Stroll the Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is free to walk and offers an experience like nowhere else. You can see replicas of global landmarks, visit themed hotels and casinos, and enjoy the buzz of the city at any time of day. Just keep in mind that the Strip is longer than it looks, especially in the desert heat, so pace yourself.
Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show
This iconic fountain show outside the Bellagio Hotel happens every 15 to 30 minutes in the evenings and is completely free to watch. Choreographed to music and lights, it’s a classic Vegas experience you can enjoy without spending a penny. Check the official Bellagio website for show times.
Explore the Fremont Street Experience
Head downtown to see the original Las Vegas. The Fremont Street Experience is a covered pedestrian area with a huge LED canopy overhead, live music, street performers and a totally different feel to the Strip. It’s lively and totally free to explore. Visit vegasexperience.com for event listings.
Lake of Dreams at Wynn
Set inside the Wynn Resort, Lake of Dreams is a mesmerising free show that combines music, lights, water and holographics. The performances take place on a secluded lake surrounded by a forest of pines, with shows running nightly from dusk until around 11:30pm. You can watch it for free from Parasol Down, or by simply wandering past the terrace level near the Lake of Dreams. It’s an unexpected oasis amid the buzz of the Strip and definitely worth timing into your evening.
Walk through the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy this extravagant shopping arcade. With Roman statues, painted skies, fountains and a free animatronic show called The Fall of Atlantis, the Forum Shops are as much a visual experience as they are a retail one. More info can be found on the official Simon Malls website.
Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Hidden just off the Strip inside the Flamingo Hotel is a small tropical garden filled with flamingos, ducks, koi fish and even turtles. It’s peaceful and surprisingly quiet considering the location. Entry is free and the habitat is open daily. Find details on the Caesars website.
Browse the Arts District
The 18b Las Vegas Arts District, just south of downtown, is full of independent galleries, murals, vintage shops and coffee spots. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the Strip. Time your visit with the First Friday festival for free entry to many venues and live performances. Learn more at the First Friday Las Vegas site.
Tour the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
A short drive from the Strip, this chocolate factory offers free self-guided tours and access to a lovely desert botanical garden. You’ll learn how the chocolates are made, and the garden is especially magical when lit up during the holidays. See the latest opening times on the Ethel M website.
There’s no shortage of free things to do in Las Vegas – you just have to know where to look. Whether you’re after glitz and glamour or something a bit offbeat, Vegas has more to offer than just slot machines and shows.
