Explore Las Vegas Without Breaking the Bank
Las Vegas is filled with neon lights, lots of gambling and glitzy shows that lead people to believe that you must save lots of money to be able to enjoy a trip here. Not true! There are plenty of free things to do not only on the Las Vegas Strip making your visit filled with fun and adventure. This guide will take you from the south end of the Las Vegas Strip to the Strat, highlighting the best free attractions along the way. Keep in mind that the Las Vegas Strip is a little over 4 miles from Mandalay Bay to the Strat. With the dry, hot weather in Las Vegas it’s not advised to walk the entire strip, especially in one day.
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How to get around for cheap or free
While you may need to grab a cab or uber to get to some things, there are other ways to get around that are free or much cheaper than a cab or uber. While not free, the Las Vegas Monorail will get you from MGM to the Sahara with many stops along the Strip. While making your way around use Free Trams. There are three trams operated by the hotels that you can ride. They include the Mandalay Bay-Excalibur tram, the Bellagio-City Center-Park MGM tram and the Mirage-Treasure Island tram. Anytime you want to cross to the other side of Las Vegas Boulevard, look for a pedestrian walkway (they cross over the top of the street) for a safer journey.
South end of the Strip
Take a Photo at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” Sign: By far, the most recognizable photo op in Las Vegas is a short Uber ride south of Mandalay Bay and completely free. Try to get there in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
Luxor: Home to the World’s Largest Atrium – While at Luxor, gawk at the world’s largest indoor atrium and check out the sphinx and obelisk wall. While there stroll out front to Las Vegas Blvd. to get a close-up of pyramid and more sphinx.
New York, New York: Check out Hershey’s Chocolate World: Do you love Chocolate? If so, swing into Hershey’s Chocolate World at New York New York where you can shop for an assortment of 800 varieties of chocolate, star in your own Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup TV ad and take a picture with the goofballs outside. Take a selfie with the Statue of Liberty made of all chocolate while exploring this two-story store. Even if you’re not a chocoholic, this is a fun store to walk through. If you walk outside to Las Vegas Boulevard you can walk across the Brookly Bridge heading to the Park MGM.
New York, New York: Walk the Park. This is an outdoor dining and entertainment area lying between Park MGM and New York, New York. The Park’s foliage, fountains, and art, can be a welcome escape from the casino. Check out Bliss Dance, a 40-foot sculpture of a dancing woman, or stop by for one of their Silent Disco shows.
Head over to MGM Grand and check out the lion in the hotel lobby. This is a smaller version of the iconic symbol of MGM.
Make your way down Las Vegas Boulevard and head north to find some more unique stores at Showcase Mall:
The Stranger Things Store at the Showcase Mall (just next to the MGM) is an incredibly fun addition to the Strip. If you are a Stranger Things fan like we are, this is a must-visit! The Stranger Things Store is technically a merch store, but they have far more entertainment than a normal store would have.
Peruse the Coca-Cola Store: Check out the collection of unique Coca-Cola memorabilia that’s on display at this flagship store. Although not free, I recommend trying the soda sampler from around the world. What other countries find to be “good” is very “interesting”.
M&M World: Keeping with the chocolate theme, M&M World features 4 floors of M&M candies and merchandise. Also on display is a replica of Kyle Busch’s M&M-sponsored racecar. For a fee, guests are also able to design and print their own M&Ms.
One last stop at Showcase Mall is the Hard Rock Café. Even if you aren’t hungry, you can look at the Rock memorabilia and stop in at the gift shop.
Mid Strip Must Sees
Your next stop is Aria. I know it’s a lot of crossing Las Vegas Boulevard but remember the pedestrian walkways, so you don’t have to fight traffic. While at the Aria enjoy the Fine Art Collection. Sculptures, paintings, and other fine art by artists like Frank Stella, Henry Moore, and James Turrell among others are scattered about the property. There is always a fun display in the lobby heading towards the Shops at the Crystals.
The Shops at the Crystals is a nice stroll to take you to the Cosmopolitan. It’s always fun to window shop and if you’re looking for a bit to eat there are a few restaurants here.
Next up is the fun art installations at the Cosmopolitan. There is the iconic giant high heel shoe but there are so many more throughout the property. There is Georges Rousse Installation at Starbucks, Do Not Disturb | Please Enter is a one-of-a-kind collection of 12 door hangers, five Art-o-mat machines, each of which dispenses a variety of original artwork, and more. Check MGM website for more information about the art installations. Be sure to stop in the hotel lobby and see the digital art display. It is 8 separate 15-foot-tall pillars that are wrapped in synchronized video screens creating interesting, almost disorienting, illusions.
Bellagio: You can’t miss the fountains as you walk down Las Vegas Boulevard, see website for show times. As you walk into the hotel lobby look up to see Dale Chihuly’s “Fiori di Como”: Chihuly’s 2,100 square foot glass floral sculpture is comprised of 2,000 backlit glass blossoms. You won’t be able to miss the Conservatory with the wonderful seasonal flower display. Be sure to check out the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain: Bellagio’s Patisserie features a 14 ft. tall chocolate waterfall that circulates up to 2,100 lbs. of chocolate. Not only do we love coming to the flower show for each season, but Bellagio is one of my favorite places to play some slots. They have a great variety of slot machines.
Caesar’s Palace: Wander the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace Fall of Atlantis at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace: Fall of Atlantis is a free show detailing the downfall of the long-lost city. Aquarius Aquarium at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace: Located next to the Fall of Atlantis Show is this 50,000-gallon saltwater fish tank that holds 300+ tropical fish. I do enjoy walking through here once in a while to see all the great statues and the great aquarium. Wander through the gardens outside to view the wonderful statues and fountains. You can walk in and check out the infamous Hell’s Kitchen. Of course they have a small gift shop.
Treasure Island: See The Carved Woolly Mammoth Tusk, this was carved over generations, the impressive artifact is made special not only by its historic significance but also its intricate detail. The Siren Chopper is steps away from the woolly mammoth tusk, the motorcycle has a unique pirate theme that matches the resort’s theme. Head outside and see the pirate ships. Unfortunately, they no longer do shows. It’s a fun casino to visit to see all the pirate inspired displays.
If you enjoy window shopping, then head to Fashion Show Mall where you can find a variety of stores. There are quite a few restaurants here also. Either way, take the pedestrian walkway over to the Venetian for your next stop. If you are staying on the south end of the Strip, then you might want to head to Wynn first then come back over to Venetian.
Wynn: The Botanical Gardens Lake of Dreams Show at Wynn, running every half hour nightly, Lake of Dreams utilizes over “4,000 lights, holographic and puppetry” to dazzle attendees. The free show is best enjoyed from Bar Parasol, SW Steakhouse, Lakeside, or from the free viewing platform in the resort. Wynn Fountain Show: Located out front of Wynn is a water show that resembles a smaller version of the Bellagio Fountains. Quite honestly it doesn’t compare to Bellagio, but it’s still pretty and fun to watch. Explore the Wynn Plaza Shops: Nothing in this mall is cheap, but it’s worthy of a walk-through. The Plaza Shops are stunning and incorporate artistic displays throughout. Watch as the waterfall dumps water into the pool, it is stunning. And my favorite is the Carousel and flower seasonal display in the lobby.
Venetian: Walk the Streets of Venice: The Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian qualifies as one giant photo opportunity that offers guests a quarter-mile, themed escape to Italy, including the gondoliers’ singing songs as they take their passengers along the canal. While walking through the shops, stop by Tipsy Robot to check out the future(?) of bartending as robots make the drinks. There is another Tipsy Robot at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Snap a Photo in the Waterfall Atrium at Palazzo: Built into the Grand Canal Shoppes, the “LOVE” lettering is difficult to miss. I’ll admit this is one of my favorite casinos to walk around.
Linq Promenade: This is a nice little stroll when you want to take a break from gambling or just want to enjoy some sidewalk shopping. Besides the shops, there a quite a few restaurants along the way. You can watch the High Roller spin or watch the people ziplining above you. I always enjoy taking a walk through here.
Flamingo: I believe everyone should check out the Flamingo Habitat at least once! If you enjoy some peace and serenity, walking through this area in the morning is very enjoyable. You can even toss a penny to Budda when you get to the end by the Flamingo fountain and make your wish. Before we moved to the Las Vegas area, we usually stayed at the Flamingo. The rooms are reasonable, the location is great pretty much center strip and there are Flamingos! Can you tell that I like visiting the habitat?
Horseshoe: Check out the Million Dollar Display at Horseshoe: Emulating Binion’s display, Horseshoe has unveiled a $1 million display of their own comprised of $10,000 bills (they’re not real). This doesn’t quite compare to the original at Binion’s but fun none the less. See the Poker “Gallery of Champions” near the entrance to their new poker room that pays homage to the greats of the game.
Eiffel Tower Light Show: Paris recently added some sparkle in the form of $1.7 million worth of lights to their half-scale Eiffel Tower replica. The lights are choreographed to music and dazzle guests every half hour from sunset to midnight. You can catch the fountain show in lights at the Bellagio while you’re in the area.
Planet Hollywood: Found in the Miracle Mile Shopping area is a free Rainstorm show that leverages fog, rain, and lighting to simulate an indoor storm. A newer addition to the mall is a fiery light show that takes place on the exterior facade of the V Theater, if you’re not planning a trip to Miracle Mile shops, don’t go out of your way for this. Spot the Remains of The Aladdin Hotel & Casino: Those who have been coming to Las Vegas for some time know that Planet Hollywood was once known as Aladdin, an Arabian-themed resort. That theme spilled into the “Desert Passage Shops” which are now known as the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Interestingly, there are still many reminders of the mall’s former identity scattered about the mall. You’ll have to be on the lookout for these as they aren’t readily noticeable. There are two distinct areas within the mall where the original decor survives. One surrounds the V Theater complex and fountain show. The other is nestled under the indoor rainstorm.
North End of the Strip & Beyond
Be aware that if you want to visit Circus Circus and the Strat you should probably take a cab or some other form of transportation. Once you pass the Wynn, there aren’t any more casinos or stores on the Strip until you get to this area. For safety reasons, please don’t walk to either of these.
Circus Acts at Circus Circus: The free show at Circus Circus is the “world’s longest-running circus” and showcases acts of strength, trapeze acts, juggling, and sky dancing. Besides the casino, there are arcade games and rides for your family to enjoy.
Strat: See the City of Las Vegas Showgirl Sign: A newer addition to the northernmost reaches of the Strip is the City of Las Vegas Showgirl sign which features two 50-foot tall, illuminated showgirls, 3-D dice, a roulette wheel, and stacks of chips. the sign is steps away from the Strat. Also, just outside the STRAT is the photogenic Gateway Arch. Recently, a viewing platform was added, allowing you to snap the perfect picture from a safe vantage point.
Other Free & Fun Activities
Learn Craps: For those unfamiliar with the game, it has an intimidating look but is actually pretty intuitive (and lots amount of fun) once you know what you’re doing. Many casinos, like Cromwell in the middle of the Strip, offer free craps lessons daily. Take advantage!
Take in a Dueling Piano Show: Free entertainment is tough to come by in Vegas, but there are still a few bars like The Piano Bar at Harrah’s and the Bar at Times Square at New York, New York that offer free dueling piano shows.
See Big Elvis at Harrah’s: Pete Vallee, who has a pretty big following, performs for free as Big Elvis at Harrah’s Piano Bar. A highly regarded performance, this show is a must for fans of “The King”.
Hit a Bar with Live Music: There are a number of bars on the Strip with free live music that you can enjoy. Options include Carnaval Court at Harrah’s, Piano Bar at Harrah’s, The Count Room at Flamingo, Gilley’s at Treasure Island and Le Cabaret at Paris.
Sit Back and sing or watch Karaoke: What makes karaoke shows great is the contrast in skill level. Folks from all over the talent spectrum give it their all as they sing to a room of strangers. There are plenty of Karaoke bars on the strip for you to enjoy.
Drink for Free: Yep, drinks are still free while gambling on the Strip, Fremont Street, or at a casino off the beaten path. Bring plenty of small bills for tipping.
Take in the Themes: Especially for first timers, walking through themed casinos like Paris, Luxor, Excalibur, Venetian and New York New York is awe-inspiring.
Walk of Stars: Find your favorite entertainer’s star along the Las Vegas Strip. Artists like Elvis, Donnie & Marie, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra, among others that are permanently memorialized. For a list of where to find the stars go to website.
Final Thoughts- Enjoy Las Vegas for Free
So, as I mentioned, there are lots of fun and free things to keep you entertained while visiting Las Vegas. If you have a few days or more, take your time walking around, you never know what you might stumble upon. Take advantage of pedestrian walkways, indoor walkways connecting hotels, and free trams to explore comfortably and safely, especially during hot weather. So, pack your camera, grab a map and get ready to experience Las Vegas on a budget!