Las Vegas; it’s is a dazzling and expensive tourist destination known for its extravagant hotels, world-class casinos, and vibrant nightlife.
Luxury accommodations such as The Bellagio, The Venetian, and Caesars Palace offer opulent experiences that attract high-end clientele, including celebrities and billionaires. Gourmet dining, exclusive nightclubs, and extravagant shows add to the allure of this desert oasis, promising an unforgettable experience for those willing to splurge.
With an average trip cost of $1’924 per person for a long weekend, visitors can expect to spend around $450 per day during their stay.
While Las Vegas may not be a very budget-friendly destination, done right, there are plenty of affordable and exciting things to do in the city, especially on the Las Vegas strip. Whether you’re travelling with family or on a budget, we’ve got you covered; from admiring street performers to visiting art vending machines, here are 10 cheap things to do in Las Vegas for 2025.
Take A Stroll Down The Las Vegas Strip
Taking a stroll down the Las Vegas Strip is a budget-friendly and enjoyable activity for visitors to the city. The Strip is home to some of the world’s most iconic hotels and casinos, each with their own unique themes and attractions.
Walk the Strip – officially known as Las Vegas Boulevard – and take in the lights, sounds, and sights and even smells of the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Bellagio’s famous fountain show, the Mirage’s erupting volcano, and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. The best part? All of these structures are free to admire!
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a fun night out, or simply want to experience the electric atmosphere of the city, a stroll down the Las Vegas Strip is a perfect activity that won’t break the bank.
Pro tip: The best time for Strip walking is just after sunset (around 7-8 PM), when temperatures are cooler and all the lights are coming on. Consider starting at the Mandalay Bay and walking north – this gives you a gradual reveal of the most spectacular parts of the Strip, and you can catch the public transit back south when you’re tired. Don’t forget to duck into the hotels’ shopping areas for free air conditioning during hot days!
Enjoy The Free Fountain Show At The Bellagio
The Bellagio, a renowned hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, is also the location of one of the city’s most popular free attractions – the fountain show. This breathtaking display of water, light, and music is a must-see and will leave you in awe. The show takes place every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night, making it easily accessible for visitors.
For the best viewing experience, position yourself directly in front of the fountains near the rail on the Strip side – avoid watching from the hotel side where your view might be partially blocked. The evening shows are choreographed to different songs each time, with favorites including ‘Viva Las Vegas’, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’, and ‘God Bless the USA’. If you’re planning dinner nearby, the patio at Mon Ami Gabi in Paris Las Vegas offers one of the best views of the fountains while you dine.
Visit The Seven Magic Mountains Art Installation
Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip lies the Seven Magic Mountains, a striking free public art installation created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. This desert art installation features seven towers of vibrantly painted, stacked boulders that rise dramatically from the desert floor, some reaching heights of over thirty feet.
While you’ll need a car to get there (about 20 minutes south of Las Vegas), the installation itself is completely free to visit and offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. The stark contrast between the neon-colored rocks and the desert landscape creates a uniquely Las Vegas experience that combines art, nature, and the city’s love for the spectacular. It’s also a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, offering a peaceful desert experience that won’t cost you a dime.
Visit The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas explores the history of organised crime in America and its impact on Las Vegas. The museum features a range of interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts that offer a unique look into the world of the Mob. Admission to the museum is affordable, clocking in at $34.95 at the time of writing, making it a great option for those looking for cheap things to do in Las Vegas.
Don’t miss the basement-level speakeasy and distillery, where you can sample Prohibition-era cocktails (additional cost, but worth it). If you’re looking to save money on admission, visit after 5 PM when tickets are discounted, or check their website for ‘Nevada Resident’ days when locals get free admission – they often don’t strictly verify residency.
The museum opens daily from 9am to 9pm.
Admire The Street Performers On Fremont Street
Fremont Street is a historic district in downtown Las Vegas that is home to a range of street performers, musicians, and artists. From acrobats to magicians, there is always something to see and enjoy on Fremont Street. This vibrant area is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, and it is sure to provide plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
Explore The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Located at the Flamingo Hotel, the Wildlife Habitat is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling Las Vegas Strip. This habitat is home to a range of exotic birds, including flamingos, and it is a great place to relax and take in some beautiful wildlife. The habitat is free to visit and open to the public 24 hours a day, perfect for night owls and early birds equally!
The best time to visit is during the daily pelican feeding at 8:30 AM, where you can watch these magnificent birds dive for their breakfast. The habitat also features koi ponds, turtles, and several species of ducks, making it a surprising oasis of nature in the middle of the desert city. Pack a morning coffee and some pastries from nearby casual cafes for a peaceful breakfast among the birds.
Visit The Circus Circus Midway Games
Circus Circus is one of the oldest and most famous hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, and it is also home to a range of free attractions. One of the most popular is the Midway Games, a collection of carnival-style games and attractions that are sure to provide hours of fun for the whole family, giving you the chance to try your luck at the games or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the Midway.
See The Eiffel Tower At Paris Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas is a themed hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip, and it is home to a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Visitors can take a stroll around the base of the tower or ride to the top for a stunning view of the city. While there is a fee to ride to the top, simply admiring the tower from the ground is a free and enjoyable activity for those looking for cheap things to do in Las Vegas.
Take A Self-Guided Tour Of The Casinos
Las Vegas is home to some of the most famous and opulent casinos in the world, full of fancy restaurants and fabulous cocktail bars, and taking a self-guided tour of these casinos is a great way to experience the glitz and glamour of the city without breaking the bank.
From the luxurious interiors of the Bellagio to the neon lights of the Circus Circus, there’s plenty to explore. While many visitors may try their luck at the tables while here, savvy travelers often note that online platforms offering casino deposit bonus incentives can sometimes be a more budget way to experience gaming entertainment. However, nothing quite matches the atmosphere of walking through these architectural marvels in person.
Read: 5 IDEAL tips for eating in Vegas
Visit The Art-O-Mat Vending Machine Art Gallery
The Art-O-Mat vending machine-cum-art gallery is a unique and quirky attraction in Las Vegas. This gallery features a range of one-of-a-kind artworks that are dispensed from vintage cigarette vending machines. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking for something different, the Art-O-Mat is a perfect destination for those seeking cheap and unique things to do in Las Vegas.
The Bottom Line
From self-guided casino tours to street performers on Fremont Street, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy. Don’t break the bank on your next trip to Las Vegas. Viva!