48 Hours in LAS VEGAS!!!

… The kind of holiday that ends with you needing a holiday!

A city famed for its 24 hour party atmosphere and entertainment, it's true what they say...there is just SO much to do!

I spent 48 hours in this spellbinding city! Here are some of my Tips and Tricks for making the most of every minute in this incredible place!

As you approach the world famous city from the air… You will see the lights and skyscraper buildings, amidst a beautiful red, rugged, rocky landscape… for me that encompassed Las Vegas! A place totally unique, a place like no other... a toy town for adults!

The moment you approach the strip…the colours, the lights and the sheer buzz will capture you. Excitement runs through the streets of Vegas, like blood through veins! It is in the air!

The glitzy lights illuminating every inch of every building. A mesmerising, multi-coloured display that makes you gaze in amazement!

The sounds of Vegas, from the chink of Casino chips, the rolling of dice, the cheers of gamblers, to the hum of impressive cars zooming the strip...even the smell of Las Vegas is unique!

If you have a lust for life… and enjoy vibrant night-life, fun entertainment and adventure... the RAZMATAZ of Las Vegas will have you gripped!

The Grand Canyon ~

Thinking of taking a trip to here!? You won’t regret it!

The experience was simply sensational! In your 48 hours in Las Vegas… This is a must see!

The breathtaking views of the magnificent red rock Canyon are like nothing I have ever seen before! The tranquility that encompasses the Canyon and its sheer enormity is captivating.

It is said that the Colorado River established its course through the area about 5 to 6 million years ago, making the Canyon and the Colorado River simply overwhelming to witness!

There are so many Grand Canyon Tours available for you to choose from…. there are coach tours, helicopter experiences to boat trips down the Colorado River… whichever one you chose, you will not be disappointed!

The Grand Canyon tours vary greatly in price too. I chose to get a coach to the Canyon, that included the Hoover Dam and then a helicopter down into the Canyon, with a small boat trip along the river itself!...

Experiencing the Colorado River by boat was sensational and was most definitely my hidden gem experience. It is so peaceful in the Canyon… a beautiful silence! With the only sounds being that of the birds soaring overhead and the water flowing by.

For me the whole Grand Canyon experience was truly awe-inspiring!

The Glass bottomed Skywalk… to do!? or not to do!? That is the question!

I really enjoyed this experience, having the opportunity to sit and lay on the glass, watching an array of birds swooping beneath my feet, as I attempted to capture the sheer scale of the Canyon, was simply unique.

The length of the grand Canyon Tours vary, however most will be finished by the early evening, giving you the opportunity to refresh ready for an unforgettable evening on the strip!

The Strip ~

We’ve all heard of The Strip…the focal point of Las Vegas… and it does not disappoint! With world renowned, elaborate, themed hotels and 24 hour entertainment it is an incredible experience!

Each unique hotel is like stepping into different pockets of the world… from The Venetian Hotel encompassing Venice, with Gondolas and a scale replica of the Trevi fountain, to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Pyramids in Egypt to the captivating dancing fountains at the Bellagio! You can spend hours meandering through the hotels and admiring the detailed displays and casinos!

The Vegas Sign ~

You can’t go to Vegas and not get a picture with this iconic sign! I used the Deuce bus to whizz up and down the strip, stopping off at the classic Vegas sign!

The Vegas sign is at the end of the strip, past Mandalay Bay Hotel. It’s smaller than what you have always imagined, but is still so brilliant to see... it's a MUST DO activity!

Depending on the time of day there is sometimes a queue to get a picture with the sign. It’s well-worth the visit and is brilliant fun!

Downtown Las Vegas ~

Taking a trip to Downtown Las Vegas is definitely worthwhile in your 48 hours!

It is the historic part of Vegas and for me it is like stepping back in a time capsule. Each of the hotels’ vintage style oozes character and charm…from the loud multi-coloured carpets to the classic slot machines, it really is a contrast to the modern-day strip!

I took a trip to Circus Circus and loved playing the classic coin slot machines! It’s one of the only casinos where you can play the $1 tokens at Slots-A-Fun... it really was just that!

Freemont Street had a fantastic atmosphere too. I meandered along here in the early evening, with live music playing, street entertainers performing and zipwires zooming overhead, it was great fun and definitely worth a visit!

Capturing the Freemont Street experience…

Top Tips ~

I would recommend exploring the Grand Canyon on the morning of your first day… if, like me, you travelled from London, your body clock means you are up at 5am and with most of the tours starting at 6am, it won’t be a struggle to get up in the morning!
The Deuce bus! The map of the Vegas Strip can be quite deceiving! What looks like a 5 minute walk and 2 hotels away can leave you trudging through the heat for at least 30 minutes!
The Deuce bus is the public transport bus that runs up and down The Strip! It is hassle free and great value for money, with a 2 hour pass costing $6, 24 hours costing $8 and a 3 day pass costing $20, you can’t go wrong! There is the standard Deuce bus or the SDX express which stops at less places along the strip, however is much faster! I would highly recommend the bus! It is an easy way to get to Downtown and Freemont Street!
Circus Circus offered free lessons in Black Jack, Roulette and Craps in the morning and the lessons were brilliant! I learnt so much and they gave me the confidence to have a play at gambling! If, like me, you are not the expert gambler, but want to understand the games a little more! I would definitely recommend attending these lessons! They are totally free!
Show tickets are available to purchase on the strip at discounts and is definitely worth looking into if you fancy watching a show!

Shows in Las Vegas ~

Spine tingling, mesmerising, captivating I honestly can’t put into words how incredible the shows in Vegas are… They are the BEST shows I have ever seen!

I had the opportunity to watch 3 shows in Vegas. Each one was stunning and worth every penny!

I saw Micheal Jackson ONE with Cirque Du Soleil, BAZ and The Beetles LOVE with Cique Du Soleil.

The choreography, the seamless productions, the spell-binding techniques used to bring the singers to life … I honestly can’t describe it in words! The performers are world class and I can’t recommend these shows enough! Depending on your musical and entertainment preferences, there will definitely be a show for you!