Las Vegas isn’t just for high rollers; there’s a ton of fun to be had without breaking the bank. So in this article, I’m exploring the top 25 free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas!
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this guide is packed with free and cheap activities that will keep your wallet happy while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
From stunning views to quirky attractions, get ready to experience the vibrant side of Vegas on a budget!
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25 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Las Vegas
1. Visiting the Las Vegas Sign
The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is one of the best free attractions in town. It’s a great spot to snap a photo and soak in the spirit of the Strip without a hefty price tag. This is one of the best things to do for first-timers looking for a memorable experience.
2. Exploring the Arts District
The Las Vegas Arts District—often called 18b—is a creative and eclectic neighborhood known for its converted warehouses filled with indie galleries, local shops, and performance venues.
Highlights include The Arts Factory, home to studios, boutiques, and a cozy café, and Art Square, where you’ll find the Cockroach Theatre showcasing original plays and unique revivals. The area also features laid-back bars serving craft cocktails well into the night.
3. Admiring the Neon Boneyard
The Neon Boneyard, part of the Neon Museum, offers a kind experience into Las Vegas history through vintage neon signs. Although there is an adult ticket fee, wandering outside the museum gives a free glimpse of some signs. It’s among the best places to appreciate the city’s past.
4. Try Free Gambling Lessons at the Golden Nugget
If you’re new to Vegas or intimidated by the tables, head to the Golden Nugget for free gambling lessons—usually held in the late morning or early afternoon depending on time of day.
Learn the basics of blackjack, roulette, or craps in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. It’s a great time for beginners and one of the best free things to do downtown.
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5. Visiting the Bellagio Fountains Show
The fountains of Bellagio put on a free show every half hour in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening. It’s one of the best spots on the Strip to relax and take in the magic of Las Vegas without spending a dime. With special effects and synchronized music, it’s a truly memorable experience.
6. Exploring the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
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Tucked away behind the Flamingo Hotel, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is one of the best free attractions on the Strip.
But beyond the pink birds and koi ponds, don’t miss the small but peaceful butterfly habitat. It’s a good place for a leisurely stroll and offers a kind experience surrounded by lush greenery and fluttering wings—perfect for a quiet break between casinos.
7. Checking Out Free Circus Acts at Circus Circus
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Head to Circus Circus to enjoy free circus performances featuring acrobats, jugglers, and aerialists. These short shows are great for families and one of the best things to do indoors without spending a cent. It’s a great time for all ages, complete with access to affordable dining and arcade fun.
8. Strolling Through Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street offers a dazzling display of LED lights, free concerts, and street performers. It’s a good place to catch live entertainment and enjoy free gambling promos at some casinos. Don’t miss the zip line flying overhead for an added thrill. The golden nugget nearby also offers affordable experiences and unique attractions.
9. Visiting the Ethel M Chocolate Factory
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The Ethel M Chocolate Factory tour is a sweet, free activity. Explore how their treats are made and stroll through the botanical cactus garden. It’s a kind experience, especially for families, and one of the best places to get samples without a hefty price tag.
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10. Play Giant Pong or Chess at Bally’s Grand Bazaar Shops
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Bally’s Grand Bazaar Shops (next to the Horseshoe) are more than just shopping centers—they’re one of the best spots for quirky, free fun.
Near the LINQ Hotel, you can challenge your friends to oversized games like chess or beer pong. It’s an affordable experience with a great view of the Strip and plenty of people-watching, especially around sunset.
Have a few extra bucks for your Vegas trip?
In a recent article, I detail 35 of my absolute favorite things to do in Las Vegas that locals rave about!
CLICK HERE to read it now on my site and make sure you aren’t missing out!
11. Visiting the Clark County Museum
Located a short drive from the Strip, the Clark County Museum offers a look into Las Vegas’s past with restored historic buildings and artifacts. While not free, an adult ticket is very inexpensive, making it an affordable experience filled with good reasons to explore.
12. Exploring the Las Vegas Natural History Museum
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This museum features dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, and desert wildlife exhibits. While not free, it’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas on a budget and ideal for a half-hour or longer visit. It’s also near the Springs Preserve, another top spot for outdoor activities.
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13. Taking a Scenic Drive to Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is a short drive west of the city and offers spectacular desert views and hiking. It’s one of the best places for outdoor activities and a good place to unwind from the neon of the Strip. Park entry requires a fee, but it’s a small price for a memorable experience.
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14. Free Art Exhibits at The Venetian Hotel
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The Venetian Hotel showcases art and Italian-inspired architecture at no cost. Enjoy the painted ceilings, elegant sculptures, and canals with gondolas. A must-see is St. Mark’s Square, one of the best spots in the resort to soak in the atmosphere. It’s a good place for a photo or a leisurely stroll.
15. Exploring Downtown Container Park
Downtown Container Park offers shops, dining, and live music inside colorful repurposed shipping containers. There’s even a fire-breathing praying mantis sculpture. It’s one of the best things to do for free in downtown Las Vegas with lots of unique attractions and local vibes.
16. Relaxing at the Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve offers botanical gardens, trails, and museum exhibits. It’s a top pick for outdoor activities and affordable experiences. While entry is not free, it’s one of the best places to visit with a combo ticket that includes access to the Nevada State Museum.
17. Exploring Las Vegas Farmers Market
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The Farmers Market offers fresh produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment. This budget-friendly outing is great for a half-hour visit or a full afternoon. It’s one of the best things to do to support local vendors and soak in community charm.
Planning a trip to Vegas and aren’t sure where to stay or which airline to fly?
Let Expedia’s package deals take all the hassle, guess-work, scams, and terrible experiences out of the way! With Expedia, you can stay at amazing places for cheap and still have a great vacation!
CLICK HERE to see all the best Vegas package deals on Expedia!
18. Visiting the Nevada State Museum
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Located within the Springs Preserve, the Nevada State Museum showcases the history and culture of the Silver State with unique exhibits and artifacts. For a small adult ticket price, visitors can explore natural history, mining, and early Las Vegas life. It’s a great place for families and history buffs alike.
19. Taking Photos at the Seven Magic Mountains
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Seven Magic Mountains is a vibrant public art installation just a short drive from the Strip. These stacked, neon-painted boulders are one of the most unique attractions around and a great place for colorful photos. Early morning is the best time of day to visit for fewer crowds.
20. Free Performances at the LINQ Promenade
The LINQ Promenade features street performers, art installations, and pop-up shows. It’s a good place for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and grabbing a snack. Don’t miss views of the High Roller observation wheel for a great view without riding it.
21. Visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame
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The Pinball Hall of Fame lets you enjoy classic and modern pinball machines for just quarters per play. Entry is free, making it one of the best cheap things to do in Las Vegas and a memorable experience for all ages.
22. Tour the Planet Hollywood Casino Memorabilia Collection
Inside Planet Hollywood Resort, you’ll find a surprising number of real movie props and costumes tucked between slot machines and restaurants.
From Batman suits to scripts used on-set, this free attraction feels like a mini-movie museum. It’s a good reason to take a break from roller coasters or shopping centers and enjoy a self-paced tour that movie lovers will remember.
23. Visit the Aquarium at Silverton Casino
The Silverton Casino—just a short drive from the Strip—is home to a massive 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with tropical fish, stingrays, and even sea turtles.
One of the best free things to do off the Strip, the aquarium features daily mermaid shows and interactive feeding times. It’s a memorable experience, especially for families looking for affordable entertainment with special effects that rival pricier attractions like Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef.
24. Exploring the Strip’s Sights and Sounds
From the Eiffel Tower replica to the New York-New York Hotel’s Statue of Liberty, the Strip’s themed resorts make a great time for sightseeing. Be sure to stop inside the Venetian Hotel to explore St. Mark’s Square and catch a free show or performance if you’re lucky.
CLICK HERE to do a guided walking tour of the Las Vegas strip on Expedia!
25. Enjoying Sunset from the High Roller
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Though not free, the High Roller is a budget-friendly experience if you ride before 7 p.m. You’ll get a great view of the Strip, especially at sunset.
At over 150 feet taller than the very similar London Eye, you’ll have a breathtaking view of Las Vegas! It’s one of the best things to do for a memorable experience that won’t break the bank.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on the magic of Sin City. With these free and cheap activities, you can experience the best without breaking the bank.
From the stunning Bellagio Conservatory to the thrilling roller coasters at New York New York, affordable fun awaits around every corner. The Grand Canal Shoppes offer window shopping adventures, while the Shark Reef provides underwater excitement for less than a movie ticket.
Frequent visitors know the real secret – many of the city’s best experiences cost nothing at all. Walking through Caesars Palace feels like exploring ancient Rome, while St. Mark’s Square at The Venetian transports you to Italy.
Skip the expensive hotel room upgrades and bedroom villas. Instead, spend your money on unique experiences like Monster Mini Golf or visiting the Butterfly Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel.
Whether you’re visiting during New Year’s Eve or a quiet Tuesday, budget-friendly Vegas offers endless possibilities. From the south end of the Strip to Planet Hollywood, adventure doesn’t require a fortune.
The slot machines can wait – your Vegas memories are waiting to be made affordably!
Planning a trip to Vegas and aren’t sure where to stay or which airline to fly?
Let Expedia’s package deals take all the hassle, guess-work, scams, and terrible experiences out of the way! With Expedia, you can stay at amazing places for cheap and still have a great vacation!
CLICK HERE to see all the best Vegas package deals on Expedia!
Photos which require attribution: Springs Preserve Las Vegas, NV by Renee Grayson is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license, The Fremont Street Experience. Las Vegas. by Bernard Spragg. NZ is licensed under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication and modified to add a zip liner, Blue Man1 (SP) 2009 Brazil by Galeria de Léo Pinheiro – Picasa is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license, Neon Museum Las Vegas walkway by APK is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license, The Mob Museum -2022 (3) by Alberto-g-rovi is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license, The Venetian Gondola rides by Hardscarf is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license, Biggest Pool In Las Vegas Mandalay Bay (125419293) by the Archive Team is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license, Downtown Container Park – Downtown – Las Vegas, NV (12427967515) by Tomás Del Coro is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license, Springs Preserve Botanical Garden (37906871344) by Renee Grayson is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license, Hoover Dam, 02 by author: Adam Kliczek, http://memoriesstay.com, and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license, The Writers’ Block Bookstore in Las Vegas, Nevada 02, Bea Phi is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license, Bellagio Fountains at night by Photographersnature is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license, Lake Mead, Nevada LCCN2011630280 by Carol M. Highsmith is licensed under no known copyright restrictions and was cropped and color-adjusted, The Las Vegas Wash and the Clark County Wetlands at Sunrise by Renee Grayson is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license, Allegiant Stadium Street View on Super Bowl LVIII by U.S. Customs and Border Protection is licensed under public domain, View from the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Balcony of the Las Vegas Strip December 2021 by Loganfrick is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license, Mural on 18b The Las Vegas Arts District by ClearLight602 is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license and was color-adjusted, Las Vegas 2016 Fremont Street Experience (19) by Pierre André is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International, 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license, and was cropped, The Linq Promenade by Tomás Del Coro nis licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license, Planet hollywood casino 2007 by Larry D. Moore is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license, Silverton casino and aquarium by kennejima is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
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