16 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas You’ll Actually Enjoy
Las Vegas may be famous for its casinos, luxury hotels and wild nightlife, but it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to have a memorable time. Vegas is so much more than neon lights and high stakes poker tables — you can experience some incredible moments for free. The best jaw-dropping attractions to quirky oddities, Vegas has it all.
If you’re saving your cash for the slots, or just want to keep your wallet happy, here’s your ultimate guide to the best free things to do in Las Vegas. You’ll be entertained, amazed, and perhaps even inspired — without spending a dime.
Bellagio Fountains Show
The Bellagio Fountains are the grand gesture in Vegas, and they’re totally free.The Choreographed water jets dances to Frank Sinatra, Lady Gaga music in between every 15 to 30 minutes. Obviously, the spectacle is mesmerizing especially at night when the lights and music make a cinematic moment. Stand along the strip and soak in the magic, but beware: there’s a chance you’ll end up humming the songs for hours following.
Fremont Street Experience
Taking a walk downtown Las Vegas to Fremont Street, you’ll experience that garish light and music show overhead a gigantic canopy screen. A hub of street performers, live music and vintage Vegas vibes, this five-block pedestrian area is a very Vegas thing. The main attraction is the Viva Vision light show with its 16.4 million pixels, and the place is so lively you’ll be wandering for hours.
Seven Magic Mountains
The Seven Magic Mountains, a vibrant art installation featuring brightly-colored stacked boulders, is located in the Mojave Desert, just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Though technically outside of Las Vegas, this public artwork is a popular spot among locals and visitors. The stunning desert surroundings enhance its allure, and the best part is that it’s free to visit.
The Mirage Volcano
You don’t have to turn to action movies for eruptions – The Mirage Hotel offers a fiery display right outside. Its iconic volcano shoots fire, smoke, and water high into the sky, accompanied by dramatic music and sound effects. The nightly shows are a must-see, with the flaming reflections on the water, creating a breathtaking scene. Just be sure not to stand too close if you want to avoid feeling the heat!
The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
You can’t go to Vegas and not take a photo at the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Bileta perfectly captures the old world character of the city while being a retro landmark built in 1959. To avoid the lines, arrive early or arrive late, and don’t be shy about striking a cheesy pose, it’s practically a rite of passage.
The Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo
Sheltered at the Flamingo Hotel, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat offers a serene retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the Strip. Among the rich greenery and cascading waterfalls, you’ll find flamingos (of course), koi fish, turtles, and exotic birds. Best of all, it’s without charge, making it a peaceful escape that won’t cost you a thing.
The Chandelier Bar
This three-storey bar is located in the Cosmopolitan, and is a marvel of modern design draped in thousands of shimmering crystals. You’ll have to pay for a drink to sit down, but you can walk and take in the sparkling architecture for free—and it’s just as magical. Going there in the evening comes with a complete feeling.
Container Park
An open-air shopping, entertainment venue made exclusively out of repurposed shipping containers, the Container Park in Downtown Vegas is just a giant, fire praying mantis sculpture at the welcome entrance. What’s inside is boutique shops, live music, and even a treehouse play area for kids, all at no cost.
Street Performers on the Strip
Imagine stepping into a carnival; that’s what it is like walking the Las Vegas Strip, there are performers on every corner. The energy is electrified with musicians and magicians as well as costumed characters (some better than others). These performers are free to watch, but if you’re lucky enough to be impressed by their talents, tipping is always appreciated.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Within the Bellagio, you’re taken into a wonderland of plants and flowers at the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. In every season, the display stands, on each one are sculptures or designs executed entirely from flora (collection of plants). Walking through are paintings, an indoor oasis, and it smells as good as it looks.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden
For a delightful day out, visit the nearby Henderson and stop by the Ethel M Chocolate Factory to see the chocolatiers in action. Enjoy some samples in the refreshments area, then take a stroll through the adjacent Cactus Garden, home to over 300 desert plant species. Best of all, both attractions are completely free, offering a unique and charming experience.
Art Installations at ARIA
Not only does the ARIA Resort and Casino have some great contemporary art throughout the public spaces, it’s also impressive. Renowned artists have created sculptures, paintings, and installations that you’ll find interesting. It’s like going to a mini-modern art museum without paying for the ticket. Feel free to poke around, you never know what you may find.
The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes
If you aren’t planning to shop (and you really should), strolling through the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes is an experience in itself – its indoor canals, its depicted ceilings that mimic the sky, gondoliers singing as they paddle. It’s like a tiny piece of Venice right in the heart of Vegas. The people watching get top-notch or excellent entertainment.
Hiking at Red Rock Canyon
Nature lovers, rejoice! Red Rock Canyon, just a short drive from the Strip, has some of the prettiest desert landscapes, hiking trails and your fill of photo ops. There’s a small fee for the scenic drive, but hiking and exploring on foot is free. If you go early in the morning you’ll avoid the heat and be able to enjoy the beauty of Nevada’s rugged wilderness.
Lake of Dreams at Wynn
The surreal, dreamlike spectacle of lights, music and animated imagery projected on a 40 foot waterfall is the Lake of Dreams inside the Wynn. The shows are free for anyone to watch and run nightly. Take a chair and sit yourself outdoors by the patio, and let the whimsical visuals take you off.
The Park
The Park is a pedestrian-friendly outdoor space located between New York and Park MGM, it’s filled with art, sculptures and lots of places to just relax. It’s a nice place to get a break from the sun, find some shade, or people watch before heading back out into the craziness of the Strip. Check out free live music events and pop-up performances.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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