🎯 TL;DR: The 4 Best Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas
- Best Free Show: Fountains of Bellagio. The iconic water, light, and music show runs every 15-30 minutes and is spectacular at night.
- Best Free Attraction: Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Stunning, ever-changing floral displays that are perfect for photos and an indoor escape.
- Best Downtown Value: Fremont Street Experience. Features free live music and the huge Viva Vision canopy light show nightly.
- Best Photo Op: Visit the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign. Free, iconic photo opportunity on the South Strip.
Las Vegas is famous for its excess, but you absolutely do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to have an incredible time. The city is packed with amazing, high-quality entertainment and activities that are either completely free or cost less than a single cocktail!
Finding the best Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas is all about knowing where to look—skipping the expensive shows and focusing on the iconic attractions that have defined the Strip for decades. I’ve scoured the city, from the dazzling Strip to the historic Downtown, to bring you the best budget-friendly adventures that prove you can experience the glamour of Vegas without breaking the bank.
5 Iconic Free Attractions on the Las Vegas Strip
These essential Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas cost absolutely nothing and are must-sees for any first-time visitor.
1. Watch the Fountains of Bellagio
This is the quintessential free Vegas experience. The Fountains of Bellagio put on a spectacular performance of water, light, and music, synchronized to everything from opera to modern pop.
- My Take: Time your visit for after 8:00 PM, when the shows run every 15 minutes, and the reflection of the surrounding hotel lights makes the display truly magical.
- Location: Bellagio Hotel & Casino.
2. Explore the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Step inside the Bellagio Conservatory for a breathtaking display of horticulture. The massive indoor garden is completely redesigned five times a year to reflect the current season or holiday (like Chinese New Year or Christmas).
- Why It’s Free: It’s a spectacular, high-quality, and air-conditioned escape from the casino floor, great for amazing photos.
3. See the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
A mandatory stop for every visitor. The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign is located on the far south end of the Strip.
- Pro Tip: There is a small, free parking lot nearby. If the line for photos is long, try walking around the back of the sign for a less-crowded picture of the “Come Back Soon” message!
4. Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Tucked away on the grounds of the Flamingo Hotel is the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, a peaceful, beautiful outdoor area that is completely free to visit.
- What You’ll See: Live Chilean flamingos, pelicans, swans, and turtles in a tropical environment. It’s one of the best, most accessible Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas for nature lovers.
5. Walk the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian
Enjoy the atmosphere of Venice without buying an expensive plane ticket. The Grand Canal Shoppes feature European-style architecture, cobblestone walkways, and the free entertainment of street performers and serenading gondoliers.
- Vibe: Indoor, themed walking and people-watching.
5 Best Cheap Downtown and Budget-Friendly Fun
Downtown offers better value and a different atmosphere than the Strip. These are the best Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas in the historic heart of the city.
6. Experience the Fremont Street Light Show
Head Downtown for the Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall covered by the massive Viva Vision LED canopy. Every hour after dark, a spectacular sound and light show plays across the screen.
- Free Entertainment: There are also multiple stages featuring free live music every night.
7. Browse the Arts District (Free/Inexpensive)
The Arts District (located just south of Downtown) is a vibrant area filled with independent art galleries, antique shops, and street murals.
- My Take: It’s great for a unique afternoon of window shopping and local culture. Focus on exploring the area around Main Street and Charleston Boulevard.
8. The Pinball Hall of Fame ($0 Entry)
Located near the Strip (across from Mandalay Bay), the Pinball Hall of Fame is a massive, non-profit museum housing hundreds of operational pinball and arcade machines.
- Budget Fun: Entry is free! You only pay for the quarters you use to play the games. It’s a cheap, nostalgic way to spend hours.
9. Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World (New York-New York)
Located at the front of the New York-New York hotel, this two-story store is pure fun. You can customize chocolate bars, take photos with a massive Hershey’s bar replica, and browse all the candy you can imagine.
- Tip: Great for a cool, indoor break, and free to browse.
10. M&M’s World (Showcase Mall near MGM Grand)
Another great candy attraction near the MGM Grand. M&M’s World has four floors of M&M merchandise, a 3D movie theater, and the famous color-sorting wall.
- Free Fun: Exploring the colorful floors is great entertainment for all ages.
5 Smart Ways to Experience Vegas for Cheap
These are ways to access high-end attractions or experiences for a fraction of the cost.
11. Use the Free Hotel Trams
Walking the Strip is hard work. Use the free trams to travel between resort clusters without paying for rideshares:
- South Strip: Tram connects Mandalay Bay $\leftrightarrow$ Luxor $\leftrightarrow$ Excalibur.
- Center Strip: Tram connects Bellagio $\leftrightarrow$ CityCenter (Aria/Vdara) $\leftrightarrow$ Park MGM.
12. Take Advantage of Happy Hour Deals
Many high-end restaurants and bars offer discounted drinks and appetizers during the late afternoon. Look for deals around the LINQ Promenade or at places like Jaleo (The Cosmopolitan) for budget tapas.
- My Take: This is the best way to sample celebrity-chef cuisine without buying an expensive dinner.
13. Buy Discounted Show Tickets
Don’t pay full price for shows! Look for Tix4Tonight booths on the Strip, which offer heavily discounted, same-day tickets for many major shows and attractions.
- Vegas Secret: You can often find tickets for 30–50% off the face value, especially for mid-week performances.
14. Ride The Deuce Bus ($6 for 2 Hours)
The Deuce Bus is the public double-decker bus that runs 24/7 along the entire Strip and goes all the way Downtown. A 2-hour pass costs just $6.
- Travel Tip: It can be slow due to traffic, but it’s the ultimate budget transportation method and offers great views from the top deck.
15. Play Video Poker for Free Drinks
If you are gambling, play low-stakes video poker at the casino bar (often $0.25 per hand) and tip your server $1–$2 per drink. This is the cheapest way to enjoy cocktails on the Strip.
- Budget Gambling: You get to enjoy the atmosphere, play a few hands, and sip a complimentary drink, all for a minimal investment.
A Quick Tip for Saving Money:
Always carry a reusable water bottle. The dry desert air causes extreme dehydration, and buying bottled water at Strip convenience stores costs $5–$8. Use the water fountains or fill up in your hotel room to save a fortune on drinks! This is the key to enjoying all the Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas comfortably.
❓ Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas FAQ
Is the Volcano Show at The Mirage still running?
No, the famous Volcano Show at The Mirage has been officially retired (Source 1.1). The Mirage closed in July 2024 and is being transformed into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which will not feature the volcano.
Are there any free samples on the Strip?
Yes! You can often find free samples at Hershey’s Chocolate World and Ethel M Chocolate Factory (located off-Strip but free to visit).
What is the cheapest way to see the Strip at night?
The cheapest way is to ride the Deuce Bus for $6 (2-hour pass) and sit on the top deck for panoramic views of all the neon lights.
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