Las Vegas is known for its extravagant entertainment, luxury hotels, and world-famous casinos, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to enjoy Las Vegas on a budget, this guide covers the best cheap or even free things to do in Las Vegas to find the best budget-friendly experiences in Las Vegas without breaking the bank.
Catch the Bellagio Fountains in Action
You don’t have to spend a dime to see one of the most iconic sights in Vegas. The Bellagio Fountain show is a stunning water and light performance, set to music ranging from Sinatra to Beyoncé. The fountains shoot water up to 460 feet in the air, dancing in perfect time with the soundtrack.
Insider Tip: The best viewing spot is just across the street at the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, no ticket needed for street-level views.
Seasonal Highlights: Shows run year-round, but during the holidays, the music changes to festive tunes and the crowds get a little bigger.
Family-Friendly? Absolutely. Kids are usually glued to the water show.
Traveler Type: Dreamers, romantics, photographers, families.
Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Nearest Public Transport: Bellagio bus stop on the Deuce and SDX lines.
Wander Fremont Street After Dark
Downtown’s Fremont Street is a neon jungle that comes alive after sunset. Massive LED screens light up the sky with music and light shows, and live performers entertain at nearly every corner. It’s loud, lively, and feels like old-school Vegas with a modern twist.
Insider tip: Don’t just stick to the canopy—duck into vintage casinos like El Cortez or the Golden Nugget for a throwback vibe and cheaper drinks.
Seasonal highlights: Holiday light shows are extra festive, and special concerts pop up throughout the summer.
Family-friendly? Early evenings are fine for families, but later at night it leans more adult.
Traveler type: Night owls, photographers, budget-conscious explorers.
Location: Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (between Main St and Las Vegas Blvd)
Nearest public transport: Take the Deuce to the Fremont Street Experience stop or hop off the Downtown Loop shuttle.
Stroll Through the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, a Chill Escape in the Middle of Chaos
Tucked behind the Flamingo Hotel, this lush tropical garden is home to real flamingos, exotic birds, turtles, and koi fish. It’s peaceful, green, and entirely unexpected in the middle of the Strip. You can wander through winding paths, relax by a waterfall, or catch one of the feeding times. A budget-friendly and very family-friendly way to spend your time in Las Vegas.
Insider Tip: Visit in the morning when the animals are most active and the garden is still quiet.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring is especially pretty when the gardens bloom, but it’s open all year.
Family-Friendly? Yes, and kids love spotting the animals.
Traveler Type: Nature lovers, families, tired walkers looking for shade.
Location: 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Nearest Public Transport: Flamingo/Caesars Palace Monorail Station.
Snap a Photo at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
This famous sign is a classic must-do, and luckily, it’s totally free. The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign sits just south of the Strip and makes the perfect souvenir photo. There’s a small parking lot and usually a short line, but the wait is worth it.
Insider tip: Go early in the morning or at sunset for the best light and shortest lines.
Seasonal highlights: Holiday decorations pop up occasionally—like Santa hats or patriotic themes.
Family-friendly? Yes, though little ones might get impatient in the heat or while waiting.
Traveler type: Everyone—first-timers, Instagrammers, couples, solo travelers.
Location: 5200 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Nearest public transport: RTC Deuce or SDX bus; the stop is at Mandalay Bay, a short walk away.
Take in the Colours at Seven Magic Mountains
About 25 minutes outside the city, this desert art installation features seven towering stacks of rainbow-painted boulders. It’s Instagram-famous for a reason—and best of all, it’s totally free. Unfortunately, there is no public transport available to this location. However, there are always budget-friendly ride shares available.
Insider tip: Go early in the morning or at golden hour for stunning light and fewer crowds. Bring water—there’s no shade.
Seasonal highlights: Spring offers wildflowers in the surrounding desert; sunsets here are magical year-round.
Family-friendly? Yes, as long as kids are okay with a bit of walking and no nearby restrooms.
Traveler type: Art lovers, road trippers, Instagram fans, outdoorsy folks.
Location: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054 (near Jean Dry Lake Bed)
Nearest public transport: None directly—best reached by car or rideshare.
Discover Hidden Art at the ARIA Fine Art Collection
Most people walk right past world-class art in Vegas. The ARIA Fine Art Collection is scattered across ARIA, Vdara, and CityCenter, showcasing works by big-name artists like Maya Lin and Jenny Holzer. It’s indoors, air-conditioned, and totally free to browse.
Insider tip: Download the self-guided tour map from ARIA’s website—it helps you find all the hidden pieces.
Seasonal highlights: The collection is permanent, but the surrounding lobbies often change decor with the seasons.
Family-friendly? Yes, though it’s more interesting for older kids or art-loving teens.
Traveler type: Art lovers, design enthusiasts, curious wanderers.
Location: 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158 (ARIA Resort & CityCenter campus)
Nearest public transport: ARIA Express Tram or Deuce bus stops nearby.
Walk the LINQ Promenade and Ride the High Roller
The LINQ Promenade is like Vegas on a more relaxed, walkable scale. Lined with shops, quirky eateries, and outdoor entertainment, this open-air street has a casual vibe that feels like a break from the Strip’s sensory overload. You don’t need to spend a dime just to enjoy the buzz, the music, and the people-watching.
Insider tip: Go in the late afternoon and stay into the evening. The lights, the atmosphere, and often some live performances make it more fun after dark.
Seasonal highlights: During holidays, it’s decked out with themed decorations and pop-up events.
Family-friendly? Yes – kids love the giant cupcake ATM and the free splash pad in summer.
Traveler type: Best for explorers, casual couples, families with older kids, and anyone who loves wandering.
Location: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Nearest public transport: Harrah’s/The LINQ Monorail Station is right behind it.
Catch Free Circus Acts at Circus Circus
This is one of the last places in Vegas where old-school charm still lives. At Circus Circus, they host free live circus acts every day—think flying trapeze, unicyclists, acrobats—all inside the world’s largest permanent circus tent. Shows run throughout the day, and they’re surprisingly high-quality for something totally free.
Insider tip: Arrive about 10 minutes before showtime to grab a good spot—seats fill fast.
Seasonal highlights: During holidays and summer weekends, shows often run more frequently.
Family-friendly? 100%! This is one of the best kid-friendly free things in town.
Traveler type: Great for families, nostalgic travelers, and those avoiding high-ticket attractions.
Location: 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Nearest public transport: Take the Deuce bus to Circus Circus; there’s a stop right out front.
Get Lost in the Botanical Beauty of Bellagio’s Conservatory
Tucked inside the Bellagio Hotel, this lush indoor garden is a peaceful break from the casino buzz. The displays change with the seasons and are over-the-top in the best way—think giant butterflies in spring or whimsical pumpkins in fall.
Insider tip: Visit early in the day or late at night to avoid peak crowds and get better photos.
Seasonal highlights: Every season has its own theme—Chinese New Year, summer gardens, fall harvest, winter wonderland.
Family-friendly? Absolutely—kids love the colors, and it’s stroller-accessible.
Traveler type: Families, couples, nature lovers, and anyone who needs a breather.
Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (inside the Bellagio Hotel, near the main lobby)
Nearest public transport: Bellagio tram stop or Deuce bus stop at Bellagio.
Explore the Downtown Arts District
This under-the-radar neighborhood just south of Fremont Street is a creative hotspot packed with street art, funky galleries, and vintage shops. It’s where Vegas locals go to escape the Strip and soak in something more real.
Insider tip: Visit on “First Friday,” a monthly street fair with food trucks, live music, and open galleries.
Seasonal highlights: First Fridays (held monthly) are the big draw, but the murals look great year-round.
Family-friendly? Yes, during the day. It’s a chill area with plenty to see on foot.
Traveler type: Art lovers, vintage shoppers, urban explorers, anyone craving something different.
Location: Main St & Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Nearest public transport: Ride the Deuce to the Bonneville Transit Center, then walk or take the Downtown Loop.
Visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
This sweet spot combines chocolate and desert charm. You can watch how chocolates are made inside the factory and then stroll through Nevada’s largest botanical cactus garden—totally free to visit.
Insider tip: Grab a few free chocolate samples in the gift shop. Around the holidays, the cactus garden lights up with thousands of twinkling lights.
Seasonal highlights: Best in late fall and winter—especially during the Christmas light display.
Family-friendly? Definitely. Kids love watching chocolate being made and running around the garden.
Traveler type: Families, couples, foodies, anyone with a sweet tooth.
Location: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014
Nearest public transport: No direct access—best by car or rideshare.
Wander Through the Shops at the Grand Canal Shoppes
Located inside The Venetian, this shopping experience feels more like a scenic stroll through Venice. You’ll see canals, painted skies, and even gondoliers serenading guests. It’s all indoors and air-conditioned—perfect for a hot Vegas day.
Insider tip: Even if you don’t shop, it’s worth a walk. Stop at the replica St. Mark’s Square for live music and people-watching.
Seasonal highlights: Holiday decor adds an extra layer of charm in winter.
Family-friendly? Yes—kids love the canals and open spaces.
Traveler type: Window shoppers, romantics, curious travelers looking for a unique atmosphere.
Location: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (inside The Venetian)
Nearest public transport: Deuce or SDX bus to the Venetian stop.
Watch The Fall of Atlantis Show at Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace hides a fiery little surprise in its Forum Shops: a free animatronic show called The Fall of Atlantis. It’s loud, dramatic, and a bit cheesy—in the best possible way. Fire erupts, statues talk, and gods argue over who should rule Atlantis. It’s only a few minutes long but definitely memorable.
Insider tip: Showtimes vary, so check with a Forum Shops employee to avoid missing it.
Seasonal highlights: It’s extra popular around the holidays when the Forum Shops are packed with decorations.
Family-friendly? Yes, although the noise and fire might startle very small kids.
Traveler type: Best for explorers, families, and anyone seeking fun without spending a dime.
Location: Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Nearest public transport: Flamingo/Caesars Palace Monorail Station or Deuce bus stop nearby.
Discover Downtown Container Park: Shopping, Art, and Fire-Breathing Fun
Container Park is built from repurposed shipping containers and features boutique shops, outdoor art, and a playground with a treehouse. There’s even a giant metal praying mantis at the entrance that shoots fire at night. It’s quirky, creative, and full of surprises.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the live music performances at night on the small stage in the center.
Seasonal Highlights: The holiday lights in winter add an extra layer of magic.
Family-Friendly? Yes—daytime is great for kids, while evenings have more of a grown-up vibe.
Traveler Type: Explorers, indie lovers, families during the day.
Location: 707 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Nearest Public Transport: Take the Deuce bus to Fremont Street Experience and walk a few blocks.
Step Inside the Silverton Aquarium
This hidden gem inside the Silverton Casino feels more like a peaceful escape than a Vegas attraction. The 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium is home to thousands of tropical fish, stingrays, and even live mermaids during scheduled shows.
Insider tip: Mermaid swim shows happen Thursday through Sunday—check their schedule before you go. The aquarium is right next to the Bass Pro Shops, which also has some quirky sights worth a peek.
Seasonal highlights: Holiday events occasionally include themed mermaid shows or added décor.
Family-friendly? 100% yes. Kids are often mesmerized by the underwater world and the mermaid performances.
Traveler type: Families, couples, casual explorers looking for a break from the Strip.
Location: 3333 Blue Diamond Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89139
Nearest public transport: Public transport is limited here—your best bet is driving or using a rideshare app.