Las Vegas is known for all its glitz and glamour, and has a reputation for needing deep pockets in order to enjoy it. But these days, that simply isn’t the case. You don’t need to win a big jackpot to enjoy what the Entertainment Capital of the World has to offer; in fact, with the right planning and approach, you can easily experience the magic of Las Vegas without overspending. Here’s how to do it on a budget and not feel like you’re missing out.
Great Accommodation, Without the Splurge
Las Vegas has some of the most incredible hotels and resorts in the world. There arent many hotels in the world where you can take a gondola ride from one end to the other and feel like you’ve been transported to Venice in the process! But it’s reassuring to know that there are plenty of affordable options when staying in Vegas, from budget-friendly hotels on the Strip to off-strip gems with great amenities.
I know what you’re thinking! A cheap hotel in Vegas conjures up all kinds of worrying images, but you don’t have to worry about cleanliness, safety, or appropriateness just because your budget is a little more modest. Not only will staying off the main Strip help you save a little money, but booking midweek stays and avoiding peak seasons will push the costs down even further.
Also, many of the city’s older hotels, such as the Flamingo, The LINQ Hotel, and Excalibur, offer much lower prices than the latest resorts, and yet still pride themselves on incredible service, entertainment, and amenities – all in great locations too!
Focus on Free or Low-Cost Attractions
Again, just because you’re not jostling for room at a craps table every night or spending a small fortune on shows, doesn’t mean you can’t see some of the best entertainment Las Vegas has to offer. Here are some of our top suggestions for big fun on a little budget:
- The Bellagio Fountains: Running every 15-30 minutes, and completely free to watch, the world-famous Bellagio Fountain Show is a breathtaking water performance choreographed to music and lights. It’s also a great opportunity to take some impressive family photos.
- The Bellagio Conservatory: If you’re looking for some moments of calm in Vegas, head to the free Conservatory. Here you’ll find beautiful floral displays that change with the seasons and holidays, again, great for photos.
- The Fremont Street Experience: Head downtown to Fremont Street for an old-school Vegas vibe with a modern twist! Here you’ll find live music, free light shows on the Viva Vision LED canopy, and street performers every evening.
- Explore Themed Hotels and Casinos for Free: You don’t have to be a patron in order to enjoy some of the most famous sights and resorts in Vegas! Whether you wander through indoor canals, watch gondolas glide by at the Venetian, snap a photo by the Eiffel Tower replica, and explore the charming faux-French streets inside Paris Las Vegas, or take in the mini Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and vintage New York-style signage at the New York-New York, you’ll find plenty to see, do, shop, and eat in these amazing places!
Affordable Eats and Drinks!
When it comes to eating in Las Vegas, it’s easy to think that you have your work cut out, but with a little forward planning, you can easily save your dollars and still enjoy great food!
We recommend looking off the Strip for cheaper eateries. You’ll find that a lot of the locals prefer to dine in quieter areas, and that’s because the price is right! If you still want to dine on the main Strip, then research options such as happy hours, food courts, late night deals, family/child deals, and even heading to the casino diners. Buffets are also a great way to fill up for a busy day.
Budget-Friendly Entertainment
You can still experience some of the best entertainment in Las Vegas without breaking the bank or feeling like you’ve missed out. This is Las Vegas! There’s entertainment everywhere you turn, and a lot of it is very budget-friendly. Wandering along the Strip and you’re sure to see street performers and free shows that are drawing big crowds!
You can also look for discounted tickets through apps, kiosks and last minute options via concierge desks in hotels. If you’d rather experience some up and coming talent, then consider getting tickets to smaller comedy shows, lounge acts, or heading to local bars where locals perform. Weekday events will always be cheaper than weekend options so bear this in mind when booking.
Tips for Sticking to Your Budget
If you’re planning on gambling in Las Vegas, then you should know it’s very easy to overspend! But, whether you’re gambling in the casinos or you have young children who want to buy souvenirs, eat at specific places or experience different things, setting a daily spending limit will help you manage your budget effectively.
Many visitors also prefer to use cash instead of cards during their trip. This is because using physical money helps you to see how quickly you’re spending it, making it much easier to say no and keep things under control.
For snacks and water (pretty important when you have little ones with you and in the Vegas heat), remember to bring a refillable water bottle for everyone. Most casinos and hotels have free refill stations or water fountains. It’s important to remember that indoor air conditioning can also leave you feeling dehydrated, so be careful. Packing some portable snacks in your day bag can also keep the hunger pangs at bay and help you avoid making expensive food purchases you haven’t budgeted for at overpriced vending machines or convenience stores.
Final Thoughts…
There’s so much to see and do in Las Vegas, even if you have a limited budget! Start by drafting your budget and how much you want to spend each day. You’ll soon find that your amazing Vegas trip falls into place.
Like it? Pin it!
