Remember years ago traveling to Vegas on the cheap, for free attractions and $9.95 prime rib buffets?  In today’s casino time not so much.  Gone are the cheap eats, inexpensive all-you-can-eat buffets, and complementary Vegas shows. 

Tourists visiting Sin City today need lots of cash and it’s not just for gambling.  There are still free attractions in Las Vegas but you better plan to find them. 

Today’s post will provide the top free attractions and things to do while visiting Las Vegas, Nevada.

First up, we have the famous Bellagio Fountains. Located right on the Strip, these choreographed water displays are a sight to behold. From day to night, every 30 minutes or so, the fountains come alive with music and lights as they dance gracefully in sync with each other. It’s a mesmerizing experience that will leave you breathless – all for free!

The Bellagio Resort also offers a free to enter botanical gardens.  The botanical garden is one of the most popular free attractions and is a great way to enjoy an hour away from the noise of the strip.

If nature is more your thing, head over to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel. Here you can wander through lush gardens while admiring exotic flamingos, swans, ducks, turtles, and even koi fish.

The Flamingo Gardens are a tranquil oasis that is a wonderful distraction from the slot machines.  This free exhibit is also located near the Linq entertainment district, which also has a lot to see including the massive High Roller Ferris Wheel (not free) Discount tickets to the Ferris Wheel can often be found on Groupon.  Also in this area, behind the Venetian Hotel is the world-famous MSG Sphere which is cool to look at from the outside.

Travel downtown Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience. This pedestrian mall in front of the Golden Nugget offers a visual feast with its iconic LED canopy covering four blocks of pure excitement. Marvel at stunning light shows accompanied by live music performances – all for free!  The Fremont shows and free street entertainment is one of the best things to do for free in Vegas.

Vegas takes malls and shopping areas to a whole new level. The most popular places to window shop include The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venitian, Ceasars Forum Shops, Miricle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, downtown Container Park, and The Fashion Show Mall.  The shopping may not be free, these locations are filled with interesting things to see.

Explore the world of over-the-top hotels, check out free entertainment, and grab a photo of all the magic that is in Las Vegas.  Walking the strip is no easy task, but well worth the experience, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. A couple of highlights not to be missed are The Linq Promenade and The New York New York Hotel.  Both stand out to me as great places to explore.  The Linq Promenade is a great place to see a free show.

Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation in Ivanpah Valley, along the far southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard. When it comes to free things, this is a top attraction in Vegas.  Another free exhibit is Area 15, which has a free exhibit during the daytime hours.  Additional attractions, like Meowmart, will cost additional.  Another popular tourist attraction is the Welcome to Vegas sign which was originally built in 1959.  You may have to wait in line, but this icon landmark is still completely free to visit.

There are so many cool things to see and do that are free if you venture away from the city.  Notables include the Cactus Gardens at  Ethel M Chocolate Factory.  The botanical cactus garden is a completely free walking tour. Drive out to the Hoover Dam and see one of America’s most fascinating places.  Savey travelers also understand that getting away from the strip allows you to dine and gamble on a budget.

Las Vegas, Nevada is known for its glitz and glamour It’s a pleasant surprise that Las Vegas still has some free attractions waiting to be discovered. From the incredible Bellagio fountain shows to jaw-dropping street performances, Sin City offers an array of experiences that won’t cost you a dime. So, leave your wallets at home (or at least hide them under your poker chips), and find free attractions to make you feel like a winner.  Because in Las Vegas, the only thing better than hitting the jackpot is doing it without spending a single penny!