Free things to do in Las Vegas

Vegas might be known for its budget-busting casinos, luxury hotels and jaw-dropping shows, but you don’t have to spend big to have a blast in Sin City. There are tons of fun free things to do in Las Vegas, from shows to attractions. Here’s how to have lots of fun on a small budget.

Free things to do on the Vegas strip

Watch the dancing Fountains of Bellagio

Let’s kick off with a Vegas classic. Every 15 to 30 minutes, the famous fountains outside the Bellagio hotel burst to life with a water and light display set to music. It’s romantic, great for kids, and free.

Snap photos of the Bellagio Conservatory

If you’re already visiting the Fountains of Bellagio, you might as well step inside the hotel to see the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The conservatory has a different theme every season, with dramatic floral displays. And it’s open 24/7.

See the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign

This 24-foot-tall sign unofficially marks the end of the Strip, or the start, depending on where you’re kicking off your explorations. It’s been around since 1959, but was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Just be prepared to wait in line for a photo – it’s a popular spot.

Visit the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas

It’s not called the Flamingo for nothing. This hotel’s hiding a lush oasis that feels like a world away from the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Flamingos (yep, real ones), koi, turtles and waterfalls await. It’s a lovely peaceful spot to stroll, snap some pics and cool off from the desert heat, without spending a dime.

Catch acrobat shows at Circus Circus

Vegas might conjure up images of the Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil. But you can watch live entertainment for free, if you’re savvy! Circus Circus puts on free daily acrobat shows, with jugglers, aerial artists and trapeze performers. Just make sure to check the schedule on their website for what’s on.

Wander through themed hotels

The hotels in Vegas are so over-the-top that they’re attractions in their own right. The best bit? You don’t have to be staying to visit. Here are a few of our favorites to visit while in Vegas:

• The Venetian – Pretend you’re in Venice as you stroll through the Grand Canal Shoppes and admire the replica Italian-inspired architecture. If you’re lucky, you might catch a free opera performance.
• Caesars Palace – Wander between the fountains, Roman statues and designer shops at The Forum Shops. Don’t miss the Fall of Atlantis show, with its fire and water effects and talking statues.
• New York-New York – This place brings the Big Apple to Vegas. You can walk along a replica NYC skyline and Brooklyn Bridge.
• Luxor – If you’re wondering what that giant pyramid is in the middle of Nevada, it’s an Egyptian-themed hotel. There’s also a giant sphinx that was just made for photos.

Take the kids to the Silverton Aquarium

This one is actually rated as the ‘Best free attraction in Las Vegas’. A short ride from the Strip, the Silverton Hotel boasts a 117,000-gallon aquarium, which is totally free to visit. It’s home to thousands of fish, stingrays and even mermaids, if you time your visit with one of the scheduled swims. There are interactive stingray feedings, too.

Free things to do in downtown Las Vegas

See the street performers at Fremont Street Experience

Entertainment doesn’t start and end on the Strip. Downtown Las Vegas is where old-school Vegas meets modern-day. The Fremont Street Experience has free nightly concerts, street performers and a super-cool LED light show. The Viva Vision Light Show plays on the world’s biggest video screen above your head.

Marvel at the Mystic Falls Light Show at Sam’s Town

Off the Strip but worth the trip, Sam Town Hotel is home to a whopping 10-story indoor atrium with a waterfall, animatronic animals and a free laser and light show. The show runs multiple times a day and is perfect for families with little ones.

Explore The Arts District

A couple of blocks from downtown, the 18b Las Vegas Arts District is having a bit of a cultural renaissance. It’s wall to wall with colorful murals, indie galleries and cool shops. It’s a great free afternoon activity to soak up some culture and stretch your legs. Grabbing a coffee or something to eat won’t cost you much either.

Check out the Downtown Container Park

Like the name suggests, this outdoor shopping and entertainment spot is made up of repurposed shipping containers. They’ve been converted into trendy shops and eateries. Plus, kids will love the giant fire-breathing praying mantis sculpture at the entrance.

Ride the free monorail between hotels

Getting around Vegas doesn’t have to cost you. Vegas has a few free trams that run between popular hotels, which aren’t to be confused with the city’s official monorail system. The lines run every 4-5 minutes, between Mandalay Bay and Excalibur, Bellagio and Park MGM, and the Mirage and Treasure Island.

Map of free attractions in Vegas

As you’ve now seen, there’s no shortage of things to do in Las Vegas for free – whether it’s fountain shows or street performances. Looking to stretch your dollars even further with an affordable hotel stay? Check out our guide on where to stay in Las Vegas for every budget. And snag a great deal on Las Vegas hotels with LateRooms.com.