Cheap Things to Do in Las Vegas: 10 Experiences That Won’t Break the Bank
Las Vegas has a reputation for being expensive, but it does not have to be. There are more cheap things to do in Las Vegas than almost any other major destination, from free attractions on the Strip to $10 meals, free shows, and day trips that cost only a park fee. The trick is knowing where the value hides. This is our concierge’s guide to doing Vegas on a budget: ten experiences that deliver a great trip without draining your wallet, each with a deeper guide if you want the full list.
The Best Cheap Things to Do in Las Vegas, at a Glance
Here are the ten budget experiences this guide covers:
- Skip the resort fees
- Load up on free attractions
- Eat well for under $10
- Catch a free or cheap show
- Happy hour with a Strip view
- Park for free
- Take a day trip
- Do a 3:00 AM Vegas run
- Get around smart
- Find value everywhere else
1. Skip the Resort Fees
Resort fees can add $30 – $60 a night to a “cheap” room, so the single biggest budget move is booking a hotel that does not charge them. A handful of Strip and off-Strip properties skip the fee entirely. See our guide to Las Vegas hotels with no resort fees.
2. Load Up on Free Attractions
The Bellagio fountains, the Flamingo wildlife habitat, the Fall of Atlantis show, and the Fremont Street light show are all free. You can genuinely fill a day for zero dollars. Here are the 15 best free things to do in Las Vegas.
3. Eat Well for Under $10
Forget the buffet myth. Some of the best food in town, from Chinatown noodles to legendary late-night specials, costs less than a cocktail on the Strip. See our picks for cheap eats in Las Vegas under $10.
4. Catch a Free or Cheap Show
You do not need a $200 headliner ticket to see great entertainment. Free lounge acts, street performers, and low-cost afternoon shows are all over the city. Here are the best free and cheap shows in Las Vegas.
5. Happy Hour With a Strip View
Happy hour is the smartest way to enjoy a rooftop or a fine-dining room at a fraction of the price. Half-price drinks and small plates with a skyline view are easy to find if you know the timing. See the best happy hours with Strip views.
6. Park for Free
Parking on the Strip is not what it used to be, but several casinos still offer free self-parking, and there are free lots off-Strip and downtown. Our guide covers where to find free parking in Las Vegas.
7. Take a Day Trip
Some of the best experiences near Vegas cost only a park fee. Red Rock Canyon is 25 minutes away and the Grand Canyon is about two hours away. Here are the best day trips from Las Vegas.
8. Do a 3:00 AM Vegas Run
Vegas is one of the only true 24-hour cities and the after-hours version is often the cheapest and most fun. Late-night eats and after-hours attractions are a budget traveler’s secret weapon. See what is open and worth doing at 3:00 AM
9. Get Around Smart: Monorail vs. Rideshare vs. Walking
Transportation adds up fast. Walking the Strip is free but deceptively long, since the blocks are huge. The monorail is cheap for east-side hops but does not run down the Strip itself and rideshare is fastest but surges at peak hours. For most trips, a mix of walking and the occasional rideshare beats paying for the monorail unless your hotels line up with its stops.
10. Find Value Everywhere Else
Beyond the big categories, value is everywhere in Vegas if you look: gaming with low table minimums in the morning, free casino promotions and rewards cards, off-peak room rates midweek, and drink tickets that come with a rewards signup. Stack a few of these and even a splurge weekend gets a lot cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Vegas expensive?
It can be, but it does not have to be. With free attractions, no resort-fee hotels, cheap eats, and day trips, you can have a great trip on a modest budget.
What are the cheapest things to do in Las Vegas?
The Bellagio fountains, the Fremont Street light show, casino people-watching, Seven Magic Mountains, and happy hours are among the cheapest and best.
How do you avoid resort fees in Las Vegas?
Book a hotel that does not charge them. Several Strip and off-Strip properties skip resort fees entirely.
Can you do Las Vegas on a budget?
Yes. Free attractions, cheap eats, free shows, and smart transportation make Vegas one of the more budget-friendly big destinations if you plan around the value.
A great Vegas trip is about knowing where the value is, not spending the most. Work through the guides above to build a budget itinerary and when you want to add a standout night on top, reach out to our VIP team or compare stays on our Las Vegas hotels page.
Sources: Visit Las Vegas, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
