There’s so much more to Las Vegas than just the glitz and glam. People may love the luxurious experiences, but there are also other ways to explore the vibrant city. If you’re on a budget, Las Vegas offers plenty of free and cheap things to do on the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown Las Vegas and beyond. We’ve rounded up a list of where to find cheap food and drinks, attractions, shopping, entertainment and nightlife for the ultimate budget-friendly Las Vegas staycation or vacation.
The Best Free and Cheap Things To Do in Las Vegas (On and Off the Strip)
Take Photos at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
One of the top things to do on the Las Vegas Strip is to go pose for pictures at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, which is on Las Vegas Boulevard, just past Russell Road. You can go during the day or at night when it’s lit up in bright lights but be prepared for a wait.
Take the relaxed route to this Vegas landmark on a Strip bus tour, which travels all the way up the Strip to the sign.
Walk the Las Vegas Strip
The best way to experience the Las Vegas Strip is to walk it. Our interactive Las Vegas Strip map 2022 is a handy resource! From the Welcome to Las Vegas sign to a sparkling casino like the one at the Sahara, you can see it all by food.
Put on comfy shoes and clothing, pull your camera phones out and see where your walk takes you. You’ll see iconic Las Vegas hotels, attractions, restaurants, bars, malls, specialty stores and boutiques along the way. Musicians, dancers, showgirls and celebrity impersonators provide the best free entertainment up and down the Las Vegas Strip.
Don’t feel like walking? Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to give your legs a rest.
Stroll Through The LINQ Promenade
There are so many free and cheap things to do at The LINQ Promenade on the Las Vegas Strip. If you don’t want to spend any money, it’s a great place to take a walk, browse through shops, people watch near the water fountain and get up-close views of the High Roller observation wheel and Fly LINQ, which is one of the top places for Vegas ziplining. If you do plan on getting something to eat, cheap eateries range from Haute Doggery to In-N-Out Burger. Other things to do at The LINQ Promenade include seeing a show or bowling at Brooklyn Bowl.
The LINQ Las Vegas (from USD $32 )
The LINQ Las Vegas
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See Exotic Wildlife at Flamingo Las Vegas
The Flamingo Wildfire Habitat is a free attraction for the whole family to enjoy. Enter a four-acre tropical paradise complete with waterfalls, exotic birds, turtles, fish, Chilean flamingos and so much more. It’s conveniently located near The LINQ Promenade so make plans to explore both.
Flamingo Las Vegas (from USD $35 )
Flamingo Las Vegas
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Admire the Beauty of Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden is one of the top free things to do on the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll find plenty of trees, gazebos, bridges and ponds throughout the attraction. As the seasons change, so do the displays. Spring, summer, fall and winter displays are beautifully created each year with a Chinese New Year one added in as a bonus. Located near the Bellagio front desk hotel lobby, the Conservatory & Botanical Garden is available to walk through 24 hours, seven days a week.
Bellagio Las Vegas (from USD $149 )
Bellagio Las Vegas
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Watch the Fountains of Bellagio Water Show
After seeing the seasonal display at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden, take a walk outside for the Fountains of Bellagio show. The free attraction runs every 30 minutes Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight. On weekends and holidays, the show starts at noon and runs every 30 minutes until 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight. This gives you plenty of chances to see this spectacular water show.
Tour the Ethel M Chocolate Factory
See gourmet chocolate being made right before your eyes on a free, self-guided tour of the famous Ethel M Chocolate Factory located about 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip in Henderson. After your tour, stay and explore the cactus garden, visit the gift shop or try one of many chocolate tasting experiences.
Read More: Visit The Best Las Vegas Strip Restaurants »
Play Games at The Pinball Hall of Fame
Located across the street from the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Pinball Hall of Fame features a collection of classic and rare pinball machines from the 1950s to now. Not only are they on display but you can play them too. Some games cost as little as 25 cents, which makes for an affordable outing on the Las Vegas Strip.
One of the best times to enjoy the Pinball Hall of Fame is when other games are involved. Check out some more things to do while you’re in Vegas for a Raiders game, to continue the fun outside of the stadium.
Ride the Big Apple Roller Coaster
Thrill and excitement await you at the Big Apple Roller Coaster at New York-New York. During your exhilarating ride high above the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll go at fast speeds up to 67 mph with a 180-degree heartline twist and a 203-foot drop. Tickets start at $19. Locals, military and first responders receive a discount.
New York-New York Las Vegas (from USD $60.00 )
New York-New York Las Vegas
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Visit Downtown Container Park
If you’re traveling with a family, one of the cheap things to do is visit Downtown Container Park, which is not too far from the Las Vegas Strip. The open-air shopping center features retail shops, restaurants and live entertainment that everyone will enjoy. On any given day, you’ll come across free concerts, movie nights, outdoor yoga, a playground area for children and a praying mantis fire show.
Party It Up at Carnaval Court
Carnaval Court, just outside of Harrah’s Las Vegas, offers the ultimate nightlife experience for the 21 and older crowd. Flair bartenders, popular lounge acts and resident DJs make it one of the top places to party for free on the Las Vegas Strip.
Harrah's Las Vegas (from USD $39 )
Harrah's Las Vegas
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Grab a Slice at Secret Pizza
There are many places to get pizza on the Las Vegas Strip, but none quite like Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. It’s top-secret and hard to find if you’ve never been. Head to the third floor of the Boulevard Tower and look for a narrow hallway lined with album covers and you’ll find it. You can get a large slice of cheese pizza for $5 and add toppings to it for 50 cents each. The slices are so large that you’ll probably only need one to get full.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (from USD $250 )
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
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Eat, Drink and Shop at Miracle Mile Shops
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort offers many restaurants with happy hour specials. Blondies has happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight as well as an all-you-can-drink package for just $20.
Another great place to check out is Ocean One Bar & Grille where you can enjoy a $4.99 lunch menu and get three cocktails for $10. You’ll also find Fat Tuesday, known for cheap Jell-O shots and frozen daiquiris. While strolling the mall, be sure to check out the free rainstorm show as well.
One of the biggest ways to save money is to visit the website and check out the Miracle Mile Shops sales and promotions section for the hottest deals.
Planet Hollywood Las Vegas (from USD $45 )
Planet Hollywood Las Vegas
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Explore the M&M’s World Store
The world’s most iconic candy brand has a flagship store on the Las Vegas Strip. Located in the Showcase Mall next to MGM Grand, there’s so much to explore inside M&M’s World. You’ll find touches of M&M’s throughout the store with a giant rainbow candy wall, apparel, souvenirs, toys and an area where you can personalize your own M&M’s.
MGM Grand Las Vegas (from USD $47 )
MGM Grand Las Vegas
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Enjoy the Sweet Life at Hershey’s Chocolate World
Across the street from M&M’s World is Hershey’s Chocolate World. The two-level store at New York-New York features Hershey’s chocolates and candies, a full-service bakeshop for sweet goodies, branded souvenirs, interactive experiences and a replica of the Statue of Liberty, completely made out of chocolate. Directly next door is The Chocolate Bar where you can order chocolate-inspired cocktails for around $15 each.
Read More: Start The Day Sweet: Breakfast Las Vegas Strip »
Hang Out at Fremont Street Experience
From local tribute bands and headlining acts on the main stage to the dazzling Viva Vision light show, there’s so much to do on Fremont Street Experience. People watching while you walk is a must too. You’ll also find cheap eats, souvenir shops, bars with good drink specials and nightlife spots offering karaoke, live music and DJs. You can also go casino hopping to see what’s inside. The D, California, Fremont, Plaza, Binion’s, Golden Nugget, Golden Gate, Four Queens, Main Street Station and Circa are all close by.
Get Scenic Views of the Hoover Dam
There are many different Hoover Dam tours to choose from. The cheapest one is the self-guided visitor center tour, which includes a looked at narrated exhibits and 360-degree views of Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, Lake Mead and access to the iconic Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.
Play Miniature Golf at Bally’s and Rio
One of the many cheap things to do on the Las Vegas Strip is going miniature golfing. There’s Twilight Zone by Monster Mini Golf at Bally’s Las Vegas and Kiss by Monster Mini Golf at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, which offer affordable rates at $11.95 per golfer. The 18-hole miniature golf courses have glow-in-the-dark features, arcade games and a DJ.
Bally's Las Vegas (from USD $30 )
Bally's Las Vegas
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Check Out the Laser Light Show at Sam’s Town
Mystic Falls Park inside of Sam’s Town incorporates lasers, dancing water and music into its stellar free show. Shows run at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily, with an added 4 p.m. show Friday through Sunday.
See a Movie at Regal Cinebarre Palace Station
Regal Cinebarre Palace Station is one of the few movie theaters near the Las Vegas Strip. Inside this luxury movie theater, you’ll find a full bar, pool tables and a lounge area with plush seating, TVs surrounded by a lively atmosphere. Order food and drinks in the lobby area before or after your movie or during your movie. The menu features traditional candy favorites for $3.99, appetizers from $8 to $10, burgers, sandwiches and pizzas from $12 to $15 plus desserts from $5 to $8. There are also boozy milkshakes, spiked lemonades, signature cocktails, beers and wines. Go early for the best pricing on movie tickets. Child and senior discounts are available.
Take a Tour of The Neon Museum
A lot of Las Vegas history lives on inside The Neon Museum in Downtown Las Vegas. Inside the Neon Boneyard, you’ll see restored signs from the Moulin Rouge, Stardust, Lady Luck, Fitzgeralds and Riviera, as well as the iconic Hard Rock Cafe guitar on display. The best time to go is at night when everything is beautifully lit up. There’s also a gift shop for you to browse through after your tour, where you’ll find books, keychains, postcards, apparel and mugs.
Tickets start at $20. Locals receive a discount, and members always receive free admission. Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to The Neon Museum.
Feel Like a Kid Again at Circus Circus
Circus Circus offers affordable options when considering what to do on the Las Vegas Strip. There’s a carnival midway that features a huge selection of classic arcade games, video games as well as a prize station. You can load up your midway play card with whatever amount of money you choose. Take a break from playing games and check out the free circus acts, including clowns, jugglers and aerialists, who perform daily. Hotel guests have access to the Splash Zone, an all-ages water playground with multiple pools, a splash pad and a 50-foot slide tower.
READ MORE: Explore Circus Circus Resort »
Visit a Dueling Piano Bar
Dueling pianos are a big form of entertainment in Las Vegas. Options on the Las Vegas Strip include The Piano Bar at Harrah’s Las Vegas, Bar at Times Square at New York-New York, Eastside Lounge at Encore Las Vegas and Napoleon’s Lounge at Paris Las Vegas. Some are free to get into while others have a small cover charge. Outside of the Las Vegas Strip, Don’t Tell Mama is the best piano bar in Downtown Las Vegas.
READ MORE: Enjoy Some Action-Packed Piano Bars On The Strip »
Encore Las Vegas (from USD $79 )
Encore Las Vegas
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Enjoy Local Deals at Topgolf Las Vegas
Located on the corner of Harmon Avenue and Koval Lane, Topgolf Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind venue featuring golf and so much more. It’s a perk to be a local. Las Vegas locals can enjoy unlimited Topgolf gameplay for only $20 per person from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Locals must show a valid ID to get this exclusive deal. Another promotional offer for locals is 25% off regular walk-in pricing with hitting bays starting at $25 per hour. This deal is offered on any day at any time.
Topgolf also offers a full menu of sharable bites, burgers, sandwiches, salads and flatbreads for $10 to $15 and drinks for $8 to $15. The venue also features multiple bars, pools and a pro shop for you to explore.
Spend Time Outdoors at Red Rock Canyon
Located about 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers an affordable outing for those who like the great outdoors. Taking a 13-mile drive, hiking, rock climbing and camping are just some of the activities that you can do while checking out the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Entry into Red Rock Canyon is $15 per vehicle.
Watch Street Performers at Grand Canal Shoppes
Get a feel for the Italian culture with street performers offering free entertainment at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. In the 15-minute Streetmosphere show, you’ll get to see incredible vocalists, musicians and dancers doing what they do best. After the show, take a stroll through the Grand Canal Shoppes. The upscale shopping mall is massive, so plan to spend about a few hours exploring everything there.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas (from USD $100 )
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
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Browse Through the World-Famous Coca-Cola Store
Bring your family to the two-story Coca-Cola Store located on the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll find a Coca-Cola fountain featuring 16 international flavors, fun photo opportunities, unique experiences throughout the store and Coca-Cola branded merchandise, including customized bottles, home décor, apparel, collectibles and gifts.
View Las Vegas From an Observation Deck
Take a ride up to the SkyPod observation deck at The STRAT where you can see Las Vegas like never before. Admission includes access to both indoor and outdoor decks. Enjoy the scenic views of the city or set your eyes on thrill-seekers brave enough to take on the Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream and SkyJump. The SkyPod also houses 108 Eats, 108 Drinks and the world-famous Top of the World restaurant. Tickets for the SkyPod observation deck start at $20 during the week and $30 on weekends. You can add on STRAT thrill rides for an additional cost.
Explore: Find The Best Things To Do At Your Next Vegas Accommodation On The Strip »
The STRAT Las Vegas (from USD $79 )
The STRAT Las Vegas
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Do More Than Just Shop at Fashion Show Mall
Located on the Las Vegas Strip, the Fashion Show Mall is one of the most popular places to shop and eat. It features a food court on the third level and other casual eateries and restaurants throughout the mall. There are also runway fashion shows, holiday displays, pop-up installations and free entertainment, so be sure to check the mall’s website for upcoming events. The website also features a section with the latest sales and promotions going on at the current moment. Within the mall, you’ll find everything from huge department stores and specialty shops to jewelry and clothing retailers.
Explore Everything That AREA15 Has to Offer
Admission into AREA15 is free but you’ll need to pay for the different experiences inside. Reserve your free entry pass for the day that you’re thinking about going. There’s an adult-only arcade bar, VR experiences, a flight simulator, axe throwing, a distillery, gift shops, a full-service restaurant and Omega Mart, which is one of the most talked-about attractions in Las Vegas. There’s also an outdoor area for special events and concerts. Prices for each experience vary, so be sure to visit the AREA15 website for accurate pricing and special discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Things To Do on the Las Vegas Strip
Can I find cheap drinks on the Strip?
Yes. Several bars on the Las Vegas Strip have cheap drink options and happy hour specials, as well as liquor stores to purchase alcohol.
Are there free things to do on the Strip?
The Las Vegas Strip has several free attractions for everyone to enjoy, such as the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas and several attractions at Bellagio Las Vegas.
Do Las Vegas casinos give free play?
Casinos in Las Vegas definitely allow free play, and the benefits don’t stop there. Read more about casinos on the Strip to learn about other reward options.