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.

Thu, 10/24/2024 - 16:32

overhead shot of the las vegas strip — I went on a quick weekend trip to Las Vegas.
Lucky-photographer/Shutterstock

I flew from Connecticut to Las Vegas for a 48-hour weekend getaway.
I didn't need a ton of time to enjoy what the city has to offer, but I'm glad I planned ahead.
I'd definitely see some entertaining shows again, but I probably wouldn't gamble if I returned.

I took a weekend trip to Las Vegas from my home in Connecticut.

After a long flight and a few timezone changes, I landed and was quickly reminded of how unique the city is. Vegas sees an average of 40 million tourists a year, and I think everyone should visit at least once.

Throughout my 48 hours in Sin City, there were attractions worth checking out and a few things I'd skip in the future.

I recommend enjoying at least one of the city's many incredible shows.

shot of a U2 concert in a big amphitheater in las vegas — I went to the U2 concert in Las Vegas.
Carly Neil

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.

It's worth taking a trip by the Sphere.

the lobby of the sphere in las vegas — The Sphere is a new venue in Las Vegas.
Carly Neil

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.

I had a blast scoping out the best restaurants.

plate of pasta with red sauce and cheese in a white serving bowl — Las Vegas is a great city for foodies.
Carly Neil

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.

Walking around all of the resorts was a fun, free activity.

canals and shops inside the Venetian hotel in las vegas — The Venetian has actual canals inside.
Carly Neil

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).

On the other hand, I wasn't really into the gambling.

interior shot of slot machines at a casino in las vegas — I'm not a huge fan of slot machines or card tables.
Carly Neil

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.

I underestimated how expensive the short trip would be, and I'd cut down on excess spending next time.

fancy donuts in a bakery case in a bakery in las vegas — Some of the treats I found in Vegas were fun, but they were really expensive.
Carly Neil

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.

Waiting until the last minute to decide where to eat made me waste a ton of time.

interior shot of a nearly empty restaurant in las vegas — There are so many food options in Vegas that it can become overwhelming.
Carly Neil

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.

I wish I hadn't spent the whole weekend in the city.

shot of the roads outside of the las vegas strip — There are fun things to see outside of the Strip.
Carly Neil

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.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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I flew across the country to spend 48 hours in Las Vegas. Here are 4 things tha…