How to Do Las Vegas on a Budget

Las Vegas is an iconic bucket-list destination in the United States, capturing the hearts and imaginations of travelers worldwide. In my opinion, everyone’s got to go there once in a lifetime.

For me it is definitely not a once in a lifetime trip, but instead I visit at least once a month. From the dazzling neon signs that light up the streets to the tantalizing array of culinary delights, including a smorgasbord of celebrity chef restaurants. And let’s not forget the vibrant nightlife and endless entertainment options that keep me coming back.

Yet, I must confess that my true passion lies within the casinos’ walls. What’s even better is my knack for enjoying this glittering oasis on a budget. In this guide, I’ll share great deals for happy hour, my favorite cheap things and activities in Las Vegas that won’t break the bank.

• Related: Fun Things You Can Do in Las Vegas for Free
• Before You Go: Pick up a Go City Las Vegas Pass and the Hop-On Hop-Off Open Vegas Tour to save $$$.
• Also read or watch Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

How to Do Vegas on a Budget

Las Vegas is a sprawling desert paradise for the super-rich. Some celebrities travel to the sparkling city to be seen. Others prefer privacy – perhaps taking up a game of poker in a more secluded section of a hotel-casino. The rich and famous can dine at pricey celebrity-chef restaurants and shop at luxury destinations such as Gucci or Louis Vuitton.

What about the rest of us who don’t fall into the ‘super rich’ or just plain old ‘rich’ category? Believe it or not, Vegas can be just as fun for those of us on a budget or with a shrinking wallet.

With some planning, it’s easy to enjoy several exhibits, eateries, and attractions on a limited budget. A perfect trip to Vegas on a budget includes Budget Suites Las Vegas and our favorite Las Vegas Budget car rental. We are saving you money before you even arrive in sin city! 

Downtown Las Vegas

A great way to start the day is to travel to where it all began. Downtown Las Vegas, once known as “Glitter Gulch” is the more rustic district and where Vegas was born. Drop by the oldest hotel in town:

The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino at One Fremont Street that dates back to 1906. Inside, you’ll get a feel for how this town pulsated in the early 20th century. Notice the handsome mahogany paneling while listening to live piano music.

Fremont Street Experience

Outside the Golden Gate is the Fremont Street Experience, featuring four blocks covered with a Viva Vision canopy that provides a nightly light and sound show free of charge.

Before leaving Downtown, have lunch at Mickie Finnz Fish House and Bar. You can order “Sampler Sliders,” four mini burgers with cheese, teriyaki pineapple, guacamole and BBQ sauce, and bacon.

Downtown Las Vegas Container Park

Downtown Las Vegas Container Park is an innovative urban space that has redefined the concept of a city park. Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, this open-air entertainment and shopping destination offers a dynamic blend of creativity, culture, and community.

The centerpiece of Container Park is, as the name suggests, a collection of repurposed shipping containers that have been ingeniously transformed into a lively and eclectic marketplace. These containers house a diverse range of businesses, from boutique shops selling unique, handcrafted goods to food vendors serving up a tantalizing array of culinary delights.

Various art installations are scattered throughout the park and these art pieces are often the result of collaborations with local and international artists, lending an air of creativity and originality to the park’s ambiance.

The Container Park also hosts live entertainment that is almost always free; rom live music performances to theatrical acts.

Getting Around the Strip: The Las Vegas Monorail

Hop aboard the Monorail and travel Las Vegas Boulevard without the miles of walking. The main strip is between MGM Grand and the Sahara which is a 3.2 mile walk. Getting a daily or multi-pass will save you a lot of money because Uber or Taxi’s will cost you more.

Trains arrive every 4-8 minutes at seven stations ( MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah’s/The LINQ, Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate Las Vegas and the SAHARA Las Vegas).

Trains run Monday-Thursday from 7 am – 12 midnight Friday-Sunday from 7 am – 3 am.

Budget Ideas on The Vegas Strip

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Next, head to the “Strip” and enjoy the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Notice a Golden Crocodile slinking in and out of the water. Learn about the Asian Water Monitor, the world’s second-largest lizard. Several varieties of Piranha fish are on display. For $16.95, it’s not exactly free, but one of the better deals. An audio control panel helps you on this self-guided tour and this is free.

The aquarium is open daily from 10am-8pm.

Everything Coca Cola

A few steps from the MGM, at the Showcase Mall, Everything Coca Cola (3785 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109) is a free attraction where you can find limited edition Coke paraphernalia. On display are bottles, tee shirts, caps, miniature Coke bottles, license plates and key chains. There are kitchen products and Coca Cola coolers for camping. You can even purchase vintage Coke advertising signs.

M&M World

The Showcase Mall also features M&M World. The 28,000 square foot, four-level monument to M&M’S was the first M&M’S store location ever. You’ll feel like a kid as you wind your way through this multi-level attraction. You can buy M&M tee shirts, caps, personalized coffee cups, figurines, candy dispensers and poker sets. On the second level, “My M&M’s” lets you fill little baggies with every possible M&M candy.

The Fountains of Bellagio

Have your camera ready as you navigate the Strip to enjoy a Las Vegas treasure: The Bellagio fountain show. This spectacular show can be seen day or night. At night, expect a large crowd as huge streams of water shoot up to spectacular heights. The program is enhanced by lights and beautiful music

Wrap up your perfect budget day by visiting the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. 170 stores and 15 restaurants are featured at this mall, which includes a walk-through street scene.

You don’t have to be a movie star to savor this rapidly-growing entertainment center. Armed with the internet or a couple of good travel guides, and this article you can create a fantastic vacation on a budget. You may even spot a celebrity or two.

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas is a fun and family-friendly four-acre garden with the centerpiece of this habitat, of course, the elegant and iconic flamingos.

But the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat offers more than just flamingos. You’ll also encounter a menagerie of other fascinating wildlife, including exotic birds. Additionally, the habitat is home to a variety of turtles and fish, which can be found in the many ponds and water features that dot the landscape.

Sad They Closed

In the original version of the article written way back in 2008, I included a few free shows that have since closed. In case people are interested in when or why they closed, I’ve updated each shows information below.

The Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand. The lions never actually lived at MGM Grand but, instead, shuttled in and out by their handler Keith Evans daily. After the lion exhibit at MGM Grand closed in 2012, Evans moved the attraction to his ranch in nearby Henderson. Today, Evans’ Lion Habit Ranch allows visitors to continue seeing the lions and is open Thursday through Monday from 10am-1pm.

Also in the original version of this article I shared one of my personal favorites; Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The Mirage closed this attraction in 2022.

Another sad show that has also closed is Sirens of Treasure Island. It was a 17th century battle between rowdy pirates and seductive sirens with pyrotechnic magic and sadly closed in 2013 after 10 years as a Vegas staple.

The last on the list to have the distinction of “Permanently closed” is the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store that was located at the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Holywood Resort & Casino. Metropolitan Museum of Art Store Vegas closed in 2009.

Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas on a Budget

Evel Pie (508 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101) offers pizza by the slice starting as low as $5. Located in Downtown Las Vegas’ vibrant Fremont East Entertainment District, the pizzeria is open until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends.

I also recommend Ocean One Grille (3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109) at the Miracle Mile Shops for a budget meal. They have homemade lasagna that is amazing as well as a good burger and surf & turf options. This is one of the few low-priced restaurants located on the Las Vegas Strip. They also have a 3-for-1 drink special all day, every day.

Happy Hour in Vegas

The Golden Tiki (3939 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102) located in China Town stands as Las Vegas’ ultimate happy hour destination. It’s a popular spot with locals and tourists in the know! The bar’s charm is multifaceted: from its distinctive and captivating decor to the impeccable service, not to mention the sheer delight of their craft cocktails, which not only tantalize the taste buds but also pack a punch. All of this is conveniently nestled in an ideal location.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this place gets incredibly popular. To secure a spot and fully savor the experience, it’s wise to arrive early.

Gambling and Free Drinks 

Most casinos offer free drinks if you are gambling, playing a slot machine or even video poker at the bar itself. So, if you are actively playing casino games, such as slots or table games, cocktail waitresses come around to take your drink order, and you could enjoy free beverages as long as you continued to play.

But, of course if you are trying to Vegas on a budget, you should have a set amount of money you are willing to gamble and stick to it! But, who knows, you just might win!

Las Vegas Hotels on a Budget

Where to Stay in Vegas When You are On a Budget? The Las Vegas Strip Budget Suites are the perfect place to stay if you visit Las Vegas on the cheap. Budget Suites of America has a pool and rooms have a kitchenette. You can check out TripAdvisor reviews of the suites as well as check additional budget hotel options in Vegas such as La Quinta Inn & Suites and Cannery Casino & Hotel.

One other important thing to know is that most of the hotels on the Vegas Strip charge resort fees. These are not normally included in the base hotel price. So, you might find a hotel room at the Flamingo for under $50, but you’ll want to make sure to look at the daily resort fee to know the true cost of your hotel room!

Las Vegas Budget Car Rental

Where to rent a car in Las Vegas When You are On a Budget? Rental cars are almost always more expensive when you rent them from an airport location. To save the most money, compare prices and book online in advance. My favorite website to find the best rental car prices is Rentalcars.com.

Fremont Street Experience (425 Fremont St;702–678-5777)
Golden Gate Hotel and Casino (One Fremont St; 702-385-1906; 800-426-1906)
Mickie Finnz (425 Fremont St; 702-382-4204)
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (3950 Las Vegas Blvd, South; 1-877-632-7800)
MGM Grand Las Vegas (3799 Las Vegas Blvd, South; 702-891-7777)
Showcase Mall (3785 S. Las Vegas Blvd; 702-597-3122)
The Mirage (3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd; 702-791-7111)
Treasure Island (3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd; 702-894-7111)
Bellagio fountains (3600 Las Vegas Blvd, South; 702-693-7111)
Miracle Mile Shops (3663 Las Vegas Blvd; 888-800-8284)

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WHEN TO VISIT LAS VEGAS

The best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and from September to November. While you’ll find plenty of travel deals throughout the year, the spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the most moderate weather.

 

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Traveling To Las Vegas Soon? Here are a few tips:

How to get there: McCarran International Airport is the main airport in Las Vegas. There are flights on a multitude of airline carriers. Las Vegas is also just a four-hour drive from Los Angeles.

Where to stay: There are many places to stay in Las Vegas, Nevada. There is a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury. For a luxury hotel that won’t break the bank, I recommend the Wynn Las Vegas, which is currently the #1 hotel on Tripadvisor. For a mid-level hotel, I suggest the Aria Resort & Casino.  Finally, for a budget hotel, try the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. You can also check HotelsCombined for the best Las Vegas Hotel Rates.

What to pack: In Las Vegas, seasons can change pretty fast. It’s hot in summer and can drop into the low 30’s in the winter. Number one– you’ll want a good pair of walking shoes. You can easily walk miles daily. Just getting from one casino to another can be a trek (I love Keen).  Vegas gets cold in Winter, you’ll want to pack layers including a light sweater or scarf.

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Read More About Las Vegas

• Hoover Dam & Historic Boulder City: Take a Break From Your Las Vegas Getaway
• The Ultimate Girlfriend Las Vegas Getaway

Las Vegas Trip Essentials

6 Indispensable Items to Pack for a Las Vegas Vacation

• Get the Fodor’s Las Vegas (Full-color Travel Guide).
• Bring a good quality mirrorless camera for getting those beautiful Las Vegas shots. I use the Sony Alpha a6000 .
• Summers in Las Vegas it’s not as bad as you think, but make sure to bring Neutrogena Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Spf 45
• A great cross body travel bag. Crossbody bags prevent theft and are much easier to access.
• Don’t forget sunglasses for the beautiful sunny days. A.J. Morgan Unisex Sunglasses are a great choice and very affordable!
• Bring a pair of dressier shoes and wear your solid walking shoes on the plane.

Recommended Travel Resources

*_{World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads or any other travel insurance company. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.} 

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads*.
• Transport: CheapOAir and Skyscanner (Best Sites to Research Flight Prices) 
• Best Car Rental Deals: Rentalcars.com
• Best Sites to Find Hotel Deals: Hotels.com and Booking.com
• My Favorite Hotel Review Website: TripAdvisor
• Best Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide

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