Make the most of your Las Vegas trip with our budget-savvy guide. The destination is busting with free things to do, plus affordable dining and accommodations, no matter what time of year you visit. So read on for an amazing list of things to do in Las Vegas, while on a budget.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
The Strip is known for its luxury hotels, but some might not know that Las Vegas Boulevard is home to many affordable, world-class hotels as well. If value is what you’re looking for, be sure to check out Treasure Island – TI Hotel & Casino and Tropicana Las Vegas.
The savings don’t stop there, either. Several budget-friendly hotels can be found in historic Downtown Las Vegas, many of them right on the bustling Fremont Street Experience. Take a look at El Cortez Hotel & Casino and Golden Gate Hotel and Casino if you’re looking for a great rate.
Save even more by visiting during the week as prices tend to be much lower when visiting Sunday through Thursday. If you don’t mind taking an Uber or Lyft, off-the-Strip hotels can be a less expensive option as well. Many of these resorts offer a fabulous Las Vegas experience, with options including Palace Station Hotel Casino and South Point Hotel Casino & Spa.
Affordable Dining in Vegas
With nearly endless dining options, Las Vegas has loads of delicious dining options that require minimal spending. From classic American bar favorites to innovative culinary infusions that you won’t find elsewhere, there’s a spot to for any budget.
Save on discounted drinks and food during happy hours. These locations provide exactly that:
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Cañonita at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, a traditional Mexican restaurant, boasts views of the resort’s gondolas and happy hour items, which are available Monday through Thursday from 2-5 p.m.
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Favorite Bistro at The LINQ Hotel + Experience offers lively environment and delicious, affordable finger food and discounted drinks Monday through Thursday from 2-6 p.m.
Want to score some cheap eats, regardless of when you and your crew want to grub? These spots are open both late and early, depending on how you look at the clock.
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Evel Pie offers pizza by the slice starting as low as $5. Located in Downtown Las Vegas’ vibrant Fremont East Entertainment District, the pizzeria is open until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends.
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Village Pub & Café at Ellis Island Casino, Hotel & Brewery is open 24/7 and has earned its reputation of having incredible deals, such as its unbeatable sirloin steak special.
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Tacos El Gordo has three locations in the Las Vegas area and is known for quality, authentic Mexican food – and its great prices, of course.
Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
One of the best things about Las Vegas is that plenty of its attractions are free to experience. Here’s just a few of the incredible things to see.
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The famed Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is a visitor must and is easily accessible just south of the Strip.
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The Fountains of Bellagio and the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which changes displays seasonally, are just a short walk away from each other – a two-in-one deal!
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Atlantis Show at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is an animatronic display of nine-foot-tall talking statues, fire and water.
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The Aquarium at Silverton Hotel & Casino features a 117,000-gallon aquarium with more than 5,000 exotic fish from around the world, which you can explore free of charge.
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Downtown Container Park in Downtown Las Vegas offers various art installations, live entertainment, food vendors and boutique shopping.
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Another downtown attraction is the Fremont Street Experience, which offers live music and entertainment nightly, plus an incredible daily light show at 6 p.m. Most things on Fremont Street will be less expensive than Strip prices, from the hotel rooms to the entertainment to the food and drinks.
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Located at UNLV, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art showcases modern and contemporary pieces that will delight art enthusiasts.
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The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas is a family-friendly, four-acre garden with exotic birds, turtles and fish.
Specials for a Great Night Out
Depending on where you end up, drinks in Las Vegas will likely be a little pricier than what you’d find in your hometown. Just remember that they are also incredibly delicious and uniquely Vegas!
If your group is interested in heading to a nightclub, keep in mind that most require ticketed entry or cover charges. Your best option is to look for a local promoter to help get you into a club, as the cost could be half the price or even waived entirely. Promoters can be found all over the Strip, as their main job is to help bring crowds to the clubs.
And for all those lucky ladies out there, many clubs have drink specials, such as Blue Martini at Town Square Las Vegas or Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
How to Get Around Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Monorail is a secret gem and extremely helpful in getting around the Strip quickly. With stops putting you just steps away from some of the destination’s favorite resorts, why not save some time while taking a minute to kick back and enjoy the view?
You also could opt to take a bus called The Deuce, a double-decker that is synonymous with the Strip at this point. It’s an extremely affordable option and stops at every hotel.
Visiting Las Vegas doesn’t have to break the bank – it might end up being the most budget-friendly adventure you’ve had in a while! That’s the best part about Vegas – there’s always something for everyone. For more budget-savvy things to do, check out our suggestions of free things to do in Las Vegas and our various deals and packages. Start building that itinerary with electrifying entertainment, delicious dining and so much more!