Traveling is a fantastic way to enjoy a break from your daily routine and be energized by having new experiences and seeing new sights. However, traveling can also cause some financial strain. From transportation, food and accommodation costs to the cost of activities, it doesn’t take long for traveling expenses to add up. When heading to a popular tourist destination like Las Vegas, there’s a lot to see and do.
Fortunately, a trip to Las Vegas doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of things to do on a limited budget and tips you can use to reduce costs. Let’s look at some affordable things to do in Las Vegas and ways to save on essentials.
Fremont Street
Fremont Street has been a fixture in Las Vegas since 1905 and was part of Las Vegas’s downtown core before the development of the Strip. When you visit Fremont Street, you’re visiting a part of Vegas history that remains a vibrant attraction today. Whether traveling solo or with friends or family, there’s plenty to see and do at Fremont Street.
Viva Vision
Check out an impressive music light show on the world’s biggest LED canopy screen. The Viva Vision Light Show runs hourly, starting at 6 p.m., with the final show at 2 a.m. Each show features a different music artist paired with the light show.
Cost:
Free
Free Concerts
Vegas features many incredible performers taking the stage nightly. Still, you don’t have to splurge on expensive tickets to see one of the residency shows. Downtown Rocks features regular concerts on Saturdays during the summer and early fall. These concerts are held on the 1st Street Stage and 3rd Street Stage.
The Fremont Street stages are also the place for live performances starting at 6 p.m. daily, featuring the Fremont Street Experience nightly house bands.
Cost:
Free
SlotZilla Zipline
SlotZilla delivers the perfect way to soar above Fremont Street and take in the views. SlotZilla is a Las Vegas zipline that offers two options for an unforgettable Vegas experience. The Zip-Zilla lets you sit as you soar for two blocks. The ride height is seven stories. The Super-Hero Zoom takes you to a height of 11 feet and sends you flying down five blocks. Instead of sitting, you’ll fly Superman-style.
Cost:
- Zip-Zilla: $49.00
- Super-Hero Zoom: $69.00
Check out SlotZilla zipline’s packages and deals.
One-Of-A-Kind Museums
Vegas has many museums and art galleries, including those representing Vegas and its history. Visit the Neon Museum to see where Vegas’s neon signs go when they retire. You can save money by visiting during the day instead of the evening.
The Mob Museum gives you a first-hand look at Vegas’s notorious past and connections to organized crime. You can save money by touring the exhibits, although spending more allows you to enjoy interactive experiences.
Other Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Many places offer free attractions you can enjoy while in Vegas. You can add the following free and low-cost attractions in or near Vegas to your itinerary for an enjoyable and affordable Vegas experience:
- The Arts Factory
- Barrick Museum of Art
- Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Downtown Art Murals
- Downtown Container Park
- Hoover Dam
- Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
- Pinball Hall of Fame
Affordable Dining
We all need to eat, and eating out can get expensive. Knowing where to eat in Las Vegas on a budget and how to lower your food costs can help you manage your dining expenses, so you have more to spend on entertainment.
Reducing Food Costs
Depending on where you stay in Vegas, you should have a fridge in your hotel room. You may even have a kitchenette. Take advantage of these features with low-cost eat-in options. Depending on your preferences, protein bars and cereal bars can be great options for breakfast or lunch. You can also eat fruit, such as bananas and apples and snacks like trail mix, jerky and pudding.
Eating Out on a Budget
There are many places in Vegas where you can enjoy amazing meals at affordable prices. Dine affordably at the following venues:
- Andiamo Italian Steakhouse: Although you can indulge in expensive options, Andiamo Italian Steakhouse offers a range of delicious dishes at affordable prices. Antipasto options start at $18.00.
- Project BBQ: Sandwich meals with chips and Truck Slaw start at $17.00 and a three-taco meal starts at $18.00. Project BBQ’s signature dishes range from $12.00 to $25.00, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious meal without overspending.
Other places serving great food at reasonable prices include the following:
- Archi’s Thai Cafe
- Blueberry Hill
- CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog
- The Egg and I
- Eggscellent
- Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina
- Lakes Lounge
- Marilyn’s Café
- Monta Japanese Noodle House
- Mr. Mamas
- Orchids Garden
- Secret Pizza
- Steak ‘n Shake
- Tacos El Gordo
- Viva Las Arepas
The best options for you will depend on your eating preferences, where you’re staying and your planned activities. It’s a good idea to search for affordable dining options before your trip, check their menus to narrow down a list of the ones that fit your dietary needs and note their locations so you can enjoy affordable meals while sightseeing.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs can be costly. If you’re driving to Vegas, you’ll have parking fees to consider. Instead of trying to use your vehicle the entire time you’re in the city, you could save money by keeping your vehicle in a long-term parking garage and using public transit. You can always access your vehicle for any day trip out of the city while saving money on hotel parking fees, and you won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar streets.
The Las Vegas Monorail delivers easy access to the Strip. The Monorail has seven stops along its route, which covers almost four miles. You can save money with day passes and multi-day passes. You’ll also pay less if you buy eTickets online or buy group tickets.
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTCSNV) runs RTC, which provides bus service in Las Vegas. A 24-hour pass is $8.00 and a three-day pass is $20.00, enabling you to save money on transit costs.
Enjoy an Amazing, Affordable Vegas Experience
The free and affordable activities explored here and the money-saving travel tips will help you enjoy an unforgettable Las Vegas experience without breaking the bank.
