck at the casino

The Las Vegas strip has over 60 casinos, with many more in the surrounding areas running those numbers into the hundreds. A trip to Vegas wouldn’t be the same without one. If you’re new to casino games, be sure to give yourself and budget and stick to it (you may have some beginner’s luck), otherwise, you could find yourself frittering away your spending money. The atmosphere inside a casino is totally unique and isn’t just for huge stakes and high rollers either. 

Brush up on your casino games before you go so that you can get straight into the action without losing your money and getting up to speed. 

Take in a show

The large casinos and venues are home to some of the most lavish and expensive entertainment productions in the world. You can see everyone from Cirque du Soliel, Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, and many more. You’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice and you’re guaranteed to see something spectacular that you’ve never seen before. 

You’ll need to purchase discount Vegas show tickets well ahead of time to guarantee your seats, buying them from touts on the day can be very expensive and potentially a scam. You’ll be devastated if you miss out on your favorite artists and musicians. 

Experience top DJs

Many of the best DJs in the world including David Guetta and Calvin Harris play at venues across Vegas. So if you want to experience the nightlife without gambling, why not dance the night away in a club to some of the best music from past and present. 

Visit iconic movie locations

A popular location for movie shoots since the Rat Pack turned all eyes on Sin City. Why not visit some of those on-screen venues for yourself and channel your inner movie stars. Some of the most popular movies shot there include: 

• The Hangover
• Casino
• Ocean’s 11 
• Rain Man
• Swingers 
• Leaving Las Vegas
• Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

Eat world-class food

The city has developed a reputation at both ends of the culinary spectrum. But Vegas isn’t only bland all-you-can-eat buffets. Some of the best restaurants and chefs in the world are there too. There are a number of restaurants with coveted Michelin Stars too.

• The Black Sheep (Chef, Jamie Tan)
• Steak (Chef, Gordon Ramsay)
• Sparrow + Wolf 
• Bardot Brasserrie ( Chef, Michael Mina)
• Other Mama (Chef, Daniel Krohmer)

Whatever type of food you enjoy, you’ll find someone who cooks it in Las Vegas. The most popular places are booked up well in advance so make sure you make a reservation in good time or talk to the concierge at your hotel who might have a good relationship with some of the restaurants. 

Get pampered like a movie star

Why not spend some time in some of the most well-equipped and indulgent spas in the world. Experience pure relation and bliss as you’re treated like a VIP. The most popular spas among celebrities include: 

• Spa at Encore – a Moroccan inspired spa
• Waldorf Astoria Spa
• Caesars Palace Qua Baths & Spa
• The Venetian Canyon Ranch Spa
• The Spa at Vdara
• Aria Spa

Each spa has its own range of specialist treatments that they are known for. You’ll be more relaxed than you’ve felt in years and be able to indulge in facials, massages, and other beauty treatments too. If they also have a salon incorporated, you can also have hair, makeup, and traditional wet shaves done too and get yourself looking fabulous before you hit the strip in the evening. 

Visit the Mob Museum

The early days of Vegas were synonymous with organized crime. The Mob Museum lets you look into this period in history and see just how the Mob affected American society. You can see artifacts and documents from the time. There’s also an amazingly atmospheric distillery and speakeasy that harks back to the prohibition era.

Take a helicopter tour

Want to see all of Las Vegas, then do it from the air. You’ll be able to see it in all its glory as your guide points out all of the areas of interest. You’ll be able to see the amazing neon lights of the strip and even head over to the Grand Canyon to see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. 

Visit the Burlesque Hall of Fame

Long before Dita Von Teese brought burlesque into the mainstream, these ladies specialized in tantalization and the art of seduction. You can see the original costumes and props from some of the most famous performers throughout history and learn how burlesque became an art form that is still fascinating to people today. They also run a range of events where you can learn the art of burlesque too or see a show by some of the most famous performers in the world right now. 

Get some retail therapy

There really is something for everyone when it comes to shopping in Vegas. From tourist souvenirs to top-end designer collections. There are thousands of shops to choose from, you’ll never be able to visit them all. Some of the most popular shopping destinations are: 

• Miracle Mile shops
• Fashion Show mall
• Town Square
• Grand Canal

Planning your trip

When it comes to vacations, some people prefer to play it by ear, doing whatever they feel in the mood for when they get there. This works for a lot of people and can be a low-stress way of spending a few days in Las Vegas. If this is how you’d prefer to do it, it’s still a good idea to do your research before you go, so you know what your options are when you get there. 

However, if you want to experience certain events or shows when you’re there or eat in popular restaurants, you should definitely book and buy your tickets in advance. This way you’re guaranteed not to be disappointed. 

Some hotels have special deals and relationships with certain venues. This could mean that you get money off at certain places, priority ticket booking, or even just the inside track on last-minute availability. If you haven’t had any information through from your hotel before you go, be sure to ask for it when you arrive so that you aren’t missing out on any great deals and experiences. 

Final thoughts 

Las Vegas is steeped in history, glitz, glamour, and excess. Even if it’s not your usual type of holiday destination, you should definitely try it once, it’s an experience you’ll remember forever.

Plan your trip in advance to get the most out of your time there.