How to spend 48 hours in Las Vegas

It’s a long walk, and the heat rises quickly in the morning sun, but everyone who visits Las Vegas needs to take in the whole of the Strip. Start at the infamous 'Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas' sign, then soak up the sights of the four-mile Boulevard. By the time you've gawped at the round-the-world landmarks and themed hotels – expect to see a pyramid, a castle and a palace – it'll take you at least two hours. It's best to take your time. From the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, to the gondola-filled canals at The Venetian, there's plenty to see.

Often voted the best place to view the city, the SkyPod at The STRAT Hotel gives the perfect perspective of Las Vegas. At the top of the tower – 1,149 feet above the ground – you can get fed and watered, have a drink in the bar and, if you’re daring, get the adrenaline pumping with the rides found up there. Stunning 360-degree views mean you’ll soon have your bearings, ready for the rest of your trip.

If you didn’t see enough from The STRAT, this will give you another chance to look out over Vegas. Some say it’s a better view than the former, and the quieter atmosphere gives you a great chance to see the Bellagio fountains in all their glory. Plus, you can say you’ve been up the Eiffel Tower – move over, Paris!

Want a different perspective? Try heading up in the evening for a sunset experience.

Freshen up and get ready to experience Las Vegas after dark. There are a million and one excellent restaurants in Las Vegas, but our pick of the bunch is The Venetian's award-winning steakhouse, CUT by Wolfgang Puck. It's not ideal for vegetarians though – so if meat's not your thing, check out VegeNation near the Plaza Hotel.

Once you've filled up, you can hit the casinos for the ultimate Vegas experience, playing poker, black jack or roulette. If you're a novice, there's no need to feel nervous or intimidated – the dealers are very used to tourists. After you've had a flutter, you can round off the night in one of Sin City's many nightclubs.

On day two, it’s time for an adventure. The Grand Canyon is a bit of a drive away from Las Vegas – but it’s a lot quicker as the crow flies. We'd recommend booking a helicopter or plane tour to this sprawling natural wonder, as you’ll be able to see the Hoover Dam and the Grand Wash Cliffs on the way. Depending on your tour, you might also be able to enjoy a picnic on the floor of the incredible Grand Canyon. This truly is a must-do experience – seeing the canyon in person is a real jaw-dropping moment.

Shopaholics will be in their element in Vegas. A lot of Sin City's premium hotels, like Caesars Palace, have their own selection of high-end brands, such as Prada and Louis Vuitton. And shopping centres like Miracle Mile and The Shops at Crystals are packed with designer names. So, if you've won big the night before, why not treat yourself?

Alternatively, you can find a few bargains at Las Vegas Premium Outlets, where brands' prices have been reduced to give you a great deal.

After Broadway in New York, the performances in Vegas are the most famous in America. There's a whole range of musicals and shows available along the Strip. Live entertainment is a must-see here, so make sure you do it right. The spellbinding ‘O’ show by Cirque du Soleil® continues to sell out at the Bellagio, while Blue Man Group is a big hit at The Luxor. And that's not all. Several artists have residencies at some of the Vegas hotels, including Celine Dion, Katie Perry and John Legend.