Here’s a list of 10 free things to do in Las Vegas. Whether you are on a tight budget, frugal, or down on your luck, there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas that won’t cost you a dime. After several trips to Vegas, we’ve weeded out those things that are gimmicky and only include the best things that are actually worth your time.
1. Bellagio Fountains: The fountains at Bellagio are much better seen live than via video. They are even better if you can get a great vantage point from a hotel. However, the street view is great. The fountains go off every half hour starting at 3:oo pm (noon on weekends). After 7, the show starts every 15 minutes until midnight. Shows are cancelled when its too windy.
2. Bellagio Conservatory: Okay, so you came to Vegas to party. But if you are anywhere near the Bellagio, you have to check this out. I ignored this until one of my readers raved about it. It’s free. It’s open 24 hours, and its pretty trippy. What is not to love?
3. Mirage Volcano: This is neat to see if you are walking by and the show is going to start within 15 minutes. Otherwise, I would not wait too much longer to see this. The volcano show at the Mirage hotel is a faux volcano eruption that uses water blasts, lighting, some pyrotechnics to simulate a volcano eruption. It runs every hour on the hour from dark through to midnight.
VEGAS Insiders Tip: Use the Las Vegas $20 Trick to get a room upgrade. Ask for a ‘Strip View’ and there’s a good chance your hotel will face either the Bellagio Fountains or the Mirage Volcano (I’ve had both).
4. Fremont Street Experience: I love Fremont, mostly because of the low table minimums. However, there is another reason to take the Deuce up to Fremont Street. The Fremont Street Experience is a light and image show set on the gigantic canopy that covers Fremont. This is easily one of my favorite free things to do in Las Vegas. The shows rotate and change all the time, and have featured big acts like Kiss and Bon Jovi. If you are staying on the Strip, Fremont Street is worth a visit, and it does not have to be expensive either. The Deuce will take you here for a few dollars each way.
5. The Welcome To Las Vegas Sign: The sign is located way down at the very south end of the strip. Although free, getting there can be a hassle. You can take a series of monorails to get as far south as Mandalay Bay and walk from thee (about half a mile) or simply take the Deuce.
6. Moving Statues at Caesar’s Palace: The “Fall of Atlantis” at Caesars is an 11-minute show featuring statues that come to life and put on a show of special effects and animatronics. Shows are every hour, daily, starting at 10:00 a.m. Spots fill up quickly so its best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
7. Walking the Strip at Night: I love it when the sun sets and the city lights up. Vegas is a fun city to just walk and take in the sights. The later you walk, the crazier it gets.
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8. CBS Television City: I am not a huge fan of this attraction. Nonetheless, its one of the free things to do in Las Vegas so its listed here. Many people do actually like this. At the MGM Grand hotel, Television City gives visitors the opportunity to view and rate pilot shows. Its not something you will want to do if you are short on time. However, if you feel like sitting down for a bit and watching television, this is for you. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 at night
9. Circus Acts: The Circus Circus hotel has free circus acts. My kids loved these, but the shows are short (maybe 10 to 15 minutes). Recommended for families, avoid if you do not have kids. Even better, drop your kids off at the shows (with their other parent) while you hit the casino. Once again, getting to Circus Circus is likely a ride on the Deuce or a cab.
10. The M&M and Hershey’s Stores: These aren’t technically free things to do in Las Vegas, but they are worth checking out if you are passing by. Both stores have some cool and unique displays, and of course, some fun souvenirs that are hard to find anywhere else.
Yes, it is possible to do Vegas on the cheap. I have stayed at hotels for as low as $25 per night (Flamingo hotel), and 5-star hotels for under $100 per night (Vdara and the Aria). The best way to save on Vegas hotels is to use Hotwire or Priceline. Find out what hotels travelers have received by viewing actual winning bids:
- Hotwire Las Vegas Wins: List of hotel wins from Hotwire customers
- Priceline Las Vegas Winning Bids: List of Priceline Las Vegas wins by actual customers
If you’re traveling to Vegas, why not check out these additional articles on saving money in Vegas.
