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Las Vegas on a Budget: 73 Insanely Easy Ways to Save Money in Vegas

Last updated on Jan 1, 2024 by Adam Bryan . This post may contain affiliate links.

Where else can you stay at luxury hotels, dine at 5 star restaurants, watch breathtaking A-list shows, and party the night away at world famous nightclubs?

There’s only one place – Las Vegas baby!

But as amazing as this may sound, not everyone can afford to pay top dollar for a Hangover worthy weekend in Sin City.

Or can they?

If there’s one city where you can live like a high roller on a low roller budget, Las Vegas is the city.

From ridiculously cheap 5 star meals at some of the best restaurants to VIP service at some of the finest hotels and nightclubs in Vegas, anyone, and I do mean anyone can live it up in Vegas without breaking the bank.

High Roller Vegas Lifestyle on a Low Roller Budget

Las vegas on a budget.

• Before you go any further…
• How to Save Money on Las Vegas Hotels

The Best Cheap Hotels in Las Vegas

How to save money at las vegas restaurants, best cheap restaurants in las vegas.

• How to Eat at 5 Star Restaurants on a One Star Budget

How to Score Cheap Vegas Show Tickets

Get 50% off las vegas shows, las vegas show discounts and deals, how to party like a celebrity at popular nightclubs (without going broke), how to save money at las vegas attractions, best free things to do and see in las vegas, best cheap paid things to do and see in vegas, how to get around the city without paying a fortune, how to score cheap flights to las vegas.

• How to Save Money in Vegas: Bonus Quick Tips

But there is one rule…

In order to be treated like a VIP in Las Vegas you need to act like a VIP.

Do not…

• Act like you own the place
• Drink out of a neon yardstick
• Dress like a bum
• Disrespect employees, waitresses, or hosts

Act like a respectful VIP and you’ll be amazed at all the great things that’ll come you way.

So with that being said, here’s exactly how you can save money in Las Vegas even when you’re living like a high roller.

Even if you can’t afford to pay top dollar for an insanely outrageous lifestyle in Las Vegas, there are quite a few ridiculously easy and surefire ways for you to live like a high roller while staying on a low roller budget.

You’d be amazed at all the incredible things you can see, do, watch, and eat for under $400 during a weekend getaway – all while living lavishly like a king or queen.

Here’s how.

Here’s the complete guide to everything you’ll need to plan your budget friendly Las Vegas vacation. From finding the best cheap hotels in Las Vegas to dining at some of the world’s best restaurants and buffets, here are 73 insanely easy ways for you to live like a high roller in Las Vegas on a low roller budget:

• Hotels and Resorts
• Restaurants
• Things to Do
• Getting Around the City
• Airfare Tickets

So with that being said, let’s jump straight to the Vegas money saving guide!

Before you go any further…

If you’re looking for discount show tickets, we got you covered below in our complete listing of Vegas show deals where you can save upwards of 75% off on select top-selling shows!

  CLICK HERE for 100+ Vegas Show Deals

How to Save Money on Las Vegas Hotels

Nightly hotel rates in Las Vegas are ridiculously affordable. You can easily find rooms on the Strip for as low as $22 a night. Yes you read that right.

And even if you decided to a little bit, you can still find 4-5 star hotels for less than $150 a night.

You just need to know where to look and how to book them.

Here are some surefire tips that will help you score some awesome Las Vegas hotel discounts and deals as well as get the cheapest rooms possible.

1. Join a Hotel’s Membership Program for Discounts

Every major hotel in Las Vegas offers a “gaming” club that you can join. With this you’ll get immediate access to discounted room rates and exclusive promotions and deals.

Here are all the programs that you can join:

• Caesars Rewards
• MGM Rewards
• Wynn Insider (or Red Card)
• Grazie Loyalty Program

2. Visit Midweek

Las Vegas room rates are absurdly cheap Monday-Thursday, with Tuesday and Wednesday generally being the cheapest.

3. For Weekend Getaways, Come Saturday-Monday

Sure the clubs may not be as bumping on Sunday or Monday, but if you’re looking to come to Vegas for other reasons, this is generally the cheapest way to visit. Even though you’re paying a premium price on Saturday night, you’ll notice a significant drop on Sunday’s room rate. Plus, flying out on a Monday is cheaper than Sunday.

4. Keep an Eye on the Convention Calendar

Vegas is the convention capital of America. Every week there’s something going on. Whether if it’s a small business convention or CES, it’s almost guaranteed that there’s going to be a conference during the week you visit. So in order to save some money on your hotel rate and vacation as a whole, be sure to come during times that aren’t during any major Vegas conventions.

Check out the Las Vegas Convention Calendar .

5. Avoid Fight Weekends (or the Super Bowl)

Unless you’re coming to watch the fight, try to avoid big sporting events and music festivals.

Check out the fight schedule here .

6. If Military (or Veteran), Get a Military Discount on Room Rates

Almost every major hotel on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond (including those near Fremont Street) offer military discounts . Expect to save anywhere from 10-20% on your entire stay.

For the complete listing of Las Vegas military discounts, check out this awesome list of over 115 discounts! !

7. Save up to 35% if You’re a First Responder

First Responders which includes EMT, firefighters, and police officers can save 10% off their stay at at of the Caesars properties .

For the complete list of Vegas first responder hotel discounts, check out this guide .

8. Save 10% if You’re a Teacher

If you’re a teacher, you can save 10% off your entire stay at any of the Las Vegas  Caesars properties .

9. Get a 10% Discount if You’re a Student

Students can save 10% on their room rates at any of the Caesars properties .

10. Take Advantage of AAA Member Discounts

AAA members can save 10% on MGM Mirage Properties.

11. Take Advantage of Local Resident Rates

If you live in Nevada, there are actually quite a few hotels that offer special packages and discounts for locals. Just check the “Offers” page on any hotel that you’re considering for more details.

12. Compare Rates for all Hotels in Your Budget

Using sites like Booking.com ,  Expedia , and TripAdvisor allows you to get the best idea on how much you’ll be paying while also getting an idea of what past guests have to say about their recent stays. Or better, check out Vegas.com for hotel specials and deals.

13. Do Your Research

Not all hotels in Las Vegas are created the same. The difference in quality from a 4 star and a 5 star is very noticeable. The same goes with a 3 and 4 star. My advice, check out each hotel’s website , watch YouTube videos, read TripAdvisor reviews, and compare amenities.

14. Research Resort Fees

Almost every major hotel on or near the Las Vegas Strip has resort fees . These fees can range from $20-32 a night. And the worst part about it is that it’s not initially included in the hotel price. You’ll only get the true total once you start the room booking process.

Thankfully there are a few hotels that don’t charge a resort fee meaning that you’ll only need to add tax to your room rate. Here they are:

• Alexis Park All Suite Resort
• Arizona Charlie’s Decatur
• Arizona Charlie’s Boulder Highway
• Casino Royale Best Western Plus
• Eastside Cannery
• Four Queens
• Fremont hotel and casino
• Main Street Station
• Wyndham Grand Desert

15. Use Your Marriott Rewards to Stay at the Cosmopolitan

Did you know that the Cosmopolitan is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection and that you can use your Marriott Rewards points to book a room there? It’s true! Plus, you can even combine your points and cash to book your room.

16. Share Your Room

This is almost a no brainer. The more people you can squeeze into a room, the cheaper your cut will be.

17. If Your Resort Experience Has Been Poor, Complain

If your room is dirty or you had a bad experience at a hotel’s restaurant, be sure to complain (respectfully).

Chances are you’ll get an apology as well as some nice perks such as a resort credit, show tickets, drinks, vouchers, etc.

18. Stay in the Middle of the Strip

Staying in the middle of the Strip doesn’t mean you’ll find cheaper hotel rates (although most of the cheaper hotels are there), it’s mainly just a better way for you to save money and time when trying to get around the city.

By staying in the main hub area (anywhere between Caesars Palace, City Center, Planet Hollywood, and the Flamingo) you’ll save money by taking less or shorter taxi rides as well as have closer access to cheaper eateries on the Strip.

Heck, you can basically walk from hotel to hotel if you stay in these hub hotels:

• Harrah’s
• Bally’s
• Paris Las Vegas
• Planet Hollywood
• The Cromwell
• Cosmopolitan
• Caesars Palace

19. Always Check out the Promotions/Specials Tab on Hotel Websites

Before you add in your dates on the hotel’s website, be sure to check out their Vegas hotel deals and promotions page. Here, you’ll find any cool promotions that the hotel is running such as free buffet passes, 40% discounts, two free show tickets, free nightclub line passes, etc.

20. If the Strip Isn’t for You, Stay in Downtown Las Vegas

This is the real, genuine Las Vegas that was once the norm before the Strip came along. Here you’ll find really cheap resort room rates as well as cheap eats.

A couple of the more popular ones include:

Golden Nugget

And if Downtown Las Vegas feels a little too sketchy for you, you can alway stay a few blocks off the Strip at one of these hotels:

• Palms Casino Resort
• Rio Las Vegas

Here are some of the best cheap hotels that will still make you feel like a high roller based on your budget:

These hotels are pretty cheap but the overall look and feel of the hotel is still better than any Motel 6. Rates are under $70 a night. Plus, some are even pet-free .

• Tropicana Hotel and Casino

These hotels are the most popular ones on the Strip but they truly have that awesome Vegas feel to them. Rates are under $150 a night.

• Venetian Las Vegas
• Treasure Island
• New York New York
• SLS Las Vegas
• Mandalay Bay

High Roller

These are the best of the best. 5 star resorts with 4 stars pricing. These luxurious hotels are unlike any of the one’s you’d find elsewhere in Las Vegas. Rates are under $200 a night.

• Wynn Las Vegas
• Encore Las Vegas
• Mandarin Oriental
• Trump Las Vegas
• Vdara (non-gaming, non-smoking)

Super High Roller

These super luxurious hotels are usually smaller “hotels” within a hotel. From stellar service and limo transportation to free beverages/snacks and breathtaking suites, these world-renown resorts offer the best bang for your buck, if world-class service is something you desire.

• Aria Sky Suites
• Aria Tower Suites
• Wynn Tower Suites
• Encore Tower Suites

And lastly, if you’re really looking to book a room that would cost you at least $5,000 a night in any other major city, you should check out the SkyLofts at MGM Grand.

From coupons and deals, to clever restaurant hacks and timing, here’s how you can save money at Las Vegas restaurants during your visit:

21. Take Advantage of Las Vegas Restaurant Deals

For awesome restaurant deals and coupons be sure to check out these three site’s Las Vegas restaurant discounts page:

• DestinationCoupons

22. Dine on the Pre-Theater Menu

Generally, most restaurants inside hotels that have a nightly show will run a pre-theater prixe-fix menu.

You’ll get great quality food and a really cheap price.

And best of all, you don’t need to be going to a show or present a show ticket to dine off of this special.

Check out this listing for all the Las Vegas restaurants that offer pre-theater menus.

23. Go During Happy Hour

Cheap drinks at eats with generally emptier crowds. What more can you ask.

Check out this listing for all the Strip restaurants and bars that offer happy hour specials.

24. Go During Reverse Happy Hour

Although most restaurants in Las Vegas stop serving food by 11 pm, there are still quite a few places that will offer a reverse happy hour where you can find super cheap drink and eats.

Here are some places for Reverse Happy House:

• RA Sushi at the Fashion Show Mall
• Buffalo Wild Wings near the Elara
• Seafood Shack at Treasure Island
• Press Lounge at the Mandalay Bar
• Sushisamba in the Grand Canal Shoppes
• Holstein’s in the Cosmopolitan
• Rockhouse at the Venetian
• Hofbrauhaus off the Strip
• Unami Burger at the SLS

25. Eat at Resort Buffets

Why pay $30 a person at a restaurant when you can pay $25 for all you can eat food and drinks?

For the best bang for your buck, eating at a buffet can help you save money without cutting out food quality.

Heck some of the these buffets serve 5 star quality food.

Here’s some of my favorites that’ll give you the best bang for your buck:

• Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan
• Wynn Buffet at the Wynn Las Vegas
• Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace
• Studio B at the M Resort
• Carnival World and Seafood Buffet at the Rio

And lastly, here’s a buffet that’s pretty expensive ($90 a person) but includes unlimited lobster tails, filet mignon, king crab legs, Perrier-Joust (usually $25 a glass), and caviar:

• Sterling Brunch at Bally’s (offered only on the Saturday and Sunday)

26. Vegas Buffet Hack: Go to a Buffet During a Transition Period

Most major buffets including Bacchanal and Wynn Buffet are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

And the pricing for each varies significantly.

For example at the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars (#1 ranked buffet in Vegas), breakfast/brunch is $38 a person and dinner is $55 a person. Brunch runs from 7:30 am to 3 pm and dinner starts at 3 pm.

The Vegas buffet hack is to come to the buffet around 2:30 to get brunch prices. Then as you’re eating slowly, all the brunch food is being swapped out for dinner food.

So basically you’ll be dining at the dinner buffet at brunch prices .

It’s awesome!

27. Join Hotel Gaming Reward Programs

Most if not all major resorts in Vegas offer a gaming program where you can earn rewards and benefits including buffet line passes, discounts at restaurants, and more.

These 2 offer some of the best benefits:

28. Eat at the Hotel Food Court

Some hotels in Vegas actually have a food court where you can find cheap eats from restaurants that you’ll typically find at your mall.

If food is something you’re not looking to splurge on then hotel food courts are usually your best bet.

Here are the best Las Vegas hotel food courts:

• Fashion Show Mall
• Miracle Mile Shops (not really a food court but there are tons of fast casual restaurants throughout)

29. Skip Room Service

Sure it’s convenient but room service in Vegas is absurdly expensive.

If money is tight, the only time you should order room service is if your room actually comes with complimentary room service (such as a few room packages at the Wynn and Encore do).

30. Ask for a Military Discount (or Student Discount)

Some restaurants in Las Vegas offer military discounts that can range from 10-30%.

For the complete listing of restaurants, check out these Las Vegas restaurant military discounts .

Plus, for restaurant student discount, check out this guide .

31. Eat a Big Breakfast or Dinner

One thing that’s I’ve notice about Vegas is that there are a lot of delicious things to snack and munch on during the day.

That’s why usually when I go, I tend to either go to a breakfast buffet, snack during lunch, and eat an average sized dinner.

Not only does this help save me money (since breakfast is usually the cheapest meal especially at buffets), but it essentially allows me to skip lunch at any costs associated with it.

This won’t work for everyone but I thoroughly enjoy implementing this tip.

32. Share or Split Meals

There’s nothing easier than going to a restaurant and splitting an appetizer or entree.

Some places (like some of the one’s below) have generous portions, making it easier for you to dine for 2 for under $20.

If you’re looking for cheap yet delicious food, then this listing is just for you.

Here are the best cheap Las Vegas restaurants that you can still enjoy a quality meal at without breaking the bank:

• Tom’s Urban near New York New York – generic American fare with huge portions
• White Castle near Casino Royale – classic mini burgers
• Shake Shack at the LINQ  – burgers and shakes
• Unami Burger at the SLS – unique twist on burgers
• Five50 Pizza at the Aria – huge pizza slices cooked in a 550 degree brick oven
• Anchor Bar at the Venetian – cheap eats and drinks
• Double Barrel Saloon at the Monte Carlo – awesome happy hour food and drink specials
• Yard House at the LINQ  – expansive beer menu which delicious food options
• Olives at the Bellagio (Lunch) – possibly the best bang for your buck in terms of food quality
• Grand Lux a the Palazzo – great deals and expansive menu that’ll satisfy everyone
• BLT Burger at the Mirage – juicy burgers and shakes
• Beijing Noodle No. 9 – freshly made Chinese noodles at a bargain
• Table 10 at the Palazzo – get the mac and cheese
• Cabo Wabo at the Miracle Mile Shops- $2 street tacos during happy hour
• Serendipity 3 at Caesar’s Palace – frozen hot chocolate and huge portions
• Milo’s at the Cosmopolitan – popular lunch prixe-fix menu
• Mon Ami Gabi at Paris (B reakfast)  – great food and even better views
• Hash House a Go Go at the LING and Rio All Suites – biggest portion sizes I’ve ever seen
• Holstein’s at the Cosmopolitan – good burgers and spiked milkshakes

Feel free to share any of your favorite cheap Vegas restaurants that you believe should be added to this list by leaving a comment below.

How to Eat at 5 Star Restaurants on a One Star Budget

Las Vegas restaurants are the busiest between 8-10 pm, which makes it harder to score a table.

Thankfully, most of these restaurants will run a pre-theater or happy hour menu between 4-7 pm.

You’ll still get the same amazing quality meal, just at a cheaper price.

Here are some 5 star restaurants that you can eat at quite “affordably.” I say “affordably” because you’ll still be paying anywhere from $50-$90 per person but the quality of these restaurants can easily run you $200 or more in any other major city.

• L’Atelier Joel Rubuchon at the MGM Grand
• Picasso at the Bellagio
• Andreas at the Encore
• Bazaar Meat at the SLS
• Carnevino at the Venetian
• Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace
• Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Las Vegas
• Jean Georges Steakhouse at the Aria
• Twist by Pierre Gagniere at the Mandarin Oriental

You should also consider getting one of these restaurants credit cards that’ll help you save money on your dining costs.

Heck one of these cards helped me eat at a 5 star restaurant for FREE .

P.S. Don’t forget to make reservations. These restaurant apps should help .

If there’s one thing you need to do in Las Vegas, it’s experience a show.

From magic and comedy to world class acrobats and headliners, there’s a show for everyone.

The only downside is that some of these shows come at a hefty price.

Thankfully there are a number of ways that you can save money and score cheap Las Vegas show tickets.

Here’s how:

33. Tix 4 Tonight

These booths, located at the Fashion Show Mall, Circus Circus, Town Square, Planet Hollywood, and Bally’s Grand Bazaar Shops offers tickets for that night for 50% off .

Just be sure to get there early because it can get extremely busy!

For all Tix 4 Tonight booth locations and shows, check out their website .

34. Book Online

The best place to score cheaper show tickets is to purchase tickets on the shows official website.

Generally you find the cheapest prices and you can avoid any convenience fees by printing them at home.

35. Always Check the Promotions Tab on the Website

Every show that’s located in a resort is almost guaranteed to have an ongoing special offer.

Just be sure to click on the “Offers” tab under their show list to find exclusive, deals, promotions, offers, and discounts.

36. Book Through a Third Party

Using third-party Las Vegas travel sites can help you score some of the cheapest show ticket deals in town.

Here are some of the sites you should check out:

• MDC Las Vegas (50% off all show tickets!)
• Vegas Tickets
• Vegas.com Show Deals
• LasVegas.com

37. Hotel Guests Can Get Discounted Show Tickets

Some shows offer discounts to guest staying on property. Just be sure to call your respective hotel and ask about any hotel guest show ticket rates.

38. Take Advantage of Student and Military Discounts

Some shows including all of the Cirque du Soleil Shows (except “O”) and shows on MGM properties offers military discounts. You can book these military discounted show tickets HERE .

Plus some shows will even offer student discounts as long as you have your student ID.

Blue Man Group tends to have the best student discount offer out of all the big production shows in Vegas.

Here are all the shows that you can get 50% off in Las Vegas!

Just make sure to book through the links below to score this awesome deal!

Vegas! The Show

The #1 Vegas show that features showgirls, incredible dancing acts, memorable Vegas icons and headliners, and so much more!  Save 50% Here

V – The Ultimate Variety Show

Experience some of the coolest, most unique acts in all of Vegas including some popular stars from the hit show, America’s Got Talent!  Save 50% Here

• Zombie Burlesque

Not you normal burlesque show. The kicker, the dancers are all Zombies! It’s a super fun show!  Save 50% Here

Recycled Percussion

You’ve seen them on America’s Got Talent, and now you get to watch these talented musicians make music from some of the most unique objects.  Save 50% Here

The Mentalist

Incredible magic, mind reading, and comedy from one of the best mentalists in Las Vegas.  Save 50% Here

Beatleshow Orchestra

A fun and entertaining Beatles tribute show that features only live hits!  Save 50% Here

All Shook Up

“The King” is alive and he’s back in Las Vegas at this hot new Elvis Presley tribute show.  Save 50% Here

Aussie Hunks

As seen on Australia’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance, these guys will dance the night away.  Save $10 Here

Hitzville The Show

Experience the very best of Motown featuring tributes to Moto’s biggest superstars and their biggest hits, all performed live.  Save 50% Here

Las Vegas Live Comedy Club

Check out some of the best comedians fro across the nation including comics who’ve performed on Showtime, HBO, and comedy central.  Save 50% Here

Marc Savrard Comedy Hypnosis

“The funniest show EVER” – Watchas Marc Savard, hypnotize audience volunteers to do unspeakable things.  Save 50% Here

Nathan Burton Comedy Magic

As seen on America’s Got Talent, Nathan Burton is quite possibly the best daytime show in Las Vegas.  Save 50% Here

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater

An amazing and cute cast of housecoats, dogs, parrots, geese, and mice.  Save 50% Here

Stripper 101

Las Vegas’ number one pole dancing class where you can learn sexy moves from real Las Vegas strippers.  Save $10 Here

For exclusive access to Las Vegas show discounts and deals, be sure to check out the list below!

From magic and comedy to headliners and Cirque du Soleil, these are the best cheap shows in Las Vegas:

Cirque du Soleil

Here are the best affordable Cirque du Soleil shows that you must see in Las Vegas:

• Beatles LOVE

Here are the best cheap magic shows in Las Vegas:

• Nathan Burton’s Comedy Magic (daytime)
• Criss Angel’s Mindfreak
• Penn and Teller
• David Copperfield
• Piff the Magic Dragon

Here are the best overall shows in Las Vegas that’ll give you the most bang for you buck:

• Blue Man Group
• VEGAS! The Show
• Absinthe  (use the code 20AMP to save $20)
• V Variety Show

Headliners and Music

• Olivia Newton John
• Rock of Ages
• Donnie and Marie
• Million Dollar Quartet
• Jersey Boys
• Menopause the Musical
• Terry Fator

Here are the best comedy shows in Las Vegas

• Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis (21+)
• Mac King Comedy Magic Show
• Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis
• X Burlesque
• Chippendales
• Magic Mike Live

If you didn’t party at one of Las Vegas’ world famous nightclubs, did you really go to Vegas?

And as expensive as some Vegas clubs can get, there are some clever ways to save money while also partying like a rockstar.

39. Get the V Card

This is by far one of the the best VIP experiences in all of Vegas. With the V CARD NIGHTLIFE PASS , there’s no lines, no cover, and most importantly, you’ll get free VIP access to over 31 nightclub’s, day clubs, and strip clubs.

With this card, you’ll get a valid one time use free admission at these participating venues:

• Hyde Bellagio
• Voodoo Lounge
• Sapphire Pol
• Hustler Club

Just to name a few.

SPECIAL OFFER :  Click here to save 50% off the V Card pass!

40. Ladies, Talk to the Club Promoters to Get Free Entry to Clubs

If you can, try to find a club promoter handing out free club vouchers. These guys job is to get as many girls in the clubs as possible so if you can, reach out to them to get yourself on the list as well as get free entry for you and your squad.

You’ll typically see these guys on the street or the pedestrian walkways wearing a club’s t shirt.

41. Reach Out to VIP Hosts on Instagram and Twitter

These guys will typically get you onto the list as long as you text or call them by 8 pm to confirm your spot.

Just search for “VIP hosts in Vegas” on Twitter, and you’ll find plenty.

42. If You’re a Group of Girls, Ask Your Host if Any Guy Tables Are Looking for Girls

Once you do find a Las Vegas promoter , be sure to ask them if they have any groups of guys looking for girls to hang out with them.

This can work two ways:

• They’ll pair you with the guy group in line that way you can both get in quickly
• They’ll send you to the guy group’s table

Either way, they’re both a win win.

43. Get Into a Nightclub for Free by Eating at Their Restaurant

Some restaurants in Las Vegas are also associated with a particular club meaning that if you dine there, you’ll get free access to the nightclub.

Here are some places that do this:

• Dine at Tao or Lavo at the Venetian and you’ll get access to their clubs
• Dine at Adrea’s at Encore and you’ll get entrance to Surrender

44. To Save Money on Drinks, Play Slots on the Casino Floor

I got this tip from Nomadic Matt . To save money on drinks, pop a squat on a penny or nicely slot machine and play slowly. In no time a waitress will come around providing you with free drinks. Be sure to drink quickly and tip nicely and you’ll be on your way to at least 5 free drinks.

Then you can head to the nightclub without having to pay those ridiculous drink prices.

45. Bring Your Room Key for Discounted Room Entry and Shorter Lines

Some hotels have their own clubs meaning that if you’re a hotel guest, you can get discounts as well as wait in your own special line (which is usually shorter than the normal one).

46. Have a 2:1 Girl-Guy Ratio for Free Entry (or Quick Entrance)

The best way to ensure that your group gets into a club as quick as possible is to have a 2:1 girl guy ratio. The more girls you have in your group, the better the chance you’ll get in.

Plus, there’s even a higher chance that you won’t have to pay a cover.

And even if you don’t come to Vegas with a mixed group, you can always make friends in the nightclub line or even at the pools beforehand and go inside the nightclub together.

47. If You Have a Large Group of Guys, Get Bottle Service

As expensive and pricey as bottle service is, it’s honestly one of the best an possible even most affordable ways for a large group of guys (with no girls) to get into a club.

From amazing service and attention, to drinks, and private seating areas, who doesn’t want to live like royalty for a night?

For a party of 6 to 8, expect to pay a least $200 per person which also includes taxes and gratuity.

48. If You Don’t Have a Table, Arrive by 10 pm

Club lines fill up fast so to make sure you get in, be sure to arrive as early as you can.

49. Follow the Dress-Code

And last but not least, be sure to follow the dress code to ensure that you won’t get denied at the door.

Wear this and you’ll be good.

Just like everything else in Vegas, attractions are expensive.

Thankfully there are quite a few ways that you can experience some of the coolest and best Las Vegas attractions without spending a fortune.

50. Get the Las Vegas Explorer Pass

The Las Vegas Explorer Pass allows you to visit 3 to 5 of the most popular Las Vegas attraction for one low price. All you need to do is choose 3 or 5 out of the 25 popular Vegas attractions listed and just present your pass at the ticketing area. It’s so easy!

It only costs $75 for 3 choices or $109 for 5 choices.

Some of the attractions you get access to with the pass include:

• High Roller Observation Wheel (gate price: $23)
• Madame Tussauds (gate price: $26)
• Hoover Dam Tour (gate price: $40)
• Stratosphere Observation Deck Plus VIP Access (gate price: $36)
• VEGAS! The Show (gate price: $95)

Just to name a few…

Get your  Explorer Pass here and save 55%!

51. Print or Download Coupons for Popular Attractions

Almost every popular paid attraction in Las Vegas offers a discount or better, has a coupon. The hardest part is just trying to find them. Thankfully, there are quite a few awesome websites that offer attraction coupons and discounts.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

• Smart Destinations
• DestinationCoupons.com
• Las Vegas Leisure Guide

52. Visit Free Attractions

There are actually quite a few cools things to do in Las Vegas that are 100% free. See below for the complete list of the best free Las Vegas attractions..

Here are all the best free things to do and see in Las Vegas that you must add to your Vegas bucket list.

From free outdoor shows to amazing art galleries and wildlife exhibits, you can find plenty of great free things to do in Las Vegas throughout the Strip and beyond.

So with that being said, let’s jump straight to the best Vegas freebies!

The Aquarium at the Silverton

A 117,000 gallon saltwater aquarium that showcases over 4000 exotic fish and sea life.

Bellagio Conservatory

Elegant arrangements of plants and flowers in a beautiful atrium. It’s truly breathtaking.

CBS Television Research Center

Help the folks at CBS decide which shows they should put on the air and which ones they need to scrap.

Circus Acts

At the Circus Circus hotel, you can watch death defying stunts by unicyclists and acrobats high above the casino floor at the world’s largest permanent circus.

Drink For Free…Kinda

Okay, so you’ll never get free drinks in Las Vegas. However, drinks on  most casino floors are complimentary. The kicker is that you need to be gambling to get some. Just be sure to tip your waitress well and the free drinks will be flowing.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Free admission to this world famous chocolate factory which allows visitors a behind the scenes look at the chocolate making process including free samples.

Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Palace

An animatronic display that features the fall of ancient Rome and Atlantis.

Fremont Street Experience

Enjoy a free, jaw dropping light show on the world’s largest video screens. It’s truly one of a kind.

Fountains of Bellagio

Possible the most popular free attraction in all of Las Vegas. Watch as the dancing fountains sing and dance to a world famous soundtrack.

Check out the world’s largest golden nugget. At 61 pounds of pure gold, the “Hand of Faith” can only be found at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Downtown LV.

Gold and Silver Pawn Shop

If you love Pawn Stars then you must visit the real Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Downtown Las Vegas.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

A sweet 2 story Hershey’s chocolate store that includes Hershey apparel, merchandise, baked goods, and most importantly, candy!

The LINQ Promenade

A shopping, dining, and entertainment mecca featuring some of the more popular and unique restaurant chains from across the nation.

M&M World

Let your tastebuds explore one of the largest M&M candy selections in the world.

Palazzo Waterfall Atrium

A beautiful waterfall that’s becoming one of the more popular photo spots in Las Vegas. Learn more about the Palazzo here .

The Park at New York New York

An outdoor promenade that features dining, entertainment, and nightclub activities in cool and artsy environment.

Shopping Malls

Shopping of course costs money, but believe it or not, many of the malls in Las Vegas are great places to walk around, window-shop, and most importantly, escape the heat.

Favorites include:

• Grand Canal Shoppes
• Miracle Mile Shops
• Forum Shops at Caesar
• Grand Bazaar Shops at the Bally’s

Streetmosphere

Fun entertainment and drama displays throughout the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian.

Volcano Eruption

Every evening at the Mirage, guests can watch as the Mirage volcano explodes in a choreographed display.

Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

If you went to Las Vegas and didn’t get a picture with this world famous sign, did you really go?

Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo

Take an in depth look at a bright display of flamingos, pheasants, ducks, ducks and swans.

Here are some of the best cheap attractions in Las Vegas that you can do for less than $20 .

These are not to be missed!

High Roller Observation Wheel

Experience the world’s tallest observation wheel . At 520 feet this wheel eclipses the world renown London Eye. This 30 minute experience will give you breathtaking views of Las Vegas and the Strip. Go during the day and you’ll only pay $18.

Big Apple Roller Coaster

Travel at speeds up to 67 mph while you’re looping, dropping, and twisting through the New York New York. And oh yeah, let’s not forget about those amazing views of the Strip.

Gondola Ride

No need to go the Venice to experience an authentic gondola ride with a serenading gondolier.

Neon Museum and Boneyard

Check out some of the most famous Vegas neon signs at their final resting place.

Eiffel Tower Experience

Incredible sight seeing from the Las Vegas sized mini Eiffel Tower. But don’t let it fool you, it’s still a great view.

Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

A beautiful exhibit that showcases white tigers, lions, and leopards (as well as dolphins).

Slotzilla Zip Line

Zip 850 feet across Fremont Street in this one of a kind experience.

Shark Reef at Mandaly Bay

Where else can you pet sting rays, eels, and crabs?

Getting around Las Vegas is actually quite easy.

Whether if you’re trying to get from one hotel to another, you’ll notice just how pedestrian friendly the city is.

However, there are times when you need to take a car to get to where you’re going because walking just won’t cut it (especially in that burning heat).

Thankfully there are a few great ways for you to get around the city without paying a fortune.

53. Don’t Rent a Car

Sure rental car rates aren’t that ridiculously expensive, but the thing that kills you are the parking garage fees. It’s almost not worth it.

54. Don’t Take a Taxi

With the emergence of ride-sharing services, Taxis are becoming more and more irrelevant. Not to mention how overpriced they are compared to Uber and Lyft.

55. Use Lyft

Using Lyft to get around the Strip is by far the cheapest option in Las Vegas. You can literally get from the Mandalay Bay to Wynn Las Vegas for less than $9. In a taxi, that’ll cost you at least $20.

Plus if you sign up using this code, you can get $5 off 10 separate rides.

• Get a free $10 ride credit

56. Use Uber

Just like Lyft, you can get around the strip at half the cost of a taxi. The biggest difference between using Lyft and Uber is the fact that you’ll find more Uber cars on the app than you would Lyft.

• Get you free ride here using UberAdamBryan .

57. Take the Monorail

For only $5 for a single ride ticket or $12 for an all day pass, you can get from SLS to the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Monorail .

Here are all the places the monorail stops:

• Las Vegas Convention Center
• Westgate Las Vegas

And if safety is a concern, there are several police K9 teams throughout the monorail to ensure your safety and security.

Use this site for Las Vegas Monorail coupons and discounts.

58. Use the Free Trams to Get Between Some Hotels

There’s a free tram between the Monte Carlo and Bellagio with stops at Crystals Shopping Mall and the Aria/Vdara.

This is a great free way to get from hotel to hotel without paying for a taxi or Uber .

Scoring a cheap flight to Vegas can be quite easy as long as you’re open to making a few adjustments here and there.

Here are some easy ways to save money on flights to Las Vegas:

59. Book Your Flight 47 Days in Advance

According to Thrillist , booking your ticket exactly 47 days before your tip is the best way to score the cheapest fare.

60. Use Kayak, Skyscanner, or Hipmunk

These sites will compare flight prices across every airline (except Southwest), thus finding you the cheapest flight to Las Vegas possible.

Here’s the sites:

61. Clear Your Browser’s Cookies

Airline websites use browser cookies to help track your flight searches. As a result, if you continue to check a flight price over and over again, chances are that the flight’s price will actually increase.

That’s why you should clear your browser’s cookie, or better, use an incognito window when shopping for flights.

62. Book from a “Fake” Location

Where a plane ticket is purchases can greatly affect pricing.

International flights are generally cheaper in countries with lower costs of living.

Here’s how booking from a “fake” location can make your flight to Vegas a lot cheaper.

To sum things up, it’s all about using international versions of websites, not the .COM variation.

63. Invest in Airline Credit Cards

If earning airline miles and points from everyday purchases is something that interest’s you, then you should definitely invest in an airline credit card like this awesome one .

The best part is that most, if not all, offer a special bonus incentive once you spend a certain amount of money within 3 months.

These bonus points are usually good for at least 1 or 2 roundtrip tickets.

With the Southwest Airlines credit card , you can literally earn 5 or more roundtrip tickets.

64. When in Doubt, Fly Southwest (and Use Points)

Aside from Frontier or Spirit, Southwest is generally the cheapest airline to fly to Las Vegas from the mainland U.S.

And in my opinion, it’s the best option because it has a secret weapon – Rapid Rewards.

Earning Southwest Rapid Reward Points are so easy that it should be illegal. In less than 3 months, you can find yourself with enough points in your account for 4 or more roundtrip tickets.

Here are some surefire Southwest Airlines hacks to help you save money while also earning free flights as soon and easy as possible.

65. Don’t Fly on a Friday

Instead fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. These are by far the cheapest days to fly if you’re will to travel midweek.

66. Leave Vegas on a Monday for Weekend Getaways

If you’re going to Vegas for a weekend getaway, chances are you’re playing hooky from work on friday, flying to Vegas instead, and staying until Sunday.

Unfortunately this is the most expensive time to go to Vegas.

The best way to do it is to fly into Vegas on a Saturday and leave on Monday .

You’ll notice cheaper airfare and a heck of a lot cheeper hotel rates.

67. If You Can, Take the Earliest or Latest Flight

This isn’t always the case for every airline, but for some, including Southwest , the earliest flight out or the last flight is generally the cheapest option.

Anytime between 5 am and 7 am, or after 8 pm will be the cheapest.

68. Fly In-Direct

If your money is more important than time then taking a flight that has stops in generally cheaper than a nonstop flight.

69. Mix and Math Airlines

Flying in to Las Vegas on one airline and flying out on another can actually save you a lot of money.

70. Fly From an Alternate Nearby Airport

If you happen to live in an area that has multiple airports, then you should consider checking flight prices from each.

For example if you live in Maryland, you have access to 3 nearby airpots – Ronald Reagan (DCA), Baltimore Washington (BWI), and Dulles (IAD). You’d be shocked at how different the airfare prices to Las Vegas are.

71. Sign Up For Your Favorite Airline’s Email Alerts

You’ll get weekly emails about any upcoming flight promotions or deals leaving from your local airport.

72. Carry On Your Bag

Unless you’re flying Southwest, chances are you’ll be paying a checked bagged fee.

That’s why I recommend doing 2 things – bring a carry-on and personal item.

Here are some of the best carry-on suitcases around.

73. Buy a Hidden City Ticket

This can be a huge gamble but if done correctly, it’ll pay huge dividends.

Let’s say you’re leaving from Orlando and you’re looking for a flight to Las Vegas.

You can use the hidden city trick by booking a cheap flight from Orlando to Phoenix with a layover in Las Vegas. Then all you need to do is get off the plane during your layover in Vegas.

BUT remember, this only works when you have a carry on bag.

Use Skiplagged to find hidden city flights.

How to Save Money in Vegas: Bonus Quick Tips

To add to our list, here are some additional insanely easy ways to save money in Las Vegas:

1 . Go to the nearby pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens for cheap snacks, toiletries, or most importantly, bottled water. Don’t buy the ones in the hotel because they are ridiculously overpriced.

2. Grab those coupon books you see in hotel lobbies. You’d be amazed at how many useful Vegas hotel, restaurant, and show coupons you’d find in those things.

3 . If flying into Las Vegas, grab the in-flight magazine for Las Vegas coupons.

4. Don’t gamble. As crazy as it may seem, the amount of people who go to Vegas and not gamble is quite significant. And just think about all that money you’d save. Sure you can win, but the odds are always against you.

5. And last but not least, stick to your budget. Vegas can get crazy. The last thing you’d want to do is leave thousands of dollars in the hole.

But hey if you use some of these insanely easy tips, you’re almost guaranteed to have the Vegas trip of a lifetime!

Thanks for reading! Hopefully this guide has shown you how to properly do Vegas on a budget without missing out on any glitz, glam, or luxury.

Please share this guide on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest.

Thanks and have a great trip!

More Travel

About Adam Bryan

Founder of Urban Tastebud focused on sharing awesome trip planning guides and information for the most popular and magical theme parks on earth.

Reader Interactions

October 19, 2017 at 9:07 am

Very helpful, Thanks

Yes, Las Vegas can be done on a tight budget — here's how

Fortunes are won and lost every day in Las Vegas . And I'm not just talking about at the casinos.

Some of the country's best restaurants have outposts in the city, and sky-high prices to match. Luxury boutiques line the resort shopping malls. And good tickets to a hit show or superstar concert are likely to set you back more than the cost of your hotel room.

But that doesn't mean that Vegas is only for high rollers.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Las Vegas was once known for its cheap steak dinners; buy one, get one free show tickets and a steady stream of complimentary booze. The theory was: Lure visitors into the casino and they will gamble away more than enough cash to subsidize those cheap meals.

Those deals still exist, but you're going to work just a little bit harder to score a 99-cent shrimp cocktail.

In 1999, when I turned 21, my college friend and I did a crazy cheap trip to Las Vegas. I flew a TWA red-eye and stayed at the cheapest room at Circus Circus, known still today as "The Manor House." It's really a motel next to the RV park, and the room rate included two free passes to the buffet.

On another trip, I booked an America West vacation package and stayed at Harrah's. The location was better but the room was far from glamorous.

Enough has been written about the free shows in Vegas: the Bellagio fountains, the Mirage volcano, the circus act at, well, Circus Circus. The same for hiking in Red Rock Canyon or driving to the Valley of Fire. Those are all great activities for your first or second trip to Vegas.

But I set out to see how, on my 19th trip to Sin City, I could find some new experiences without breaking the bank.

Taxis, Ubers and Lyfts in Las Vegas can be very expensive. ( Plus, they are sometimes hard to find .) And while walking is my normal way of seeing a city, temperatures in Las Vegas can easily top 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The massive casinos on the Strip might look close to each other, but they're actually pretty spread out.

Yes, there are free trams between a handful of resorts. And there are buses that run throughout the city. So, if you're on an extremely tight budget, that is the way to go.

For me, I've found that renting a car one-way to or from the airport makes a lot of sense. I'll either pick it up at a casino on my final full day, use it to explore and then return it to the airport the next morning, saving $30 on a taxi. Or, I do the opposite.

Many folks will think I'm crazy given the long shuttle ride to the airport rental center and because I'll need to fill up the car with gas. But for me, a one-day rental on a 72-hour Las Vegas trip is a nice trick.

If you have elite status with a casino chain, you can also park for free.

I've leveraged my Hyatt Globalist status to earn M Life Gold, allowing me to park for free at any of the MGM resorts.

A car gives you the flexibility to play $5 blackjack tables at casinos off the Strip or explore local restaurants. You can visit Fremont Street and favorite spots such as the Neon Museum. It's not right for everyone, but it's something I've started to do more often — especially on crowded weekends when there is often a long wait for a taxi.

Check out the pinball museum

There are plenty of flashing lights in this city. But only at the Pinball Hall of Fame can you actually take control of some of those bulbs yourself.

You'll find the massive museum (it fits into an aircraft hangar) just south of Mandalay Bay. It's got about 200 games, ranging from vintage to modern, and others that brought me back to my childhood in the 1980s.

And the best part? You can play some for just a quarter. A $5 bill kept me and my colleague occupied for nearly an hour. Consider the free parking, and it's a great experience for travelers on a budget.

Related: 12 things to do in Las Vegas when you don't want to gamble

Cheap meals in Las Vegas

When it comes time to eat, you generally have two choices: a fancy, over-the-top meal or the same fast food you get back home.

Las Vegas buffets used to be a steal, but prices have crept up along with the offerings. (Pro tip: If you arrive just as breakfast is ending, you pay the breakfast price and can stay as the restaurant transitions to lunch.)

But for good food at an even better price, eat like a local.

My favorite old-time Las Vegas haunt is The Original Omelette House.

It's the sort of spot that, when you see it from the outside, you think about getting back into your car and driving away. But trust me: stay. Ignore the strip mall filled with a liquor store, chiropractor's office and a vape shop.

Related: Getting to Las Vegas on points and miles

You can get a salad or a sandwich here but really, that's like ordering a steak at Long John Silvers. You just don't do it.

Instead, there are dozens of omelets you'll want to choose from. Just be warned, these are big omelets. The standard ones are made with six eggs. That's right, half a dozen eggs. Not a typo.

There was plenty after my meal for leftovers.

For a dollar less, you can get the so-called baby omelet made with just three eggs. (See, the price of that rental car is easily being paid off.)

If you're not willing to venture far off the Strip, there is the long-time steak special at Ellis Island. Yes, you have to join the loyalty program and do some gambling. But then you can get the steak for only $7.99. The casino describes it as a "10-ounce top sirloin steak served with ... potato or rice, garlic green beans and homemade soup or salad."

Also note that Ellis Island has $5 blackjack, something that fewer and fewer casinos offer anymore.

Cheap drinks in Las Vegas

Yes, everyone knows the trick to getting free booze while gambling. But you don't always want to sit at a slot machine or table to get an inexpensive drink.

Here's where you can take a little field trip on the Strip.

There's a CVS, Walgreens, Target and a convenience shop called ABC Stores all right between City Center and the MGM Grand caddy-corner to it.

Need a case of water in the desert? Cheap beer? Wine or liquor? You're all set.

These convenience stores are much more affordable than any bar in the casinos. And, as long as you're not carrying glass, you can drink whatever you want on the street.

The final tip here: Visit your resort's fitness center. Hang on, I'm not saying you need to work out (but after that six-egg omelet, it may not be a bad idea.) This is another place where you can often pick up bottles of water for free. You are already paying exorbitant resort fees, so you might as well get back every last penny.

Related: Advice for staying safe in Las Vegas

Casino loyalty programs and coupon books

Airlines, hotels and car rental agencies aren't the only companies to reward travelers for their loyalty.

Casinos offer their members discounted or free rooms, shows, meals and more. OK, don't expect a free room unless you gamble a fair amount. But discounts are pretty easy to come by.

Typically, you need to sign up in person — something that won't help you on your first trip to Las Vegas. However, if you have a local outpost of one of the big casino chains, sign up there and then try your luck at a discounted room.

For those who really want to dive into these programs, here's our complete guide .

Sometimes, there are promotions to sign up, especially at the smaller casinos. This could mean a free game or a match play, where the casino essentially doubles your bet. (It only helps if you win the hand, but can be a great boost.)

I recently earned a promotion through an online game, myVEGAS Slots, which is run by Playstudios and partners with several travel and entertainment companies for rewards, including MGM. It's a free online casino that I've wasted way, way too many hours at over the years. There are also plenty of free night offers for people who play the online game, but it's not an easy path to a cheap vacation.

Other ways to save in Vegas

Discounted show tickets.

You are not going to score a discounted ticket to the latest show in town.

But, if you want to see one of the lesser-known acts or a show that's been open for years, check out Tix4Tonight.

It is the Las Vegas answer to Broadway's TKTS: discounted show tickets that need to be purchased that day, in person, at one of the company's outlets.

Magic. Comedy. Vegas showgirls. You name it, and it might be on sale tonight. Or not. Like everything else in Vegas, it's a gamble, but one that usually pays out for deal seekers.

Related: The top 13 things to do in Las Vegas

Free slot machines

Some casinos still have a "free pull" at a slot machine. These machines have horrible odds but are usually flashy machines on the street to get you in. There are fewer and fewer of them today, but it's worth the wait in line and, hey, you never know.

Save on ATM fees

Finally, think about how much cash you might need during your trip to Las Vegas. If you do rent a car, go to a local branch of your bank and get cash there.

If not, consider carrying enough cash from home. During a recent trip to Sin City, I saw a $9.99 fee at the ATMs in the new Resorts World casino .

The house might always win at the slot machines, but you don't have to give away your money at the ATM too.

Feature photo by Davin G Photography / Getty Images.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Las Vegas Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

But there’s more to visiting Sin City than just the Strip. This city is home to a growing art scene, incredible shows, an amazing mix of restaurants, events, nearby hiking, and history. The downtown area is being revived, there’s so much good food here (did I mention that? lol), and friendly people.

This travel guide to Vegas can help you navigate the city on a budget and show you that there’s more to Vegas than the Strip.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Las Vegas

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Las Vegas

1. Take in a show

Vegas does entertainment better than anywhere else. You can find some of the best acts in the world here, from magic shows to comedy acts, circus performances to musicals. It’s often a good idea to book tickets with your accommodation as it can work out to be cheaper. Use Tix4Vegas (operated by Tix4Tonight) to find tickets for shows that night for up to 50% off. They have booths at Showcase Mall, Bally’s Grand Bazaar, and Casino Royale.

2. Experience Fremont Street

Fremont Street is where Vegas was born. The city’s first hotel opened up here in 1906, it became the city’s first paved street in 1925, and the first gaming license was issued to an establishment on Fremont in 1931. Today, Fremont Street offers a very different scene from the Strip, with dive bars, older casinos, and more of a New Orleans Bourbon Street vibe. It’s a great area for entertainment, people-watching, and cheap drinks. The Fremont Street Experience (FSE) on the western end of the street is a pedestrian mall with nightly light shows and street performances.

3. Splurge on a meal

Las Vegas has some of the best food in the world. With all that money flowing in, it is easy to see why. You can find every type of cuisine and every type of restaurant here, from Michelin-starred restaurants to gigantic, bottomless brunch buffets. A trip here isn’t complete without at least one fine dining experience. My favorite restaurants are Yellowtail (Bellagio), Lemongrass (Aria) The Peppermill, and Firefly.

4. Head to Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

Completed in 1936, the Hoover Dam is the country’s largest reservoir. Its massive curved wall towers 726 feet (221 meters) above bedrock and holds back over 9 trillion gallons of water in Lake Mead. It is an impressive feat of engineering, and the dam’s hydroelectric generators provide power to Nevada, Arizona, and California. This project was an important part of how the desert states of the Southwest were able to develop. The dam is free to see but the visitor center with its exhibits and observation deck costs $10 USD. A guided tour of the power plants and dam costs $30 USD. This will take you through the tunnels and you’ll get to ride the original elevator. You’ll visit the viewing platform and even get to see the massive Colorado River from inside the dam.

5. Visit the Neon Museum

This outdoor lot is brimming with the huge neon signs that once beckoned you into casinos like the Silver Slipper, Stardust, and El Cortez. The museum recently expanded and now features more signs, a park, and guided tours of their collection. For each sign, there are displays to read about its story and significance in Vegas history. Daytime admission is $20 USD and nighttime tours cost $25 USD. Make reservations in advance as this is a very popular attraction and it often sells out. The museum also offers “Neon Night Flights,” nighttime helicopter tours of Vegas’s neon lights (tickets start at $199 USD, which includes a guided tour and light show at the museum).

Other Things to See and Do in Las Vegas

1. take a trip to the grand canyon.

You can combine a trip to the Grand Canyon with an outing to Hoover Dam if you take one of the many coach tours (start around $110 USD). These take an entire day as the canyon isn’t that close to the city. Since they are over 250 miles (400 kilometers) away (a tour of the Canyon and Hoover Dam can easily take up to 14 hours). While I think the Grand Canyon deserves its own trip, if this is the closest you can get to it, a rushed visit is better than no visit. Tours with Get Your Guide take around 10 hours and cost $165 USD.

If possible, rent a car instead . That will give you more flexibility and will likely be cheaper if you can split a rental.

2. Explore Shark Reef Aquarium

As one of the most prestigious sea-life centers in the world, Shark Reef Aquarium is a must-see. Shark Reef tunnel, which is designed to look like a sunken ancient shipwreck, allows you to come face to face with over 2,000 species of sharks, sawfish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, and rare golden crocodiles. Holding over 1.3 million gallons, the aquarium’s main tank is one of the largest in North America. The aquarium is located in the Mandalay Bay Resort and tickets cost $29 USD for admission and a VR experience . There’s also an option to add the experience of feeding sharks or stingrays. Prices for the add-ons start at $65 USD.

3. See Vegas from The STRAT

Offering the best views of Vegas, The STRAT is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the US. If you’re feeling brave, consider trying the rides at the top. The aptly named X-Scream propels you headfirst 27 feet over the edge of the tower and leaves you hanging 850 feet in the air. Admission to the Sky Pod Observation Deck costs $20 USD. Adding a “Thrill Ride” is as little as $1 per ride, depending on the time of day, while Sky Jumps (think bungy jumping) start at $149 USD.

4. Hike Red Rock Canyon

If the bright lights of Vegas get too much for you, head out to Red Rock Canyon for a day of hiking. A road rings the canyon, and each trailhead has a parking lot where you can leave your car to go hike before driving to the next trailhead. At 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long, the Calico Tanks trail is the most popular in the area. You pass a natural water tank on the way, which leads up to a summit offering a great view of Las Vegas. Make sure to come early in the morning before it gets too hot, and bring a lot of water, a hat, and sunscreen. The entrance costs $20 USD per vehicle (or $5 USD if you’re a pedestrian), and the scenic loop is open from 6am to at least 5pm. Other popular trails worth checking out are the Ice Box Trail (2.6 miles/4 kilometers), Keystone Thrust (2.2 miles/3.5 kilometers), and the White Rock-Willow Spring Loop (4.4 miles/7 kilometers).

If you’d rather splash out than hik, helicopter tours over Red Rock last 2-3 hours and cost $239 USD.

5. Check out the Mob Museum

Las Vegas started with the mafia. Bugsy Segel built the Flamingo and, since then, the mob has controlled Vegas (see the movie Casino , which is based on a true story). With the rise of mega-resorts, the mob has less influence these days, however, there would be no Vegas without the mafia. This detailed, eye-opening museum showcases the history of the mob and Vegas. It’s super informative! Don’t miss The Underground, a speakeasy and distillery underneath the museum where you can try Prohibition-era cocktails with moonshine crafted on-site. Fun fact: my family used to be involved with the mob out in Vegas. Admission is $34.95 USD (save $10 USD on admission by buying “happy hour” tickets online and visiting after 5pm Sunday-Friday or before 11am on Saturday).

6. See the Mirage Volcano

Set to its own soundtrack, this man-made volcano erupts finely choreographed fireballs and smoke 100ft into the air from the waters below, turning the waterfall to molten lava. It’s located at the Mirage (on the Strip) and has been erupting since the hotel opened in 1989. The volcano show happens nightly at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, and 11pm. It’s one of the many free nightly displays on the Strip that hotels use to attract and captivate visitors.

7. Visit the Venetian

The Venetian Las Vegas is a luxury hotel, resort, and casino that, with a staggering 7,092 rooms, is the 2nd-largest hotel in the world. The architecture and construction of this casino are magnificent and one of the best on the Vegas Strip. While gondola rides are super cheesy, overpriced, and touristy (just like in Venice !), it’s worth spend some time walking through here. It’s super pretty and makes for a good stroll. Plus, it’s free!

8. Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show

The Bellagio resort offers a magnificent nightly light and water display set to music. The show has 4,792 lights and uses 1,214 water nozzles to send jets of water soaring as high as 460 feet (140 meters) across the 8.5-acre man-made lake in front of the hotel. I think it’s overhyped (probably due to Ocean’s 11 ), so while I wouldn’t make my night revolve around it as some people do, it’s worth seeing if you’re nearby. Check the Bellagio website for showtimes.

9. Hang out in Boulder City

Along the way to the Hoover Dam, this suburb offers a taste of local life in the area. Milo’s is the hot restaurant in this town. Check out the Public Art Scape, which consists of more than thirty unique sculptures spread throughout the town. You can also visit the free Hoover Dam Museum. It’s designed to give you a glimpse into the lives of the men and women who settled the town and built the dam during the Great Depression. Take a walk or bike along the Historic Railroad Trail that takes you through the tunnels and along the railroad bed that was used to move the materials needed to build the Hoover Dam. If you’re a golfer, there are a few courses around as well. There’s also a main street and some shopping you can do. Strolling around this quiet little community is a nice contrast to the crowds of Vegas.

10. Go golfing

There are many golf courses in Vegas, including Shadow Creek, considered one of the best and most expensive courses in the world (it costs $1000 – $1,250 USD to golf here). If you aren’t a member of any local clubs, many of the casinos can arrange day passes. You can find tee times starting at $30 USD per person on weekdays.

11. Get artistic at First Friday

On the first Friday of every month, the downtown area fills up with exhibits and displays from local artists during First Friday. It’s free and a great way to get a sense of the local art scene as well as mix with locals. The event hosts live music, food trucks, and vendors selling their various creations. It’s a great way to see what life looks like for the people who live and work in Las Vegas. Be sure also to check out Arts District 18B, the arts center of Las Vegas, which is home to cool bars, shops, galleries, and more.

12. Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame

If you’ve got nostalgia for the vintage-style pinball machines of your childhood arcade days, visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame (near the Strip) is a must. After moving to a new location in 2021, this museum now spans 25,000 square feet and is dedicated entirely to classic pinball games. Admission is free, though playing the games does cost money. Make sure you bring lots of quarters!

13. Come for the Life is Beautiful Festival

Life is Beautiful is a huge music and arts festival that takes place every September in downtown Las Vegas. You get all the big-name musicians, but there’s also lots of unique entertainment – Bill Nye and Rosario Dawson are just two of the festival’s past guests. Plus, the whole downtown core gets transformed into an open-air art gallery as street artists make the city their canvas. Even if you’re visiting after the festival is over, you still get to appreciate these artworks.

14. Check out the Arts Factory

Located in the Arts District downtown, the Arts Factory is a stark contrast to the glitz and glam of the Strip. Inside this 50-year-old warehouse, you’ll find galleries, studios, and all kinds of live art events (poetry readings, plays, etc.). While First Friday is the most active time to visit, you can really visit anytime. The exhibitions are always changing so there’s always something new going on. Check their website for an up-to-date schedule. It’s free to visit too.

15. Have fun at Area15

This immersive entertainment complex is hard to describe. It’s kind of like an indoor theme park and performance venue and retail center all rolled into one. There are events and performances (live music, drag shows), as well as dance party events with DJs. There are bars inside (including a bar and arcade combined) as well as several games and activities (like ax throwing). In short, it’s a huge complex with all kinds of weird and wonderful things to do. It’s free to enter, and then you pay for whatever activities you want to do. If you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night after 10pm, book your activities in advance, as otherwise, you’ll have to pay $10 USD to get into the complex.

Las Vegas Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are currently only a couple of hostels in Vegas. During peak season, a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm room starts at $45 USD. For a room with 8 beds or more, expect to pay around $40 USD. During the off-season, a bed in a room with 8 beds or more costs around $30 USD a night, and a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm is about $40 USD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and both hostels here have kitchens for cooking your own meals. Neither offers private rooms.

Budget hotel prices – You can find tons of cheap budget hotel options in Vegas near the Strip or downtown. Budget two-star hotels start around $90 USD in peak season and $65 USD off-peak when you factor in resort fees which usually add around $30 per night to the listed price.

There are lots of Airbnb options in Vegas, but not many are located near the Strip. Plus, there are so many high-end hotels offering low prices, you don’t really need to consider Airbnb. A private room starts around $60 USD per night while entire homes/apartments start at $100 USD. Expect to pay double (or triple) if you don’t book early.

Food – You can find everything in Vegas, from comfort food to international eats, fast food to luxury plates. It’s all here. In Chinatown, not far from the Strip, you’ll find traditional dim sum and plenty of reasonably priced places to get a good meal. One of the great things about Las Vegas is you can find food at all hours, especially in the main tourist areas.

If you’re on a budget, you can find cheap eats in Vegas at hotels and casinos where there are buffets costing $25-35 USD. While not exactly cheap, you can really fill up on food here and likely skip a meal later.

Towards the middle of the Strip near Horseshoe, there are a number of cheap chain restaurants like Chipotle, McDonald’s, and Subway where you can find cheap fast food. Slices of pizza go for about $6 USD and you can find burgers for $10 USD. Chinese takeout is $12-15 USD for a combination plate, which includes an entree, egg roll, and rice.

Vegas has lots of mid-range dining options, especially around downtown and Fremont Street. You can dine out for $15-20 USD per main course, including meat and pasta dishes.

A beer costs about $5-8 USD (but if you want to really save money, grab a beer from a corner store for less than $5 USD — you can drink on the street here). A glass of wine is $11-14 USD (at least). Cocktails are $13-16 USD in a restaurant or cocktail bar, but there are plenty of places to find cheap drinks around the Strip and Fremont, especially during happy hours.

A latte/cappuccino costs around $5.50 USD while bottled water is around $2 USD.

Vegas has some of the best high-end dining restaurants in the world, and you really should splurge on at least one good meal. You can get a prix-fixe three-course meal starting around $100 USD and can spend more than $500 for a meal in this city! But you can also get really delicious meals with two courses for about $55 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay $50-65 USD per week for groceries including pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Two of my favorite restaurants here are Lotus of Siam and Esther’s Kitchen.

Backpacking Las Vegas Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Vegas, expect to spend $80 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, using public transportation to get around, cooking your own meals, limiting your drinking, and doing free activities like the fountain shows and wandering Fremont. If you plan on drinking, add at least $10-20 USD to your budget per day.

A mid-range budget of $195 USD per day covers staying in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eating out most of your meals at cheap restaurants, enjoying the occasional buffet, having a few drinks, gambling a bit, and doing some paid attractions such as seeing Hoover Dam or going to a concert.

On a “luxury” budget of $405 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel on the Strip, eat out at mid-range restaurants, drink more, see more shows, and rent a car to go on a trip to the Grand Canyon. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Las Vegas Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

You can visit Las Vegas on a budget if you’re mindful of your spending. However, you can easily burn through money really, really quickly here if you aren’t careful (two drinks at the bar could cost you $40 USD!). Here are some ways to stay on a budget in Vegas:

• Skip the weekend – Most people visit Las Vegas on a Friday or Saturday and stay for the weekend, which means this is the most expensive time to visit. By visiting the city during the week, you can enjoy significantly reduced room rates and restaurant prices.
• Gamble responsibly – It’s Vegas, so of course, you want to risk a few dollars in a casino. Just don’t go wild. Only gamble what you can comfortably afford to lose because the house always wins.
• Get comps – If you’re gambling, casinos often reimburse some of your losses in the form of meals, discounted show tickets, and rooms. Make sure to ask about these!
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel. There’s nothing better than free accommodation and most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free. This post can help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
• Use coupons – Coupons are almost a currency in Las Vegas; casinos give you a book of them when you sign up for a (free) players card, and you can find 2-for-1 offers on meals in restaurants on the Strip.
• Don’t pay cabs with a credit card – Many taxis charge a $3 USD service charge when you pay with a credit card. Avoid the charge by paying cash.
• Eat at the buffet – To fill up on food, stick to the all-you-can-eat buffets. They cost about $25-35 USD per meal and you can really pack it on!
• Eat cheap at 5-star restaurants – Prime-time seating at the Strip’s five-star restaurants is between 8-10pm, but these hot spots like to be full all the time, so most have both happy hour and pre-show menus to kick off their evenings between 4pm-7pm.
• Go to Late Night Happy Hour – Most Vegas restaurants stop serving food by 10:30pm, but there are so many performers finishing up about that time that the Strip has a tradition of the post-10pm (or 11pm, depending on the place) “late night happy hour,” with food and drinks starting around $5 USD.
• Do brunch – A boozy brunch is a Sin City staple. The best ones come with unlimited food and drinks on the weekends. (I order my mimosas bottomless and tell them to “hold the juice.”)
• Drink at the casino before hitting the club – To cut down on expensive drinks at the clubs, drink on the casino floor. The drinks are free as long as you’re playing one of the games. Sit down at a penny slot machine, play slow, and drink fast. You can have 10 drinks for the price of one at the club! Just make sure you tip the waitress.
• Get discount tickets to shows – My favorite part about staying near the Strip is getting to see so many shows. Tix4Vegas has booths at Showcase Mall, Bally’s Grand Bazaar, and Casino Royale. There you can find tickets for shows that night for up to 50% off. You can also get them online too.
• Get the Go City Las Vegas Pass – This pass allows you to see a large number of attractions (and includes a free hop-off, hop-on tour as well as transportation on The Deuce). A two-day pass is $154 USD, a three-day pass is $264 USD, and a five-day pass is $344 USD with nearly fifty attractions to choose from. Some of the things you can enjoy with this pass are a free tour of the Hoover Dam, free entrance to Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., and free entry to the Eiffel Tower experience.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi — especially if you’re going to/from the airport.
• Hang out on Fremont Street – Drinks on the Strip are pricey. Save money by drinking down on Fremont. Drinks are much cheaper there!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – Vegas gets super hot (you’re in the desert after all!) so bring a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated. The tap water is safe, but you can use a filter like LifeStraw to ensure your water is always clean.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Vegas only has a couple hostels since most people who come here want to live like a rock star for a few days. You can often find mid-week deals at local hotels and casinos for the same price or less than the hostel and be closer to all the action. Just be aware that most casinos also have a resort fee. If you want to stay in a hostel, here are my recommended places to stay:

• Sin City Hostel

How to Get Around Las Vegas

Public Transportation – Most of the Strip is connected via tunnels and walkways, but when it’s too hot, the monorail is a good option for getting around. The monorail stops at seven different points on the Vegas Strip, including several different major hotels. A one-way ride is $5.50 USD, while a one-day pass is $13.45 USD. You can buy up to a seven-day pass, depending on how long you’re staying.

The bus system in Vegas is known as The Deuce. It’s one of the best ways to get between downtown and the Strip, with the two main routes are The Deuce on the Strip and the SDX. A single-ride is $4 and a two-hour bus pass is $6 USD, while a 24-hour pass is $8 USD. A three-day pass is $20 USD. You can buy tickets on the bus, from ticket vending machines, or on the rideRTC, Lyft, and Uber apps.

The city also provides a free shuttle service that stops at many of the main districts and attractions. The Las Vegas Downtown Loop runs Monday-Thursday, 11am-6pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm-10pm.

Taxis – Taxis start at $3.50 USD to start and go up by $2.76 USD per mile. Many taxis also charge a processing fee of around $3 USD if you don’t pay cash. Also, if you take a taxi from the airport there is a $2 USD surcharge. Fixed rates from the airport start at $17-27 USD per zone and go up from there. Since traffic here can be a pain it’s best to just skip the taxis if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around the city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. They do add up though so skip them if you can.

When to Go to Las Vegas

Vegas is busy all year-round, but especially during the winter months when the rest of North America comes seeking Nevada’s hot, desert temperatures.

Spring and fall temperatures are pleasant, with highs averaging between 69-82°F (20-28°C). There are a lot of festivals and outdoor events during these seasons. The Electric Daisy Festival, a huge electronic music festival, happens in May. Both the iHeart Radio and Life is Beautiful music festivals happen in September.

Summer is a scorcher, with temperatures reaching 105°F (40°C). It’s a good time to visit though because prices are lower. All the casino resorts and indoor spaces are well-equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool. Many of the resorts have pools and shaded areas outdoors as well.

It’s especially busy in Las Vegas during the week between Christmas and New Years’ and also at the end of January when a lot ofthe conventions are in town. March in Vegas can be total chaos when Spring Break and college basketball hits so, if you want lower prices and fewer crowds, definitely do not come during these times!

How to Stay Safe in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a safe place to visit, including if you’re a solo traveler or solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare, but like all big cities, practice caution wherever you go. Vegas does have some gang violence, but if you stick to Fremont Street and the Strip you likely won’t come in contact with it.

As a general rule, don’t walk alone at night in unlit places and keep your valuables secure at all times. Keep an eye on your wallet while in large crowds on Fremont Street or on public transportation.

Be wary of buying things from street vendors. This is especially true for event tickets as the tickets are often fake.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Worried about getting ripped off? Read about common travel scams to avoid here (though there aren’t too many scams here).

If you’re hiking, always bring water and sunscreen, especially during the summer. If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. While break-ins are rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Las Vegas Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Las Vegas Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

How to Visit Las Vegas on a Budget

Best Time to Visit

Things to do, where to eat.

• Booking a Hotel

Getting Around

Vegas devotees know that there are many, many cheap and free things to do in Las Vegas —but this city wasn’t meant to be a bargain. Remember that its very raison d’être is to separate you from your money. All the distractions are lures. And the house always wins.

That said, Vegas’ job is to appeal both to the budget traveler and the traveler for whom budget is no object. For those who want to make smart use of their travel budget and still make room for a few splurges, here are some planning tips.

While it is true that there are plenty of things to do year-round in Las Vegas, it’s also true that there’s a high season, and knowing when to travel can save you a lot. The best time to visit is generally the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November. These months offer the most moderate weather and, generally, the most moderate prices. Although Las Vegas does get cold in the winter, it also gets lots of visitors, especially around New Year’s Eve. As you might imagine, hotel prices reflect the popularity.

You should also keep in mind that the convention business is Las Vegas’ lifeblood. Come during the MAGIC fashion trade show or the Consumer Electronics Show and you’re virtually guaranteed a hotel shakedown—that is, if you can find a room at all. Occasionally, Vegas plays host to several large conventions all at once, which can affect nearly all the prices in the city. If your trip dates are flexible, start your research on the city’s official convention and trade show site . Avoiding the major conventions will help you search out the less busy (and less expensive) travel times.

Many of the best things in Las Vegas (as in life) are free. And while it's clear that those free things are really engineered to keep you in Las Vegas longer with the goal of getting you to spend money, you really can indulge without parting with (that much) of your hard-earned cash.

Explore Attractions Inside and Around the Bellagio

You won't want to miss the tried-and-true iconic draws of the Las Vegas Strip, such as the Bellagio Fountains , whose 400-plus-foot-high water jets are choreographed to the stylings of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli, and many more. And the best place to see them is right from the street, completely for free.

Go inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden for its rotating, seasonal display of tens of thousands of flowers and animatronic animals (there's never been the same display twice).

Marvel at Wynn's Lake of Dreams

Wynn's Lake of Dreams recently got a $14 million overhaul. The lake, which you can only see from inside the resort, can be accessed via the curving escalator that leads down to SW Steakhouse and Lakeside restaurant, and you'll see such wild new sights as a trio of giant, animatronic exotic birds gyrating to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," as well as a mysterious spacewoman floating over the lake to David Bowie's "Space Oddity."

And if you haven't had your fill of wow-worthy shows, just a 15-minute walk away is the volcano at Mirage, which erupts nightly in a pyrotechnic display that might scare the kids, but you'll remember it forever.

Check Out Public Art Displays

Art lovers will find plenty to love in the city, from the incredible public art collection on the 67-acre CityCenter campus (look for Henry Moore, Claes Oldenburg, and Nancy Rubin, among many others). And although you'll have to book well in advance through Louis Vuitton in The Shops at Crystals, its 20-minute, hidden, immersive art room by light artist James Turrell— Akhob —is totally free.

Get a Selfie with a Vegas Landmark

Looking for the best selfie spots? Bookend your trip with the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign , on the Strip's south end, and the new "Downtown Las Vegas Gateway Arches," the new, 80-foot-high neon arches that now welcome visitors to the city's wild and fun Downtown area. Or, take a picture with someone you love standing in the "O" of the ruby red "LOVE" sculpture in the waterfall atrium in Palazzo.

Breakfast and lunch can add up (especially in-room dining, where surcharges can be steep). If you’re here to save a bit of money so you can have a few blowout dining experiences, choose hotels that have lower-priced options attached to them or within close proximity.

For instance, the Venetian has some of the most top-notch restaurants in the city, but it also has the food court at Grand Canal Shoppes . Likewise, you could blow all your money on restaurants at Caesars or eat a bit more frugally at Forum Shops at Caesars and save your pennies. New cafés at Wynn, such as Urth Caffé, are more gently priced than most of its restaurants, but it’s also a short walk across the street to Fashion Show Mall, where you’ll find a Starbucks and plenty of cheap eats.

If you’ve rented a car or are one of the many tourists who come by car, look into hotel suites such as those at Aria, Vdara, and slightly off-Strip at Platinum Hotel Las Vegas, which come with kitchenettes or full-size kitchens. Considering how much you can spend on food (and drinks) here, you can actually offset the price of your stay in a fancier room if you eat some meals in.

Tips for Booking a Hotel

Las Vegas hotels are tiered; it's a basic truth that some are just more expensive than others. Budget hotels on the Las Vegas Strip are aplenty, but you can also deals and save costs on even the most luxurious resort—here's how.

• Signing up for hotel loyalty programs—such as Venetian’s Grazie, Wynn’s Red Card, Caesars Rewards, and MGM’s MLife—will reward you with comp points, food and beverage credits, show tickets, and lots of other deals that will soften prices.
• It's not uncommon to stumble on an outstanding hotel deal, like, say, a room advertised for $29 a night, but a word of caution: Once you add a resort fee (hotels are now charging between $35 and $45 per night) and parking, and the 12 to 13 percent hotel room tax on the Strip and Downtown, those prices start to look a little less like a bargain.
• There’s a downward trend in parking fees, but mostly for self-parking. Check the rates before you book.
• No matter when you decide to visit Las Vegas, planning a mid-week trip can make a difference of hundreds of dollars. You’ll find rooms at their lowest rates between Tuesday and Thursday. (Logic would tell you that Sunday night stays would be a great idea, but this often doesn’t hold true. Weeklong conventions often start on Monday mornings, which is why the airport can be a nightmare on a Sunday.)
• Many people don’t know that a lot of the hotel casinos actually publish their own rate calendars well in advance. There’s often no need to look up random dates and hope for the best: It’s all there on the calendar. MGM’s hotels have always done this (a recent search showed a difference in rates of $49 on a weekday and $159 on a weekend night for the same room at MGM Grand ). You might have to do a little digging, though, since a few hotel casinos bury them within the site.

Apologies to the hardworking taxi drivers of Las Vegas, but there’s no reason to take a cab anymore. Here's how to get around Vegas on a budget.

• Depending on all the same factors above (season, conventions, and special events), an entire day’s rental car can cost less than a taxicab from McCarran International Airport to the Strip.
• Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft run about half the price of a taxi, and all the hotels have dedicated rideshare lanes.
• The Las Vegas Monorail runs from the Sahara (all the way at the north end of the Strip) south to MGM Grand, stopping at the Las Vegas Convention Center, on the Strip’s east side. Six of the Strip hotels have monorail stations, so if you’re planning to go the length of the Strip, it’s a good option. Single ride tickets cost $5, an unlimited 24-hour pass is $13, and a three-day pass is $29.
• The Deuce, a double-decker transit bus, stops every 15 to 20 minutes on the Strip. You can buy a two-hour Strip pass for $6 or a 24-hour pass with unlimited rides for $8.
• A free tram on the south end of the Strip connects Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur on the south end of the Strip; another free tram connects Treasure Island and Mirage; and there’s a Bellagio/CityCenter/Park MGM Tram, also free, that runs about every seven minutes.

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How To Enjoy Las Vegas On A Budget

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Nov 8, 2023 | Travel Tips , United States

Las Vegas might not be the first-holiday destination you think of for a budget travel experience. However, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear that Sin City isn’t all Michelin-starred restaurants and exclusive VIP nightclubs.

Yes, there are plenty of ways to soak up the glitz and glamor of Vegas while saving money on food, drinks, entertainment and much more.

Find Discounted Show Tickets on the Strip

If you like the idea of seeing a show or two in Vegas, then it’s possible to get cheap tickets along the Strip or downtown.

The booths open at 10 a.m., so get there early for the best choice that day.

Hit the Penny Slots and Still Enjoy Free Drinks

Las Vegas’ casinos are famous for their free drinks. Cocktail waitresses pound the casino floors dishing out free alcohol to keep guests playing. If you want to take advantage of the free alcohol on a budget, then play at the penny slots where your risk will be minimal.

The casinos on the Vegas Strip also have sportsbooks with screen upon screen of live sporting action. They are free entry, too, to help you keep up with the results of your favorite teams without spending a cent.

Where the land-based sportsbooks in Sin City differ to their online competitors is their so-called comps and incentives.

While their online counterparts provide risk-free incentives when signing up, most sportsbooks in Las Vegas will take your money, and that’s that. So, don’t pay a visit to a Vegas sportsbook unless you have the available funds to do so.

Take the Deuce Up and Down the Strip

Avoid taking taxis if you can. Uber and Lyft apps will give you cheaper taxis, but for the best value transport up and down the Strip, take the Deuce.

This double-decker bus offers 24-hour travel for $8 while three-day passes are available for only $20.

Avoid Visiting During Holidays and Conference Dates

If you don’t want to pay jacked-up hotel room rates, then avoid hitting Vegas in holiday seasons such as Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving or Independence Day.

When major seminars and conferences are in town, the hotel rates are also extortionate, so with a little forward planning, you can pick the ideal time to visit. Weekday rates are much cheaper than weekends, so consider a Monday to Friday trip.

Check Out Vegas’ Plentiful Free Sights

There are so many things to do and see in Vegas that don’t cost you a cent. In fact, this place is a full-on sensory overload.

Whether it’s the Bellagio fountain show, the Mirage’s volcano eruption, the acrobats and jugglers performing at the old-school Circus Circus, the pretty oasis of pink flamingos at The Flamingo or the reaction of those zip-lining up and down the Fremont Street Experience Downtown, there’s plenty to soak up without getting your wallet out.

Hit the Casino Buffets at the Right Time

One final tip for food lovers: Recognize the value in the casino buffets. The best time to visit these buffets is to head there right before the changeover between lunch and dinner or breakfast and lunch.

By paying breakfast prices and getting the lunchtime food selection or paying lunch prices and getting the full array of evening dishes, you can fill your boots for less.

Final Thoughts On Las Vegas On a Budget

While Las Vegas is not the most budget-friendly destination in the United States, it’s still possible to enjoy Vegas on a budget.

If you’re planning on traveling to Vegas with your partner, make sure to check our suggestions for romantic activities in Las Vegas .

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12 Top Tips for Visiting Las Vegas on a Budget

By Author Meg Frost

Posted on Last updated: November 19, 2023

Categories Nevada , United States of America (USA)

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Ah, good ol’ Las Vegas. One of my favorite quick getaways in the USA.

It’s a great place to stash yourself when you need a break from everyday life and want to live it up.

But guess what? Living it up in Vegas doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Learn how you can avoid blowing through your travel budget this year with my tips on visiting Las Vegas on a budget.

Sign up for hotel promotions

Being strategic about the time of year you visit Las Vegas is one way to ensure great deals on hotel rooms.

Another way is to sign up for free membership to the loyalty programs for two of the biggest hotel groups in Vegas, MLife Reward s for MGM-owned properties and Total Rewards for properties owned by Caesars.

Signing up for these 2 reward programs will keep you in the loop with their promotions, as some deals are reserved for loyalty program members.

MGM and Caesars own many of the hotels on the Las Vegas strip, so chances are high that you’ll stay at one of their properties.

This includes hot spots like MGM Park, Bellagio, Aria, Caesars Palace, The Cromwell, The LINQ, and Planet Hollywood.

If you’re aiming to stay at a hotel not owned by one of these 2 groups, sign up for the loyalty program or newsletter specific to the hotel you want to stay at.

For example, one of my favorite hotels in Las Vegas is The Cosmopolitan.

I was alerted to a fantastic deal via their newsletter for the 4th of July weekend. Ordinarily the 4th of July is an expensive weekend to visit in Las Vegas, but I paid less than $180 for a super swanky upgrade room with a balcony.

While in many places that is expensive, for a holiday weekend at a luxury hotel, that was a good deal. I’ve seen rooms at the Cosmopolitan for less than $100, as well!

Avoid visiting during peak season

Las Vegas is a year round destination. There really isn’t a season that is terrible to go, weather-wise.

However, there are peak periods when it comes to cost. Summer, holidays, and big sports events tend to be the most crowded and most expensive in terms of hotel and airfare costs.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, and Super Bowl all tend to increase costs and crowds in Las Vegas.

If your budget is more important than the dates you visit Las Vegas, then avoid these times of year to keep costs down.

Fall and Winter seem to be the cheapest and least crowded time to visit Las Vegas in general, but keep in mind many holidays in that time period that can affect costs.

Score cheap (or free) airfare

When you buy your airfare can make a difference in scoring a good deal.

In the past, many people in the travel industry would recommend buying airfare on Tuesday afternoons.

However, that’s not really a given. You can find deals on other days and time slots.

In general, prices will go up toward the end of the week. So if you see super high prices on the weekend, it’ll likely fall after the weekend passes.

If you don’t want to constantly be searching for airfare deals, sign up for deal alerts on Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights for your desired dates.

Doing so will alert you to deals when they pop up and you can quickly go in and make your purchase when the price is right for you.

Lastly, my favorite US budget airline, Southwest Airlines, has many routes to Las Vegas.

In my opinion, Southwest is the easiest airline to redeem points for airfare , as well.

The redemption costs tend to be lower than other airlines, so someone who doesn’t travel a lot can still manage to earn enough points to get a free flight now and then.

Use budget transportation

The cheapest way to get from the Las Vegas airport to a hotel is by booking a seat on the BellTrans shuttle bus online.

Depending on where your hotel is located, the cost is $15-18 round trip. Every dollar counts when you’re traveling on a budget, even in Las Vegas, right?

I’ve never had to wait more than 5 minutes when getting to the BellTrans desk, which is often shorter than waiting for an Uber.

Plus, you won’t run the risk of a taxi or ride share driver taking a longer route to jack up the price.

Bring your sunscreen from home

A lot of people avoid checking their luggage when traveling by flight to save money. Not a bad idea, really.

However, if your ticket includes a checked bag for free (hey, Southwest!), I highly recommend taking advantage of that so you can bring your sunscreen from home.

Even if you spend most of your Vegas vacation club hopping and playing the slots, you’re gonna need sunscreen.

I got a sunburn walking from Park MGM to Cosmopolitan and most of my route was through the hotels in between!

And if you haven’t guessed it yet, sunscreen prices are seriously jacked up in Las Vegas. Avoid spending the unnecessary extra money and bring your own instead. Your travel budget says thank you!

Set a strict budget for food & drink

While Las Vegas is known as a foodie haven, that doesn’t mean that all food in Vegas is super expensive.

There are many places that have delicious food for cheap in Vegas .

Another tip for saving on food in Vegas is hitting up Happy Hour for excellent food and drink specials.

Happy Hour usually takes place between lunch and dinner hours and typically includes discounted food and/or drinks, like $5 margaritas, $2 beers, or $4 appetizers.

While you’re out and about, keep an eye out for Happy Hour specials advertised outside your favorite restaurants or check their websites.

If you’re the gambling type, most Las Vegas hotels are still offering free drinks to gamblers.

This practice is becoming a bit scarce, so if you do encounter a waiter or waitress offering free drinks, be sure to tip well to entice them to circle back your way.

Lastly, a few Las Vegas buffets have started offering passes that allows you to eat at any time for a set price, at a discount.

Personally I’m not a buffet kind of person, but if you love ’em, this can be a good way to stay on a budget but still eat yummy food in Vegas.

Buy a multipack of water instead of single use

Water is another basic necessity in Vegas that is very expensive. As much as I hate to buy bottled water, it’s kind of necessary in Vegas.

Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, the sun and heat alone can be dehydrating.

You’ll likely want to have water with you while you’re out and about. While you could bring a refillable bottle, it’s nearly impossible to find water fountains to fill ’em up.

Buying a single bottle of water is ridiculously priced. I paid nearly $5 for a single bottle of water when stopping in at the Luxor hotel earlier this year.

Never again, friends. Never. Again.

Do yourself a favor and buy a multipack of water at CVS, Walgreens, or ABC Stores to save money on this necessity.

Get discount show tickets

Shows in Las Vegas can be super pricey, but there are deals available.

One way is to try to catch a show when it first debuts. Sometimes there will be a discounted rate for the first few weeks or even longer.

When I last visited Las Vegas, the Cosmopolitan hotel’s newest show, Opium , was just opening. Tickets were offered for $34, but now they run for $79 minimum.

Another tip is to browse for deals on ticket broker websites. Vegas.com and Tix4Tonight.com are both reputable discount ticket sites for shows and events in Las Vegas.

My personal favorite is Vegas.com. I often find better deals on Vegas.com, plus their website is far more informative, with photos, videos, and summaries for each show.

For more tips on which shows to see, check out my post about the best shows in Vegas .

Skip the pool clubs in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a big day club scene built around pools.

If you’re looking to spend time around the pool but don’t want to spend a fortune on cover charges, there are plenty of regular hotel pools in Vegas that are and don’t cost anything to access.

You don’t necessarily have to skip ALL of the pool clubs if that’s truly what you want to do, but you can at least cut back on the number of visits.

How? Most regular hotel pools in Vegas, at least on the strip, will have poolside refreshments, music, and other entertainment.

They might not have a celebrity DJ or be packed to the brim, but they’re still a lot of fun. Caesars, Bellagio, LINQ, and Mandalay Bay all come to mind as hotels with hip pool scenes that aren’t day clubs.

Before you book your hotel, check out the pool scene at the hotels you’re considering to help you decide where to go.

A few things you can do to find out how the pools are at your hotel are looking at photos on the hotel website and Instagram, reading reviews on Yelp or TripAdvisor, and watching review videos on YouTube.

You just might find a free pool with a cool DJ and fun crowd that doesn’t cost anything to get in!

Alternatively, if there’s a regular pool you want to access, but you’re staying somewhere else because it’s cheaper, look into getting a day pass for non-guests. Many of the hotels on the Strip offer day passes at a reasonable cost.

Check out all the free things to do in Las Vegas

One of the best ways to do Vegas for less is to hit up all of the free things to do.

The Bellagio hotel features 2 of my favorite free things to do in Las Vegas.

Outside the hotel is the famous dancing fountain show, which runs every 30 minutes from 3 to 8pm and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.

The Bellagio also hosts an indoor flower and topiary display that changes each season, as well as for Chinese New Year.

On my last visit to Las Vegas, the displays were themed around Italy with giant wine bottles, fountains, lemon trees, and more.

Another one of my favorite free things to do in Las Vegas is to visit downtown Las Vegas, aka Old Vegas.

At Fremont Street, the shopping area is covered with an electronic display with a show that plays every hour from 6pm to 1am.

There is also a lot of street art and murals in the downtown Las Vegas area, most of which stems from the annual Life is Beautiful festival.

The Bellagio and downtown Las Vegas are just 2 spots in Las Vegas where there are free things to do.

Check the internet to see if there are any temporary art exhibits at your hotel, free tours of stage shows, celebrity meet-and-greets, or other common free activities in Vegas.

Get into clubs for free

You could wait in a ridiculously long line and pay $20 to get into a nightclub or you could get in for free.

Which one would you choose? Yes, I thought so: get in for free!

Here’s how to get into Vegas nightclubs for free:

While you’re out and about during the day, stop by the club you want to go to that night.

More often than not, there will be a representative outside the club signing people up for free access or at the very least, skip-the-line access.

I know, so easy, right?

Earn rewards with the myVegas Slots app

If you enjoy playing games on your phone or iPad, this money-saving tip is right up your alley.

The myVegas Slots app is pretty much what it sounds like: a gaming app with Vegas-style slots.

The gist of the myVegas Slots app is to earn enough points to redeem for discounts or free items at select Las Vegas hotels, restaurants, and tour companies.

The app is free to download and play, with an option to purchase more virtual playing chips. In my opinion, this isn’t really necessary, as it’s easy to earn chips for free.

Examples of discounts and free items include a free drink ticket at select Bellagio lounges, 2 free nights at Park MGM, 2-for-1 Vegas helicopter night tours, and free buffet passes.

What are your favorite ways to do Las Vegas on a budget?

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about my top tips on how to do Las Vegas for less. There truly is something for everyone in Sin City!

For the best deal on Vegas hotels, use the search box below to find prices across multiple booking sites.

Next up, check out these posts:

• 100+ Cool Things to Do in Las Vegas, Nevada
• The Best Bars in Las Vegas on the Strip
• 20 Best Pools in Vegas for Fun & Relaxation
• What to Pack for Vegas

About the author

Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.

Read more →

This post was originally published on September 15, 2018. It was last updated on November 14, 2022.

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Saturday 11th of March 2023

[…] 14 Tips for Visiting Las Vegas on a Budget […]

13 Fun Day Trips from Las Vegas, Nevada in 2023

Go Wander Wild

Monday 7th of June 2021

This guide to Las Vegas is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

Sunday 16th of September 2018

Great tips! We go to Vegas alot, so appreciate the advice!

Harmony Skillman

Saturday 15th of September 2018

we usually go to vegas once a year and these are great tips. the food is so $$ its actually kind ridiculous. but there is walgreens on the strip, you can get water, soda, snacks and alcohol! And I agree, the pool are great, no need to pay for the pool party. i need to check out that app, that is awesome!

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Las Vegas on a Budget

Las Vegas is a city known for its glitz, glamour, and endless entertainment options. From world-class casinos and extravagant shows to luxurious hotels and gourmet dining, it’s easy to assume that a trip to Sin City can quickly drain your wallet. But fear not, budget-conscious travelers! With a little planning and savvy decision-making, you can experience the magic of Las Vegas without breaking the bank. In this ultimate guide , we’ll reveal the hidden gems, thrills, captivating views, and family-friendly activities that will make your Las Vegas trip unforgettable, all while staying within your budget.

The Allure of Las Vegas: Why You Should Visit

Before we dive into the budget-friendly attractions, let’s first explore why Las Vegas is a destination like no other. The city’s iconic neon lights, towering hotels, and bustling casinos create an electrifying atmosphere that draws millions of visitors each year. From the famous Las Vegas Strip to the vibrant downtown area, the city offers an endless array of entertainment options that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature enthusiast, or food lover , Las Vegas has something for everyone.

Uncovering Hidden Gems: Free Activities in Las Vegas

Contrary to popular belief, Las Vegas isn’t all about spending big bucks. In fact, there are plenty of free activities that allow you to explore the city without spending a dime. Start your journey by taking a stroll through the famous Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where you can admire stunning floral displays that change with the seasons. Continue your budget-friendly adventure with a visit to the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, a must-see photo opportunity for tourists. For art enthusiasts, the Arts District showcases the creative side of Las Vegas, with its eclectic galleries and street murals.

If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. With its breathtaking desert landscape and numerous hiking trails, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Another outdoor gem is the Fremont Street Experience, where you can witness a dazzling light show against a canopy-covered street. With live music, street performers, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to the upscale shows on the Strip.

Thrill-Seekers Unite: Zip-Lining Adventures in Sin City

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Las Vegas has got you covered. Skip the expensive rides at the amusement parks and head to the SlotZilla Zip Line instead. Soar high above the bustling streets of Downtown Las Vegas on a thrilling zip-lining adventure. With two levels to choose from, you can opt for the lower zipline that takes you through the vibrant Fremont Street or challenge yourself with the upper zipline, which allows you to fly under the iconic Viva Vision canopy. Not only is this a budget-friendly thrill, but it also offers breathtaking views of the city.

Captivating Views: Discovering Las Vegas’ Best Vantage Points

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without taking in the city’s stunning skyline. Luckily, there are several budget-friendly vantage points that offer breathtaking views. Head to the Stratosphere Observation Deck for a 360-degree panorama of the city from over 800 feet in the air. The High Roller Observation Wheel is another fantastic option, offering breathtaking views of the Strip in climate-controlled cabins. For a different perspective, visit the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas. From here, you can enjoy unparalleled views of the iconic Fountains of Bellagio and the dazzling lights of the Strip.

Fun for the Whole Family: Things to Do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas may have a reputation as an adult playground, but that doesn’t mean families can’t have a great time. If you’re traveling with children, be sure to visit the Discovery Children’s Museum. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, it’s a fantastic place for kids to learn and have fun. The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is another family-friendly attraction, where you can get up close and personal with fascinating marine life from around the world. And for a fun outdoor experience, head to Springs Reserve, a botanical garden and nature preserve that offers educational programs and scenic trails.

Essential Tips for Your Las Vegas Trip

Navigating Your Way: Getting to Las Vegas

When planning your trip to Las Vegas, it’s important to consider the most convenient and cost-effective ways to get there. McCarran International Airport serves as the primary gateway to the city, offering direct flights from major cities around the world. If you’re within driving distance, a road trip can be an affordable option, allowing you to explore scenic routes and save on airfare. Additionally, many bus companies offer affordable transportation options to and from Las Vegas, making it a convenient choice for budget travelers.

Getting Around: Las Vegas Public Transportation Guide

Once you arrive in Las Vegas, getting around the city is relatively easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada operates a network of buses that connect popular tourist destinations and residential areas. The Las Vegas Monorail is another convenient option, providing quick and reliable transportation along the Las Vegas Strip . For travelers who prefer the flexibility of their own vehicle, rental car options are plentiful, but be sure to consider parking fees when budgeting for your trip.

Behind the Wheel: Driving Tips for Las Vegas

If you decide to rent a car during your stay in Las Vegas, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. First, familiarize yourself with the city’s road rules and regulations to avoid any potential pitfalls. Keep in mind that traffic on the Strip can be heavy at times, so plan your routes accordingly. Additionally, be aware of parking restrictions and fees, especially if you plan to visit popular attractions or stay at hotels that charge for parking.

Finding the Perfect Time: When to Visit Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and budget. If you’re looking to score the best deals on accommodations and entertainment, consider visiting during the weekdays or during the city’s off-peak season, which typically falls between November and February. Keep in mind that summer months can be scorching, with temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can handle the heat, you’ll find that summer offers lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the city comfortably.

Weather Wonders: Understanding Las Vegas Climate

Las Vegas experiences a desert climate, characterized by long, hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can soar into the triple digits, so it’s important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Winters are generally mild, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 50s and 60s. However, nights can be chilly, so be sure to pack layers if you plan to be out and about. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 80s, making it the ideal time to explore outdoor attractions and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere.

With this ultimate guide to visiting Las Vegas on a budget, you now have all the tools to plan an unforgettable trip without breaking the bank. From uncovering hidden gems and thrilling adventures to capturing captivating views and enjoying family-friendly activities, Las Vegas has it all. So start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic of Sin City without emptying your wallet.

• Hotel Deals
• Attractions
• Military Discounts
• AAA Discounts

A Budget Travel Guide to Las Vegas

Introduction

While Las Vegas might seem like the type of place reserved for the big spenders and the big ballers with cash to flash, it needn’t be a pipe dream holiday just because you have a slightly stricter budget. There are plenty of ways to save money whilst still having the full experience. 

As with most places, when it comes to traveling on a budget, it’s all about being in the know. That’s why we’ve put together this budget travel guide to Las Vegas to help you get around and have a great time, without having to rack up huge bills behind you everywhere you go. 

So yes, you can have a small budget and still go big in Vegas. Keep reading to find out how.

Tips for Saving Money in Las Vegas

Here are some of the best tips for how to save money when you’re staying in Las Vegas. 

Book Your Trip Ahead of Time

Booking your trip in advance will help you save money as you’ll be able to shop around for the best deals, and you won’t be hustled into paying extra for flights or hotel rooms due to it being the last option available. However, it does mean you’ll be locked into these flight times. 

Another good way to look for cheaper flights is by choosing ones that fly in the early hours of the morning or late at night, as the unsociable hours mean the prices are reduced. 

Pick the Right Season to Travel 

Picking the cheapest times to go to Las Vegas can be another good way to make sure you’re not paying the highest prices as these tend to increase during certain seasons. 

Avoid traveling around holidays as a general rule as these are always busier or more expensive (although traveling on a holiday is comparably much cheaper), and aim for months like July, August, and mid-December instead as these are during the slow season. 

Avoid Going to Las Vegas at the Weekends

Unsurprisingly, weekends are one of the most expensive times to travel to Las Vegas with costs essentially doubling compared to what you would be charged for a weekday visit.

According to James Filsinger , who is the president and chief executive of Yapta, a website specifically designed to compare the prices of various hotels and airfare, “instead of flying with the masses on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, travel on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and you’ll find that prices are lower”.  

However, be sure to check out the convention calendars , as some events may happen during the week that can make hotel rates a lot more expensive. For example, when CES events and other big trade shows are in town midweek you tend to see an increase in prices. 

Find Cheap Hotels to Stay At

The best way to find cheap hotels is through thorough research and comparing the different prices for different hotels. Some of the most affordable hotels on the strip include the following, which are often available for prices less than $70.00 per night:

It’s often cheaper to book with the hotel directly than it is through third-party booking sites as you’ll be paying additional fees on top of the hotel rates. Off-strip hotels are also much cheaper, although you will need to factor in any additional travel costs to and from the strip. 

Additionally, it’s worth checking to see if your hotel will price-match their rates if you end up finding a better deal elsewhere, or if they offer discounts for nearby restaurants and shops.

Join the Player’s Clubs

If you tell anyone you’re planning on taking a trip to Vegas, most of them will reply by advising you to sign up to the player’s club in every casino you visit, but how will this save you money? 

By joining one or more of the player’s clubs, you can accumulate points when you gamble to receive great deals, free show tickets, meals, or rooms from the casinos. Different establishments will offer their own rewards or offers and member’s only exclusive events. 

Player’s clubs are also free to sign up to which means there’s no downside to joining as many as possible before you start playing in the casinos.

Be Smart When You Gamble

When you’re in Vegas, there’s nothing more dangerous than a credit card with no upper spending limit or a debit card that gives you access to more money than you budgeted for. 

Enjoying your time in Vegas on a budget requires you to be smart with your gambling. This means pacing yourself and making sure you don’t blow the budget by betting it all on red. 

Only take out as much cash as you think you’ll need for the day and leave the rest locked away in the safe that will be provided in your hotel room to help you stick to your budget.

Don’t Pay For Taxis Using Your Card

If you do end up taking a taxi, don’t pay with your card. Many taxis will charge you a $3.00 service charge when you pay with a credit card, so avoid this charge by paying for your trips in cash. It might not sound like much, but $3.00 here and there soon starts to add up. 

Besides, any card that gets left behind in a taxi is likely lost forever. Not only is this bad news for your budget, but if someone else comes along and picks it up they could end up using up the last of your budget before you even get a chance! 

Avoid Using Casino ATMs

Most casino ATMs will charge a pretty high fee for withdrawing cash, but there are plenty of ways you can get cash out for free in Vegas, including the following.  

Recent technology has made it even easier to accidentally overspend and exceed your budget as there are now tabletop ATMs that are able to pay out, between hands, in casino chips rather than actual cash. Unlike regular ATM limits of up to $500, these PlayOn ATMs allow you to withdraw much higher sums of money like $3,000 to $5,000 a day. 

Hot Tip: There is a BOA ATM inside the M&M's store on the Las Vegas Strip, or in many of the local convenience stores such as Target, CVS, and Walgreens which have cheaper fees. 

Refill Your Water Bottles Instead of Buying New Ones

The weather in Las Vegas is known for being hot and humid, so it’s important to make sure you’re drinking lots throughout the day so that you don’t end up becoming dehydrated.

With over 300 days of sunshine every year, hydration is key when it comes to this holiday destination. Alcohol is expensive (and it’s also not that hydrating) and the costs can quickly start to add up if you’re having to repeatedly buy soft drinks and bottled water during the day. 

Instead, why not pack or purchase a refillable water bottle which you can fill up throughout the day? Not every place will be willing to do this, but most Starbucks’ will happily send you out on your way with a full bottle of water. Hotel fitness centers will also have filtered water. 

If you’re willing to search for them, you might also be able to find a few of the casino’s water fountains that are dotted in between the tables. Another incentive to drink from your refillable bottle instead of buying a new single-use bottle for every drink is that it is more eco-friendly. 

Fill Up At the Buffet

While there are certainly some gorgeous restaurants in Las Vegas that would keep any foodie in the family happy, a lot of the time, people come to Vegas for the gambling scene. 

If that sounds more like you, a great way to save money is to eat your fill at a buffet rather than forking out for fancy meals every night. Breakfast buffets are ideal as you can fill up in the morning which will mean you’re less likely to eat out on expensive food during the day. 

Some of the best buffets in Vegas will offer a taste of cuisines from all over the world and some may even include alcoholic beverages with your unlimited meal.  

Drink At the Casino Before Heading To the Club

It’s easy to spend money at the casinos in Vegas, but one thing you won’t be paying for is your drinks, as most gambling establishments offer free alcoholic beverages to patrons. 

You will need to be a paying customer to benefit from this and in some places, you’ll need to be spending over a certain amount before you’ll attract the attention of the staff, but getting the drinks in while they're free means you won’t use up your budget on drinks at the club.

How To Get Around Las Vegas on a Budget

Getting around Las Vegas on a budget means staying away from the taxis that swarm the strip, as many will overcharge tourists by taking you on a longer route to rack up the meter. 

To avoid being swindled, here are a few cheaper, alternative ways to get around in Vegas.

Use the Monorail

You can get around a lot of Las Vegas just using the tunnels and walkways, but another option is to use the monorail which stops at seven different points on the Vegas strip and costs just $5.00 for a single ride.

Rail passes are also a good idea if you think you’ll be traveling around a lot but you don’t want to lock yourself in with tickets for specific days or times, and they’ll often be much cheaper ( $12.00 a day ) than the cost of booking individual trips as well as being more flexible.

Taxis can be quite expensive in Las Vegas. A good cheaper alternative is to use ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber which costs a lot less but saves you from taking the bus or walking. 

Plus, according to TripSavvy , the majority of hotels will have dedicated rideshare lanes so you won’t have to wander too far from where you’re staying just so you can catch a ride. 

Consider Car Rentals

If you’re going to be doing a lot of traveling to various different places during your stay in Vegas, you might want to consider renting a car to help you get around, although you’ll need to be over 21 years old and have a full driver’s license in order to rent a car in your name.  

With a bit of savvy internet sleuthing you can find car rental deals that cost as little as $35.00 a day for a multi-day rental period, or perhaps for even less if you’re staying for longer.  

Cheap Things To Do in Las Vegas  

When you’re not gambling in the casinos, what else is there to do in Las Vegas when you’re on a tighter budget? Not everywhere in Vegas charges an admission fee, so check out some of the free activities and things to do from the list we’ve put together for this next section. 

Visit the High Roller

The Las Vegas skyline wouldn’t be the same without the soaring 550 foot High Roller Observation Wheel that stands out amongst the towering buildings at the eastern end of the Las Vegas Strip, so it’s definitely a sight worth seeing if you’re already in the area.

You can do more than just see it from the ground - from a starting price of just $8.50 for kids and $23.50 for adults during the day, tickets are available for a trip on the wheel where you’ll get to witness 360-degree views for approximately 30 minutes in one of the 28 comfy cabins. 

There are also deals and discounts that apply to locals, students, seniors, or service members, and certain times such as happy half-an-hour which includes a bar and a bartender in the cabin you choose to take your trip around the wheel in. 

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Now, don’t let us confuse you. You won’t be able to see the infamous Parisian Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas . Obviously. But you can go to see the half-scale Eiffel Tower replica at the Paris Hotel and Casino as it puts on an intricate and beautiful light display every half an hour. 

See all the way out to the mountains with a fantastic panoramic view of the city and the surrounding valley from the 460-foot viewing area that is 50 stories high. 

Good news if you’re a student or a local resident as you’ll get 50% off your standard ticket price upon proof of a valid Nevada ID or US student ID card. You can also receive $5.00 off any ticket with your US military ID or if you are a visitor who is over the age of 60.

Check Out the Strat Tower

The Strat is the tallest, free-standing observation tower in America and it boasts some of the best views that Vegas has to offer. There are even rides at the top of the tower that are only $5.00 each a ride, although sky jumps and bungy jumping are a lot pricier starting at $139.00. 

A standard adult ticket starts at $25.00 with concessionary prices for residents of Nevada, members of the military, senior citizens, students, and children. If you’re a guest at the Strat Casino, you can get your entry ticket for just $10.00. 

It’s open to the public from 10:00 to 01:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10:00 to 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, although the opening hours for the complex restaurants and stores may vary. You can also take the monorail as it’s a 2-block walk from the Sahara station. 

Shark Reef Inside Mandalay Bay

You can get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating predators at the Shark Reef aquarium and exhibit at Mandalay Bay . They host over 2,000 animals, including sharks, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha, and a komodo dragon. 

It’s cheaper to opt for a timed entry ticket which is priced at $29.00 for adults, $27.00 for seniors (65+), $24.00 for children aged 5 to 12, and free for children under the age of 4.

Anytime pricing starts from July 1st and is a more flexible option as it permits you entry up until 17:00 when the doors are closed to visitors, but adult tickets are priced at $36.00.

Go To the Las Vegas Comedy Club

If you’re looking for as many laughs as well as big wins at the casinos, check out the Las Vegas Comedy Club for something that might tickle your fancy without costing you an arm and a leg. 

It’s only $34 to see a live comedy show in Planet Hollywood where some of the best comedians have performed in a more intimate theatre setting so the jokes don’t get lost in the crowds. Edwin San Juan is their current full-time headliner and is hilarious - his observational comedy and crowd-pleasing antics make for an unforgettable show. 

Visit the Springs Preserve

One of the hidden gems of Las Vegas is the Springs Preserve which is another great activity to choose if you’re looking to get away from the big city for a bit. 

It’s just $18.95 for an adult ticket and kids can go for $10.95 and you’ll have the whole day to explore the beautiful botanical gardens. You can wander around the outdoor spaces amongst the flowers and nature or take in some of the history in one of the onsite museums. 

There’s a butterfly habitat that hosts some of the most beautiful species and you’ll also find a play area for the kids to enjoy while you take a break from walking around. 

If You Have Kids, Go To ‘Dig This’

A lot of people think that it’s trickier to go to Vegas when you have kids traveling with you, but there are plenty of cheap and affordable ways to keep them entertained during the day so that they’ll sleep well enough at night for you to head down to the casino. 

If you really want to make sure they’re tuckered out, you should definitely consider taking them to ‘ Dig This ’ which is an adult-sized sandbox that allows your little ones to experience the excavators, bulldozers, and dirt to play in.  

Children aged five and older are allowed to get behind the wheel on their own whilst kids aged three to four will need an adult to give them the hand. It costs $20.00 for 15 minutes in the sandbox, which seems a little stingy, but we guarantee that your kid will have so much fun that it will feel like a lifetime there.

Visit the Neon Museum

For those who love exploring the culture through visiting museums and galleries while they’re away, you’ll love the Neon Museum which costs just $17.00 for a daytime tour for adults. 

This collection of over 120 of Las Vegas’s most iconic neon signs has been restored and displayed for travelers to learn about. There are also concessionary prices available with local, military, student, and senior discounts which would make the tickets cheaper again.

Have Some Fun At the VR Experience At Pole Position Raceway 

The next recommendation we have for you is the VR experience offered at Pole Position Raceway. Ever thought about how you would survive in the face of an apocalyptic hoard of zombies? Well, with this activity, you can be sure to find out. 

The experience involves a new high-tech OmniArena in which you’ll find yourself immersed in several different virtual battles against the undead, robots, soldiers, or pirates, depending on the preferences of the players. Tickets for this start at just $15.00.

Have a Hiking Day At the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The bright lights of the big city are incredible, but the novelty can wear off pretty quickly if you’re not used to such hustle and bustle back home. A great (and cheap) way to take a breather from the business of the main strip is to plan a hiking day at the Red Rock Canyon. 

There are some great trails such as the popular Calico Tanks trail where you can get to see stunning views of Las Vegas from the top of the summit. It’s cheaper to walk as you’ll only need to pay the $5.00 entrance fee, whereas entering with a vehicle will cost $15.00. 

You could also look at hiking some of the other popular trails such as the Ice Box Trail (2.6 miles), the White Rock Willow Spring Loop (4.4 miles), or the Keystone Thrust (2.2 miles). 

Have a Bowling Night At Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

Forget about everything you think you know about bowling alleys, as the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas exceeds all expectations. There isn’t a whiff of sweaty socks or stale shoes in the air in this cool, retro place filled with chesterfield couches and cocktail waitresses. 

Think bowling alley plus concert venue plus a restaurant combined into one swanky spot. There are 32 Brunswick state-of-the-art lanes with huge high-definition projection screens and table service is available at the lanes and bowler’s lounge. Plus, when there’s a concert playing, you get a live music performance thrown in for the price of your ticket as well.

It’s great for families during the day (11:00 - 18:00) when tickets cost $25.00 for a 30-minute session, but they go up in price by $5.00 from 18:00 until close when there’s a cooler crowd.

Go Back In Time At Pinball Hall of Fame

If you’re old enough to remember the vintage pinball machines from a childhood spent playing in the arcades, take a trip to the Pinball Hall of Fame for a hit of nostalgia that can take you all the way back to the 1940s, as well as the chance to play some modern games. 

It's located right next to the strip after moving to a new place in April 2021 and it now boasts 25,000 square feet of space that is filled with your favorite classic pinball machines. Don’t forget to bring your quarters, but otherwise, this is a great cheap activity to do in Las Vegas. 

Eat Downtown 

Food is one of the easiest things to overspend on, even when you’ve budgeted strictly for it. Eating downtown is much cheaper and can be a great evening out nonetheless. 

The Fremont East bar district in downtown Vegas is more than just affordable, it’s actually one of the biggest and hottest food scenes currently thriving in the city. It has a great vibe that attracts all sorts of hipsters and the rad restaurants are really reasonably priced. 

A few of our favorite spots include Le Thai, VegeNation, Evel Pie, and Carson Kitchen, but there are so many different places to try that you could definitely dine there most nights and still keep your food bill below $20 at most of the restaurants! 

Get On the Slotzilla Zip Line 

Here is another thrilling activity that might blow your mind but won’t blow the budget.

For the price of just $20.00 and your life flashing before your eyes, you can experience the world-famous Slotzilla zip line which will get you 114 feet up into the air where you will see views of Fremont Streets as you travel 850 feet across it at speeds seen in a NASCAR race.

It only takes about 20 minutes for the whole experience to wrap up, but you won’t be able to see Fremont Street the same way ever again after viewing it from up here. 

Visit Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

Less interested in the adrenaline rush and more interested in the Art this city has to offer? Check out the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art to see the world-class exhibits shown in both famous museums and as part of private collections. 

Tickets are around $18 for which you’ll get to see works from the likes of Warhol and Monet.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping At Adventuredome at Circus Circus 

Our final family-friendly activity that’s affordable but will certainly get your adrenaline pumping is the Adventuredome at Circus Circus . The indoor theme park is one of the largest in the whole of America and has over five acres of activities to keep your kids entertained. 

Check out some of the roller coasters, bumper cars, mini-golf, or try winning yourself one of the stuffed animal prizes from one of the many midway games. There is plenty to do for all ages making this the perfect place for a family day out, and you can easily spend the day.

In terms of prices, you can pay as little as $6 to $12, but if you are planning on staying there a little longer than the length of a few rides, you’ll get better value for money if you purchase an all-day pass for $31.95 or a junior all-day pass for $17.95 (must be under 48 inches tall).

We hope that we’ve been able to show you just how affordable Las Vegas can be if you want to stick to a stricter budget while you’re away and that the tips and tricks we’ve included throughout this article will help you save money whilst still having the best time. 

It doesn’t always need to be outrageously big bets and penthouse suites and rogue tigers - this isn’t ‘The Hangover’, after all, it’s a regular holiday and tourist destination, where regular holidaymakers and tourists visit. Don’t count yourself out of this list before you’ve even tried!

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Full of really good advice. Thanks!

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Vegas On A Budget: Where to Eat, Stay and Play and Spend Less

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: January 5, 2020  - Last updated: April 17, 2022

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The sights, sounds and spectacles of Sin City are like nowhere else. Anything you want to do, see, play, buy, sip and taste can be done here. But for a price!

Unless you’ve made it big counting cards or get penthouse suites comped from the millions you spend gambling, chances are you’d like to know how to save a few bucks on your own Vegas vacation!

You’re in good hands, read on for my best tips for enjoying Vegas on a budget. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through some links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, services and places that I know and love.

Besides accommodations, dining out and food prices will likely be one of your highest costs on this trip.

But if you do a little planning ahead, you can snag some deals, find coupons and two for one deals.

And there are lots of places that will send you a coupon to use if you sign up for their email list. It pays off to do a little planning ahead of time. 

My best recommendation to save on food when you’re doing Vegas on a budget is to use Vegas.com .

Here you can search Las Vegas restaurants and all kinds of options will come up for buying gift cards at a discounted rate.

Restaurants can change weekly or even daily, so I suggest checking the site regularly if you have a favorite spot you’re looking forward to treating your taste buds with.

And since there are so many amazing restaurants to try in Las Vegas, it can be hard to make a decision on where to eat.

I find it helpful to browse and peruse the site before my trip to start looking up places I want to chow down! 

Going to Vegas for the First Time? Check out 19 Las Vegas Tips for First Timers | How to Visit Vegas Like a Pro

Let’s start with the best meal of the day, breakfast! 

First thing’s first, Hash House a Go Go is an absolute must on any trip to Vegas. The easiest location on the Strip is the one near the LINQ.

A few weeks before your trip, sign up for their email list and they usually send you a ‘buy one get one’ coupon to use on your next visit.

And if you manage to push your breakfast late enough, you can absolutely get by until dinner hour. The portions here are so massive that you won’t be hungry for hours, saving you costs on not needing lunch that day. 

For a basic but staple breakfast, head to the Venetian and order from Casanova. It’s known for it’s great prices despite its premium Strip location. 

If you can manage to get off the Strip, make your way to Omelet House.

There are a few locations, but the service in Henderson is outstanding. You’ll be happy with the selection of menu items, portion sizes and value. 

To really save money on breakfast, try to get a hotel room with a fridge. This way you can grab fruit, yogurt and muffins for breakfast.

And most places have a kettle in the room, so you can have your coffee and drink it too!

Invest in a portable coffee maker to brings with you to hotels . Then, all you need is boiling water to make the perfect cup anytime and anywhere.

I skipped lunch on purpose, see above section why!

For a romantic dinner atmosphere, Mon Ami Gabi is a great spot with views of the Bellagio Fountains. Get there early and try to snag a table outside for sunset.

Here’s another email list hack to keep your vacation to Vegas on a budget. About 2-3 weeks before your trip sign up for their email list.

Not too long ago they were emailing new subscribers a $20 coupon to use at their restaurant within 30 days. Might as well! 

The deal of the trip, however, might just be at the Ellis Island Hotel , which is right behind Bally’s.

There’s a steak dinner deal for $9.99 if you sign up for their rewards card (which is free). Complete with green beans, potato and a salad, you might as well dig in.

It’s probably not going to be the most gourmet steak you’ve ever had, but for ten bucks and a $2.50 pint of beer, you can’t really go wrong, especially if you’re in Vegas on a budget! 

Just off the strip and behind the Flamingo, Battista’s Hole in the Wall will treat you well!

For those on a budget, it’s not initially the cheapest option on the strip. But your meal does come with bread, soup, salad, wine and an after dinner espresso .

It’s also a nice, quiet place with good ambiance for a little more relaxing atmosphere. 

Downtown, inside the Four Queens, Magnolia’s Veranda offers a cheap prime rib dinner.

You can also receive a 2-for-1 dinner voucher here during your birthday month (as long as you sign up for the players reward card). 

After the excitement starts to wear off, you need to refuel; Vegas has a few hidden gems to feed those late night cravings. 

Look for the “secret pizza” inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel . On the third floor you will walk down a very long hallway with record covers on the wall. There’s no sign, you’ll know when you find it.

Just walk (stumble) until you start seeing and hearing and smelling pizza. 

Or again, just behind the Flamingo, stumble over to the Stage Door bar, for no-muss no-fuss late night grub. A beer and a hot dog will cost you about 3 bucks!

Read Next: 14 Tips About Traveling With Friends (so you avoid driving each other nuts!)

Buffets are a Las Vegas staple and almost a right of passage when visiting this over-the-top city. And depending on which buffets you check out, they can be a great option when visiting Vegas on a budget. 

The Medley Buffet at The Orleans offers one of the best value options as far as buffets go. 

Downtown, the Garden Court Buffet at the Main Street Hotel is a great bargain. 

Wicked Spoon inside the Cosmopolitan isn’t the cheapest buffet, but it’s one of the best if you want to try a good one. And for an extra $17 per person, you can add bottomless beverages to your meal .

So if you didn’t make it to happy hour, this might be a good option to save money. 

Look for the buffets that don’t close between lunch and dinner. Time your arrival at the end of the lunch service (which is cheaper).

If  you take your time, they will start to bring out dinner items!

Buy all your snacks, drinks, Gatorade, bottled water, beer/wine, headache remedies, toiletries, etc. at the shops on the strip like CVS, Walgreens or other convenience stores. Shop here instead of the extremely overpriced hotel shops. 

If you’re able to snag a hotel room with a fridge, get your Uber driver to stop somewhere off the strip to grab a few provisions before you check in to your hotel.

>> Read Next: Top Things in Vegas not to Miss (for easy trip planning)

Accommodation Options for Vegas on a Budget

Hotel prices can be a little deceiving these days. Almost all the hotels on the Strip now charge a ‘resort fee’ which you have to pay on top of your room fee.

There are some things you can try to avoid paying hotel or resort fees , though.

I’ve researched all third-party booking websites, and Booking.com came out the winner for the best rates and random sales for last minute deals!

But if that doesn’t work, one of my favorite places to stay that’s reasonably priced, even after the resort fee is at the Flamingo Hotel.

It’s usually a little less expensive, but has a great pool and perfectly located in the heart of the Vegas Strip. 

Casino Royale is located on the Strip and doesn’t charge a resort fee , so this would be another great option to save money on hotels. 

Staying downtown or on Fremont Street will also help your budget. The Four Queens is another good option that doesn’t charge resort fees. 

At any hotel you check-into, you can try the $20 trick. Slip a $20 bill (or more) in between your credit card and ID and ask if there are any upgrades available.

The front-desk staff will usually be able to bump you to a bigger room or a room with a better view if available. It’s not a guarantee, but always worth a shot. 

Another great option is to stay off the Strip at a vacation rental property.

On a recent trip, We found this great house to rent in Las Vegas on VRBO . We had our own pool and with 10 people, it worked out to be $40 per person a night!

And while we had to pay for Uber rides to get to the Strip, we found that we still saved money by buying groceries and making many meals at the house instead of dining out 2 or 3 times a day. 

Read my best tips for choosing a great vacation rental every time.

Vegas Pro Tip: Order yourself a copy of the American Casino Guide which is the most extensive and trusted resource about all things gambling in Vegas. PLUS, there’s over 150 coupons and basically pays for itself after you use one or two (buffets, shows and match play coupons, meaning you’re paid out 2-1 on your bet).

Best Casinos in Vegas When You’re on a Budget

For some cheap fun, play the penny slots. Careful, as some penny slots have high max bets, sometimes $6.

Look for the slots that have a max bet $0.45 so you can play for much longer !

Remember, drinks are free when you’re gambling, as long as you tip! Yes, even on penny slots.

A $1 tip is standard if you want the cocktail server to keep checking in on you. If you want them to come back more often, tip a little more. I

f you’re not a big gambler, this doesn’t really save you money, but if you like to have a little fun at the slots or tables, $20 can keep you going for a while, with at least a couple of drinks. 

So, for a one dollar tip, you can get things like beer, gin & tonic, long island iced tea, coffee & Baileys for a morning spin, an espresso martini or the raspberry lemon drop at the Cosmopolitan, or whatever else you’d like. 

If you’re craving some old-school vintage Las Vegas, El Cortez Hotel and Casino in Downtown is your spot.

It’s a gold mine for some cheap casino play. On weekdays you can find 50 cent roulette, $5 blackjack and the drinks flow freely.

Excalibur has $5 tables all day, everyday.

You just have to find them! Both Ellis Island and Planet Hollywood also have many table games for $5 and low limits. 

You can even look for casinos that offer lessons in table games. These are usually offered in the mornings when it’s quiet and less busy. 

I found that Fremont Street seemed to have the best concentration of lowest limits. Binion’s Gambling Hall was my favorite as it was a little less busy than other casinos.

Treasure Island has a decent promotion when you sign up for the TI Players Club. They offer a spin to win chance at up to $100 in free slot play. 

You Might Also Like: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for New Orleans

Happy Hour = Essential for Vegas on a Budget

If buffets aren’t synonymous with Las Vegas, then Happy Hour most certainly is. If you’re aware of all the great drink specials, this can save you tons over the course of your trip. 

The Flamingo Bird Bar has $0.50 beers from 5-6pm and then it’s still only $1 from 6-7 and $2 from 7-8.

Tons of other specials on cocktails (all named after birds of course) as well.  Stick around or come back for beer pong and reverse happy hour from 2am-10am.

At Miracle Mile, hit up Ocean One for 3 drinks for $10 anytime! There’s also lunch for $4.99. 

The Bound Bar at the Cromwell will make you feel like Frank Sinatra or James Bond should be in the booth beside you.

A lively and sophisticated atmosphere will add to the delight of $1 martinis and specials on cocktails from 5-6 pm.

Hit the iconic Peppermill Restaurant between 3 and 6pm for appies under $10, and drink specials ranging from $4.50 – $6.00.

If you’re on a girls trip, head to Oscar’s at the Plaza from 4-7pm where ladies drink for half price on Thursdays!

From Monday-Friday, Mickey Finns has $3 wine specials from 4-7pm. This is also one of my favorite spots to sit, sip and people watch on Fremont Street.  

For seafood lovers, Bouchon at the Venetian has an oyster bar from 3-10pm. 

The Casino Royale has $3 bottled beer all the time. 

Chayo at the LINQ has $2 beers and $2 tacos from 2-6pm. And $5 margaritas. 

Ellis Island micro brews are $2.50 all the time. 

Drinks are half price from 4-6pm at the bar at the Burger Brasserie in the Paris Hotel. 

At the New York New York, head to Tom’s Urban from 2-5pm for half price on all drinks. 

Have some fun at the Luxor between 4-6pm at Aurora for $2 jello shots. 

Of course, when you’re gambling you get drinks for free (even though tipping is highly suggested).

Here’s my list of what free drinks you can order and which casinos make the best signature cocktails.

Reference this list on TripAdvisor for the most up to date comprehensive list of happy hour specials!

Transportation

There are free trams that run between some Vegas properties. A great option when you’re tired of walking! 

You can also purchase Monorail passes online ahead of time to save money.

I’ve partnered with Vegas.com to save you a little money. Get yours now for $13 per day for unlimited use with this link .   

If you get a taxi from the airport, make sure you mention you don’t want to take the tunnel route.

If you don’t, they might take you through a tunnel for a longer ride to increase the fare. 

You can also purchase a 24-hour bus ticket for $8. You can make this last almost 2 days if you time it properly. The bus is great for going between Fremont Street and the Strip.

Shows and Entertainment

It’s cheaper to buy tickets online most times, and sometimes you can even save you more than purchasing at the Tix4Tonight booths along the Strip.

Vegas.com has lots of great options, including concerts that are in town. Again, prices change as tickets sell, so it helps to check regularly for price drops or increases. 

There’s free live music, entertainment, DJs and dancing at the Carnival Court at Harrah’s. It’s an open-air nightclub vibe that’s always fun. 

And don’t forget about all the free shows and displays all along the Strip. Like the fountain show and the Conservatory at the Bellagio.

My list of 36 things to do in Vegas has a bunch of free entertainment ideas .

Fremont Street Experience

Grab a cheap beer at the CVS and hit Fremont Street from 8PM to 10PM to watch the free bands and light shows.

After 10, walk one block to Pizza Rock for late night happy hour. 

The walk around and people watch for even more free entertainment that you can’t get anywhere else!

Final Recommendations for How to Visit Vegas on a Budget

Overall, at Ellis Island you can have a fun & cheap evening with dinner and a beer for less than $15 , and some of the cheapest gambling on the strip. 

Stay at the Flamingo Hotel for cheaper accommodations, central location, a nice restaurant and late night meal options, and close proximity to happy hour drink specials.

And with a convenience store close by, perfect spot to visit for regular drink stock ups. 

And Fremont Street will probably save you the most, between no resort fees, plenty of value at restaurants and many cheaper casino games to choose from.

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How To Visit Las Vegas On A Budget

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2023

Categories Travel Blog Post , USA

To sum it up, Las Vegas could not typically be classified as a budget friendly getaway. However, this post will explain how to visit Las Vegas on a budget.

If you’re travelling with a partner, you might also want to check out our guide to the best things to do in Vegas for couples .

Whether you have your eye set on Vegas for a romantic getaway , or if you plan to live it large with buddies as a high roller, Las Vegas is definitely a place where you could stay in the most amazing 5 star hotels , see incredible shows and just generally splash a lot of cash around.

This is great for a special occasion or couples retreat, where the likes of  the Wynn  or  the Venetian  are sure to impress the even pickiest of dates.

However, what if you want to visit Vegas on a quick weekend break for no special occasion and not spend a ton of money?

We investigated and found it is still possible to visit Las Vegas on a budget and have an amazing time!

Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Don’t miss our Vegas Quotes post for the perfect Instagram caption

Keep reading to find out the best tips and tricks for traveling to Las Vegas on a budget.

How to visit Las Vegas on a budget?  Budget Accommodation Options in Las Vegas

The accommodation in Vegas is very different from anything else we have experienced. A lot of the hotels are themed and have food courts, clothes stores & even theme parks located inside.

For people who haven’t been to Vegas, you really have to see these hotels to believe it. It is amazing how much money is spent on the hotels in Vegas!

While there are some amazing  5 star hotels on the Las Vegas strip (including ones with amazing hot tubs in room ) which we would choose in a heart beat if we were coming to Vegas for a special occasion, there is also decent budget accommodation available in Las Vegas for the budget conscious traveler.

At first glance, we found it difficult to find decent accommodation on the Las Vegas Strip at a reasonable price. However, after considerable research, we found a few affordable & decent accommodation options in Las Vegas that we would recommend.

Circus Circus

The first time we traveled to Vegas, the only affordable accommodation available was  Circus Circus , a circus themed hotel located at one end of the strip.

We were a little apprehensive to book this accommodation as we were warned strongly against it by an American we met in Ocala Forest Park . He told us to never set foot in Circus Circus due to the undesirables that lurk in the casino.

However, at a price of  $26 USD a night , the cheapest directly on the Las Vegas Strip (and about $100 cheaper than anything else) we simply  had   to give it a go!

And, for all those hanging on the edge of your seats in anticipation of what staying in Circus Circus is like, the verdict was that we were actually pleasantly surprised!

The rooms were older style but they were very clean & comfortable. It also has a fast wifi connection and an interesting circus themed interior with free circus shows, a theme park and fast food court inside. We didn’t even run across any undesirables in the casino!

For those cruise lovers out there, the best way that I can describe staying at Circus Circus is like being on a cruise ship. Almost being the operative word as, of course, unlike a cruise ship, you have to pay for all the food & beverages inside the hotel.

Circus Circus  has at least 3 accommodation buildings you can stay in, which differ, based on price. The Manor Lodge, the cheapest accommodation available in Circus Circus, is what we decided to book. However, when we arrived, we were surprised to be treated to a free upgrade to the Skyrise Tower! Woohoo!

The Skyrise Tower in  Circus Circus  was very nice and if it is only slightly more expensive, I would definitely recommend booking it over the Manor Lodge.

I have read previously you can score an upgrade by slipping the hotel receptionist a $20 note but luckily, we didn’t have to exercise this strategy and got our upgrade for absolutely free!

The cool thing about Circus Circus is the hotel sometimes offers additional perks. At the time we booked, the hotel was also offering a $20 free beverage credit.

If you manage to get Circus Circus’s free beverage credit, the best value bar at the hotel is Slots-a-Fun bar, which offers $3.24 (incl. tax) Coronas. That means a total of 6 beers free for your hotel credit!

If you aren’t a beer fan, I would personally highly recommend the frozen strawberry daiquiris served at the West Bar. They are absolutely delicious!

To top off the comfortable rooms and free beverage credit, the cost of gambling at  Circus Circus  is probably also one of the cheapest available on the main strip with $10 minimum tables as opposed to $15 minimum tables in many of the more expensive hotels.

As an extra perk, to get you in the gambling spirit, there are free gambling lessons at Circus Circus in Blackjack, Roulette, Craps & Slots if you would like to learn more about a particular casino game.

Overall, we totally satisfied with our decision and would definitely return to  Circus Circus  if we were traveling to Las Vegas on a budget!

The Plaza – Downtown Las Vegas

After visiting (and thoroughly enjoying) the Downtown area of Las Vegas on our first trip, we felt like our next stay should be near Fremont Street due to its vibrant & quite frankly wacky atmosphere.

We decided to stay at  The Plaza Hotel & Casino . We paid $25 USD a night mid week plus a resort fee of $18 USD and were very satisfied with our choice.

The rooms were very spacious, wifi was fast and the hotel provided great access to the heart of the Las Vegas downtown area.

The Plaza Hotel also has a newly renovated pool area which is very nice for relaxing in the summer.

If you are planning to rent a car in Las Vegas or are leaving on a flight from Las Vegas, it is also helpful that the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas offers a free shuttle service to the airport!  Note that they only offer this service to the airport, it is not available coming from the airport.

Other budget accommodation options

Other potential options for cheap hotels on the Las Vegas strip include  Super 8 at Ellis Island  or the  Stratosphere Hotel & Casino . Be warned though these hotels do require a little bit of walking to the heart of the Las Vegas strip!

You might get lucky and be able to score another great budget option during your dates. For the best deals, we suggest searching for hotels in Downtown Las Vegas .

As a general tip, for the best price of accommodation in Las Vegas, go on the weekdays if possible as the price of accommodation in Las Vegas often triples on the weekends.

The best luxury hotels in   Las Vegas

If we were going to Las Vegas for a special occasion like Valentines day, an anniversary or a birthday, after walking through the casinos, we would probably have choose  the Wynn  or  the Venetian .

The  Wynn  hotel was just overall a very luxurious and modern hotel. The casino was also very glamorous at  the Wynn .

We were also particularly impressed with  the Venetian , a hotel designed to be the city of Venice. It was amazing to see gondolas traveling though the hotel & a real life sized Rialto Bridge!

For the best deals on luxury accommodation in Las Vegas, we suggest searching for 5 star hotels on the Las Vegas strip . Go on the weekdays if possible for the best price on luxury accommodation in Las Vegas as the price of Vegas triples on the weekends.

Pro Tip: Factor the nightly resort fee in Las Vegas

One thing to be mindful of with accommodation in Las Vegas is that the nightly rate does not include a resort fee. A resort fee in Las Vegas is a fee for the use of the facilities in the hotel such as a pool & gym (if any) and wifi.

In our case, when we stayed at  Circus Circus , we paid a nightly resort fee of $23 USD a night & tax.

The resort fees in Las Vegas differ from hotel to hotel. For example, when we stayed at  The Plaza Hotel & Casino  we paid a resort fee of only $18 USD.

Differences in resort fee prices, especially at luxury hotels, can add up if you are staying in Las Vegas for more than a few nights. We use this website to compare resort fees in Las Vegas .

Budget Food & Drink Options in Las Vegas

Like accommodation, food can be phenomenally expensive in Las Vegas.

Although most hotels have cheaper options available including a Mcdonalds & Subway located within the premises, the cost of even these low-cost fast food restaurants can be as much as double the usual cost in Las Vegas.

Where to find cheap fast food in Las Vegas?

We purchased a meatball subway in Circus Circus and it cost $9.50.

Later during our stay, we found a plaza, a short distance away, across the road from the Stratosphere Hotel that served normal price subways. Woohoo! The address of the plaza is Sahara Paradise Plaza, 2246 Paradise Road to be exact.

In the same complex is a normal priced McDonalds and even a great Thai restaurant called  Thai Pepper  which serves delicious Thai meals for around $7 USD!

We ordered the Pad Thai & it was really tasty. We appreciated that despite the low cost, Thai Pepper had generous serving sizes. We even found one meal take away was enough between two for a light dinner or lunch.

If you are nearby during lunchtime, take full advantage of Thai Pepper’s $5.95 lunch specials!

There is not a lot of cheap food options available directly on the Las Vegas Strip. However, while checking out the Casino at Treasure Island , we stumbled upon a good find: crispy crème donuts for $1 – a much better deal than Circus Circus & a great snack after a few hours of gambling!

Do note also, if you happen to be over 350 pounds, you can eat for free in Fremont Street. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite quality for this deal!

Supermarket/Convenience Stores in Las Vegas

There are numerous convenience stores located on the Las Vegas strip.

Directly to the left of  Circus Circus , around 100 metres down the road is a CVS convenience store, which is probably the cheapest option for food on the Las Vegas strip.

You can hunt out some good deals at CVS on the Las Vegas strip. They have a $1 section which has tuna packets, big packets of strawberry drop biscuits & chips. They also stock have $1.99 pringles, 79 cents apples/bananas (per piece), $2.99 bread & peanut butter for $3.50.

However, the best part of this store for us was being able to withdraw money for no transaction fee! Basically, for foreigners every ATM on the Las Vegas strip charges a $6 transaction fee. Finding a way to withdraw cash with no ATM fee was a big saving!

Note, there are a number of CVS convenience stores in Las Vegas. Depending on where you are staying, there is another CVS in the middle of the strip near the Treasure Island Hotel .

Las Vegas Travel Tip:  Don’t drink the water from the hotel rooms in Las Vegas, it made us a little sick. You can get large water bottles from CVS or there is usually free water in the hotel gym.

The most affordable Las Vegas Buffet

While in Vegas one of the ‘things to do’ is to experience a Vegas Buffet!

We hunted for the best buffet in Las Vegas and tossed up between splurging on an expensive 5 star buffet such as the Bellagio Hotel buffet priced at around $40 – $60 USD per person or going for a cheaper buffet option.

After pouring through hundreds of reviews, the quality of the 5 star buffets on the Las Vegas strip didn’t seem to justify the high price.

We instead opted for a cheaper Las Vegas buffet located in the Downtown Las Vegas area. We decided upon the  Main Street Station Casino Garden Court Buffet   priced at only $11.99 per person on a Monday night.

While the buffet was certainly plentiful with everything from ribs to pizza to tacos, the food for most part was pretty average.

The saving grace for this buffet was the cheap price and the fact that the building interior was absolutely stunning.

To experience a Las Vegas buffet at a cheap price I would recommend it. I can only imagine (based on the reviews) that some of the expensive buffets are also pretty ordinary.

Free Drinks in Las Vegas – Are they still available?

You will be pleased to know that yes, you can still drink for free (or nearly free) in Las Vegas while gambling at the casinos.

The cheapest way, if you are purely interested in getting a cheap drink, is to go on the one cent poker machines in the casino.

You’ll probably have to wait for around 20 spins before a waitress comes over to take your drink order. When she returns, the drink is free but its courtesy to give the waitress a tip. We usually gave $1 and they were always happy with that.

I did see other people not tipping at all, and, while I would rather the practice of tipping be eliminated in favour of higher prices and fair wages, when the drink is free, a tip is more than fair!

No drink menus are available so you can pretty much order what you want including cocktails ! Simply, ask the waitress, she will tell you no if they can’t do it.

To get the absolute cheapest drinks, select a casino at one of the cheaper hotels like Circus Circus. One cent machines are not available at the more luxurious casinos such the Wynn. You can also get a good deal on hotwire so you might want to check it out too.

Budget Activities in Las Vegas

While there are plenty of activities available to those who want to splash some cash, there are plenty of budget and free activities in Las Vegas to enjoy. Here are our favourite affordable or free activities in Las Vegas!

We traveled to Las Vegas as couple. If you are looking for romantic things to do for couples in Las Vegas you might like to check out budget (and non budget) activities for couples here .

The Fremont Street Experience

This was probably our favourite Las Vegas experience and in many ways we regretted not staying the first time we went to Las Vegas in accommodation in Downtown Las Vegas .

Fremont Street in the Old Vegas is out of this world!

It is a very happening street with a lot of weird & wonderful buskers & just a whole lot of atmosphere! I imagined Downtown Vegas to be full of old men in seedy & outdated casinos but quite the contrary, a lot of young people congregate in Fremont Street for the great atmosphere & cheaper prices.

To sum it up, it is basically a pedestrian mall with a covered roof that runs a Light & Sound Show every hour. The Downtown Las Vegas light show is pretty amazing as it lights up the whole street with different songs & pictures.

There is also an epic zip line that runs along the entire top of the street and really good street performances along the mall. While we were at Downtown Las Vegas, we saw Elvis perform in the street for free!

Free Shows in Las Vegas

The shows in Las Vegas can set you back a lot of money. While seeing Brittany Spears or Justin Bieber in Las Vegas would be a pretty cool experience, it certainly is not a good idea for those wanting to conserve a little cash.

The good news is you can also experience shows for absolutely nothing in Las Vegas! Many of the casinos in Las Vegas offer regular shows in accordance with the theme of the hotel.

Some of our favourites include the Volcano Show at the Mirage Hotel, the Water Show at Bellagio and the Circus Acts at Circus Circus.

The Mirage Volanco is very impressive as it shoots fire high into the air, much like a real-life volcano. The Bellagio water show is also spectacular as water spurts into the air in perfect synchronization to music.

While Circus Circus’s free circus acts weren’t as good as the other two mentioned, they were amusing & impressive enough to be enjoyable.

Here, we have listed the timetable of the free shows available in Las Vegas:

Budget Gambling in Las Vegas

Believe it or not gambling in Las Vegas can be somewhat of a budget pastime.

The price of gambling differs from Casino to Casino. At the more expensive Casinos (such as the Wynn, Venetian etc) there is a $15 minimum for table games.

However, at the cheaper Casinos such as Circus Circus and Treasure Island, there is only a $10 minimum for table games. This price difference can really start to add up after a few rounds.

To make your gambling money go further, the Flamingo Hotel offers a special $5 blackjack rate! There is also virtual roulette and blackjack tables at the cheaper casinos for $3, which was really popular option for affordable gambling in Las Vegas.

However, my personal favourite is the 25 cent Roulette at El Cortez Hotel & Casino in the Downtown Las Vegas. There is a $1 minimum but in terms of Roulette it doesn’t get much cheaper than this!

Budget Transportation in Las Vegas

Despite Las Vegas being a relatively expensive destination, transportation can be relatively inexpensive if you know how to travel like a local!

Public Transport from Airport to the Las Vegas Strip

The cheapest way to reach the Las Vegas strip from the airport is to get the 108 Public Bus, which can be reached Terminal 1. The 108 bus costs $2 a ticket one way. Payment can be made in $1 notes on board.

If you arrive at any of the other terminals you can get a free shuttle bus from outside to Terminal 1 (look out for the black shuttle Van).

If you are staying in the Downtown Las Vegas area , the WAX bus is the cheapest way to go. It departs from the same location as the 108 Public Bus and also costs $2.

Transport from the Las Vegas Strip to Fremont Street

From the Las Vegas Strip, the simplest way to access Fremont Street is by the Deuce Bus.

The Deuce Bus costs $6 per person for 2 hours or $8 for a 24 hour ticket.

During the day, we felt energetic and walked to Fremont Street from Circus Circus (which took approximately 50 minutes). We intended to catch the bus home however, there is no one way option on the bus!! The bus driver was nice enough to offer us a free lift. If we went again, I’d definetely purchase the 24 hour ticket.

Car Hire in Las Vegas

From Las Vegas, we have made trips to both the Grand Canyon & Yosemite on separate occasions.

At the airport, car hire is located a short shuttle ride away from Terminal 1. We usually rent our car through Budget Car Rental as they generally have the cheapest prices.

If you have purchased the cheapest car category through Budget, they will try to convince you to upgrade your vehicle.

In our experience, this wasn’t necessary as you get to choose the vehicle you want from a range of vehicles and they *usually* have a slightly better value car available that you can select than the one you paid for.

We hope you enjoyed our ultimate budget guide to Las Vegas. If you have some extra budget tips for visiting Las Vegas or if this guide has been helpful, we would love to hear from you so please leave a comment below!

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Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a booking through our links we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you found this post helpful, we would appreciate you using our links to help keep  our site running!

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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Monday 9th of October 2017

Awesome... Very nicely written.. Great detail... We went to Vegas once but it was certainly not a budget travel... Will definitely go through this blog again the next time we plan Vegas. :)

Nadia & Mike

Thanks PM! Yes, there are some pretty cool luxury options in Vegas. It’s nice that it is still possible to have a budget trip though!

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Las Vegas on a Budget: 27 Money-Saving Tips + Cheap Things to Do

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » Las Vegas on a Budget: 27 Money-Saving Tips + Cheap Things to Do

You can easily blow your entire bank account in Las Vegas… Or you can use these tricks to save lots of money during your visit to Sin City! We’ve put together tons of money-saving tips and free activities so you can enjoy your time in Vegas without flattening your wallet. This article has everything you need to travel to Las Vegas on a budget!

For a city known for its opulence and excess, you might be surprised to find out that you actually can travel to “Sin City” without spending a lot of cash.

Las Vegas has plenty of free and cheap things to do, and it’s totally possible to have a hell of a time even if you don’t have a high roller budget.

We’ve traveled to Las Vegas a couple of times — all on tight budgets. We’ve each visited this city on our own as broke college students, and again while we were living in our campervan for a summer. Let’s just say that we did all sorts of research to find how we could enjoy Las Vegas without leaving the city completely drained of cash like you see in the movies.

Whether you’re looking to get the most out of your romantic getaway, or you’re planning a bachelorette party on a budget, this article is packed with money-saving tips that will help you come up with a game plan for a perfect cheap vacation in Las Vegas!

Article Contents

We’ve broken this article into sections, so feel free to jump around to get to what you’re looking for:

• Cheap Flights
• Getting around Las Vegas for cheap
• Affordable Hotels in Las Vegas
• Best time to visit Las Vegas
• Free & Cheap Things to do in Las Vegas
• Cheap Pools to Visit
• Cheap places to Eat
• Drink for Cheap
• Cheap things to do outside the city
• Road Trip after visiting Las Vegas

Psst! If you have more time , be sure to check out our bucket list of  cool things to do in Las Vegas (besides gambling!).

Planning a Cheap Trip to Las Vegas

If you plan ahead, you can actually save a ton of money on your trip to Las Vegas.

We’re going to show you how to get there for a steal and how to get around the city the cheapest way possible. Plus, there are a few other planning tips you won’t want to miss!

1. Find a cheap flight to Las Vegas

Flights to Vegas tend to be really cheap. In fact, getting there may be one of the least expensive parts of your trip, which isn’t the case for most destinations.

Psst!  To find the best deals, use  our tips for finding the cheapest flights .

One thing to keep in mind is that Spirit Airlines always seems to have great deals to Vegas, but being a discount airline, they charge for just about everything, including carry-on bags. Add up all the extra costs and before getting psyched about their seemingly low rates.

2. Skip the rental car

Having a car is not necessary if you plan on spending most of your time on The Strip and downtown. Apparently free parking used to be standard in most Las Vegas hotels, however, today, most hotels charge for this service. These fees can add up quite quickly ($15 – $25 per day seems to be the daily average).

So then how do you get from the airport to your hotel if you don’t have a car?  Glad you asked…

Check and see if your hotel has a free shuttle from the airport to your hotel. If it doesn’t, you can get bus passes from an automatic ticket machine for inter-city bus called The Deuce (more information below in #3).

Cheap Parking in Las Vegas

Alternatively, if you are on a road trip and are arriving in Vegas in your car (or campervan, like we did!), you have a few options:

• Find a hotel that has reasonable parking rates. Here’s a pretty comprehensive  round-up of all hotel parking fees .
• Stay at an Airbnb  that includes free parking!
• Park for free at  this lot  near the airport! (Chances are it’ll be cheaper to leave your car at this lot, then take the Deuce into town than it would be to park at your hotel.)

3. Find the cheapest ways to get around the city

If you’ve never been to Las Vegas before, you might be surprised by just how  big  the strip is. From end to end, it is 4.5 miles. And that’s just the main drag.

If you want to make it to the old downtown to explore the Fremont Street experience and the original casinos (recommended!), it’s 6 miles away. Suffice to say, you’ll be doing a lot of walking, but you won’t want to walk  everywhere . Especially in the desert heat.

Let’s just say that traffic in Las Vegas is not fun, and especially if you plan on enjoying any alcoholic beverages, you’ll need to know how to get around town cheaply.

Transportation in and around Las Vegas is notoriously expensive, but there are ways you can avoid breaking the bank.

a) Avoid taxis

They are seriously overpriced and are notorious for taking tourists the “long way” in order to tick up that meter.

b) Take  Lyft  or Uber instead of cabs

We asked one taxi driver how much it would cost for a ride from the Strip to Fremont Street (downtown Las Vegas), and he replied, “About $25 to $30.” We looked up the same route on Lyft, and it was $8 to $12. I bet you can guess which option we chose!

It’s also a good idea to check the prices on both apps and compare before deciding which to take as the apps have different busy times and surge rate depending on how many drivers they have on the road.

c) Take  the Deuce

This double decker bus (get the name now?) that is the cheapest mode of public transportation. $6 per person will get you 2 hours of access, or for $2 more you can ride unlimited for 24 hours.

Our advice would be to go with the $8 pass because depending on traffic, the rides can take a while and you wouldn’t want to  just  miss the 2-hour mark. And if you’re there for the whole weekend, you might as well get the 3-day pass for $20 per person.

The Deuce runs from the South Strip Transfer Bus Terminal (south of McCarren Airport) up to the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown, and it stops at all hotels on the Strip in between. The best part is that it runs 24/7 and comes every 15-20 minutes.

*And yes, it  does  stop at the airport itself!

Find more info and the schedule for the Deuce .

d) Take the monorail

The Las Vegas monorail runs along the entire Las Vegas Strip from the SAHARA Station at the north end to the MGM Station at the south. It stops at 5 different hotels along the route so it can seriously cut down on your travel, if you are willing to walk shorter distances in between.

Trains arrive at each of the 7 stations about every 4-8 minutes. A single ride ticket on the monorail costs $5, but a full-day pass is only $13 with unlimited rides. They also sell 3, 4, 5 and 7-day passes.

Find more info and the schedule for the Las Vegas Monorail .

e) Take the FREE Tram

Operating independently from the Las Vegas monorail, there are 3 trams that run between hotels on the Strip, making it possible to connect the entire route without stepping outside.

The best part is… these trams are entirely  free ! You just hop on and hop off as you please.

The cars on these tram systems are air conditioned and run every 5 minutes or so in both directions.

Mandalay Bay to Luxor to Excalibur:  This route connects Mandalay Bay to the Excalibur Hotel on the west side of the Strip, making a stop at Luxor in between.

Park MGM to Aria to Bellagio:  This route starts at the Park MGM (near the Aria entrance), stops at the Crystals Shopping Mall near the Cosmopolitan, and ends at the South Tower of the Bellagio (near the spa).

Mirage to Treasure Island:  This tram runs between the two hotels with no stops in between and takes less than 5 minutes to get you from one casino floor to the other.

Psst! Looking for more things to do outside of Sin City? We put together a list of fun day trips from Las Vegas , all within a 2 hour drive of the city!

4. Find a cheap hotels in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has no shortage of hotel rooms, so unless you’re traveling during an extremely busy time, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a room you’ll love. And there’s actually a pretty decent assortment of affordable hotels if you know where to look.

Lucky for you, we did a ton of research before our trip to Vegas, and we’re pretty sure we found the best way to find cheap hotels. 

a) Compare different booking platforms

We scoured several booking sites and compared prices on Trivago,  Agoda  and  Booking.com  and found they were quite different during our dates. Try comparing each platform for your travel dates and see which give you the best rate.

You’ll find that even some of the popular  Las Vegas themed hotels  have great rates if you are booking during the off-season. 

b) If your trip is last minute, consider this…

But if you want a really,  really  good deal on a hotel in Las Vegas,  Hotel Tonight  is where it’s at. We traveled to Vegas over the 4th of July, and being that it was a holiday weekend, prices were jacked up considerably. But on a normal weekend, you can find nice hotels on the strip for around $100. Despite the name, you can book up to a week in advance.

To be honest, Las Vegas is the only place we have found this app to be worthwhile (so far), but we were happy with it for this trip.

DISCOUNT CODE:  If you book with  Hotel Tonight  for the first time, we’ve got a discount code for you that’ll save ya $25! Just download the app on your phone and use our code  BZWEBER  for the extra cash off. You’re welcome!

c) Don’t forget to factor in the Resort Fee

We’re not fans of hidden costs, but it seems that just about every decent hotel in Vegas has a resort fee that is not included in the hotel rate you’ll see when booking. This fee can range from $15 up to $40 and goes toward parking, the hotel pool and other amenities.

The resort fee at our hotel covered parking, Wi-Fi and pool access. Plus, we were given vouchers for 2 free alcoholic drinks (beer or well drinks), plus $12 to spend at the onsite Starbucks each day. Not too shabby.

d) Book a weekday trip

If you want to save even more money, plan your trip to Sin City during weekdays, and find rooms on the Strip for as little as $30 to $50 per night. No joke!

Week day  Price  (2 nights at the Bellagio):

Week end  Price  (2 nights at the Bellagio):

e) Join a rewards program

If you’re a frequent visitor to Las Vegas, it might make sense for you to sign up for a hotel rewards program to get savings on room rates, entertainment, and more bonuses.

The MGM rewards program,  M Life , is perhaps the largest and includes the following properties: The Mirage, Aria, Vdara, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Park MGM, New York New York, Luxor, and Excalibur.

Our Experience:  We signed up to test it out and it seems like the room rate “discount” is around what you’ll find on other booking sites. However, if you travel to Las Vegas often there are other perks that could add up.

f) Consider staying just off The Strip

You’d be surprised how much cheaper rooms tend to be if they don’t have a Las Vegas Boulevard address. Look at properties just off The Strip, and you’ll see the dollar signs drop!

Our experience:  Since we were visiting (accidentally!) during a holiday week, all the hotels had inflated rates. We just didn’t like the idea of delving out $300 per night. Since our budget was tight budget and we didn’t mind the idea of being a 5-minute walk from The Strip, we landed on The Renaissance hotel which was basic, yet newly renovated; and rooms were less than $100 per night during our stay. Much better than the rates just a few blocks away!

g) Stay at an Airbnb

If you do a bit of searching using the tips above, you should be able to score a great deal on a hotel in Las Vegas, but an alternative option is staying in an Airbnb.

Personally, we’d probably choose a hotel in Las Vegas because it’s part of the experience, however,  staying in an Airbnb  could be a great choice for you and might even save you quite a bit of money, here’s why:

• most Airbnb properties don’t have a resort fee like the hotels do
• many offer free parking
• you can choose one with a kitchen so you can make your own breakfasts and save some money
• if you’re traveling with a group of friends, this might be the perfect way to all stay together and be able to split the cost.

Our advice would be to look for one with a good location and a pool, because let’s be real, the pool is part of the reason you come to Vegas!

5. Time your trip right

With plenty of things to do, world-class dining, and an incomprehensible amount of hotel rooms, there’s no wonder why Las Vegas is one of the most popular  weekend getaway destinations in the US . That means it can get busy—like  really  busy—during holiday weekends.

To avoid the really crazy jacked up rates, avoid holidays.  Everything from flights to hotels to brunch menus and shows will be much more expensive than usual. We learned this lesson the hard way because we naively visited a few days before the Fourth of July. Don’t make the same mistake we did unless you have the budget for it.

So when is the best time to visit Las Vegas?

For the best weather:

• Well, weather-wise, you’ll find the most comfortable temperatures from  March – May  and from  September – November .
• The winter months can get quite chilly and won’t be ideal for lounging at a pool (if that’s a priority for you).

For the best deals:

• If you’re looking for the best deals, avoid school holidays like spring break and fall break, and you should be able to find some good prices within those time frames.
• For the best deals, weekday rates on hotels, flights and entertainment can be significantly lower than on weekends. However, it might be a bit difficult to convince the boss that a Tuesday to Thursday getaway to Vegas is a good idea.

6. Create a travel budget & track it

No matter where in the world we are traveling, one of the very first things we do is to figure out how much money we are comfortable spending, that way we don’t overspend. This is one of the biggest reasons we are able to afford to travel so often.

Need a bit of guidance making a travel budget?  Lucky for you, we’ve broken down exactly  how we create a travel budget  just for you!

Making a travel budget is the first step, but it’s even more important to track what you spend so you don’t accidentally go over budget. We like using Trail Wallet, but there are lots of apps out there that allow you to track expenses.

7. Plan your splurges

Let’s just say that part of the allure of this city is the glitz and glamour, and there are many things you can spend your money on. It would be a shame to come to Las Vegas and not to any “splurge” activities because you were

Our advice is to decide what activities are your top priorities, and allocate some of your budget to that.  Definitely want to see Cirque de Soleil? Want to have one fancy meal? Want to have an epic night out?

Do it! Part of the reason to travel to this city is for these types of experiences. But know when to pull in the reigns too.

Figure out how much each of your “splurges” will cost and count that into your budget. That way, you’ won’t be scared off by the price in the moment and you will have already designated money for the experiences that mean the most to you.

It will also help keep things in perspective as you are bombarded with things to spend money on. It will be less tempting to blow $100 on souvenirs when you know that money is set aside for something special.

Psst!  We’ve got you covered with  lots more budget travel tips  that’ll help you save money no matter where in the world you go!

Free & cheap things to do in Las Vegas

Now that you know how to get to Las Vegas without spending a fortune and you have a few resources for booking cheap hotels, let’s talk about how to enjoy your time in Sin City without breaking the bank.

There are plenty of money-sucking activities in Las Vegas – from zip-lining at the Fremont Experience, to helicopter tours over the city and, well, gambling…. It can seem like this city’s sole purpose is to flatten out your wallet.

But there are actually a ton of free (or seriously cheap) things to do in and around Las Vegas. You just gotta know where to find them!

8. Relax at a pool (for cheap!)

There is no shortage of pools in Las Vegas. And nothing feels better than relaxing poolside with a cocktail in hand in that midday desert heat.

Our advice would be to  choose a hotel with a pool you actually  want to  spend time at.  You’ll be paying for it in the hotel’s “resort fee”, so you might as well use it, especially if lounging by the pool is one of the things you’re most looking forward to.

Free and cheap pools in Las Vegas

If you weren’t able to snag a room at a hotel with a great pool, you can certainly enjoy the chlorine-laden waters at another property. But may cost you some buck bucks depending on where you go. You may need to either pay a cover charge, or rent a daybed or a cabana (which is a good choice if you are with a large group).

Good to know:  Sometimes the cost of admission to the pools around Las Vegas is more expensive for men. It is also worth noting that there are often discounts for locals and military.

Here are some of the most affordable (but still nice!) pools in Las Vegas. Some are even free!

Citrus Grand Pool Deck  | at the Downtown Grand

• Monday – Thursday: admission is FREEto everyone (even non-guests)
• Friday – Sunday: $10 admission fee to everyone who is not a guest of the hotel

Influence  | at The Linq

• FREE admission every day
• Good to know: This is a 21+ party pool

M Pool  | at M Resort

• Monday – Thursday: $10 admission
• Admission includes entrance to DayDream Pool Club

Go Pool  | at the Flamingo

• Monday – Thursday: FREE admission to everyone
• Friday – Sunday: $22 admission for non-guests

Looking for a night dip?  Every Monday at 8 p.m. the Boulevard Pool (at The Cosmopolitan) shows a “Dive-In Movie”. Doors open at 7 p.m. and admission is $7.

*prices as of April 2020

9. See a show with a discount!

One of the biggest draws of Las Vegas are the shows. From Cirque du Soleil to magicians and musical acts, there’s something to tickle anyone’s fancy. But don’t pay full price for tickets!  Vegas.com  guarantees the best rates on shows.

Plus, you can get an extra 10% discount with the code: STOP.

Looking for a way to fit it all in?  Follow this  itinerary for a weekend in Las Vegas  that is especially geared towards first-timers. 

10. Limit your gambling

We’re not huge gamblers, but when in Vegas, well, we’ll dabble a bit. There’s no faster way to blow your budget than to throw money on a table, but if you plan it out ahead of time, it can be worthwhile entertainment.

Determine ahead of time how much money you’re okay parting with and cut yourself off there.  Once it’s gone, that’s it. Practice your willpower – I know it’s in you!

Oh, and if you’re curious about which games give you the biggest bang for your buck, here are two ideas:

This social game is easy to play, and often your initial bet can last quite a while. The dealers are typically helpful if you don’t know how to play and will guide you through some of the most basic bets. 

Tip:  Many casinos have at least one $10 minimum bet table for Craps, but the only $5 minimum table we saw on the strip was at Harrah’s, where there were several. We by no means did a comprehensive search of all casinos in Las Vegas, but we checked quite a few. The atmosphere at Harrah’s isn’t exactly the best, but if you want to start small, it might be a good option.

$4 will buy you a packet of BINGO sheets, and the fun lasts for about an hour. Plus, drinks are free when you’re playing. When we did a brief search, it looks as if the closest BINGO to the strip is at the Gold Coast Hotel, which boasts the biggest BINGO hall in Nevada, with 720 seats.

It was far from full while we were there and we were the youngest people in the room by a good 20 years, but the people watching was spectacular and it was just a fun experience.

Tip:  Remember to buy a “Dabber” from a vending machine or ask the guys at the bar if you can borrow one. They happily let us each borrow one free of charge!

11. Get off of The Strip

While you’ll definitely want to explore the Las Vegas Strip thoroughly, but there’s lots more to this city. Off the Strip, you’ll find cheaper prices, more locals hanging out, and a very different atmosphere.

Downtown Las Vegas

This is the historic center of the city, and is home to iconic casinos like the Gold Nugget. While this area is not the “Las Vegas” people often think of today, it is full of historic charm and much cheaper prices than you’ll find on The Strip.

• Fremont Experience:  Fremont Street is most known for the LED canopy that covers it, creating a 24-hour “mall” of sorts. Watch people zip-line above your head (yes, really!) and take in all the sights and sounds. And don’t leave this area without getting something to eat or drink because you’ll find some of the best food in the city for cheap! (More on that in the section below!)
• Downtown Container Park:  This unique shopping center was built from — you guessed it — shipping containers! Wander through boutiques, art galleries, and wine bars. And soak up a little sun as you people watch from the courtyard.

Arts District

With dive bars, cheap eateries, and you guessed it — lots of art, this neighborhood will likely become one of your favorite spots in the city if you like getting off the beaten path.

• Check out the  Community Healing Garden , dedicated to those who were killed in the Mandalay Bay shooting, while you’re in the area.
• You can also see the  Pawn Shop  that was made famous in the television series,  Pawn Stars,  one of the coolest places for  shopping in Las Vegas .
• In Las Vegas on the first Friday of the month? Keep reading because you should definitely check this out…

12. First Friday Art District

Just like the event’s name suggests, if you happen to be in Vegas during the first weekend of the month, head up to the Arts District for food trucks, art, live music, and a night of fun!

It’s free to attend, and you can find some reasonably priced bites. Plus, you’ll get out of the tourist-have that is The Strip, and instead, you’ll be surrounded by lots of locals.

Like their tagline says, this event is “where art and community collide”. Wouldn’t it be fun to be a part of?! We sure think so!

Interested?  Check the  First Friday website  to stay up to date.

13. See live music

You don’t have to buy tickets to a show to enjoy live music in Vegas.

In fact, you’ll find it around just about every corner – from street performers to shows in bars and casinos on the strip to free concert series in Fremont, your musical cravings can be satisfied at no charge!

14. Check out all the free sights

Las Vegas is sensory overload. The good news for any traveler on a budget is that many of these sights are free. Oh, and so is people-watching…

Below you’ll find just a handful of free things to see to get your started.  (And if your senses are not pleasantly overwhelmed after this list, you might want to see a doctor…)

• Iconic water fountain show takes place every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night until midnight.
• View the Bellagio’s blown glass art installation in the hotel lobby’s ceiling, by famous artist, Dale Chihuly (pictured above).
• Next to the blown glass, walk through a flower garden unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
• Circus Circus:  Watch as acrobats, clowns and jugglers perform a show every half hour in the hotel lobby
• Fremont Experience:  Watch people zip-line through the neon-lit ceiling, and if that’s not enough, do some quality people-watching and enjoy all sorts of street performances – from amateur magic to spray paint artists to scantily clad women who’ll pose for a picture.
• Mirage:  Watch a volcanic eruption at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. outside this hotel. An additional eruption happens at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
• The Flamingo:  View pretty pink flamingos in a little oasis.
• Treasure Island:  Come for a live “pirate show” in front of their hotel at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
• Take selfies in front of the “Eiffel Tower” at  Paris
• then venture to skyscrapers at  New York-New York
• glimpse the Sphinx at  Luxor
• pose in front of the Trevi Fountain at  Caesar’s Palace
• Who needs to travel around the world when you’ve got Vegas? Only kidding…

15. See the iconic Las Vegas sign

On the very south end of the Strip (aka Las Vegas Boulevard), you’ll find the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign that has made appearances all over Instagram, in movies, and even at the top of this article!

Getting a picture in front of the famous sign is on the to-do list of many visitors, but be prepared to wait in line for that shot! We got tired of waiting (I mean, check out that crowd!) and settled with a picture of just the sign itself.

If it’s really important to you, go early in the morning to avoid the crowds or at a time that you don’t mind waiting. (Just wear sunscreen because there’s not much shade around!)

Eat & Drink for cheap in Las Vegas

While The Strip is full of menus that will make a budget traveler start to tremble, there are plenty of places around the city that are reasonably priced.

Remember, you don’t need to go big for every meal. As a rule of thumb, if you venture just off of The Strip you’ll find more affordable menus. But if all else fails, head to the nearest In ‘N Out Burger!

In this section, we’re sharing some of the BEST inexpensive places to eat, plus, some tips that’ll save you money on food in Vegas!

16. Cheap places to eat in Las Vegas

Here are some excellent (non-chain) restaurants that won’t break the bank:

Le Tai  | Downtown | Thai

With entrées starting at just $10, huge portions and flavorful food, you won’t be disappointed with this Thai restaurant. This tiny restaurant fills up fast. Go early and put your name on the list before exploring the Fremont Experience, or opt to eat on their small patio from takeout boxes and you won’t have to wait at all!

Tip:  You’ll tell them the level of spice you want (0 = no spice to 5 = Thai spicy). Order one level  below  what you think you want. Take it from two people who lived in Thailand. We ordered a 3 (hot) and our mouths were on fire.

Tacos el Gordo  | just off the Strip | street tacos

Walking distance from The Wynn, this join serves up street tacos that are cheap and filling.

Esther’s Kitchen  | Arts District | Italian

It it’s Italian you’re craving, this place will hit the spot. With handmade pasta and a menu that changes with the seasons, you’ll leave full and happy. Come for brunch or lunch when the entrees range from $10 – $17.

Secret Pizza  | The Strip |Pizza

While it’s not exactly a secret, this pizza shop on the 3rd floor of the Cosmopolitan Hotel is unmarked and can be a bit difficult to find. They serve up pizza by the slice for less than $6, or you can get a whole pie. They also have beer and wine available.

VegeNation  | Downtown | Vegan

With an eclectic menu of dishes inspired by cuisines from all over the world, this place is right up our alley! And each item on their menu is plant-based, so any veggie travelers in Vegas will want to give this one a try! It seems like most of their entrees are priced at $13, so a healthy meal here is possible even on a budget.

Monta Noodle House  | Chinatown | Ramen

This local hotspot is known for the best ramen in town, and the affordable prices don’t hurt either! If you’re craving an authentic  tonkatsu , this place will blow your mind.

Psst!  Wanna brush up on your knowledge of ramen and all things Japanese cuisine? We gotchu covered in this  guide to Japanese food .

Evel Pie  | Downtown | Pizza

With a rock ‘n roll meets Evel Knievel vibe, this pizza joint earns rave reviews. And with unique topping combinations and affordable prices, it’s easy to see why!

Viva Las Arepas  | south of the Arts District | Venezuelan

This no-frills, counter-service shop may not have a swanky atmosphere, but they make a mean arepa and are known for large portions and delicious smoked chicken. And starting at just $5, what’s not to love?!

Flock & Fowl  | Downtown | Chinese

This small restaurant may be unassuming, but don’t be fooled! The award-winning chef at Flock & Fowl has put together a small but nice menu of Chinese dishes wit ha focus on free-range chicken.

Tip:  Come for their happy hour where they serve up stiff cocktails for a really reasonable price!

Cornish Pasty Co  | Arts District | British

If you’re craving filly comfort food and don’t have much money to spare, a Cornish pasty will certainly do the trick. (It’s also a good hangover cure!) Priced between $11 – $14, these filling pasty pies won’t break the bank. They have traditional pasties as well as ones inspired by Indian and Mexican and Cajun flavors.

Estiatorio Milos  | The Strip | Greek

This fine dining locale inside the Cosmopolitan wouldn’t seem like a great budget pick on the surface, but stick with us… They have a $29 three-course lunch deal (from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) which includes your choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. If you’d like to try one of their specials, be sure to make reservations, because it is a popular place!

17. Find food trucks

With more than 100 food trucks in the Las Vegas area, you’ll surely be able to find one that satisfies your cravings — whether it’s Asian fusion or shaved ice you’re after.

Best yet, the prices are typically quite affordable compared to what you’d pay in a sit down restaurant.

Check out some of the most popular  food trucks in Vegas  and be sure to check their Twitter to see where they are located that day.

18. Opt  out  of the buffet

Let’s be real… do you ever feel  good  after eating at a buffet?  Does it sound like a good idea to don your bikini or day drink after being stuffed to the max?  Didn’t think so.

Las Vegas has tons of amazing restaurants, and instead of an all-you-can-eat buffet, opt instead for a meal at a nice restaurant. Your taste buds will be happy, you’ll leave satisfied instead of stuffed, and your bill will be half of what you’d pay at a buffet.

Want a brunch suggestion?  The Buffet at the Wynn is often listed amongst the best in town, but we opted for a regular brunch at the  Terrace Pointe Café  (also in the Wynn), and enjoyed Eggs Benedict over Crab Cakes and an Asparagus and Truffle Goat Cheese Omelet all for a reasonable price. Trust me when I say I was stuffed and could not have eaten any more, even if I had been at a buffet!

19. …or do a Buffet on a  Budget

We’ll just pop in and say while we don’t usually love buffets, Las Vegas is an exception. Buffets are ubiquitous in Vegas, and the quality tends to be much higher than at buffets you’d find elsewhere.

So if you really want to try one of the famed buffets in Vegas, but are on a budget, here are a few tips:

• Brunch is a good way to go.  Often, they serve some of the same dishes they do at dinner, but are cheaper than the price you’ll pay come dinnertime.
• Silverton Casino’s  Seasons Buffet  is known to have one of the best buffet deals in town (that is, if you don’t mind getting just off of the Strip). One of their best offerings is on Sundays when they have a Bellini Brunch for $20.99 (get $2 off with their member card). And as the name implies, this includes  bottomless  mimosas and bellinis! We haven’t personally been, but we’ve read that the quality of this buffet is better than the cheap buffets you’ll find on the Strip, making this one a good choice for budget travelers.
• Brunch:  Mimosas, Champagne, Bloody Marys, or Bud Light Draft
• Dinner:  Red or white house wine, Moscow Mules, or Bud Light Draft

Last words on buffets: Just don’t go with the  cheapest  buffet to save money. You don’t wanna be spending your time in Vegas in the bathroom after a bad buffet. ‘Nuff said.

Cheap places to drink in Las Vegas

While clubs and higher end restaurants serve hand-crafted cocktails with prices that’ll make your eyes water, there are plenty of inexpensive drinks to be had in Las Vegas.

20. Happy Hour

Take advantage of happy hour specials around the city; there are plenty!

Insider Tip:  Read the descriptions below and see which bars sound most like your vibe. Then, map out your own DIY Las Vegas Bar Crawl, taking into account the happy hour times.

The Golden Tiki | Chinatown Happy Hour:  Daily from 4 – 7 p.m.

A friend told us not to miss the happy hour specials at The Golden Tiki… fun drinks for a great price? Count us in! The funky Polynesian-inspired décor, big & strong fruity drinks, and low-key atmosphere was a nice escape from The Strip. This establishment is also known for live DJs and for the fact that they’re open 24/7.

Downtown Cocktail Room  | Fremont Happy Hour:  Monday – Saturday from 4 – 7 p.m.

During their “Halfty Hour”, everything is half off (as the name implies!). And at a venue with one of the most inventive cocktail menus in the city, that’s one hell of a deal. They also have rotating DJs each night of the week (except Sunday and Monday).

Eureka!   | Fremont Happy Hour:  Daily from 3 – 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. – close

Laidback spot with crafty food and drinks to pair. Their happy hour includes discounted drinks and on snacky bites like fried mac ‘n cheese balls.

Flock & Fowl Happy Hour:  Daily from 5 – 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. – close

During the daily happy hour, you’ll find select beer, wine and punch for $3 – 5, and boozy craft cocktails are $6. Plus, some of the appetizers are discounted as well.

The Griffin  | Fremont When : Monday-Friday from 5-6pm and 10-11pm

This dimly-lit bar in Fremont features two indoor fireplaces, a jukebox, DJs on the weekends, and dark, rustic vibes. And their happy hour deals ain’t bad either! With $5 drafts and $4 well drinks twice a day, The Griffin makes a cozy drink stop on your DIY Vegas bar crawl!

Blondies  | The Strip Happy Hour:  Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

If you’re looking for a lively sports bar on The Strip where you can get the most bang (err.. drank!) for your buck, Blondies might just take the cake. During their twice daily happy hour (Monday – Friday), you can order all-you-can-drink well cocktails and domestic drafts for just $20. Just don’t get sloppy! 

Foundation Room  | The Strip Happy Hour:  Daily from 5 – 8 p.m.

This cocktail lounge on the 63rd floor of the Mandalay Bay has a daily rooftop happy hour that you won’t want to miss if it’s views you’re after. Their small plates are priced between $8 – $10 and select beer, wine and Ketel One cocktails are just $6. It’ll be hard to beat those prices in this type of atmosphere!

Herbs and Rye  | east of The Strip Happy Hour:  Monday – Saturday | 5 – 8 p.m. and midnight – close

Known as one of the best craft cocktail lounges in Las Vegas, this speakeasy-style lounge turns up the good deals during their epic happy hour which even includes a half-price steak, if you’re feeling rather ravenous.

21. Beer is usually cheaper!

If you’re a fan of beer, you’re in luck because a brew won’t set you back quite as much as a cocktail or glass of wine. However, you might be surprised by some of the prices on The Strip. We’ve done the research for you and found some of the cheapest places to get beer in Las Vegas!

• No matter what time of day, head to  O’Sheas  for famously cheap beers (the cheapest you’ll find on The Strip!).
• Bird Bar  (at the Flamingo) has a daily happy hour from 5 – 6 p.m. where beer is just 50 cents! Yes, you read that right! And if you happen to get there towards the end, don’t worry, because there are still specials until 7 p.m.
• And if you’re in the Arts District,  ReBAR  has great prices on beer as well.
• Breweries: Or get some higher quality beer at a craft brewery like local favorites,  Able  Baker Brewing  and  Banger Brewing , where prices are reasonable. Plus, they both offer free brewery tours! (You can find more info on timing and make a booking by following the respective links above.)

22. Drink for free while gambling

Drink for free while (slowly) playing penny shots. These won’t be strong and fancy cocktails, but if you’re down for a rum and coke or vodka soda in a small plastic cup for the grand total of $0, then head to any slot machine in the city (they’re not hard to find), and grab the attention of a cocktail waitress.

Just don’t forget to tip your cocktail waitress, or she’ll mysteriously disappear. Oh, and be careful about how much you’re putting into that slot, otherwise your “free” drinks might quickly turn into  expensive  drinks…

23. Get on the list for a club

You won’t have to walk far on The Strip to get pestered by club promoters. And it’s annoying, we know. We’re kind of wired to just ignore anyone vying for the attention of passers by on the street.

But if you are looking to have a night out while in Vegas (and I mean you  should,  it’s VEGAS!), get yourself on a list (or two). Sometimes they’ll even include a free drink with entry.

And for the cheapest possible drinks,  buy beverages at one of the many liquor stores  near the strip (or even the CVS). Enjoy them in your hotel room, or bring ‘em on the go.

That’s right — you can walk with open drinks on The Strip, so take advantage if you want to save some cash.

Get outside of Las Vegas

If you drove to Las Vegas ( or have a rental car ), there is plenty to do and see just outside of town.

Plus, there are even some great campsites if you really want to save money. If you’re looking for a place to park your home on wheels near Sin City for a great price, check out RoverPass. This website is kind of like the “Kayak” of campgrounds and makes it easy to  reserve a campsite in Las Vegas  or other destinations along your road trip. 

Looking for an epic day trip from Las Vegas?  Just 2 hours west, you’ll find yourself in the other-worldly landscapes of  Death Valley National Park .

25. Go for a hike outside of Vegas

If the bass-bumping music and neon lights of the strip are making your head spin, get some quality time in nature for an instant refresh.

Red Rocks Canyon is just a 30-minute drive outside of town and the hikes are pretty epic. It costs $7 per vehicle, but if you’re looking for an escape from the city, the fee will be well worthwhile.

Check out our  complete guide to hiking Las Vegas  including more off-the-beaten-path Red Rocks Canyon hikes, or try some of the most popular trails below.

Calico Tanks Trail

A popular 2.2 mile out-and-back trail that is a good easy-moderate intro hike to the Red Rock Canyon. It’s only a 407 ft elevation gain but there is some scrambling near the end with a great view of Las Vegas in the distance. 

Calico Tanks Trail Notes

Ice Box Canyon Trail

This 2.3-mile out-and-back is fairly easy but becomes more of a scramble near the end. You’ll be rewarded with a nice waterfall, which flow more after a rain. 

Ice Box Canyon Trail Notes

White Rock Hills Loop Trail

If you want a long hike with variety of terrain, this 6.1-mile loop trail is for you. Features include wild flowers and a forest of juniper trees on the west side of the mountain, which is a stark contrast to the barren east side.

White Rock Hills Loop Trail Notes

26. Gold Strike Hot Springs

If the desert isn’t hot enough for you (or you’re visiting in the cooler winter months), raise your body temp in a nearby hot spring. This 4.5-mile hike is only for the truly adventurous, and the trail is only open from September until May.

Be prepared to traverse large boulders and use fixed ropes with steep climbs. Despite all the challenges, Gold Strike Hot Springs is said to be epic, and it costs nothing to enjoy!

27. See the Hoover Dam on a budget

If you venture out to this iconic feat of engineering, be sure to leave early to avoid crowds.

Parking in the nearest lot costs $10 per vehicle, entrance to the Visitor’s Center is $10 per person, and those  damn  tours (Griswold Vegas Vacation, anyone?!) cost $15 per adult. It’s all pretty cool to see if it fits in your budget and you’re interested in this kind of thing.

However, you don’t have to shell out $25 per person and $10 for parking… If you simply want to  see  the Hoover Dam and don’t care about the Visitor’s Center or tour, listen up…

Hot Tip:  Parking on the Arizona side (after you cross the dam) is free. You can walk over to the dam and view it free of charge.

Plan out in advance what portions you’d like to do. All of it? Or just park and take in the sights for free?

Road trip after visiting Las Vegas

While we don’t recommend driving around Vegas too much — we speak from experience (driving our campervan on The Strip was  no fun  and parking is a nightmare!) However, combining Vegas with a  road trip around the Southwest  would be a great way to see some awesome sights around the Southwestern part of the United States.

You could make your way to  Zion  and check out all the other incredible National Parks in Utah . Or, you could head the opposite direction and explore the California coast,  head into Death Valley , or hit up Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park . The options really are endless!

Wanna give #VanLife a try?!

If you want to get the most out of your road trip, we’d recommend trying out a campervan! We’re obsessed with #vanlife, but if you don’t have the time (or interest!) in building your own conversion but you still want to give van life a test drive, we’ve tons of ideas for you! Check out our list of top companies for  USA Campervan Rentals , from budget to bougie, we even included some exclusive discounts for our readers! 

One company we’d recommend looking into is  Escape Campervans . They have 12 different locations across North America and come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip. Plus, their rates are fair and affordable.

BONUS:  We’ve partnered with Escape to give you a  10% off discount when you use our  link !

You might also like…

• Hiking Las Vegas: The Best Trails Near Sin City
• Las Vegas to Death Valley: The Ultimate Day Trip Guide
• 50 Cool Things to Do in Las Vegas (besides gambling!)
• Fun Day Trips from Las Vegas

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We want to hear from you!

Have you ever been to Las Vegas? What did you think? Do you have any tips to stay on a budget in Sin City? Share in the comments below!

Comments (25) on “ Las Vegas on a Budget: 27 Money-Saving Tips + Cheap Things to Do ”

Thanks for informative blog

Thank you for informative article

Thanks for sharing. This is absolutely brilliant. Myself and my girlfriend (soon to be wife) are really looking forward to a trip to Vegas soon and this has given us some great ideas and suggestions!

I have read many blogs and articles on Las Vegas guide but this is something i found attractive. You have explained how to travel

Best Blog ever. It will help many new travellers who are planning to visit USA and needed blog whch which help them in journey. I really liked this blog and i really appriciate this effort done by blogger.

Thank you for sharing such an interesting article. I have never been to Las Vegas but this blog made me feel like I am already in this place. brilliant works. thanks again

I have been looking at different sites and have found two wandering soles very helpful in planning our trip in March. They will be 5 of us and need to keep to a budget. Previous trips to Vegas we did not see anything but “one armed bandits!” This trip will include adventures outside of the Casino floor. Thank you for your tips!

You are very welcome, Deb!

Photos look gorgeous in all! I am traveling this winter and I’m so happy I packed my suitcase early!)

Have fun in Vegas!

It’s a great post, covering some very good information on Vegas city. Thanks for sharing your tips on enjoying the things, which are available free of cost. Entire blog is very informative and have been described in a very nice way.

very informative and helpful blog……free yoga,Free Sights in Las Vegas and many more………thanks for sharing!

Happy to hear you liked the article Jenni! Have a blast in Las Vegas!

I went to Las Vegas last month, and the company called NVSTARR, a professional company sells show tickets and tours to Grand Canyon, helped me to book show tickets, and helicopter tour. NVSTARR is a new company in the heart of Chinatown in Vegas. The company is very nice and has its own tour guide. The tour guide took us to see the volcano, the fountain, and Fremont Street. I really recommend travelers to choose this travel company.

Hey Wing, thanks for the tip! Glad to hear you enjoyed your time visiting Las Vegas!

Entire blog…is just amazing beautifully described about all the places,accommodation,budget and all…..very cheap and best sights are these thanks for posting such an interesting blog!

You’re very welcome Jenni. Glad we could help you plan your trip!

I love this Las-Vegas especially in the December times Christmas nights i love to do shopping over there…and I’m foodie…love to taste all the type of yummy foods.!

Hi Jacqueline, We liked Las Vegas too, and there are so many lights! There are so many things to do in Las Vegas.

Awesome post. You should have some tips about how to go out to the clubs for free using the Clubbable app: http://www.clubbable.com There you put together your group for going out and all promoters in town send you offers of free guest list and free drinks if you have a good group. Get in touch and we set you up with a referral code so you can make commission on the people you refer.

Hey Magnus, thanks for the tip, but we’re not so much the club-going type. For us there plenty of other things to do in Las Vegas on a budget. Thanks!

Amazing Article… I have been read some other article about Las Vegas but i love to read your article because of you are mentioning free places to visit, cheapest Hotel, Food information.

Thanks so much, glad it’s helpful!

I’ve lived in Vegas for about 12 years now and you guys did a great job. Particularly, I like that you covered the hiking aspect and fyi, there are plenty more hikes that cost nothing. The only other thing I’d add is that Las Vegas the city spend a boat load on its city parks. I have 5 located within 3 miles of my home that are excellent get-a-ways. The only other thing I might add is the fact that summer visits will introduce you to heat that you may not be so comfortable with. So factor the weather considerations in well.

Hey Terrell, Thanks for the comment! That comes as a huge compliment that you think we put together a pretty good list 🙂 And thanks for the extra additions! You’re lucky that there are so many parks nearby! We’ll have to seek some more out on our next visit. And YES – great tip about the heat. We most certainly should have mentioned that, especially since we were there during a heat stroke, so we experience Vegas in 112 glorious degrees of HEAT. The thing that makes it doable is that every building has powerful AC and there are ample pools! Cheers!

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63 Cheap Things To Do In Vegas Under $25

We get it. Las Vegas can be crazy expensive. From lavish hotels, entertainment, nightlife, and casinos, it’s easy to blow the budget – but you don’t have to. With all the time we’ve spent in Sin City, we’ve created a list of all of our favorite free and cheap things to do in Vegas. 

What we really enjoy about doing Las Vegas on the cheap is that you get a chance to see a whole other side of Vegas that you would miss if you stuck to the popular shows and entertainment venues. While we love those, too, we strongly encourage everyone to add at least a few of these cheap Vegas attractions to the itinerary.

Free and Cheap Sightseeing in Las Vegas 

1. take a selfie at the welcome to fabulous las vegas sign .

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas signs is one free attraction that you don’t want to miss. The sign has been a fixture of the Vegas landscape since 1959, and millions upon millions of tourists have stopped by to take a completely free photo of themselves standing next to it. 

The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign is located on the 5100 block of S Las Vegas Boulevard. While it’s free to step right on up and take a selfie, there are usually some people there who take a picture for you in return for a small fee. You might also find Elvis hanging around to take a picture with!

2. Pretend You’re In Venice 

The Venetian Hotel is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, but as you stroll around, it’s not a stretch of the imagination to think that you’ve landed in Venice instead. At the Venetian, you’ll find replicas of iconic and treasured Venetian landmarks, such as St Mark’s Square and the Campanile Tower, along with exquisite Venetian architecture, and a gilded armillary sphere, 

If you wander over to the Palazzo , you can see the majestic Acqua di Cristallo water sculpture in the lobby. Anyone who appreciates Italian art and architecture will love just walking around and observing all of the attention to detail. Plus, think of how you can save money by not making an extra trip to Venice! 

Although the pricing puts them out of range for our list of free and cheap things in Las Vegas, you can enjoy a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian as you float along the Grand Canals and enjoy the sweet sound of a serenade. 

3. World’s Largest Golden Nugget 

Have you ever wanted to catch a glimpse at the world’s largest golden nugget? It might not be something you’ve ever thought you needed to see, but it’s a totally cool and totally free thing that every visitor to Las Vegas should see at least once. 

Located at the Golden Nugget Hotel (go figure, right?) in Downtown Las Vegas is a gold nugget that weighs 61 pounds and has been named the Hand of Faith. Why the name, you ask? Well, the giant golden nugget closely resembles the shape of a hand. You can learn more about the story when you stop in the lobby of the Golden Nugget Hotel. 

4. Hang Out at the Pool

With an itinerary that’s packed with sightseeing and things to do, we don’t want you to forget to relax and enjoy some downtime, especially if you have the chance to lounge around at a Las Vegas pool. Most Las Vegas hotels have a pool complex that is complimentary for their guests to use. 

If your hotel doesn’t have a pool (which is rare in Las Vegas), some pools like the one at the Luxor allow non-guests to purchase a day pass to their pool. Prices vary, but with a little shopping around, you can definitely find access to a pool for $20 or less. 

5. Take Your Picture with a Million Bucks 

They say a picture is worth a million words, but in Las Vegas, you can actually take a picture that’s worth a million bucks! Ok, so you won’t get rich by selling your picture, but for a moment in time, you can stand next to a pyramid of stacks of money that equal a real-life million dollars. 

The stack of green is located at Binions on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Note that this million-dollar stack of bills was put away when Vegas shut down due to the pandemic. We’re currently waiting for its return. If you’re in the gambling mood but on a budget, consider a stop at the Binions casino, which is super casual with low table limits. 

6. Ride the Tram Around Town 

Sightseeing in Las Vegas can be hard on your feet. Fortunately, there are trams and other public transportation options that make it all so much easier. The nice thing about riding the tram around town is that you get to see so much of the Las Vegas Strip in one swoop. Plus, you can exit anytime you see something that catches your eye! 

There are several free monorails that run between the resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. But, all trams, monorails, and busses in Las Vegas are inexpensive transportation options and a great way to see Sin City, both on the Strip and in Downtown Vegas. 

7. Eiffel Tower Experience 

The Paris Hotel is home to a half-size to-scale replica of the real Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Eiffel Tower lights up in the colors of France’s flag in a beautiful display nightly. Seeing this display is a completely free attraction, and it occurs every half hour from sunset until midnight. 

If you have a little extra money to spend, you can purchase tickets to the Eiffel Tower Experience, which takes you up high into the tower for amazing views of the Las Vegas skyline. The price for the attraction is a little over the $20 mark for adults, but locals, military, and seniors receive a discount on admission. 

8. World’s Brightest Light Beam 

As long as we’re talking about brilliant displays of light, we wouldn’t want to not mention the opportunity to see the World’s brightest light beam for free in Las Vegas. 

This magnificent light beam can be found at the Luxor Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard, and the light beam is so bright that you can see it from space! The Luxor light beam lights up the sky every evening at dusk and shines bright the whole night through. 

9. STRAT Observation Deck 

The observation deck of the Skypod at the STRAT is something everyone should experience at least once during their visit to Las Vegas. The observation decks sit at nearly 1,150 feet in the air, where you can experience unprecedented views of the Las Vegas Strip and skyline. There are also lounges and one of the most famous restaurants in Las Vegas in the STRAT Skypod if you want to make an evening of it. 

Although the STRAT Observation Deck experience exceeds our price threshold, it’s only by a few dollars, and we felt that this experience was still worthy of a spot on our list. 

Aquariums 

10. aquarium at the mirage .

One of the wonderful things about Vegas is that practically every hotel on the Las Vegas Strip offers cheap things to do and see on their property. The Mirage Hotel and Casino has a couple, but lovers of all things aquatic will want to stop by the hotel lobby to see their gorgeous 20,000-gallon aquarium. 

The aquarium features an indoor coral reef and more than eighty-five different species of fish. Head to the front desk and look for the aquarium that’s home to pufferfish, angelfish, and many other types of exotic aquatic life. 

11. Aquarium at Silverton Casino Hotel Las Vegas 

The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel is quoted as being the best free aquarium in Las Vegas, and we really can’t argue. The aquarium is a massive 117,000 gallons and is home literally thousands of different tropical fish. But, this is more than a cool aquarium to look at. The Silverton Hotel makes sure you’re not left wanting more entertainment. 

The aquarium features interactive feeding shows and mermaid swims. The mermaids make an appearance several times a day for a choreographed swim and also to interact with the audience. 

Art, Museums, & Installations 

12. bellagio conservatory & botanical gardens .

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden is one of the most treasured free attractions in Las Vegas. This is a 14,000 sq ft space that is transformed seasonally with displays of horticulture, art, light, and sound. The schedule of seasons starts with Lunar New Year, which is a favorite, but you can’t go wrong visiting the Bellagio Conservatory any time of year. 

13. Discovery Children’s Museum 

The Discover Children’s Museum is a great, inexpensive thing to enjoy with young ones in Las Vegas. The price of admission is well below $20, and they participate in the Museums for All program, which offers significantly discounted admission for families showing a SNAP, EBT, or WIC card from anywhere in the United States. 

The Discovery Children’s Museum is three floors of space dedicated to many different experiences for children of all ages. From Water World to Patents Pending and Fantasy Festival, there’s something here to engage every young mind. 

14. Shelby Museum

Anyone who loves classic cars will definitely want to take a trip to the Shelby Car Museum in Las Vegas. The museum costs in the ballpark of $5 to enter and features a collection of historical Shelby automobiles. Look for the Shelby Cobra, GTs, and more. 

The Shelby Museum is only open on Saturdays, so make sure you plan ahead and leave some time to explore the museum on Saturday afternoon during your stay in Las Vegas. 

15. Aria Fine Art 

Aria Las Vegas is home to a Fine Art Collection that you don’t want to miss, especially since it’s totally free to view. The Aria Fine Arts Collection features an eclectic collection of art that includes paintings, sculptures, and more, all by acclaimed artists. Take yourself on this free walking tour through a world of artistry that’s open seven days a week. 

16. Bellagio Ceiling

The Bellagio Hotel features amazing architecture and lots to do and see, but don’t forget to look up while you’re wandering around, taking in the sights, don’t forget to look up. The ceiling of the lobby of the Bellagio is covered in a work of art by Chihuly called “Fiori di Como,” which is a masterpiece of more than 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers and blossoms. It’s rumored that tens of thousands of people stop by the Bellagio every day during the peak season to catch a glimpse at Chihuly’s artwork. 

17. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art

The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is located at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. With their belief that art should be accessible to all, they offer free admission to all guests, including both locals and visitors alike. In addition to its changing exhibits, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art also offers enrichment opportunities, including lectures, community programs, and workshops. Check their calendar of events for current exhibits and enrichment opportunities. 

18. Mimes at the Paris Hotel 

One of the great things about walking along the Las Vegas Strip and the main Downtown area is all the free entertainment and street performers that you’ll encounter. While there isn’t a schedule of showtimes, there are some performers that are known to inhabit certain locations, with street mimes being one of the most famous at the Paris Hotel.  

19. First Friday in the Arts District 

On the first Friday of every month, you can head to the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas (also referred to as area 18b), where you can take part in the First Friday Event. This is a chance for locals and visitors to experience art culture and support local artists and vendors. There’s art, music, food trucks, and more that you don’t want to miss. 

20. Tour Counts Kustoms

Count’s Kustoms is of History Channel fame, being the setting for the show Counting Cars. If you’re a fan of the show or just really hot cars in general, Count’s Kustoms offers a completely free tour of their shop. You can stay as long as you want and snap endless selfies —just don’t touch the cars! 

If you’ve saved some money by enjoying all the free and cheap things in Las Vegas, you can purchase tickets for a VIP tour that includes a VIP experience at Count’s Kustoms, Shelby American, and Nostalgia Street Rods. The VIP Experience runs in the ballpark of $99 per person. 

21. Hollywood Car Museum

The Hollywood Car Museum is where you can see all of your favorite and lusted-after cars from movies and your favorite television shows. Get an up-close look at the Batmobile, the Delorian from Back to the Future, General Lee, and even Bonnie & Clyde’s Death Car, along with more of your favorites. 

23. Tour Nostalgia Street Rods 

Las Vegas is home to more than a few automotive museums and exhibits, and we love that so many of them are free or low-cost to enjoy. Nostalgia Street Rods is another to add to your list of cheap things to do during your stay in Sin City. Nostalgia Street Rods offers the chance to view a private collection of street rods that were built between 1910 and 1984 at a very reasonable ticket price. 

24. Erotic Heritage Museum 

The Erotic Heritage Museum has been coined the world’s most provocative museum in the world. With erotic displays that are artistic and intriguing, the Erotic Heritage features a collection of sex-positive exhibits for guests to enjoy. Some examples of the exhibits offered include The Evolution of Human Sexuality, The Garden of Earthly Delights, and Sex in Space. 

25. National Atomic Testing Museum 

The National Atomic Testing Museum is the perfect day adventure for anyone with a curiosity about the history of Nevada and the atomic testing site that existed there, along with the nation’s nuclear weapons program. View collections and rare artifacts, including civil defense items, photographs, and rare documents. The National Atomic Testing Museum is suitable for all ages, and you’ll want to plan for about an hour or two for your visit. 

26. Neon Museum 

When visiting Las Vegas, you expect to see all the neon lights, but have you ever wondered what happens to all of those neon signs once they “retire”? The Neon Museum is home to a massive collection of both restored and unrestored Las Vegas neon signs. 

You can find neon pieces of Las Vegas sign history in the main display at the Neon Boneyard, with some additional pieces in the North Gallery. For the best experience, visit the Neon Museum at night, when the restored signs are lit up and come to life. 

Cheap Adventures in Nature 

27. flamingo wildlife habitat .

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat isn’t only a serene oasis away from the craziness of the Las Vegas Strip. It’s also one of the free things to do in Las Vegas that won’t cost you a dime. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is located at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino (shocker, we know) and offers a tranquil escape into a garden-like atmosphere, 

The Wildlife at the Flamingo Habitat in Las Vegas is amazing. You have the chance to see gorgeous flamingos up closes, along with other types of exotic birds, pelicans, waterfowl, Koi , turtles, hummingbirds, and songbirds that offer sweet sounds to fill the air. Kids and adults alike will love the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. 

28. Seigfried & Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat

Seigfried & Roy’s Secret Dolphin Habitat is a wonderful place to escape to in Las Vegas, with the opportunity to enjoy face-to-face interaction with sweet and enchanting Bottlenose Dolphins. In addition to the dolphins, guests can also enjoy the company of white tigers and lions, along with even more incredible exotic creatures. 

The Seigfried & Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat is located at the Mirage, and while it’s not a free experience in Las Vegas, it is one that qualifies as budget-friendly. 

29. Springs Preserve 

Springs Preserve is one of our favorite cheap things to do in Vegas. Springs Preserve is an area that spans 180 acres and is completely dedicated to nature in all of its forms. Guests can also visit the Nevada State Museum, which is included in the price of admission at Springs Preserve. Visit the Desert Turtle Habitat, take a train ride, take a guided garden tour, learn about desert-friendly plants, and more. 

Springs Preserve is located a short three miles outside of Downtown Las Vegas and is open daily from Friday through Monday. Current prices to enter Springs Preserve are less than $10 for general admission. 

30. Red Rock Canyon 

If you’re in the mood for a little drive, the Red Rock Canyon makes for a wonderful day trip away from the city, and it’s cheap! Red Rock Canyon is about 25 miles west of Las Vegas and is a gorgeous canyon area that features a 13-mile scenic loop that makes for a beautiful drive. 

There are also lots of outdoor adventure activities at Red Rock Canyon, from hiking and camping to just exploring the plants and wildlife. There’s something here for all types of nature lovers. 

Fees to enter Red Rock Canyon are charged per car rather than per person. You can also find guided hikes and Red Rock Canyon tours , although these will cost you a pretty penny more. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for some unique Red Rock Canyon swag before you leave. 

31. Lake Mead 

A little further away from Las Vegas is Lake Mead. Unlike many of the other natural areas near Las Vegas, Lake Mead is not steeped in ancient geological history. Instead, it’s a rather new, relatively speaking. Lake Mead was formed as a result of building the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Today, you can visit Lake Mead and explore the largest reservoir (in terms of capacity) that exists in the United States. 

Lake Mead is located about 30 miles outside of Las Vegas. Single-day passes cost around $25 per vehicle. 

32. Seven Magic Mountains 

The Seven Magic Mountains is a desert art installation that’s located about twenty miles from the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. The Seven Magic Mountains is a display created by artist Ugo Rondinone, featuring seven towers of boulders that have each been painted in bright, vibrant colors. The towers climb upwards to about 35 ft and stand out vividly in the natural desert landscape. 

The Seven Magic Mountains are said to represent the meeting of the natural world of the Las Vegas desert landscape and the bright, man-made world of Las Vegas. 

The Seven Magic Mountains are free to enjoy and be used for photography. The only real rule is to be respectful to the art display and to leave no trace of your visit behind. 

Cheap Games, Thrills, & Adventure In Las Vegas 

33. big apple roller coaster at new york, new york .

You might think it at first, by Las Vegas houses some of the most incredible thrill rides in the United States, and you get to experience all the thrills and excitement right on the Las Vegas Strip! 

The Big Apple Roller Coaster at the New York, New York Hotel and Casino is one such inexpensive thrill wide you must experience. 

The Big Apple Roller Coaster features a 180-degree twist and a drop of more than 200ft. You do need to purchase a ticket and not just show up in line, so make sure you plan ahead! 

34. Big Apple Arcade at New York, New York 

Also, at the New York New York Hotel is the Big Apple Arcade. This is an arcade with all of your favorite arcade-style games but done up in Las Vegas style. The Big Apple Arcade is free to enter. You just purchase credits to play the games. You can purchase 200 credits for $20, which is enough for loads of fun gameplay. 

35. Pinball Hall of Fame 

The Pinball Hall of Fame, also called the Pinball Museum, is 25,000 sq ft of pinball culture and fun. With a collection of pinball machines that span from retro relics to modern-day favorites, you really get a glimpse of the history and evolution of pinball. 

The best part of the Pinball Hall of Fame is that it’s free to enter, and you can play all of the games. Make sure you bring a pocket full of quarters because it’s easy to lose hours here. 

36. 4D Ultimate Expereince 

The 4D Ultimate Experience at Excalibur Hotel offers you the chance to experience some of your favorite Hollywood brands in theatric 4D. Feel like you’re really immersed in the action as you’re brought along through heart-stopping action and adventure. Each show lasts about 15 minutes, so it’s the perfect way to kill a little time before dinner or a show. 

37. Kiss: By Monster Golf

If you’re of the mind that playing mini-golf is boring or lame, Kiss by Monster Golf is going to change your mind. Here, you can play mini-golf on a Kiss-themed course that spans 13,000 sq ft and is enhanced by lights, sounds, props, and video. The neon theme will stimulate all of your senses as you play this not-so-serene round of golf. Kiss by Monster Golf is located at the Rio Hotel & Casino, and a full 18 holes cost under $15. 

38. Gold Spike 

Gold Spike is a bar/event venue/hangout spot in Downtown Las Vegas. Of course, we could put almost any bar or lounge on this list, but Gold Spike is like its own little inclusive entertainment world confined in one space. Think along the lines of live music , games like twister and giant beer pong, a living room area, and a buzzing outdoor space. 

There’s always something fun to do at Gold Spike, and the cover charge is super low, even on their event nights. 

39. Fun Dungeon at Excalibur 

The Fun Dungeon is an arcade-style place to play and have adventures at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The Fun Dungeon is completely free to enter and offers more than 200 games for all ages. The Fun Dungeon at Excalibur is open every evening during the week and is open starting from noon on the weekends. 

Shows & Performances 

40. bellagio fountain show .

The Bellagio Fountains are one of the most iconic fixtures on the Las Vegas Strip. The fountains have been in the backdrop of nearly every movie or show set in Las Vegas since they sprang to life in 1998. Each day the fountains come alive in a choreographed show that features light and music. Shows happen daily, starting at 3 PM and occur every 15-30 minutes until midnight. 

41. Dueling Piano Show 

Dueling piano shows are a great way to enjoy some music and have fun in Las Vegas. All you have to pay to enter a dueling piano show is whatever cover the bar or lounge might be charging, and you’ll also want to at least order a drink while you’re there. 

Look for dueling piano shows at spots like Napoleon’s Dueling Pianos, The Piano Bar, and Don’t Tell Mama on Fremont Street. You’ll want to check each venue for individual showtimes. 

42. Volcano at the Mirage 

The Volcano at the Mirage is your chance to see a volcano erupt up close –well, sort of. It’s not a real volcano, but with the state-of-the-art light, sound, fire, and other special effects, you start to wonder if you’ve maybe teleported somewhere far outside of Vegas. 

The Volcano at the Mirage erupts every night, starting at 8 PM. Shows occur on the hour, every hour until 11 PM.

43. Free Circus Show at Circus Circus 

Who doesn’t love a circus, especially when it’s free? The free circus shows at Circus Circus hotel are one of the most entertaining free things you can do with the entire family. 

The best part about the Circus Circus show is that they don’t repeat the same show every time, so you can attend multiple performances and not see the same acts twice. Think along the lines of aerial mastery, the flying trapeze, jugglers, clowns, and more. 

The free circus happens at the Circus Circus Midway daily, with showtimes starting at 1:30 PM during the week and 11:30 on weekends. Showtimes may vary, and Circus Circus does reserve some blackout days, so make sure to check their calendar before heading to the midway for this event. 

44. Streetmosphere 

Streetmosphere at the Venetian is a wonderful place to find some free entertainment while you’re indulging in a little retail therapy at the Grand Canal Shoppes . At Streetmosphere , you can see some of the best street performers in Las Vegas, including a variety of singers, musicians, and magicians. 

45. Fall of Atlantis 

The Fall of Atlantis show takes place at the Forum Shops of Caesars Palace. More than just your average free show, this production takes you on a journey through the downfall of Atlantis that includes mesmerizing lights, music, animatronics, fire, and towering talking statues. 

The Fall of Atlantis show is free to attend and appropriate for all ages. Showtimes happen daily, on the hour starting at 11 PM. 

46. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 

We all know there’s no shortage of shows of all types to see while in Vegas, but many of them cost upwards of $70 to attend, and the seats aren’t always that great. The Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show is the exact opposite. Tickets start at about $20, and you’re not going to complain about the seat you get for that price. 

The price for the tickets can be a little deceiving since they’re often listed for much more, but steep discounts are almost always available. You can find the Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. 

47. Dive-In Movies 

No, that’s not a typo. We really meant to type “Dive-In Movies” and not drive-in movies. Every Monday, the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Transforms the marquee at their Boulevard pool into a giant movie screen, where you’re welcome to come to join, relax, watch a movie, and splash around in the water. 

The Dive-In Movies at the Cosmopolitan are open to hotel guests and the public alike for a small fee. 

Cheap Things to Do at Las Vegas Casinos 

48. learn to gamble .

If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas or maybe just a bit intimidated by the casino scene, many of the major casinos offer a free crash course in how to play poker, blackjack, roulette, and several other casino games. After all, they want you to feel nice and comfortable at their gaming tables, so you’ll stay longer! 

You always want to confirm lesson types and times with the casinos before you arrive, but some casinos in Las Vegas that offer free gaming lessons include the Excalibur, Circus Circus, the Golden Nugget, Tropicana , Palms, and Luxor. Free lessons are subject to cancellation and change, so make sure to call ahead. 

Did Someone Say Chocolate?

49. hershey’s chocolate world .

Hershey’s Chocolate World is one of the sweetest spots in Vegas and can easily be called the ultimate candy shop. Step through the doors and find more than 800 types of Hershey’s chocolates and candies, with each of them throwing some hard-core temptation at your sweet tooth. 

Even if you don’t buy anything, Hershey’s Chocolate World is great fun to explore. They even have an 800lb chocolate sculpture of the Statue of Liberty. Hershey’s Chocolate World is located on the Las Vegas Strip and is open daily from about 9 AM until late at night. 

50. M&M World 

M&M World is a must for anyone that loves the colorful little chocolate candies. The M&M Store is a massive four-level tribute to M&M candies and merchandise of all varieties. Grab a bag of just your favorite color, have some custom M&Ms designed, or leave with a bag of your favorite M&M merch. You can also wander around the chocolate wonderland and not spend a dime. 

M&M World is located on the Las Vegas Strip in the Showcase Mall. They’re open daily from 9 AM-11 PM (hours subject to change).  

51. Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Take a free, self-guided tour at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and immerse yourself in the world of how your favorite chocolates are made. You’ll get the see the candy makers in action and watch them make everything from filled chocolates to peanut brittle and more. 

After you’re done with the tour, head to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory Cactus Garden, which spans more than three acres, making it the largest cactus garden in the Southwest. 

52. World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain 

The world’s largest chocolate fountain can be found in Vegas at the Bellagio Patisserie. This fountain of every chocolate lover’s dreams is a floor-to-ceiling masterpiece that circulates more than 2,100 pounds of chocolate! 

Unfortunately, you can’t dip your strawberries or your fingers in the chocolate because it’s fully enclosed, but you can visit it and snap a selfie for no charge at all. 

Cheap Food & Drink Experiences In Las Vegas 

53. carnival court .

Carnival Court is an outdoor party under the stars at Harrah’s Las Vegas. This is an outside bar/lounge venue that seems to always have something going on, especially at night. The atmosphere always feels like you’ve walked into a house party, and mingling is encouraged. There’s often live music, dancing, and games to play. You will want to bring a little spending money to purchase a drink or two, but Carnival Court is a guaranteed great time. 

54. Coca-Cola Store 

Do you love popping open an icy cold Coca-Cola? The Coca-Cola Store in Las Vegas is where you can go find all sorts of iconic merch and quench your cola cravings. This is a retail destination, but you can also stop at the Coca-Cola fountain, where you can taste a flight of international Coca-Cola flavors. 

The Coca-Cola Store is located on Las Vegas Boulevard and is open daily. 

55. Whiskey Experience 

A chance to sit down and sample some whiskeys for free? Signs us up! The Whiskey Experience offers a guided whiskey tour that will satisfy the palates of any true whiskey lover. You’ll get the chance to sample whiskeys from around the world, and all for the cost of about $10. Although this was formally called the Free Whiskey Experience, the event is currently listing the cost of tickets as $10. 

The Whiskey Experience takes place daily at Spirit & Spice Las Vegas, which is located at the Venetian Hotel. Experiences are usually scheduled or around 5 PM, but you’ll want to check the exact time when you purchase your ticket. 

Window Shopping in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is packed with great shopping, with everything from funky, eclectic boutiques to high-end designers. The best part is that window shopping is always free. If you’re looking to indulge in a little retail therapy or free window shopping, check out these favorite shopping destinations in Las Vegas. 

56. Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian 

The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian is more than just a retail shopping experience. In addition to a variety of retailers and restaurants, there’s also plenty of free entertainment to be had at the Grand Canal. Look for street performers, check out Streetmosphere, or just enjoy strolling by the beautiful Grand Canals. 

57. Forum Shops at Caesars Palace 

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace are where you’ll find many prestige and premier retailers. Visit the Forum Shops to window shop at boutiques and retailers such as Saint Laurent, Gucci, Burberry, Fendi, and more.

58. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood 

The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is a shopping, eating, and entertainment extravaganza. Window shop at your favorite stores, grab a drink and then head to the Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show. 

59. Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s

The Grand Bazaar Shops is an open-air mall on the Las Vegas Strip that’s filled with all sorts of boutiques and specialty stores. If you happen to be shopping at night, make sure to allow yourself some time to enjoy the light show that takes place on the rooftop canopy every 15 minutes from dusk on. 

60. Wynn Plaza at Wynn Las Vegas

The Wynn Plaza is an upscale shopping destination at the Wynn Las Vegas. Whether you have intentions to truly pamper and indulge yourself, or you just want to wander around and indulge your retail shopping fantasies, the Wynn Hotel Plaza’s collection of stores and boutiques is top of the line.  

61. Fashion Show Mall 

With a name like the Fashion Show Mall , you have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this shopping experience. What6 we love about the Fashion Show Mall is that it’s so much more than just shopping. They offer a calendar of experiences for you to enjoy, many of them free or cheap. 

More Fun & Cheap Things to Do In Downtown Las Vegas

62. cheap things to do at the fremont street experience .

The Fremont Street Experience takes place on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, and is a collection of music, eats, drinks, entertainment, and an all-around great time. There’s a lot to do and see at the Fremont Street Experience, and much of it is free, including their free concerts, light shows, and more. 

63. Downtown Container park 

The Downtown Container Park is an entertainment, shopping, dining, and playing district in Downtown Vegas. There’s a giant praying mantis that shoots flames every night, a massive playground that’s fun for all ages, including a 33-ft slide, and a constant lineup of events that are either free or super affordable. 

Visit Las Vegas, Nevada, Without Breaking the Bank! 

There are all sorts of cheap and free events to enjoy and lots of ways to save money during your visit to Sin City. From free concerts, street performances, light shows, and thrills, there’s something for every personality and every budget. Plan your next trip to Las Vegas, and don’t forget to add a few of our favorite free and cheap things to do in Vegas to your list! 

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Home » North America » USA » Las Vegas

The EPIC Las Vegas Travel Guide + Budget Travel Tips! (2024)

Sin City AKA Las Vegas – it’s one of the most infamous places in the USA that’s often portrayed as a den for gangsters, gamblers, and runaways.

If I can guarantee just one thing, it’s that visiting Vegas will be an experience – to say the least.

In this Las Vegas Travel Guide, I’m not going to walk you through how to experience nightlife. Because to participate, all you have to do is show up.

I’m going to be talking about some of Sin City’s less conventional travel attractions: the amazing hikes, the interesting museums, the local restaurants- all the things that make a city worth visiting.

Granted, we will be spending some time on The Strip and you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to shoot craps. At the end of the day, this is a guide to visiting Las Vegas for first timers and these things are, admittedly, a right of passage.

By the end of this article, you’ll know when, where, and how to travel in Vegas on a budget, along with a few offbeat location ideas, too.

So grab your tacky Hawaiian shirts, your one-piece suits, your Elvis costumes, whatever it is you want to wear. We’re heading to bat country!

Why Visit Las Vegas?

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Because where else can you find a literal City of Sin in the middle of a massive desert?

Las Vegas is unique in just about every way, from its hundreds of underground tunnels to its bonafide status as an “Adult Disneyland.” If you’re going to be backpacking the USA , it’s one of those places that you just can’t miss.

From themed casinos to some of the best shows in the world, Las Vegas is synonymous with entertainment. While many call NYC the city that never sleeps, it’s Vegas where you can truly find EVERYTHING at each and every hour of the day. 24/7/365 casinos outfitted with “natural” lighting can really make this damned city feel like another world.

Not trying to spend every day attepting to win money?

You can also rock out at one of Las Vegas’ iconic pool parties, or check out the very vibe-y Fremont Street, which is where the city’s old heart beats. Sin City can also hold its own in the food scene, and I’m not just talking about the bougie restaurants you can find in all the famous casinos.

While Las Vegas isn’t quite as “real” as even Miami, part of what makes it so fun is the debauchery. We’re always down for a good party, and the reality is that with cash to blow, a trip to Las Vegas might just be the most lit part of your American adventure. It’s also centrally located to several famous natural landmarks, like the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam .

What Are the Major Attractions in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is teeming with iconic attractions, after all, it does attract tourists from all over the world! As much as you should try to get off the beaten path while experiencing Sin City, this wouldn’t be a legitimate Las Vegas travel guide without mentioning these awesome things to do in Las Vegas .

Here’s what you just can’t skip:

• Fremont Street
• The Venetian
• Caesar’s Palace

How Long to Spend in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a pretty small city, and most of its attractions can be seen pretty quickly. This means you can pack a LOT into just a few days.

I’d recommend spending 3 days in Las Vegas to start. This will give you enough time to see the main sights, do a bit of gambling, and even take a solid day trip from Vegas .

If you’re looking to properly check out all the casinos and really get into traditional Las Vegas activities, you may want to extend that to 5 days. You’re definitely gonna want to leave one for recovery.

The following is a sample 3-day itinerary for a weekend in Las Vegas. Most of the top destinations mentioned in this Las Vegas travel guide are covered in this section, but be sure to leave some room for spontaneity in your Vegas itinerary !

Day 1 in Las Vegas: It’s All About The Strip

The first day of our Las Vegas travel guide is all about the touristy stuff. We’re talking about all the essentials of Las Vegas. While I don’t think that any of the casinos are really impressive, you have to roll the dice once at a craps table and see the Bellagio Fountains while in Vegas.

Las Vegas Boulevard AKA The Strip officially begins on the edge at the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign (cue touristy photo op). The first casinos you’ll see are Mandalay Bay, the Luxor and then the line goes on for about 4 miles until Circus Circus.

Each casino on The Strip has a specific theme and usually offers attractions based upon that theme. Mandalay Bay is all about water – it has an aquarium, as well as a pretty cool ice bar.

Excalibur is medieval-themed, so obviously it hosts jousting tournaments. A lot of these are actually being demolished to make room for newer hotels, so you might want to visit them before they’re gone.

CityCenter is one of the newest developments on The Strip and attracts attention for its futuristic architecture. Inside this complex are a couple of really cool installations, like the Art Gallery of Richard Macdonald and the Akhob – the latter is highly recommended.

The Bellagio is one of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas and is recognized by its iconic fountains. Less known are the free Botanical Gardens inside the hotel and the Gallery of Fine Art . The gallery sometimes hosts an infinity room by the famous Yayoi Kusama.

End your day out with a sunset gondola ride at the Venetian , because when in Vegas, am I right? Then end your night in Caesar’s Palace or the Flamingo gambling and eating till it’s time to call it a night.

Budget Travel Tip: If you can’t sneak in, just get a day pass to one of the pool areas, at least for one day! The best way to beat the heat is hang out at one of the casino’s extravagant pools. Many pool areas host a massive EDM pool party on their respective day of the week. If you’re into that, well, ladies get in free. Men, expect to pay up.

Day 2 in Las Vegas: Downtown + Museums

We’re going to be dedicating the second day of our Las Vegas travel guide to the Downtown Las Vegas area. Here lies the city’s most traditional nightlife as well as a number of museums and art installations. It is a more authentic area that offers a chance to see another side of Vegas.

There are a number of cool museums to start off your day with. The Mob Museum is everyone’s favorite exposition of the people who essentially ran this town in the 60s. You’ll get to see and learn a whole lot about organized crime.

Next, check out the Neon Museum – this graveyard of old electric signs perfectly captures Las Vegas’ essence.

Some notable casinos on Fremont are the Golden Nugget and The D. The Golden Nugget gets its name from the giant lump of gold it has on display, which is referred to as the Hand of Faith (it’s actually really big). Nearby is The D and it is one of the last great vintage casinos in the city.

There’s a lot more to see in the Downtown area beside the Fremont Arcade though. There’s a shit ton of street art between 6th and 7th Streets on Ogden and plenty more further south in the Arts District. If you’re around on First Friday, there’s a big street party in the Arts District.

If not, be sure to stop by Container Park for a drink and some photos before ending your day on Fremont Street – a vortex of neon lights and old-school casinos. Wandering around this area is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas at night.

Day 3 in Las Vegas: Pick Your Day-Trip

A lot of the must-dos in Vegas are not even in the city itself – several are located on the outskirts and further into the desert. On the final day of your Las Vegas trip, you’re going to see a few of them

Lake Mead is one of the best day trips from Las Vegas as it’s directly east of the city and is the perfect place to cool off on hot days. The lake is open to recreational use, which means you can go boating on it. There are even a couple of “beaches.” Before heading back to the city, stop by the Hoover Dam at the mouth of the lake for some iconic views.

Finish off the outdoorsy day with a stop at the Red Rock Canyon Viewpoint – It’s practically a part of town and offers all of the amenities of a world-class national park. At Red Rock Canyon, you can go hiking, climbing, and on one of many scenic drives. The viewpoint offers great sunset and star views on clear days.

Spending More Time in Las Vegas?

Got more time to work with? Aside from all its “main” attractions, there’s a whole lot to see, do, and eat in Vegas that most short-stay tourists miss out on. Here are some of the lesser-known adventures to be found in Las Vegas:

• Visit the other museums : Vegas is chalk full of unique museums. Aside from the famous Neon and Mob displays, you can check out the various pop-up exhibits, including the Erotic Heritage Museum, where you can see and learn about human sexuality. The immersive Van Gogh exhibit is another can’t-miss if it’s happening on your travel dates.
• Check out the Arts District : To see Vegas before it became another version of Disneyworld, look no further than the Arts District, where you can check out the underground Art Factory too.
• See a show : Las Vegas is known for its legendary entertainment scenes, and there’s always a new artist or performance to be enjoyed. Check out which artists are “in residency” as those will be your best show options.
• Go on an Area 51 tour : Nearly everyone has heard of the conspiracy-riddled region of Nevada known as Area 51. While the exact site is strictly off-limits to the public, tours from Las Vegas to what’s known as the “Extraterrestial Highway” is one of the most unique places to visit in the USA.

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1. Give Chinatown a chance

Often neglected, Las Vegas’ own Chinatown is actually really good. Some of the best places to eat in Vegas are in this plaza because the restaurants can be very authentic. You can thank all of those Chinese businessmen who just made a quick million at the slots and want a hot pot to celebrate.

2. Be knighted

Ironically, the most popular pro sport in Las Vegas is hockey. The Las Vegas Golden Knights have only existed for a couple of years and yet they have already made it to the Stanley Cup finals! Obviously, the locals love their team but the Knights are gaining fans from all over the country now.

3. Go faster!

If you’re a fan of speed or anything turbo-charged, there are two activities that you must do in Las Vegas: one is driving a souped-up race car and the other is going for a ride in an acrobatic plane. Both are huge thrills and will leave you breathless (quite literally).

4. Get outdoors

Vegas may be most well known for its casinos and gambling, but one thing that is often overlooked about the city is its location.

Las Vegas is very close to some amazing national parks, including Zion , the Grand Canyon , and Death Valley . For outdoorsy people, Las Vegas is the perfect base for an epic Southwest road trip .

MATH TIME: The entry fee for Yellowstone National Park is $35. Meanwhile, the entry fee for the neighbouring Grand Teton National Park is another $35. That means that visiting TWO national parks alone (out of the 423 total in the USA) will run you a grand total of $70…

Or you can stuff that whole deal off and buy the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for  $79.99.  With it, you get unlimited access to ALL federally-managed land in the U.S.A for FREE – that’s over 2000 recreational sites! Ain’t that just beautiful?

5. Double down at a blackjack table

It may not be one of the cheapest things to do in Las Vegas, but you simply have to sit at a blackjack table on a casino floor – if only for the experience. Feel free to set whatever budget you’d like; just try not to get sucked into the game. Funnily enough, these casinos (AKA massive, glitzy businesses) know how to profit off saps with bad luck.

If you hit a big win, my advice is to take it and run. If you get lucky once, chances are you won’t get lucky again.

6. Walk on The Strip

It may be cliche, but walking The Strip at night is still one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. Here, you’ll find all Las Vegas’ top attractions, like the Luxor , the Bellagio , Caesars Palace , and more. All are monuments to the city’s glory and can be best described by one word: extra.

7. Be a different person

Vegas has always attracted people who are trying to escape something, be it for a weekend or a lifetime. These runaways are afforded new lives in Sin City and some thrive on their newfound anonymity. Regardless of where you come from, you can be whoever you want here, because “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.

8. Go to a music festival

More and more, Las Vegas is turning to EDM. While the casinos are already throwing dance parties every night, the absolute best way to experience electronic is at a festival in Vegas .

EDC is legendary by now for its outrageous production and stacked lineup, but the Life is Beautiful and iHeartRadio festivals are good too.

9. Visit a different sort of museum

Las Vegas may not be a paragon of high culture or offer the most spectacular collections of art. What it does have though is a series of very odd and interesting museums.

Be sure to drop by the likes of the Pinball Hall of Fame , the Atomic Testing Museum , the Neon Museum , or the Mob Museum for a unique experience.

10. Check out the street art

One of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day is to go on a hunt for street murals. The Downtown area, specifically between 5th and 7th Streets on Ogden , is jam-packed with street art leftover over from the Life is Beautiful Fest. The Cosmopolitan Hotel also has a cool Wallworks gallery in one of their garages.

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Hostels  in Las Vegas are kinda cheap but their quality is not what I’d call extraordinary. They’re usually built from former motels, which may or may not irk you. Prices spike if you visit Vegas on the weekend.

Las Vegas Hotels often appear expensive but don’t feel discouraged. There are plenty of affordable lodging options in Las Vegas. Be aware that many hotels deals may neglect to provide certain amenities, much in the same way budget airlines do. Keep this in mind when planning a trip to Las Vegas.

Vacation rentals in Vegas give you more freedom and flexibility to come and go as you please as well as spread out like you would at home.

The Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas

Wondering where to stay in Las Vegas ? Here are some of the best budget options in the city. With a higher bank balance, the sky is literally the limit when it comes to accommodation in Sin City.

South Strip

If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than the South Strip neighbourhood. Located, you guessed it, just south of the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip, this neighbourhood is within walking distance of the city’s most famous casinos, clubs, restaurants and attractions.

Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas – or DTLV – is the city’s central business and historic district. Set a short walk north of the Strip, this ideally located neighbourhood is close to great bars, cool clubs, and a myriad of unique and unforgettable attractions.

There’s no better place to stay if you’re looking to party the night away than the Las Vegas Strip, the most infamous neighbourhood in Las Vegas.

Arts District

Tucked away north of the Strip is one of the coolest and most colourful neighbourhoods in Las Vegas. Spanning 18 city blocks, the Arts District – also known as 18b – is the heart of Las Vegas’ arts and culture scene.

Symphony Park

Symphony Park is one of the smallest and newest neighbourhoods in Las Vegas. Covering just 61-acres, this neighbourhood is a mixed-use space that houses shops and businesses as well as residences and a massive green space.

For something a bit different, I highly recommend checking out the numerous VRBOs in Vegas .

Las Vegas Budget Accommodation Hacks

Sometimes you need your own roof above your head – I know the feeling. Other times, you’re doing everything you can to save a nickel and dime.

If you’re trying to cut the costs of travel to Las Vegas, then maybe it’s time to stay somewhere besides a hostel or apartment. Airbnbs in Las Vegas are plentiful and generally of high quality. You can also save some cash as you can use the kitchen to cook your own food.

If you need to save money, try one of these:

• Couchsurf – Couchsurfing is the best way to save cash when it comes to accommodation: most of the time you’re crashing for free! Staying with a local host is also a great chance to experience a more authentic side of the city and to visit hidden Las Vegas. The problem with Couchsurfing is that it’s really popular (duh, it’s free) and demand often outstrips supply. Hosts are picky as well so you’ll need to impress them with an eye-catching message. Definitely, try Couchsurfing, but be ready to be rejected.
• Tap into your backpacker network – You never know when you have a friend in a foreign city! If you’ve traveled a lot, you may have met someone from Las Vegas – or know someone who knows someone…
• Camping – Urban camping is a growing trend in many cities. These campsites are comfortable, sociable, safe, and cheap. They are often located on the outskirts of town, which means they are quieter too. Call in advance to check for spaces and pack your best budget tent !

Visiting the USA on a budget is tough, and in Vegas, it can seem downright impossible. Las Vegas is marketed as one of the most luxurious, most lavish places to visit in the US . It’s a city where people with too much money visit to throw away their hard-earned dollars, simply because they don’t know what else to do with them.

That being said, Las Vegas can still be cheap! This city offers a number of affordable options, and you don’t necessarily have to be a high roller to visit.

Las Vegas will take your money, no matter how little it is. In order to travel to Las Vegas on the cheap, you just have to have very strict spending habits.

Take note of what I say in this Las Vegas travel guide and y’all will be fine. A lower daily budget for Las Vegas will be around $60-$80. This will get you a dorm bed, groceries, tickets to some local sites, and beer money.

The average daily cost of food in Las Vegas can vary widely . Las Vegas has some crazy restaurants, run by some of the most famous chefs in the world, and eating at these will assuredly cost a lot. If you stick to cooking for yourself and dining at local places to eat in Las Vegas, then your dollar will go much further.

For that matter, eating or drinking anywhere near The Strip will cost way more than the Downtown Vegas area or the burbs. If you want to truly do Las Vegas on a budget, limit your spending near the casinos and popular areas.

A Daily Budget in Las Vegas

A few free things to do in las vegas.

Even though it’s one of the most opulent places in the USA, there are actually quite a few free things to do in Las Vegas. Take advantage of one of these gratis offerings to really visit Las Vegas on a budget.

• First Friday Art Walks – On the first Friday of every month, the Vegas Arts District sets up a big block party for exhibiting local studios. There’s plenty of art to see and lots of food vendors to keep you going.
• Free concerts – Fremont Street hosts a lot of free shows in Las Vegas. Hang out here long enough and you’re bound to catch one.
• Free shows – Las Vegas almost always charges a premium (or discounted one) for a performance. Luckily, there are a couple of staples in the city that you can catch for free. Circus Circus offers complimentary acrobatics on a daily basis and the Dueling Pianos at Harrah’s is practically a right of passage for first timers to Las Vegas. There’s also the iconic Volcano at the Mirage, but it may be a little underwhelming compared to the ones in Iceland.
• Silent Savasana – If you’re burned out from a couple of days of binge drinking or maybe just want to get away from the madness, it’s time for some yoga. Silent Savasana hosts free yoga courses at various locations around Vegas and provides headphones to cancel out the noise of the city.
• Tasters – There a number of local factories and restaurants in Las Vegas that organize free tastings of wine and sometimes food. Hearthstone Cellar, Rock n’ Roll Wine, and Ethel M Chocolates are all well-known practitioners of the free sample. Just don’t expect these to be a real source of sustenance.

Las Vegas Travel Guide – Budget Tips

Las Vegas can be one of the most expensive cities in the USA, but as a local told me once, “only idiots pay full price.” Las Vegas is just one of those places where you need to pull out all the budget travel tricks!

• Find cheap drinks during happy hour – Las Vegas has some crazy drink/food specials that could seriously sustain you for a while. Scope out the best happy hour deals in Las Vegas . Or…you could make your own cocktails to be enjoyed from your hotel balcony. Seeing as you are in Las Vegas, the Vegas Bomb Shot is a good one to sip at sunset.
• Take advantage of Vegas “freebies” and visitors coupons – There a ton of offers floating around that can get you everything from 2-for-1s to free buffets in Las Vegas. Women can usually get into all the pool parties and clubs for free too. Check with your hotel or casino to see if you’ve earned any, sign up for local memberships, and use Las Vegas Visitors coupons .
• Look for discounted or free shows in Vegas – A big thing to avoid in Las Vegas is a full-priced ticket. For whatever reason, there are a ton of leftover tickets or cancelations, which means that there are always discounted offers. Drop by a hotel concierge or ticket office and see if you can get cheap Vegas show tickets.
• Hustle – At the end of the day, Las Vegas is all about taking advantage of a situation. One of the best ways to get free stuff in Las Vegas is just by being smooth – pretending to be a high roller, tipping waitresses well to get free drinks, convincing show-goers to give you their extra pair of tickets; it’s all a part of the game.
• Get free lifts – If you’re going to a club, particularly a strip club, don’t take a taxi. The club will provide free transport, just because they want to stick it to local taxi companies.

Why You Should Travel to Las Vegas with a Water Bottle

No corner of Earth is free from our plastic problem… so do your part to say no to single-use plastic.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel it really puts the full extent of the plastic problem into perspective. So I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveler .

Plus, you can save money from all those overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets too! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor some poor fishy’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Las Vegas is a desert, in case y’all haven’t heard yet – a place that is full of cacti, Gila monsters, and the buried remains of those that opposed mobsters. It is hot in Las Vegas, in more than the literal sense, and will be for most of the year.

Winter is a popular time to visit Vegas as the temperatures are reasonably mild and almost never go below freezing. Being the desert, nights are still chilly and snow is not entirely impossible .

Prices during the winter will be a bit higher than usual. Many people travel to Las Vegas to enjoy the holidays and New Year here. They may also be escaping whatever sub-arctic climate they came from, be it Boston, Chicago, or New York City.

You can find good deals on hotel rooms during the spring, with the exception of big holidays or events. Spring Break (April) will drive prices way up and will sometimes make you question your faith in humanity, as American Spring Breakers can be the epitome of douchebaggery.

EDC, which is usually held in May, is another time to avoid Las Vegas, unless you’re actually going to the festival.

Summers in Las Vegas are scorching hot and temperatures can easily be in the triple digits (Fahrenheit – obviously, jeez). The only thing to do in Vegas during the days of summer is to take shelter next to the pool or hang out in an icebox. Both will be overcrowded, you can bet on that.

The main reason to go to Vegas in the summer is for the pool parties to be honest, but another silver lining is that the season usually offers the best deals on accommodation in Las Vegas.

The best time to plan a trip to Las Vegas is around the spring and the Fall .

During these times, the temperature is very pleasant and the city shouldn’t be too crowded. I find this the best time to go hiking around Las Vegas as well.

What to Pack for Las Vegas

What you’re going to pack for Las Vegas will vary depending upon when you visit, but here are a few essentials I wouldn’t head to Sin City without!

Osprey Daylite Plus

Any city slicker needs a SLICK daypack. In general, you can never go wrong with an Osprey pack, but with its array of awesome organisation, durable materials, and a comfy build, the Daylite Plus will make your urban jaunts buttery smooth.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Save $$$, save the planet, and save yourself the headache (or tummy ache). Instead of sticking to bottled plastic, buy a Grayl Geopress, drink water no matter the source, and be happy knowing the turtles and fishies thank you (and so do we!). 🙂

OCLU Action Camera

Wait, it’s cheaper than a GoPro and… better than a GoPro? The OCLU action cam is the cam for budget backpackers that want to immortalise all their wildest adventures – including that time you dropped it off a Himalayan mountain – WITHOUT breaking the bank.

Solgaard Solarbank

Resourceful travellers know how to find power outlets anywhere on the road; smart travellers just pack a solar power bank instead. With 4-5 phone cycles per charge and the ability to top up literally anywhere the sun is shining, there’s no reason to ever get lost again!

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

ALL travellers need a headtorch – no exceptions! Even in the hostel dorm, this beauty can save you in a real pinch. If you haven’t got in on the headtorch game, DO. I promise you: you’ll never look back. Or at least if you do, you’ll be able to see what you’re looking at.

While it might not be the safest part of the USA , Las Vegas is far from the most dangerous. Especially after the 2017 Las Vegas Shooting, security has been amped up making it more secure than ever.

Las Vegas attracts all kinds of shady characters, both rich and poor, who are looking to score quickly. You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that a city that lures so much money and frivolousness also brings about a few thieves in the process.

Luckily, Las Vegas takes security very seriously . The city maintains its reputation as being one of the biggest gambling destinations in the world because it ensures that people walk out with what they win. If people were being robbed in droves here, Las Vegas would not be as popular as it is.

The police and private security firms are very active on The Strip and near popular casinos. Casinos themselves will often aid guests by escorting them to wherever they need to go. They will usually provide additional means of guarding your winnings too, be it in the form of a personal check or safe.

That being said, thieves never really give up. Pickpockets do roam the streets and will take advantage of you if given the opportunity. If you’re in a smaller casino or in a less-busy part of town, there will be fewer eyes around to stop thieves.

No matter where you are or how drunk you intend on getting, you must always practice travelling safely .

On that note, be aware of hustlers, con artists, and prostitutes. These kinds of people will try to coerce you out of your money or put you in a situation where it can be taken forcibly. If someone presents an offer that seems to be good to be true, it probably is.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is synonymous with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Internationally known for its insane parties, and copious amounts of illicit substances, Vegas is THE place to drink and party.

Now let’s start with the legal stuff: alcohol and weed! Yup–Las Vegas is one of the places in the US that has embraced drug tourism and sells the good ol’ devils lettuce to anyone age 21 and over. Don’t expect the dispensaries to be cheap, but they’re there, and they’re state-of-the-art.

Alcohol is as easy to find as water, and ladies can likely find plenty of opportunities to get lit for free. From pool parties to EDM club scenes, Las Vegas is a fabulous place to be a woman. Guys on the other hand can still attend, but paying up is a pre-requisite.

As the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” and that’s not a joke: some real crazy shit can and does happen here. The casinos can easily make you feel like you’re in another dimension, and that’s when things can get weird. Above all, make sure you stay hydrated when trying any of the many illegal substances of Sin City.

Now to talk about one last thing: sex. It’s well known that Las Vegas and sex work go hand and hand. Though brothels and prostitution are legal in some parts of Nevada, that doesn’t include Clark County–where Vegas is located. Escorts and strip clubs are legal, however, and you certainly won’t be lacking in options.

If you do make your way into this scene, make sure you respect anyone you’re interacting with, as they’re a real person just like you. Love and sex on the road are almost inevitable in Sin City, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try your best to partake responsibly.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Las Vegas

Traveling without insurance in Las Vegas would be risky. Especially with the infamous (and ridiculous) for-profit health system in the USA. So do consider getting good travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have used World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Its existence may be a slap in the face to Mother Nature (no city of this size should be in situated in what feels like the Mojave Desert) but its location is pretty hard to beat.

Las Vegas is at the confluence of some of the best states in the USA, including California, Northern Arizona, and Utah. If you’re on a West Coast road trip , you can get to Las Vegas very easily and have immediate access to all of its unearthly delights.

If you’re coming from Los Angeles for a weekend road trip, be aware that Highway 15 can be very congested with people doing the exact same thing. While driving in the US is pretty straightforward for the most part, with this region, not so much. There have been so many deaths from reckless driving on I-15 that the route was actually named one of the deadliest in America. So be on guard.

If you do not have your own car  rental or otherwise, you can still travel to Las Vegas via bus or plane (obviously).

McCarran International is Las Vegas’ primary airport. The airport itself is located very close to The Strip and there are multiple public buses connecting the two. A bus from McCarran takes around 30 minutes to reach The Strip and 40 minutes to reach Downtown Vegas.

I’d avoid taking a taxi from the airport as the rates in this town are robbery. Choose Uber or Lyft if you really need a private car.

Long-distance buses service Las Vegas frequently. Greyhound is the most popular national company though MegaBus is a good alternative.

For the ultimate experience, you can rent an RV in Vegas . That’s how make a trip that rocks!

Getting Around Las Vegas

Compared to many other American cities, Las Vegas is small. On a map, getting around Las Vegas seems like a very simple affair as it’s grid-like and most of the big Vegas attractions are fairly close to one another. Many people choose to experience Vegas by foot and most have a great time doing it.

Walking in Las Vegas can be grueling though. The heat can be relentless and, oftentimes, the only way to escape it is to duck into a casino for a moment. The strip itself is about 4-miles long and, while that may not seem like a lot, it can become a death march.

Of course, you can go walking in Las Vegas. Just remember to bring a good water bottle and take frequent breaks. If you’ve been drinking, dehydration will kick in MUCH quicker as well so try not to supplement water with cocktails.

Las Vegas actually has a very effective and varied public transportation network. Between the monorail, trams, and public buses, you could conceivably see the best of Vegas without being outside too much.

The public buses (managed by RTC) are your standard urban affair – utilitarian and efficient. Rides cost $2 one way and $5 for day passes. The Strip has its own set of buses – a double-decker called The Duece and the SDX – and these cost $6 for a 2-hour pass.

The Las Vegas monorail is a cool way to get around the city but isn’t really practical to use. It has limited routes, capacity, and is pretty expensive to use. I’d ride it a couple of times and move on.

Finally, there are a couple of trams that provide transport on the strip. They’re also limited but are at least free to use.

Traveling in Vegas long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Depending on your qualifications you can teach English online from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills. It’s a win-win!

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world.

Overall, Las Vegas isn’t what I would call a top place to work online or volunteer, but you can still find some decent opportunities with a reputable company. I’d recommend steering clear of shady companies and instead, book your volunteering experience with a good one.

The Broke Backpacker recommends Worldpackers as it’s easy to use and offers up some cool community features. It’s review-based so you’ll be able to know exactly what to expect before you arrive.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

It’s no secret that everyone goes to Las Vegas to party – a lot of my friends go there several times a year just to let loose. Arguably, Las Vegas is the ultimate party destination in the USA as you can do just about anything here and will have to worry very little about being judged.

The Strip is probably the most revelrous part of the city. By day, the casinos host wild pool parties. At night, the Las Vegas Strip is mostly inhabited by stumbling drunks, wandering from casino to casino with too much money and too little sense.

Most of the bars and clubs in this area are ridiculously expensive and, honestly, a bit over the top. At this time and place is when most of the weird shit happens in Vegas.

Since most casinos have their own stages, the grand majority of music shows happen on The Strip. The initial price for these shows may seem steep but you can always find cheap Vegas show tickets. Just ask around and you’ll dig something up.

Downtown is where you’ll find more casual forms of bars, like pubs, lounges, and the occasional speakeasy. In my opinion, it offers the greatest variety of things to do in Vegas at night. You’ll also find much better deals in this part of town.

Some noteworthy spots in Downtown are Commonwealth, Backstage Bar, Downtown Cocktail Room, and Atomic Liquors.

If you want a real taste of Vegas, hang out in the local joints. These are often frequented by the permanent denizens of Vegas and feel much more authentic. Some local bars in Las Vegas include Frankie’s Tiki Room, Huntridge Tavern, and Dino’s Lounge.

Travel Tip: You can drink in public in Vegas! Granted, it’s still technically illegal but no one really bothers with this law.

Dining in Las Vegas

It wouldn’t be one of the most famous vacation destinations in the world if the food was shit, would it?

Las Vegas offers a ton of culinary options in a million different ways. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-star meal or something easier, I doubt you’ll go hungry here. Join a curated Las Vegas food tour so you don’t miss any of the eats the city has to offer.

Buffets are one of the most popular ways of eating in Las Vegas because they’re large and cheap. Lots of hotels offer these as freebies to Las Vegas guests and these can make all of the difference. Free buffets in Las Vegas are one of the best ways to save cash.

There are also a number of venues in Vegas that offer discounted full-course meals. These can still be quite pricey ($50+) but, considering the quality, it’s still well worth the money.

While you can find just about any type of food in Las Vegas, there are two varieties that you should pay special attention to – Italian and Asian.

Italian immigrants played a huge part in the development of the city and obviously brought their cuisine with them. You can still find a lot of authentic Italian food in Las Vegas, particularly at the local lounges.

Asian food is very well represented in Las Vegas due in part to the plethora of visiting businessmen. Las Vegas’ Chinatown actually has a number of great restaurants and shouldn’t be ignored.

On another note, the Thai in Vegas is extremely good and I’ve heard from several people that the Lotus of Siam is a must-visit restaurant here.

Slick Restaurants and Cheap Eats in Las Vegas

There’s no denying it: eating in Las Vegas is expensive AF. The world-famous city is teeming with 5-star restaurants and celebrity chefs, and eating just one meal on The Strip could cost more than your hostel’s nightly rate.

But while you should splurge on Vegas’ iconic gastronomy at least once, here are some of my favorite cheap eats to help you stay on budget:

• Moon Palace – I bet you haven’t tried this fast food brand before! Moon Palace is located inside of the Venetian and has all of your fast-food favorites (including Vegan options) for under $10. What makes this joint extra special–aside from its cute moon mascot–is that its burgers are served on King Hawaiian rolls. You can also try their prime rib french dip slider for something a bit different.
• Viva Las Arepas – For some of the best arepas and overall best budget eats in Vegas, look no further than Viva Las Arepas. The Venezuelan joint has delicious and unique pork and beef options to choose from.
• Archi’s Thai Cafe – Archi’s is all about the lunch special, though it’s entire menu is far more affordable than most Thai food in Las Vegas. While the prices won’t feel like Thailand, you can still fill up for $15-$20 on authentic options.
• CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog – I just love when you can save $$ while trying a completely new food at the same time. That’s exactly what you’ll get to experience at CrunCheese, which serves the best Korean hot dogs in Las Vegas. These fried hotdogs come in multiple varieties and you can have more than one for less than $10!
• Gabi’s Gorditas –   Another iconic local eatery, Gabi’s Gorditas is a place you’re going to want to visit multiple times if you want to save some cash. The delicious Mexican dish comes in various flavors, you can nab everything from tuna poke to brisket for $7 or less.
• Marilyn’s Cafe – Who doesn’t love all day breakfast? It’s what Marilyn’s is famous for–and it’s real budget friendly too. You can get a quality, filling meal at all hours of the day for $10.09, a true steal for Vegas.

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How to Get Off The Beaten Path in Las Vegas

While I’ve touched on some of the hidden gems in Las Vegas , to actually get off the beaten path will involve getting out of the city. Here are some of the superlative places to visit near Las Vegas if you want to see more than casinos:

• Seven Magic Mountains – An iconic art installation right off the side of I-15 that’s become an Instagram hotspot these days, and is still worth seeing even if you don’t plan to post your day to the infamous app.
• Grand Canyon – It’s the granddaddy of all chasms in the world; the most epic, most awe-inspiring, and most famous place to visit near Las Vegas – you can’t leave without visiting The Grand Canyon . If you can manage it, try spending a week around this natural wonder, visiting the likes of the North Rim, Havasupai, and the Colorado River.
• Death Valley – True to its name, Death Valley is often considered one of the most inhospitable ecosystems in the world. If you can stand the heat while staying in Death Valley , which is more bearable in the winter, you will be rewarded with wondrous sights like the Mesquite Sand Dunes , Zabriskie Point , and the Sailing Rocks .
• Northern Arizona – There’s more to Arizona than your average Grand Canyon itinerary . Many locations, like Antelope Canyon , the Vermillion Cliffs , and Buckskin Gulch , are just outside of the borders of Grand Canyon National Park and all of these are worth the day trip from Las Vegas.  
• Zion/Bryce – Both of these national parks are, hands-down, among my favorite places in the entire USA. They are just spectacular, and will show you why Utah’s national parks are among some of the best in the country.

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Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Before you head to Sin City, it’s likely you have some questions you want to be answered, and I’ve absolutely got you covered. Here are some top FAQs for traveling to Las Vegas:

Is traveling to Las Vegas expensive?

It absolutely can be! If you want to stay in one of the top casinos and eat at the famous restaurants, expect to shell out a few grand in just a few days. But even if you follow all the budget travel tips out there, Vegas is still going to be pricey.

Is Las Vegas safe?

Yes, Las Vegas is safe for travel–otherwise it wouldn’t attract millions of gamblers a year. Even so, any city offering so much fun is bound to attract pickpocketers and other shady characters. Follow your usual travel safety tips and you should be fine.

Is weed legal in Las Vegas?

Yes! As of 2017, recreational marijuana has been legal in Sin City. These days, there are tons of dispensaries to choose from and cannabis lounges are incoming!

What are the top attractions in Las Vegas?

The top attractions of Las Vegas include The Strip, Fremont Street, Bellagio, and the Venetian. You can also visit the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon from Vegas.

Are there any cheap hostels in Las Vegas?

Let’s say cheap-ish. While they’re certainly not the cheapest hostels in the world, Las Vegas does have a few budget-backpacker friendly hostels to choose from.

Sin City is going to be a lot of things at once, and hopefully, that will include some killer memories in some of the gaudiest locales in the entire United States. As much as this city has been filmed and discussed, there’s a massive difference between watching a movie set in Vegas, and having your own Las Vegas experience.

The latter is sure to be unlike any other trip you’ve taken. There’s simply no other city in the world quite like this. Even backpacking Los Angeles won’t hold up.

But as extra and over the top as Vegas is, it’s a whole lot more than that if you give it a chance. It’s the quirky downtown scenes, the legendary natural sites that surround it, and more importantly, it’s a place where people live full lives beyond the casino floors.

If I can give you one final piece of advice in this Las Vegas Guide let it be this: see the real Vegas. You know, the one beyond the multi-million dollar casinos and $100 dinners. Those deserve to be experienced too, but give your Las Vegas trip a bit of variety why don’t you?

Try to meet locals, head to those offbeat spots, and sample the many cheap restaurants that can be found outside of The Strip.

Regardless of how you spend your time, make sure you buckle up: a trip to Las Vegas is one helluva ride!

Last Updated: February 2022 by Samantha Shea at Intentional Detours

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Great in depth article. For a view from the Stratosphere without paying for a ticket to the observation deck, you can go up to the bar on the 107th floor and walk around a few times to soak in the view, then “decide” you don’t want anything, and head back down. Sure beats paying $20 to get the same view at the observation deck.

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How to do Las Vegas on a Budget (11 Best Tips!)

Wondering how to do Las Vegas on a budget? This guide will tell you everything you need to know.

At some time or another, everyone wants a Vegas vacation. All of the gambling, shows, shopping, top sporting matches, and general ubiquitous partying really does make it an adult playground.

You’ll find that Vegas doesn’t have to be a playground just for the gamblers or partiers. In fact, it’s not just a playground for adults!

There’s something for everyone in Vegas. 

How to do Las Vegas On A Budget

This oasis in the desert can be super expensive regardless of whether or not you’re gambling. With careful planning, though, you can still have a high quality vacation at a fraction of the price. Vegas doesn’t have to be the expensive vacation that movies and celebrities make it out to be; it can actually be a budget destination.

We’ve lived in Las Vegas for 10 years now! 10 years in, and we still enjoy Vegas. Even though we don’t do the typical Vegas attractions on The Strip very often, we’ve done them enough to gain tips on how to save a ton. That means we’ve got tips from a local (us) on how to save big bucks so you can enjoy, too. 

Also, before coming to Vegas, you should know about the biggest drawbacks and how to avoid these annoyances. Read all the bad things about Las Vegas.

Let’s get to the good stuff…

The 10 Best Budget Las Vegas Tips

Is a budget Las Vegas trip worth it? Yes! Absolutely. There are so many free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas, and if you time your trip right (more on that below) you can get great deals on hotels and shows.

To help your Vegas budget you need to know the following.

1.   BUY AN ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS!

Don’t skip this section like I normally do. This pass will save you money.

Most all-inclusive passes suck! They don’t actually include things you would want to do, or you need to visit 10,000 attractions in a short amount of time to make it worth their while.  The Go City Las Vegas Pass  is different; it is a huge cost savings and includes things you actually want to do!

Seriously – if you want to see a Cirque du Soleil show alone the pass basically pays for itself.

Some of the other big ticket items included are a ride on  the High Roller ,  LINQ Zipline , and  Illuminarium at Area 15 . 

Some of the things that I think are coolest are the LINQ Zipline, the High Roller, SkyPod at the Strat, Area15 Illuminarium, and the New York New York Big Apple roller coaster.

There are 35 different things you can choose from. 

They include other show tickets, museums, bar crawls, as well as things like go-cart racing and escape rooms. If you don’t want to see a Cirque show you can switch out those tickets for a Strip Helicopter tour instead. 

This deal literally can’t be beat if you are looking to do more than just gamble while in Vegas. There is a day time limit though so to get your money’s worth you have to keep moving, though there isn’t a more affordable way to cover so much ground in Vegas.

2. Best Time to Visit Vegas – Go On An Off-Season (not as intuitive as you think)

Knowing the best time to visit Vegas is truly the most important. If you go at a time that is less popular, it’ll save you loads of money on flights, hotels, show tickets, and so much more. Don’t go at a super busy time; it’s just not worth it.

When is the Best Time to Visit Vegas? 

It seems intuitive to pick an off-season, but the busy times here are not the same busy times you would expect elsewhere. In general, midweek is a huge cost savings. If you can go Monday through Friday, skipping the weekend, most of the shows and attractions are all open, but again, at a fraction of the cost. 

Before you book your stay, check out what’s already scheduled in town, and avoid conventions, most holidays, and big sporting events. Unless, that is, those happen to be your big draws for the city!

The same hotel room on the weekend of a big convention or boxing match will book for $400 versus a few days later when the prices will fall to $50 – literally the same rooms.

The events that draw people here are different than expected. For example, the first couple of weeks in December are usually dead in other destinations from the downtime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but in Vegas, a huge rodeo at during those weeks drives prices way up.

Vegas has 150k hotel rooms, i.e. a lot. It’s easy for people to fill them at New Years, or during the Consumer Electronics Show, but at other times companies offer huge discounts to get people into their properties.

They’re willing to lose money on the room, so you gamble, shop, and go see their shows. You’ve got to take advantage of this by targeting those less popular times.

3. Book Cheap Vegas Flights

Airlines run deals to Vegas all the time. That means you can get cheap flights! Read our post on how to book a cheap flight .

Book your flight in the middle of the week – If you are able to go in the middle of the week you will be able to get cheaper flights.

Try to avoid flying home on Sunday as it is the busiest and most expensive day to fly out of Vegas as everyone is returning home from their Vegas vacation.

4. Know a Local to get discounted show tickets

When I want to see a show, but I can’t find cheap tickets online, try to see if there is a local’s discount. The Las Vegas local’s discount is a thing!

Lots of shows offer discounts to locals, sometimes as much as 50%. Even the extremely popular and pricey (but worth it) Cirque du Soleil shows offer a local discount. I’ve picked up tickets many times for friends coming into town. If you know a local, see if you can capitalize on that friendship!

Sometimes the discount isn’t as much as 50%, but it’s always worth checking.

5. Sign up for Casino Rewards/Players Club Cards

Even if you don’t plan on gambling, it’s worth it to sign up for the members card/players card at each property. A lot of the casinos have the same ownership group, so you don’t have to sign up at literally each one, but it’s worth it to check.

I’m not a gambler, like, at all. I still signed up! Why? Because you get tons of free stuff. You can get free room upgrades, free rooms, free food, free drinks. Most of the cards give you something free after reaching a certain spending threshold, but a lot give you at least free meal coupons, etc. simply for signing up.

Vegas casino properties and shows know there is a lot of competition. If the price of one place is too high, you could simply choose to go to another. Because of this, they will compete to keep you in their properties, restaurants, and shows, etc. The best way to do this is to offer a great rewards program and have you sign up. 

If you end up not like the rewards program/card, you can unsubscribe from the emails once your home. These are the emails that offer super discounted rooms for your next Vegas trip, though!

6. Buy Your Drinks From 7-Eleven, etc.

Want some juice in the morning? Want a midnight snack? You don’t have to order them from room service. Room service adds up quickly and is an unnecessary expense. It gets tiring to spend so much on drinks, and gambling for hours just to keep the free drinks coming is a bit counterproductive. 

Instead of typical room service, get your drinks and snacks delivered to your hotel room from a third party. There are many food delivery services out there now! Services like DoorDash and UberEats offer a wide variety of restaurants. DoorDash even delivers 7-Eleven. Amazon delivers a grocery delivery service, as well. These delivery services can also help you get better equipped for the rest of your trip.

7. Learn Your Table Games Ahead of Time

For some reason, people like to pretend that they all know the rules of every game in Vegas.  Lots of them are more complicated than you think, and you can save a good amount of money simply by learning how to play properly.

Before arriving to the casinos, Google some basic help. There are endless gambling guides on YouTube that provide detailed explanations of how the games work and how to make the experience more fun.

Doing your table game research can also help you decide which ones you actually want to play; then you can sip your free drinks visiting with people if you like!

8. Tip and Ask for Upgrades

It seems simple, but tipping can pay off. Tip the concierge and ask if they have ideas for optimizing your trip. When checking into your room, hand the hotel staff a $10 with your credit card, and ask if they have any complimentary upgrades with their rooms available. Asking never hurts!

You can also research hotel rooms with extra resort fees. Sites like Kayak shows these fees.

9. Stay in a Cheap Hotel

If you know what to look for Vegas provides the opportunity to book a cheap hotel while not sacrificing on quality or location.

Best Budget Hotels in Vegas

Golden Nugget – The Golden Nugget is located off of  Fremont Street , or what many people now call Old Vegas. Though it opened in 1946, the property doesn’t feel close to 70 years old. Recently it received a complete renovation, and now the rooms feel brand new, and are beautiful.

Stereotypically Fremont Street is not as expensive as The Strip (read more here) , so The Golden Nugget can be booked at an extremely affordable rate, while still having access to immediate entertainment on Fremont Street. 

I have literally booked  this hotel  for friends at a rate of $25 per night,  though in high season and on weekends it is more expensive.

My favorite feature of this hotel (other than the price) is the waterslide that goes straight through a shark tank. Seriously, a water slide that goes within inches of huge sharks!

The Luxor Hotel

Luxor – What can be more novel and fun than staying in a gigantic pyramid with a beam of light on top that can be seen from space? This unique property follows its Egyptian theme throughout, with replicas of the Sphinx, obelisks, and other Egyptian statues. CHECK PRICES HERE

Even with the fun theme, this hotel is still incredibly nice. The rooms pay homage to Luxor, Egypt, but with modern amenities and luxurious features.

One thing I couldn’t get use to was the diagonal walls of your room in the pyramid, and diagonal elevators that take you up and down the inside of the pyramid.  top

The Luxor Sky Beam on top of the pyramid is the strongest beam of light in the world, and can be seen from a long ways away (even as you are flying in). Unfortunately, in 2008 the number of lamps used in the Sky Beam was cut in half; it is still bright, but not nearly as powerful as it was before 2008.

Also, be sure to check out two of my favorite exhibits (Titanic and Bodies) that are located within the Luxor.

10. Take Advantage of the Free Shows in Las Vegas

The Fountains of Bellagio are one of my favorite free shows in Vegas. The Volcano at the Mirage Hotel is another great one.

11. Cheap Vegas Activities on Fremont Street

Cheap things to do in Vegas are everywhere. One of my favorite things to do is to walk down Fremont Street in Old Vegas and watch the street performers. Even though it is old, it is not run down or left behind.

Fremont Street runs straight through most of the big classic casinos, and is a perfect spot to get a drink from an outdoor bar, see some of the most unique street performers in the world, experience free live music.

Let us know if you try out our Vegas Budget tips and how they work out. We hope you come to love our hometown!

If you’re thinking about going, you should read our other Vegas posts. First, read our post on the top things you must do as a Vegas first-timer here , and then check out 14 unique things to do here .

More posts on Las Vegas:

I lived in Las Vegas for almost 10 years and loved it there! Here are a few of our most popular Las Vegas posts that will help you plan your trip.

• 10 Attractions You Can’t Miss in Las Vegas   (Our most popular post ever!)
• 10 Must Do’s in Vegas for First Timer’s – The perfect guide for first time visitors
• 2 2 Unique Things to do in Las Vegas – You didn’t know these things existed in Vegas
• 17 Awesome Things to do on Fremont Street – don’t overlook Fremont Street when in Vegas! It’s awesome
• 9 Things to do in Vegas During the Day
• 45 Cheap Things to do in Vegas (Under $30) – Vegas doesn’t have to be expensive
• 14 Best Shows in Vegas – We’ll tell you which ones are worth seeing!
• Go City Pass Las Vegas Reviews (Is Go City Pass Worth it?) – Spoiler alert – YES! It is worth it.
• 10 Best Things to do at The Linq Promenade – New Vegas hot spot
• The Linq Zip Line – So much fun
• How to do Las Vegas on a Budget – My guide to doing Las Vegas on a budget
• Area 15 Las Vegas – Vegas’s Hottest New Attraction
• Exotic Car Racing
• Las Vegas Day Trip to the Valley of Fire
• Fire Wave Trail at the Valley of Fire
• Vegas Packing List: What to Wear in Las Vegas
• 5 Hotels You Have to Book in Las Vegas – Our top recommended Vegas hotels

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Las Vegas on a budget: 10 travel hacks to save on your trip

Las Vegas is about as legendary as vacation destinations get. The bright lights and gaming palaces of downtown Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip are a sight for sore eyes, but they are also designed to suck the money right out of your pockets. In fact, this whole city, built in the desert at enormous expense, can be seen as one big cash grab. And if that sounds negative, it shouldn't be. Go in with your eyes open, and you can have a lot of fun visiting Las Vegas.

Part of the point of Vegas is to splash the cash. That doesn't mean you can't save money on your Las Vegas trip. Beyond the free drinks some casinos still provide, it's possible to find some bargains in Sin City.

When you visit Las Vegas, the last thing you want to do is carry more than you need to. Luckily, it's easy to find luggage storage in downtown Las Vegas where you can leave your things behind. Travel light and enjoy saving money in this unforgettable vacation spot.

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Cheap places to stay in Las Vegas

It's tempting to think you want to stay as close to the action as possible, and that means staying on the Las Vegas Strip . However, the strip isn't for everyone. If you want a quiet night's sleep, it's better to stay off the strip in a more residential neighborhood. Not only will this help you save money, but it means you'll get a more restful night too.

Las Vegas has so many hotels that, despite its popularity, there's plenty of competition for your tourist dollars. Along with the usual hotels and motels, Las Vegas has lots of short-term apartment rentals which can let you live like a local. One of the big advantages of renting an apartment or house is that you get access to a kitchen so you can cook for yourself, which is a good way to save money in Las Vegas. If you're wondering where the best areas to stay in the city are, take a look at our Las Vegas neighborhood guide .

However, few things beat the ease of a hotel. If you're looking to save money on your Vegas trip, try one of these budget-friendly options.

Westin Lake Las Vegas

This hotel may be way off the Las Vegas Strip, located to the east of the city itself. But it's a bargain well worth considering. $200 a night during the high season may not sound particularly cheap, but given the type of property we're talking about here, it's a great value. This is a four-star hotel with a beautiful setting on the man-made Las Vegas Lake. There's no casino on-site, but that can be a good thing. What you'll find instead is a beautiful pool with great access to activities like yoga classes and water sports, along with generously sized rooms and a great restaurant. More of a resort than a traditional hotel, it's the perfect place to get away from the chaos of downtown Las Vegas and recharge your batteries. And while it isn't exactly cheap, it's a good bargain for what it offers.

If you want to be more central, you could do a lot worse than choosing this unique hotel. Located just off the strip, it's recognizable by its iconic tower. The observation deck offers incredible views from over 1000 feet above the city, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a bungee jump over the Las Vegas Strip.

This is Las Vegas, so the hotel has its own on-site casino. There's also an on-site wedding chapel, ideal if you feel the urge to tie the knot when you visit Vegas. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and basic but comfortable rooms make this an attractive option to stay in Las Vegas on a budget. The basic room rates are affordable even in the height of summer, with a twin room costing only around $80, making this a great way to save money in Las Vegas.

This may not be the classiest hotel in Las Vegas, but it's an icon for a reason. Easily reached by a free monorail that runs from here to Mandalay Bay, this is easily one of the best hotels for families to stay in Sin City — especially if you're hoping to save money on free attractions. Excalibur 's Fun Dungeon can keep kids entertained for hours, and there are also nightly shows designed both for families and for adult-only entertainment. The rooms are basic but comfortable, and they offer larger rooms designed for families to make a Las Vegas trip easier for those with kids. Best of all, the room rates help you save money, with a twin room costing around $80 in the summer season.

Cheap things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the entertainment capitals of the United States. When visiting Las Vegas, you'll have your pick of things to see and do, partly because the city's many casinos want to keep you entertained and happy so that you'll keep spending money at the gaming tables. Many casinos will provide you with free drinks and free access to some really great shows to keep you on their premises, so don't be ashamed to take advantage of these money-saving tips.

Additionally, some of the city's top attractions are either free or very cheap to visit. Here are a few ideas:

The Aquarium at the Silverton

Located in the Silverton Hotel, this 117,000-gallon aquarium is a great thing to see if you're trying to save money on a trip to Las Vegas with the kids. The saltwater tank contains fish and other creatures from around the world, and there's even a magical mermaid show that will keep you entertained and help you save money while enjoying a truly unique Las Vegas experience.

Fremont Street Experience

Before the Las Vegas strip became what it is today, Fremont Street was where the action was. And now, this slice of old Vegas has been preserved as one of the city's top attractions. Wander among the neon signs and enjoy the spectacular overhead light show. You'll also find tons of musicians and other street performers entertaining the crowds, along with lots of places to eat and drink. Just soaking up the atmosphere of Fremont Street is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas, and it doesn't need to cost you a penny.

Bellagio Fountain

About as iconic as Las Vegas attractions get, the water and light show of the Bellagio Fountain is something you simply have to see on any trip to Las Vegas. Although the show doesn't last long, it takes place every day at multiple times, so you'll never have to wait long for the next performance.

Plus, the fountain isn't the only free thing to do here. The Bellagio Conservatory is an indoor botanical garden just inside the hotel lobby that's free for anyone to visit - you don't need to be a guest. The display here is always changing according to the seasons, and the Christmas display is especially popular. However, this is one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas, no matter what time of year you visit.

Cheap places to eat in Las Vegas

There are absolutely tons of restaurants in Las Vegas, running the gamut from the cheap and sometimes grisly casino buffet all the way up to haute cuisine at fine dining restaurants. With so much competition, it's not hard to find great places to eat in the city without spending a lot of money. As well as enjoying the best street food in Las Vegas , you can find some real bargains at these restaurants.

Long a center of immigration, Las Vegas does fusion food as well as anywhere. Nowhere is that more in evidence than at this Korean-Mexican restaurant that provides filling and exciting food at very affordable prices. A delicious fusion taco costs around four dollars.

These delicious Venezuelan sandwiches will fill you up and keep you going as you explore. Prices range from $6-9, but given how much food you get here, it's an absolute bargain.

CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog

Another great example of the culinary creativity you'll find in Las Vegas, these delicious hot dogs are unlike anything you'll find anywhere else, but they are priced to sell. Try a Korean corndog for only a couple of dollars or a delicious sausage and mozzarella version for three dollars.

Cheap bars in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is also packed full of bars, from brightly lit and slightly cheesy tourist traps to genuine dives. Luckily, there are plenty of bars somewhere in the middle that allow you to save money while still having a great experience.

Blondie's Sports Bar

What it lacks in charm, this bar makes up for in affordability. Located at the Miracle Mile Shops, Blondie's offers an all-you-can-drink program on domestic draft beers. Visit between 3-5 PM on a weekday, and you can throw back as much domestic beer as you want for only $20. Irresponsible? Maybe. But it's a great option for those looking to party cheaply.

Eschewing the ubiquitous happy hour, this bar, often recognized as the best dive in the city, offers cheap drinks around-the-clock. In fact, this bar never closes and offers a glass of beer for little as one dollar.

Three cocktails for $10? Buy one get one free margaritas? Two dollar bottles of Corona? You can have a great time at this bar without spending very much. And it's not just the drinks; at lunchtime, any food on the menu cost just five dollars, making this a great place to eat and drink on a budget in Las Vegas.

Bonus budget tips for Las Vegas

As well as saving money on places to eat and places to stay, these money-saving tips can help you save money and explore Las Vegas on a budget.

• Travel during the off-season (November through February) when hotels and flights are generally cheaper.
• Book your accommodations in advance and look for deals or discounts on hotel booking websites. Many hotels offer student and military discounts, so keep an eye out for those.
• Look for happy hour specials or cheap eats at Las Vegas restaurants, many of which offer discounts during specific times of the day.
• Buy a 24-hour or multi-day bus pass to save money on transportation. The Deuce is a popular bus route that travels along the Strip and downtown, and it can help you save money in Vegas.
• A Las Vegas Explorer Pass can give you reduced admission to some of the top attractions in town. Additionally, take advantage of discount websites like Groupon for deals on activities, shows, and dining.
• Avoid renting a car if possible, as parking fees and gas can add up quickly. Instead, use ride-sharing services or public transportation.

Vegas may be designed to extract money from your pocket, but that doesn't mean you can't save money here. Take advantage of free things to do in Las Vegas , along with cheap places to stay and eat, and you may be surprised at just how affordable a trip to Sin City can be.

Hopefully, these money-saving tips have been helpful in planning your next Las Vegas trip. No matter where you choose to stay or what you decide to do, don't forget to drop off your bags at a Las Vegas luggage storage to make the trip easier. Traveling light means you can relax and enjoy your experience, knowing your belongings will be safely looked after until you return.

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Las Vegas on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide

By Eden Ashley MintNotion.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we will earn a commission at no added cost to you. This helps keep the content on this website free for everyone to enjoy. Disclosure Page

Visiting Las Vegas on a budget? Follow these travel tips to help you plan a trip to Vegas on a budget in 2022. Includes budget food recommentations, cheap hotels on the Vegas Strip, and how to party in Vegas on a budget.

Sin City is one of the only destinations in the USA where you can party like a Rock Star and enjoy a high roller vacation in Las Vegas on a shoestring budget.

That is, of course… if you know how to scope out the deals. That’s why I’m showing you places to visit in Las Vegas on a dime.

If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas for the first time, this post will show you how to stay at luxury hotels, dine at 5-star restaurants, and watch incredible shows all on a budget.

My boyfriend and I LOVE visiting Las Vegas and we’re always finding cheap stuff to do and new ways to save money without much effort.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a romantic trip, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a week-long excursion, use these tips and tricks to help you visit Las Vegas on a budget.

Related Posts:

• 20 free things to do in Las Vegas
• Visiting Vegas for the first time? Avoid making these rookie mistakes
• 10 best kid-friendly hotels in Las Vegas

Table of Contents

Las Vegas on a budget – Attractions

1. save money with the las vegas explorer pass.

Visiting Las Vegas for the first time can be hectic. With so many great things to see and do, it can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attractions are worth spending your money on.

Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 factor when planning a vacation and the GO Las Vegas Explorer Pass was rated the #1 Vegas tourism pass by TripAdvisor.

They’re also recommended by Expedia and Go City Passes currently have a TrustScore rating of 8.5/10 on Trust Pilot . Many people have already used the Explorer Pass for their Vegas trip and posted happy reviews.

With the GO Vegas Explorer Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these TripAdvisor reviews.

Read Next: My honest review of the Go Las Vegas Explorer Pass

2. Find discounts and book online

If you want to visit Las Vegas on a budget – there’s absolutely no reason to pay full price for Vegas attractions. You’ll always be able to find a discount.

Whenever I’m in Las Vegas, THIS is my go-to website for scoring deals. They offer the lowest prices on Las Vegas attractions and tours. I recommend booking online, especially for popular attractions, so you can save time and hassle.

3. Check out free attractions in Vegas

If you’re wondering what is there to do in Las Vegas on a budget , you’ll be surprised to learn how many free attractions you can find in Vegas.

That’s why I put together this post sharing 20 of my favorite cheap things to do in Las Vegas . The best part is, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!

4. Look for free live music and shows

One of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas is check out live music and shows. We loved going listening to a live band at Fine Irishman’s Bar at the NY NY Hotel . They even had a traditional Irish dancer there which was awesome!

5. Find affordable attractions off the Vegas Strip

Whenever we’re in Las Vegas, we always make time to check out attractions off the Vegas Strip.

We love hiking and visiting nature trails. Some of our favorite spots include Valley of Fire State Park , Red Rock Canyon , and Zion National Park .

If you have time to explore further, consider checking out this Grand Canyon tour . It includes a comfortable roundtrip motor coach ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon with breakfast snacks and lunch.

Las Vegas on a budget – Show Tickets

6. vegas.com has the cheapest show tickets.

One of the best things to do in Las Vegas is see a show. Whether it’s a Cirque du Soleil production, such as The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage Hotel or a variety show, such as Absinthe at Caesar’s Palace, seeing a show is a MUST when visiting Vegas.

Vegas.com offers the best deals on show tickets. I recommend booking tickets online to save money and time. This website is always our first choice for scoring discounts on Vegas shows.

Is Vegas.com a legit travel website? Yes!

Vegas.com has been around for over 20 years and is a reputable site. I have personally been using this website for the past several years to save money on Vegas shows and attractions.

Vegas.com currently has a TrustScore rating of 4.6/5 on Trust Pilot with over 75,000 reviews . Here’s a screenshot of real reviews from happy customers.

7. Take advantage of online discounts

There are lots of discounts available online for shows in Las Vegas. If you’re planning on having dinner before the show, consider booking a dinner + show special . This is super convenient and can save you a lot of money.

LIMITED TIME OFFER:  Right now, you can book some of the top Vegas shows for $50 or less. This is a great deal!  See the full list of shows here.

8. See shows with the Las Vegas Explorer Pass

The Las Vegas Explorer Pass allows you to visit 3 to 7 popular attractions all for one low price. You can even use the pass to check out some of the most popular shows in Las Vegas including:

• Vegas! The Show (normally $116)
• V – The Ultimate Variety Show (normally $94.81)
• Zombie Burlesque (normally $86)
• The Mentalist (normally $66.98)
• And more great shows!

You can learn more here about all the benefits of the Las Vegas Explorer Pass.

9. Sit through a timeshare presentation

If you want to get free show tickets and have time to spare, then consider sitting through a timeshare presentation.

Of course the presenters will try and pressure you into buying a timeshare. But make sure to stand firm and say no. Then you can collect your free tickets, enjoy some free food, and be on your way.

10. Tix 4 Tonight

While I always recommend booking tickets online (and in advance) for popular shows, you can take your chances and see if Tix 4 Tonight is offering last-minute discounts. You can find Tix 4 Tonight booths set up along the Vegas Strip.

Where to stay in Las Vegas on a budget

12. stay during the week.

Las Vegas room rates drop significantly during the week. Monday-Thursday is usually the cheapest time to go to Las Vegas , with Friday and Saturday being the most expensive.

This is because a lot of people love to come to Las Vegas on the weekends, which drives hotel rates through the roof.

PRO TIP: Research ahead of time to see if your hotel offers mobile check-in. We recently stayed at the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip in the summer. The regular check-in line was nearly an hour wait.

We signed up for M Life Rewards (which is free) and were able to take advantage of their mobile check-in. It only took about 5 minutes to check-in which was a huge time-saver!

Below are some of the best cheap Las Vegas hotels:

• Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
• Best Western Plus Casino Royale – Center Strip
• Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
• SAHARA Las Vegas
• Harrah’s Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
• Excalibur Hotel & Casino
• The STRAT Hotel & Casino
• Circus Circus Hotel, Casino & Theme Park
• Travelodge by Wyndam Las Vegas Center Strip

12. Take advantage of online discounts

You’ll want to compare rates to make sure you’re getting the best price. Vegas.com is my go-to website for finding cheap Las Vegas hotels.

I also recommend staying near the center of the Vegas Strip so you’ll be close to all the action and save money on transportation.

I also like to compare hotel rates on Booking.com . Below you can check out affordable hotels in Las Vegas for your trip.

13. Keep on an eye on events and conferences

There are many events and conferences that happen in Las Vegas. Popular events can cause hotel rates to increase, which can make your vacation very expensive. I recommend visiting when there won’t be any major conventions happening to help you save money.

14. Research resort fees

Almost every major hotel on the Las Vegas strip charges a daily resort fee. These fees can range from $20-$45 per night . Resort fees are not included in the initial hotel price. Instead they are due to the hotel at the end of your stay, upon check out.

To avoid this surprise expense, make sure to do your research before booking your hotel. Find out if they charge a daily resort fee and how much it costs. This can help you get a better idea of how much to budget for your hotel accommodations.

15. Stay in Downtown Las Vegas

If you’re not keen on staying on the Vegas Strip, I recommend checking out accommodations in Downtown Las Vegas. The most popular hotels downtown include the Golden Nugget , Four Queens , and Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino .

Almost everything is cheaper off the Vegas Strip, including entertainment and food. If you’re look for the best places to eat in Las Vegas on a budget, you’ll find many options here.

Read Next: 10 best kid-friendly hotels in Las Vegas

Eating in Las Vegas on a budget

16. Eat and drink during Happy Hour

If you’re wondering how can I eat cheap in Las Vegas , consider checking out happy hours.

If you don’t mind having a late lunch or early dinner, you can save a lot of money by dining during Happy Hour. Most restaurants and bars offer cheap drinks and discounts on food during this time. This can be a great way to to find food in Vegas on a budget.

17. Consider eating at resort buffets

If you’re planning on ordering an appetizer, entrée, and drinks, then consider eating at a resort buffet. Why pay $40 at a restaurant when you can pay $20-$40 for all you can eat food and drinks?

Some of the best buffets in Vegas include:

• The Buffet at Wynn
• Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s Palace
• Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan
• Buffet at Bellagio
• Buffet at Aria

18. Share or split meals

Most of the restaurants in Las Vegas offer generous portions. Whenever my boyfriend and I go to Vegas, we usually split a couple of appetizers or share an entrée. This allows us to eat well and save money.

19. Make your biggest meal of the day lunch

If you’re trying to save money in Las Vegas, I recommend making your cheapest meal of the day your biggest. Usually this is breakfast, but if breakfast is not your jam, then I recommend making lunch your biggest meal of the day.

Many of the popular restaurants in Las Vegas offer a less expensive lunch menu. You may even be able to get Happy Hour drink specials too.

20. Eat at restaurants off the Vegas Strip

Almost everything is going to be more expensive on the Vegas Strip. But if you’re looking for a delicious meal that doesn’t break the bank, then considering eating like a local and checking out restaurants off the Strip. I like using Yelp or TripAdvisor to find affordable places to eat.

Below are some of the best places to eat in Las Vegas on a budget:

• Breakfast – The Egg & I, Babystacks, Omelet House, Mr. Mamas, Eggslut
• Lunch – Earl of Sandwich, Shake Shack, Sirrico’s Pizza, Nacho Daddy, Tacos El Gordo, Evel Pie, In-N-Out Burger
• Dinner – Ellis Island’s Village Pub & Cafe, Monta Noodle House, Istanbul Mediterranean

Las Vegas on a budget – Transportation

21. book your flight and hotel package together.

Many third-party booking websites, such as Booking.com or Vegas.com offer a discount when you book your flight and hotel together. Booking.com and Vegas.com are my go-to sites for finding cheap Las Vegas packages.

22. Renting a car? Book through Costco

We always book a rental car when visiting Las Vegas. This is because we love to explore both on and off the Vegas Strip.

We also like to check out some of the attractions outside of Las Vegas. Costco travel offers the best rates on rental cars.

23. Avoid taxis and use Uber or Lyft

Taxis can be very expensive in Las Vegas. With the emergence of ride-sharing services, I recommend using Uber and Lyft instead. It’s often cheaper and more convenient.

24. Look for free parking

Many of the hotels in Las Vegas now charge a parking fee. However, there are a few places left where you can still find free parking on the Vegas Strip, such as Fashion Show Mall.

For registered hotel guests staying at any of the MGM Resorts , your 24-hour parking fee provides you with in-out privileges across all MGM Las Vegas destinations.

This also applies for registered hotel guests staying at any of the Caesar’s Entertainment Resorts.

25. Ride the Monorail

The Monorail is one of the easiest ways to get around the Vegas Strip. The Monorail operates along a 3.9-mile route from the SLS Station to MGM Grand Station.

Las Vegas on a budget – Entertainment

26. buy drinks from the grocery store.

Drinks in Las Vegas can be expensive. A good way to save money is to buy your own alcoholic beverages from a local grocery store. It is legal to have an open container of alcohol while walking on the Las Vegas Strip, as long as it’s not in a glass container.

PRO TIP: Another way to get cheap drinks is to ride the High Roller Observation Wheel during Happy Half Hour. A Happy Half Hour ticket includes one 30-minute rotation with an in cabin open bar. You can learn more about it here .

27. Take advantage of free things to do in Las Vegas

There are many ways to party in Vegas on a budget. Start by seeing what’s avilable at your hotel accommdations. If you’re paying a resort fee at your hotel, you might as well take advantage of the amenities being offered.

For example, one of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas on a budget is to hang out and relax by the pool. We’ve stayed at several resorts along the Vegas Strip, but our favorite pool is at the MGM Grand Hotel.

Another free thing we enjoyed at the MGM Grand Hotel was they had a 80’s cover band playing one night. It was a free concert so we had fun listening to some classic hits.

28. Check out free concerts on Freemont Street

Freemont Street in downtown Las Vegas is one of the best places to enjoy free, live music in the city. Plus, you can check out the world’s largest video screen, known as Viva Vision. The Freemont Street Experience features free light shows every night of the week.

29. Sign up for Player’s card and casino reward programs

Even if you’re not gambling, consider signing up for casino player’s cards. They are free to sign up for at every casino and sometimes they give you free stuff just for joining. This can include a free credit on your card to gamble, a free buffet pass, and so on.

30. Set a gambling budget and stick to it

If you’re planning to gamble in Las Vegas, a good way to save money is to set a budget and stick to it. You don’t want to risk more than you can afford to lose. This can help you visit Las Vegas on a budget.

Las Vegas on a budget FAQs

What is a good daily budget for las vegas.

Your daily budget should be around $246 per day (per person) for your vacation. Based on the expenses of other visitors, this is the average daily price. (Price are in USD).

There are many variables to consider, such as if you’ll be gambling, shopping at designer stores, eating at celebrity restaurants, checking out a Vegas show, and so on.

How much do I need for 7 days in Las Vegas? As you can see, a vacation to Vegas for one week will cost an average of $1,723 per person or $3,446 per couple. ( Source )

Can you go to Vegas on a budget?

Depending on your interests, you can have an amazing trip to Las Vegas on a budget. There are tons of budget-friendly hotels , cheap eats, affordable shows , and free things to do in Vegas for all travellers.

What’s the cheapest month to go to Vegas?

January is the cheapest month to go to Vegas. This the best time to find cheap Las Vegas flights and hotel deals. Vegas winters tend to be cold and dry, so it’s important to keep this in mind. Other cheap months to visit Vegas are February, April and September.

Is Vegas affordable to visit?

Yes, Vegas is affordable to visit. It doesn’t have to be expensive! You can find good deals on hotels if you stay during the week. There are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Las Vegas and you can save money by eating and drinking during happy hour.

Are drinks free in Vegas?

Las Vegas casinos serve free drinks to all gamblers. All you have to do is sit down at a machine and play. It’s recommended to tip your server to get better service and more free drinks.

Are taxis cheaper than Uber in Las Vegas?

Uber is cheaper than riding in Vegas taxis. If you’re traveling on a budget, then taking an Uber or using public transportation is the most cost-effective way to get around Sin City.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

How To Do Vegas on a Budget: A Modern Guide for the Savvy Traveler

Las Vegas, an oasis of entertainment and excitement nestled in the heart of the Nevada desert, is a destination synonymous with glitz, glamor, and indulgence.

In 2021 alone, Sin City welcomed over 32 million visitors , all drawn by its dazzling lights, world-class shows, bustling casinos, and unrivaled shopping experiences.

Yet, beneath the city’s veneer of opulence, there’s a side of Las Vegas that’s accessible, affordable, and just as thrilling.

Yes, you heard it right — you can experience the magic of Las Vegas without draining your bank account.

All it takes are a few smart insider tips, planning, and an adventurous spirit.

So, whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or simply love a good bargain, here’s your guide on how to do Las Vegas on a budget.

Seven ways to do Vegas on the cheap

Here are seven categories that most visitors to the Las Vegas Strip need to account for when planning their trip. You’ll likely have to deal with at least a few of these expenses, and careful planning can save you hundreds of dollars.

So find what works best for you from these simple tips, making your trip to Vegas more enjoyable and affordable.

Harry Reid International Airport, located a stone’s throw from the city center of Las Vegas, is equipped to handle over 4 million visitors a month .

Las Vegas ranks among the most affordable flight destinations worldwide, offering a head start for travelers looking to enjoy Vegas on a budget.

Here are some additional money-saving tips for saving on your flight:

• Book in advance: Airfares tend to rise as the departure date nears. If possible, try to book your flight at least 1-2 months in advance.
• Flexible dates: If you have flexibility with your travel dates, use flight search engines with a “flexible dates” feature to find the cheapest days to fly
• Use budget airlines: Consider budget airlines such as Spirit or Frontier, which often offer cheaper flights to Las Vegas
• Fly direct: Direct flights to this bustling hub can be a money-saving option as they eliminate the need for costly airport meals during layovers
• Set fare alerts: Websites like Skyscanner or Expedia allow you to set fare alerts for specific routes. You’ll get a notification when the price drops.
• Off-peak hours: Flights during off-peak hours (early morning, late night) are usually cheaper
• Avoid weekend travel: Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often less expensive than weekend flights

Enjoy the best transportation experience in Sin City with Las Vegas Monorail .

When dining in Las Vegas, there’s no need to blow your budget on overpriced meals. Here are four savvy ways to save money on food while enjoying the city’s culinary delights:

• Happy hours: Many restaurants and bars in Las Vegas offer happy hours where you can enjoy discounted food and drinks. This is a great way to try different dishes without spending a lot.
• Off-Strip eateries: While the Las Vegas Strip is known for its high-end dining options, venturing off the Strip can lead to more affordable and equally tasty eateries. Check out local favorites in downtown Las Vegas or nearby neighborhoods for budget-friendly meals.
• Prepare a few meals yourself: Let’s be honest — after you’ve eaten your weight in crab legs and roast beef at your favorite Las Vegas buffet, you won’t have a very big appetite for the rest of the day. This is the perfect time to make some light meals between eating out. Sandwiches, salads, and fruits are easy to assemble in your hotel room.
• Eat big lunches: You can save money by splurging at lunch and eating a small dinner since prices rise later in the evening. So make reservations for high-end restaurants and upscale buffets around noon, and you can expect as much as a 30% discount on your meal. 

Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife, but drinks can be pricey. Here’s how to save:

• Drink in your hotel: Consider having a few drinks at your hotel before heading out. Liquor is often cheaper at local stores than in clubs or bars. Just make sure you’re not driving!
• Happy hour specials: Many establishments offer discounted drinks during happy hour. They’re most popular on early evening weekdays but can be found at all times in Vegas if you look hard enough.
• Free drinks at casinos: If you plan on gambling, many casinos offer complimentary drinks to players. Just remember to tip your server!
• Stick to beer: Beer is usually cheaper than mixed drinks. If you’re looking to enjoy a few beverages without breaking the bank, beer (or even a house wine) is the way to go.

4. Transportation

For visitors looking to both save money and time commuting up and down the Las Vegas strip, the Las Vegas Monorail is the best choice.

Large groups of 12 or more can access discounted tickets with a promo code available on the Monorail’s website. For smaller groups or individuals, multi-day passes offer cost-effective mobility.

The Monorail operates from 7 a.m. until 2 or 3 a.m., except Mondays (midnight closure), and caters to various schedules, whether it’s a club visit or a late-night show.

Nevada residents can save even more money and benefit from Nevada Resident Discount Tickets, while out-of-state guests can benefit from Las Vegas Monorail discount tickets.

A seven-day pass , priced at just $57.50 (that’s only $8.21 a day!), offers unlimited service, making it a budget-friendly option.

The Monorail runs parallel to the Las Vegas Strip, stopping at popular destinations such as the MGM Grand and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased online , at customer service offices, or via ticket machines at Monorail stations.

See everything Las Vegas has to offer and ride the Las Vegas Monorail !

5. entertainment.

You’ll need to choose between budget and bankroll in Las Vegas . Some events will cost an arm and a leg, while others are completely free. To offset the expenses of some of your must-see shows, concerts, and casinos, consider these free or low-cost activities:

• Aria Fine Art Collection: Get immersed in the captivating collection of paintings and sculptures at the Aria
• Bellagio Chocolate Fountain: Witness the world’s largest chocolate fountain, standing tall at 14 feet. Don’t miss their chocolate river while at the Bellagio.
• Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Experience the displays inspired by various events and holidays throughout the year
• Big Elvis: Enjoy a complimentary performance by Big Elvis at The Piano Bar
• CBS screeners: Visit the MGM Grand to preview upcoming CBS shows. Screeners are free in exchange for a survey.
• Circus Circus: Watch a free circus show featuring trapeze acts, sky dancing, and more
• Cosmopolitan art: Explore the digital art exhibit in the lobby and hundreds of art pieces throughout the Cosmopolitan
• Craps lessons: Casinos like The Cromwell offer free craps lessons. It’s a fun way to participate in a classic Vegas activity, whether you gamble or not.
• Dueling piano shows: Some bars on the Strip, including The Piano Bar, offer free dueling piano shows
• First Friday: This monthly event showcases live music and art exhibits
• Fiori de Como: Admire this breathtaking glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly
• Fountains of Bellagio: Enjoy the spectacle of over 1,000 fountains performing two to four times per hour
• Fremont Street : Sample some street performers and free light shows
• The Grand Canal Shoppes: Experience Venice without leaving Vegas. Stroll the cobblestone streets and take a gondola ride at The Venetian.
• Pinball Hall of Fame: Admission is free to this museum, though you can choose to pay to play some games
• Shelby Heritage Center: View the race cars designed by Carrol Shelby
• Silverton Aquarium Mermaid Experience: Watch mermaid performances and marine biologists feed sharks and stingrays
• Streetmosphere: Enjoy free performances by actors and musicians at St. Mark’s Square
• Luxor’s Atrium: The atrium inside Luxor’s pyramid is free to explore
• Mirage Aquarium: Home to over 450 types of fish, this 50-foot-long aquarium is a must-see
• Mirage Volcano: The nightly eruption of the volcano is a spectacle that can be viewed for free
• Planet Hollywood Rainstorm show: Experience an indoor storm at this free show
• Topgolf swimming pool: Access this pool for free. Consider bringing some money for their swim-up bar.
• Treasure Island: See the siren chopper, a pirate-themed motorcycle, and a carved wooly mammoth tusk
• Tropicana stained-glass ceiling: Marvel at the magnificent domed stained-glass ceiling in the casino
• Wynn Botanical Gardens: Visit this indoor botanical garden for free
• Wynn’s Lake of Dreams show: This free nightly show features lights, puppetry, and holographics

There are plenty of hotels in Las Vegas catering to the budget traveler. Here are some tips for getting the best deal:

• Book directly with the hotel. This ensures the best rate, especially when done well in advance of your trip. In many cases, the hotels will also match prices that are advertised for less by third-party booking programs.
• Staying off the Strip is another consideration. Lower prices can be found here, and free or low-cost transportation options are available to explore the main attractions.
• Take advantage of affiliation discounts. Many resorts offer reduced rates for military members and other specific groups.
• Consider bundling flight and hotel options. This often results in significant savings.
• Lastly, consider joining slot clubs like Caesars Rewards or M Life Rewards at MGM Mirage Properties. These can yield promotional offers and additional savings.

7. Nearby excursions

While Las Vegas is known for its extravagant lifestyle, there are also many budget-friendly activities both in and around the city.

If you’re looking to venture beyond the city limits, consider these affordable day trips:

• Grand Canyon bus tour: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon on a bus tour. It’s a cost-effective way to see one of the world’s natural wonders.
• Bryce Canyon National Park: If you’re willing to go a little further, Bryce Canyon National Park offers breathtaking vistas and hiking trails
• Hoover Dam day trip: Just 40 minutes from Vegas, a guided tour of the Hoover Dam includes the dam and power plant, making it an educational and affordable outing
• Lake Mead: For those who enjoy water sports, Lake Mead offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming

Gray Line Las Vegas offers budget-friendly tour options, or you can venture to these destinations on your own.

Remember, the city has more to offer than just casinos and high-end shows; it’s also a gateway to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country.

Ride with Las Vegas Monorail and save money in Sin City

With careful planning, you can experience the excitement and glamor of Las Vegas without breaking the bank. In fact, Las Vegas Monorail ticketholders now have access to exclusive Las Vegas discounts and offers through our Show Your Ticket & Save program!

Don’t forget to utilize the Las Vegas Monorail for convenient, cost-effective transportation to help you explore all these exciting destinations!

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How Much You Should Budget for a Trip to Vegas – By Category!

By Author Jake Hoffman

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Key Points:

• According to survey data, the average visitor spent $1,461 per 4.6-day long trip, which breaks down to about $318 per day.
• The average visitor budgeted $500 per trip specifically for gambling, which amounts to about $109 per day.

When it comes to budgeting spending money for Vegas, there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer. Variations in preferences from person to person need to be taken into account before determining how much cash you’ll need.

With that being said, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) conducts an annual visitor survey to gauge how much, on average, people spent during their trip on things like entertainment, food, drink, and gambling.

Below, I’ll dig into those average spend figures which can help you create your own spending plan.

Note that for each category below, visitors shared how much they spent per category per trip to Vegas. The same survey noted that the average trip length was 4.6 days in 2021. With that information, I’m able to get a feel for what the “average person” should budget to spend per day while in Vegas.

Related: Free things to do in Vegas – A complete list.

How Much to Budget for Entertainment/Sightseeing

Determining how much money you should bring to Vegas for shows and other activities is dependent on your tastes. What do you plan to do while in town? Popular shows like “Absinthe” at Caesars, or “O” at Bellagio can cost upwards of $100 per seat while entry to comedy clubs or activities like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is significantly cheaper.

I recommend pricing out your preferred activities on sites like Vegas.com where you can see the full allotment of entertainment options available to you along with their associated price. With that information, you can put together an accurate spending plan.

The average visitor in 2021 spent $83.83 on shows, entertainment, and sightseeing per trip, or about $18 per day.

If you’re looking to do a LOT, the Las Vegas Go City All-Inclusive Pass could help you conserve your spending money.

How Much to Budget for Food and Drink

Again, your specific tastes will dictate how much money you should take to Vegas for restaurants and drinking. Are you eating at Hell’s Kitchen and Giada’s, or at less expensive fast food options?

Rest assured, if you are looking to eat cheap in Vegas, there are plenty of value buffet and restaurant options to stretch your dollar. If you plan to indulge in a couple of higher-end meals though, check out that restaurant’s menu online in advance so you can budget appropriately.

When it comes to drinking, do you prefer $1 Michelobs at a dive bar like Stage Door Casino , or $20 craft cocktails like those found at the Ghost Donkey speakeasy at Cosmopolitan? Create a game plan based on what type of bar you want to belly up to. Remember, drinks are free while gambling, but bring plenty of singles to tip!

For those looking to stretch your Vegas budget, check out our guides to eating cheap on the Strip and cheap eats on Fremont Street .

Additionally, I keep an up-to-date rundown of happy hour deals on the Strip in addition to Drink deals on Fremont Street .

The average visitor in 2021 spent $462.37 on food and drink per trip, or about $101 per day.

How Much to Budget for Shopping

You either do it, or you don’t. Me? You’ll find me at the craps table but I understand that some like perusing the various shopping malls in Las Vegas that range from outlet malls to high-end luxury.

The average visitor in 2021 spent $284.55 on shopping per trip, or about $62 per day.

How Much to Budget for Transportation

Options for transportation in Vegas exist for all budgets and range from public transportation to limousines. Options include:

• City Bus ( The Deuce ) ($6 for a 2 hr. pass)
• Uber/Lyft ($10-$20 per trip)
• Cabs ($15-$25 per trip)
• Limos ($60/hr)

The average visitor in 2021 spent $130.02 on local transportation per trip, or about $28 per day.

Related: See all transportation options in Las Vegas , here.

How Much to Budget for Gambling

The average amount of money visitors budgeted for gambling in 2021 according to the LVCVA is wide-ranging, with 7% budgeting $99 or less, 23% budgeting $100-$300, 30% budgeting $300-$600, and 39% budgeting over $600.

My suggestion is to establish a daily plan, or limit. Split the cash up into envelopes labeled by day to keep you on budget.

Of course, you can also stretch your gambling budget by escaping the Strip and visiting locals casinos where minimums are often cheaper. I suggest walking to Ellis Island , a small locals casino just behind Horseshoe off the Strip where $5 blackjack and craps can still be found.

The median amount budgeted for gambling in 2021 was $500, or about $109 per day.

So, How Much Money Should I Bring to Vegas?

The average visitor spent $1,461 per trip when you add up each category above from the 2021 LVCVA profile survey. That total breaks down to about $318 per day, based on the average 4.6-day trip.

Obviously, the amount of money you should bring to Vegas will likely differ, but this should give you a good baseline idea of how much money to bring.

Miscellaneous Items To Consider When Creating Your Budget For Vegas

Tipping: I typically arrive in Vegas prior to hotel check-in and check my bags with the bellman so that I can roam the city free of encumbrances. The problem? I never seem to plan adequately for tipping which has me scrambling. Part of your spending money plan should include a stack of $1 or even $2 bills for tipping. More on tipping in Vegas here .

Resort Fees: Although your hotel will be paid for upfront, resort fees will be due at the hotel property upon check-out for the vast majority of travelers. Resort fees differ by resort, but high-end properties typically charge $45, while lower-tier strip properties have a nightly fee that lands in the $30 range. It is possible to avoid the fees if you are a big-time gambler, otherwise, you’ll want to book at one of these Las Vegas hotels without resort fees .

Understandably, your answer to “How much to budget for Vegas?” will be different depending on your tastes and preferences.

I recommend going category by category, thinking ahead about what you intend to do, and planning for what you plan to spend for each. Putting thought into your budget will help ensure you have enough spending money for Vegas to be the time of your life!

See Also: Ways to Save Money in Vegas – 50+Easy to implement suggestions!

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I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.

Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.

More about me, here .

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• How much does it cost to travel to Las Vegas? (Average Daily Cost)
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• How much do I need for a trip to Las Vegas?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Las Vegas?

You should plan to spend around $310 per day on your vacation in Las Vegas. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $80 on meals
• $53 on local transportation
• $317 on hotels

A one week trip to Las Vegas for two people costs, on average, $4,342 . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 310
• One Week Per person $ 2,171
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 4,342
• One Month Per person $ 9,305
• One Week For a couple $ 4,342
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 8,684
• One Month For a couple $ 18,609

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Las Vegas cost?

A one week trip to Las Vegas usually costs around $2,171 for one person and $4,342 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Las Vegas on average costs around $4,342 for one person and $8,684 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Las Vegas will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Las Vegas on average costs around $9,305 for one person and $18,609 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Las Vegas has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Las Vegas is a somewhat more expensive place to visit. Located in the United States of America, which is a moderately priced country, visitors will need to plan for the extra expenses of this destination. It is in the top 25% of cities in the country for its overall travel expenses. When visiting, expect to pay somewhat higher prices for accommodation, food, and activities.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Las Vegas is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Las Vegas is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Las Vegas Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Las Vegas?

The average Las Vegas trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Las Vegas travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Las Vegas

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Las Vegas is $158. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Las Vegas is $317. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 158
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 317

Hotel Prices in Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Las Vegas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Las Vegas based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $96. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Residence Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Airport Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 163
• Wynn Las Vegas Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 159

Transportation Budget in Las Vegas

The cost of a taxi ride in Las Vegas is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $53 per person, per day, on local transportation in Las Vegas.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 53

Recommended Services

• Departure Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury SUV Viator $ 145
• Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars Viator $ 168

Flights to Las Vegas

Rental cars in las vegas, what did other people spend on transportation in las vegas.

Typical prices for Transportation in Las Vegas are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Las Vegas, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• 24 Hr Bus Pass $ 15
• 24 hrs Deuce Bus $ 7.00
• Taxi from Airport to the Strip $ 36

Food Budget in Las Vegas

While meal prices in Las Vegas can vary, the average cost of food in Las Vegas is $80 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Las Vegas should cost around $32 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Las Vegas is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 80

Recommended

• Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari Viator $ 73
• Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City Viator $ 110

What did other people spend on Food in Las Vegas?

Typical prices for Food in Las Vegas are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Las Vegas, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Coffee $ 5.00
• Deep Fried Twinkie $ 1.07
• Chocolate Dip Banana $ 1.07
• Gelato $ 5.95

Entertainment Budget in Las Vegas

Entertainment and activities in Las Vegas typically cost an average of $78 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 78

The Go City Las Vegas Pass offers great discounts on attractions in Las Vegas. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.

Recommended Activities

• The Gamers Experience Viator $ 190
• Red Rock Electric Scooter Tours Viator $ 135

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Las Vegas?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Las Vegas are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Las Vegas, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Wedding Chapel $ 139
• Atomic Testing Museum (two people) $ 12
• Gondola Ride (4 person) $ 64
• Monorail Ride $ 5.00
• NY NY Rollercoaster $ 14
• Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass $ 26

Tips and Handouts Budget in Las Vegas

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Las Vegas is $15 per day. The usual amount for a tip in Las Vegas is 10% - 20% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 15

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Las Vegas

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Las Vegas is $125, as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 125

Alcohol Budget in Las Vegas

The average person spends about $55 on alcoholic beverages in Las Vegas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 55
• Bar Crawls & Craft Beer Tours Viator $ 99
• Las Vegas Brewery Tour by Party Bus w/ 3 Flights of Craft… Viator $ 129

Water Budget in Las Vegas

On average, people spend $11 on bottled water in Las Vegas per day. The public water in Las Vegas is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 11

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You actually do have one obligation when you come to Vegas. You gotta eat. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend like a boss to eat like one. Here are some of the best places to eat in Las Vegas on a budget − your budget.

Breakfast: BabyStacks Familiar wooden tables and straightforward decor make this the perfect environment to focus on your three-pancake “short stack.” And while technically, it’s breakfast, this tastes like cake. The fresh-made batters mimic your favorite birthday (or if you’re like us, any day) treats − carrot cake, German chocolate, rocky road, bananas foster, etc. Get the red velvet stack topped with chocolate crumbles and cream cheese syrup. Six for $8.95 or three for $5.75 … both are perfect for Vegas on a budget. It just depends on what your stomach can handle.

Lunch: Sirrico's Pizza at New York-New York Hotel & Casino Pizza will be one of your best bets for staying under 10 bucks for lunch. Sirrico’s feels just like a New York hole-in-the-wall, and will likely draw you back when the 3 a.m. cravings kick in – it’s open all night.  

It has what some would call one of the best Las Vegas restaurant deals. You can get a slice of pie and a beer for $7.77. Or drop the beer and grab two slices. It’s a classic selection, so we recommend going with your favorite.

Dinner: Ellis Island's Village Pub & Cafe Cozy in to your booth and take your time for dinner. It’s open 24 hours. And whatever time you decide to eat, the Karaoke Bar will likely still be rocking and rolling. (It goes until 4 a.m. on the weekends.)

You’ll have to ask your waiter for “THE BEST deal in Vegas” − an entire steak meal for $7.99 − because it’s not on the menu. A lot of people claim the “best,” but we have to say this one might actually be the real deal.

Breakfast: Hash House A Go Go at  The LINQ Hotel + Experience It feels like a modern western farm. With food to match. It’s farm-fresh classic breakfast recipes piled high and topped with some kind of crispy tower and rosemary. It goes big on the portions and bigger on “the usual.” Some pretty reputable sources call this place a must.

For $18.99, you can get a Man v. Food favorite – Andy’s Sage Fried Chicken with hardwood smoked bacon and a scrambled egg. You might not even be able to eat the rest of the day.

Dinner: Ping Pang Pong at Gold Coast The clean lines and geometric shapes pull you in, while the lantern-esque chandeliers shed light on this lucky find. It’s been voted one of the Top 10 Chinese Restaurants in America by Travel + Leisure . And lucky for all of us, the prices aren’t as high as they acclaim.

You can get a pretty good spread for under $20. Try a pork, steak or fish dish for around $16. We recommend the lamb tenderloin at $15.95.

Breakfast: Terrace Pointe Cafe at Wynn Las Vegas The beautiful backdrop makes this a perfect place to rise and dine. Anywhere you’re seated, you’ll have views of the manicured gardens and pool. For $24 you can get the Benedict Trio with of each of its benedicts − traditional, turkey avocado and crab.

Lunch: China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas It’s food fusion meets art and color fusion. This vibrant place has so much to look at, it’s doubtful you’d ever get bored waiting on food. Plus, the people are super nice. It’s an all-around inviting place that deliciously blends the flavors of China and Mexico.

Start with the guacamole for $16. The corn tortillas that go with it are made a few feet from your table. For the main, try Ants Climbing a Tree. It comes in at $14.88, but if you can swing the extra $0.88, the chicken, pea shoot and wok-tossed glass noodles are worth it.

Dinner: Other Mama

At first, you may not think much of the place. It’s got a submarine, dorm-style vibe with few windows to the sea (paintings of a mermaid and some jellyfish). But, once you take your first bite, you’ll realize it is not at all about the decor. Other Mama is smart fine dining. Las Vegas chefs know it − this is where they go to eat. And we trust the experts.

The menu is seasonal. For $30, you’ll be able to get something fresh and special. Ask your waiter what they’re most excited about. And try that raw fish dish you’ve always been scared to order. This is the place to do it − chef Dan Krohmer is a pro.

There are plenty of restaurants all around Vegas for any budget. Start here, but don’t be afraid to branch out.

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Best way to get to LVMS from the mirage - Las Vegas Forum

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5 replies to this topic

What is LVMS?

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guideline limiting each user to a single forums screen name.

Other than that, check out if there are shuttles for the event. The big ones like NASCAR generally have paid shuttles running from several hotels on the strip.

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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy dives into ways to save this summer.

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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Save money on international phone plans for summer trips

If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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Budget Travel: The Best Ways To Spend $20 on Vacation

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Vacations are a lot of fun, but it’s easy to spend too much money , leaving a costly trail in the wake of your good time. However, there are a surprising number of fun things to do, eat and see for as little as $20 or less, if you know how to find them.

“A lot of times it’s the simple, under-the-radar experiences that create the most meaningful memories anyway,” according to Anjali Chawla, a family travel blogger and founder of Travel Melodies .

“The best part about traveling cheap is it forces you to engage with communities in an authentic way,” she said. “It’s not about flashy tourist attractions, but slowing down to discover little cafes, street artists and out-of-the-way viewpoints that give you a true insider experience.”

She and other travel experts explain the best ways to spend $20 on vacation .

Food should be your first choice if you only have $20 to spare, according toDavid Ciccarelli, the CEO and founder of the vacation rental platform Lake .  

“Choose a popular food truck, market vendor or local eatery, which tends to be much cheaper and more authentic than tourist-oriented restaurants,” he urged.

Local Markets

On the topic of food, Elaine Warren, a travel expert, founder and CEO of The Family Cruise Companion , suggested checking out local markets for snacks with your $20.

“Cruise food is fine but you miss out seeing how locals eat. Markets have goodies like filled pastries in the Caribbean or meat on sticks in Asia. Try the real local foods — it’s interesting and not too pricey. Speaking of tastes, another low-cost option is stopping at coffee shops or cafes…You can get specialty drinks and feel the local vibe.”

Then, once your belly is full, go check out museums with free admission, Ciccarelli said. “Spend the cash on public transit; you may even have some left to spare at the end of a culture-filled day. Or, go on a walking tour and check out local art, sculptures, and architecture, stopping for a snack along the way.”

Outdoor Experiences

For any vacationer with $20 to spend, Jonas Zook Jr., an Airbnb host with Sweden Valley Cabins , recommended investing in memorable outdoor experiences. 

“For instance, Cherry Springs State Park offers exceptional stargazing, often for free or a nominal park entry fee. This aligns perfectly with spending little but gaining a lot — connecting with nature and enjoying spectacular celestial views,” he said.

Similarly, in the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest near him, there are numerous hiking trails, which are accessible at no cost except perhaps for parking.

“These trails not only offer physical activity but also expose travelers to breathtaking natural scenery and wildlife, maximizing the value gained from an inexpensive or free activity. Moreover, the mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature provide a substantial return on a minimal investment,” Zook Jr. said.

Local Community and Cultural Events

Zook Jr. also suggested that if you’re interested in cultural experiences, “Local community events such as small-town festivals or markets can be incredibly enriching without denting your wallet.” 

These events often feature local crafts, foods and sometimes free performances, offering a taste of local life and community spirit. 

“My experience hosting near such a vibrant outdoor and community-focused area has shown me that the most rewarding travel experiences often come from engaging authentically with the area’s natural and social offerings, all while on a budget.”

While lodging can be one of the bigger expenses when traveling, if you’re traveling outside of the U.S., many countries offer hostels, essentially shared lodgings where you might sleep in a dorm-like setting, for very little, according to Alexandra Dubakova, travel expert and chief marketing officer of FreeTour.com .

“It depends on where you are going for vacation. For example, if you were visiting Bolivia, you could spend $20 on a hostel, $9 on a tasty meal … and spend the remaining in a minibus across town,” she said.

Likewise, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, you can get accommodation in a hostel starting from $5, street food at $1 or at a hotel for $5, and you can visit museums, markets, etc. she explained. 

Many cities offer these kinds of deals on hostels.

Public Transit Day Passes 

Another tip Chawla recommended is taking advantage of public transit day passes. 

“Whether it’s the buses, trains or subway, most big cities have passes available for short-term tourists that allow unlimited rides in one day. For around the $20 mark or less, you open up so many affordable sightseeing possibilities,” she said.

She shared that this is how her family has been able to cover twice as much ground in a day in big cities like Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago.

Museums, Landmarks and Monuments

Additionally, you’d be surprised how much free or inexpensive culture you can soak up in a place too, Chawla said. 

Many museums, landmarks and monuments have discounted or even free admission days that only require a bit of online research beforehand, she explained. 

“Just $10 towards the entrance fee means my kids get an education while we’re traveling. It’s amazing what you learn wandering around taking in the exhibits and history. I always leave feeling like I understand a destination so much better after a few hours in its cultural attractions.”

Don’t Forget What’s Free

You can also save your $20 by taking advantage of some free options, according to Rob Burley, a travel tour operator expert and the founder of GP Traveller . 

He recommended free “culture days” at local museums, zoos and attractions.

“During my last trip to Washington D.C., I was amazed at how much history and education I absorbed across multiple Smithsonian museums — all without spending a dime. Another top recommendation is free walking tours. Not only do you see the sites, but you gain priceless insider perspectives from local volunteers who share their city with pride.”

He also urged people not to forget about libraries.

“On rainy days they’ve entertained me for hours with movies, books and more. And in summer, public parks worldwide put on wonderful free concerts and shows perfect for taking in while meeting locals,” Burley said.

Town squares or parks sometimes have live music from street performers, Warren added.

“Even historical sites may have outside areas open to all, so you can see nice buildings or ruins at no cost. And don’t forget cheap postcards to send friends pictures from your trip,” she concluded.

Whether it’s food, transit or culture, there are many ways to spend a day traveling on just $20 if you get a bit creative.

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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift go on private couples’ getaway with Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper

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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift went on a private couples’ getaway with Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif., Page Six can confirm.

A source told us that Travis’ mom, Donna Kelce, was overheard on Wednesday at the QVC’s Age of Possibility summit in Las Vegas telling people about the double date.

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Want celebrity news as it breaks? Hooked on Housewives?

Additionally, a fan claimed on Instagram that the “Bad Blood” singer and the Kansas City Chiefs star, both 34, were seen dining at the La Bicyclette Restaurant in the city.

According to People , who first broke the news, Cooper was at the same QVC event as Donna Wednesday and greeted him, saying, “Travis told me you were going to be here.”

Travis and Swift have been keeping a low profile since they were seen getting cozy together during weekend one of Coachella .

The tight end and the Grammy winner danced and packed on the PDA while watching her pals Ice Spice and Jack Antonoff perform.

At one point during the festival, Swift apologized to her beau for being so “drunk,” according to a lip reader.

Travis also protectively wrapped his arms around the billionaire pop star as they swayed from side to side.

Swift and the athlete went public with their relationship last September when she attended one of his football games.

They have since been attached at the hip, with Travis attending some of Swift’s international Eras Tour stops and even taking a romantic vacation together to the Bahamas .

Meanwhile, Hadid, 29, and Cooper, 49, have been on quite a few date nights since they went public with their romance in January.

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Most recently, the model was seen planting a kiss on the “Hangover” star’s face last month as they dined with “Queer Eye” star Tan France and Antoni Porowski at the NYC Italian eatery Via Carota.

An insider told Page Six that Hadid and Cooper were “definitely  getting more serious ” and are “totally into each other.”

The “Maestro” actor shares daughter Lea De Seine, 7, with ex Irina Shayk, whom he dated for four years until 2019.

Hadid shares daughter Khai , 3, with ex Zayn Malik. She has been linked to several A-listers, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Joe Jonas.

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