FAST TRAVEL: THE BEST ITINERARY FOR SPENDING 48 HOURS IN LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas is a city that's almost overwhelmingly energetic, and when you're on a tight schedule, you're going to want to maximize your fun potential. Will you grab a ticket to one of dozens of electric residencies like Carrie Underwood? Or are you going to try and score a reservation to a fine dining eatery like Aqua for some seafood from a Michelin-starred chef? It can be difficult to know just where to start your adventure when there's so much to do and it can feel like the strip was practically built on FOMO.

Whether you're trying to pack in a quick weekend trip, or making the most out of an extended layover, we suggest starting off by picking a resort to anchor your 48-hour Vegas experience around. What happens in Vegas doesn't need to stay in Vegas, but you certainly need a place to - and we think the most luxurious weekend starts and ends at Resorts World Las Vegas.

With high-end accommodations, world-class dining options, and stellar entertainment options, this is a sign to book that trip you've been meaning to take. As Vegas veterans ourselves, we've curated an itinerary below chock-full of the best ways to make the most of your stay in Vegas.

DAY ONE

Knowing which spots are worth booking can be as confusing as your first time playing poker. The good news: if you're searching for a destination that gives you access to eating a mouth-watering meal, dancing the night away, and then making it back to your room in one piece afterwards, Resorts World Las Vegas checks all the boxes.

Once you arrive in Vegas, head to the energetic Conrad, one of the three luxe Hilton hotels that Resorts World offers that you can book online. Go for the shows, stay for the boutique shopping and buzzing nightlife. Drop your bags down in one of the Premium Rooms that comes with a king bed, or settle into a Strip View Two-Bedroom Suite with some insane views of the Vegas Strip below and the mountains beyond the desert that'll make you feel like you've really "arrived".

Morning

Time to start your day off right with the most important meal of the day - and trust us when we say you're going to want a breakfast that will fuel you through every step of the Strip. Chef Ray Garcia's ¡VIVA! hosts an excellent brunch every Saturday and Sunday that features elevated Mexican brunch favorites, in addition to boozy and bottomless beverages (we wouldn't recommend this first thing since you're going to have a packed day, but their Fresa Sandia is quite good if that's the way your day is going). Get the Chorizo Con Huevos or the Chilaquiles with fresh, crispy heirloom corn tortilla chips and thank us later.

Mid-Morning

Take a stroll through the The District shopping esplanade where you'll find 70,000 square feet of shopping in case that compact carry-on of yours couldn't fit another clubbing shirt. The most eye-catching part of the area though is the 50-foot, LED-panel-covered Globe (affectionately called "The Orb" on our last trip) that's definitely worth checking out. The Globe offers an immersive art experience, and you can catch a short show with synced lights and music every hour on the hour from noon to 1 a.m.

Lunchtime

Head back into the hotel for lunch at one of the coolest collections of eateries on the Strip, the Famous Foods Street Eats. This buzzy food hall is inspired by the energetic street markets of Singapore and Southeast Asia, and some of the stalls actually come from Singapore, like Boon Tong Kee, which uses a Hainanese chicken rice recipe that dates to 1979. It's a lively sport that's great for trying a couple different dishes, like the lechón stuffed with truffle rice at Pepita's Kitchen or the flaky roti from Springleaf Prata Place. There's not a single bad bite amongst the pack, so go nuts.

Mid-Afternoon

If you're ready to fist-pump to a hot DJ set, but you also want to be in bed at a reasonable hour, slip into a swimsuit and head over to Ayu Dayclub. Resorts World's Bali-inspired poolside party turns the weekend into a never-ending summer, with white daybeds and chic wooden cabanas you can rent if you're not ready to pack into the pool with everyone else. Even if you're just sipping a drink on dry land, it's a certified vibe, and you might even get to see one of the repeat artists like Kaskade or T-Pain step up to the DJ booth.

That being said, if a "dayclub" isn't your scene, we still suggest beating that Vegas heat and cooling off at one of the seven pools on property (including the only infinity pool on the Strip).

Early Evening

After a relaxing poolside afternoon soaking up some sun, go back to Famous Foods Street Eats and make your way to Ms. Meow's Mamak Stall for a secret surprise. Amidst the small shop selling Asian snacks and adorned with lucky cats, ask the person behind the register at Ms. Meow's to push the shelf-lined wall, and you can slip into the entrance of an intimate speakeasy, Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den. Open daily at 4 p.m., this relaxed and cozy spot seats 34 and serves up tropical cocktails into the wee hours. Sip on the "Hanami," a sake drink with hints of sakura for a pre-dinner cocktail and take picks by the neon tiger on the exposed brick. But be sure to come here early after opening - this buzzy bar isn't so much of a secret anymore, and fills up fast.

Dinnertime

Now that you've had a drink (or two) and are ready for a night out, start with dinner at Wally's, a beloved transplant from Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. The mouthwatering charcuterie boards are a can't-miss, filled with peppery wagyu beef salami and L'Amuse Gouda, although the baguette stuffed with brie and a staggering amount of truffles (in the honey, butter, and shaved variety) is also a great choice. And with a selection of more 100 wines by the glass, pull up a chair, sip on a rare pour, and get ready for some of the best elevated comfort food on the Strip.

Late Evening

With so many bars, lounges, and concerts at Resorts World, you've already got a wide range of options for wherever you want the night to take you. Resorts World Theatre might be able to accommodate 5,000, but seeing a show there will feel more like you're at an intimate club. It even boasts an immersive sound system designed by L-Acoustics. In other words, it sounds really freaking good, no matter where you're sitting. See the biggest names in comedy like Kevin Hart, or get a front-row seat to Carrie Underwood - one of the year's most-anticipated shows to see in Vegas. The Grammy winner's Reflection residency kicked off November 2023, and just added more dates through 2024, so you don't want to miss it.

DAY TWO

Morning

Since it's technically your last day in Vegas, you're going to want to hit the ground running with some quick bites to keep that Vegas train rolling. Sun's Out Buns Out single-handedly saved us during our last Vegas trip thanks to both a post-Zouk, late-night Furikake Fries, and a Bacon, Egg & Cheese the morning after. If you couldn't already tell, there's one key ingredient here: eggs. Sun's Out Buns Out serves up egg dishes all day, every day, so grab a fast breakfast here to start your day sunny-side up.

Lunchtime

In case you want to sleep in and skip breakfast to maximize your night owl potential, or are still hungry after breakfast, we love Fuhu's high-energy dining room. It's more than just a pregaming spot (although it's a pretty great pregaming spot), it also has a stellar brunch with an Asian flair and hand-crafted signature drinks. Since it's from Zouk Group, you can listen to DJs and special acts while you munch on scoops of king crab and truffle fried rice (there's a lot of truffle in this town). The vibe is dark, stylish, and sexy, overall a highly Instagrammable spot.

Mid-Afternoon

Let's slow things down for a little bit and take a break from the bustle of Vegas at the ultra-luxurious Awana Spa. Resorts World's haven takes a more energetic approach to the spa experience, and socializing is encouraged here, where the Foot Spa Lounge is outfitted with TVs so you can catch any number of games while you ease your tired feet. Head over to the Fountain of Youth, which features six vitality pools, warming tepidarium chairs, steam rooms, cool mist showers and more - all while transportational videos play on a wraparound LED screen that shows you a calming film of the tops of snowy peaks or rushing waterfalls.

Early Evening

For a pre-dinner libation, take an elevator ride to the top of Resorts World to the Allē Lounge on 66, a dimly lit, inviting spot with wood floors and plush velvet armchairs. The 66th-floor lounge is an elegant spot to sip craft cocktails like a Genting Old Fashioned (Highland Park 12 Year, Demerara Syrup, Angostura Aromatic Bitters, and Regan's Orange Bitters). But the main attraction here is the breathtaking view of the Strip from its floor-to-ceiling windows, especially when it's lit up at night. There's even a telescope so you can grab a closer peek.

Dinnertime

Be sure to reserve a table well in advance for a late dinner at Genting Palace, which has always delighted us with their authentic Chinese cuisine offerings. Its décor is old-world glamour mixed with whimsicality, where you can indulge in dishes like the popular roasted Peking duck (carved tableside), bird's nest soup, and shrimp doused in XO sauce. If you can't snag a reservation, head over to the adjacent lounge and savor some mouthwatering dim sum (try the scallop siu mai!) and choice cocktails.

Late Evening

It's been a long (almost) 48 hours, but you should go out with a bang with a night out at the scene-y Zouk Nightclub. When the sun goes down, the vibes come to life, with high-tech lighting displays (seeing the laser light fixture descend down from the ceiling was the highlight of our last trip) and room-shaking sound. Your favorite DJs have probably performed there, and on any given night you could catch a set from Odesza, Deadmau5, DJ Snake, and more. Afterwards, you can crash back at your Conrad suit and reflect on your successful 48 hours in Las Vegas.