20 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas that You’ll Love

Las Vegas may be known for its world-class casinos, luxurious hotels, and vibrant nightlife, but you don’t have to spend a fortune—or even a dime—to have an unforgettable time in Sin City.

From the famous Las Vegas Strip to Downtown Las Vegas, there are plenty of free things to do that offer a unique experience, scenic views, and iconic attractions.

If you’re planning your next trip and searching for cheap things to do that won’t break the bank, this guide is for you.

Here are 20 free things to do in Las Vegas that will help you enjoy a Vegas vacation without spending too much money.

1. Explore the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Nestled inside the Bellagio Hotel, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are a must-see attraction. This 14,000-square-foot garden changes its design five times a year, with elaborate seasonal and holiday displays featuring exotic plants, flowers, and artistic sculptures.

• Why it’s a top free thing: The combination of art, nature, and creativity is unmatched.
• Perfect spot: Inside one of the most iconic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Insider tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos.

2. Watch the Fountains of Bellagio

The Bellagio Fountain Show is one of the most iconic free attractions in Las Vegas. Set in a massive lake in front of the Bellagio Hotel, this amazing fountain show features water dancing to music in a mesmerizing, choreographed performance.

• Best views: Right on Las Vegas Boulevard South.
• Showtimes: Every half hour in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening.
• Fun fact: The music ranges from classical to contemporary pop.

3. Fremont Street Experience

Located in Downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience is a vibrant pedestrian mall covered by a massive LED canopy. Nightly light shows, live music, and street performers make it a great place for entertainment.

• Free live music: Multiple stages host free concerts and performances.
• Unique experience: Watch zipliners zoom by overhead as you enjoy the visuals.
• Don’t miss: Viva Vision light show, one of the largest in the world.

4. Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel is a serene retreat featuring exotic birds, koi fish, turtles, and tropical fish. It’s one of the best free things to do for nature lovers.

• Located at: The classic Flamingo Hotel.
• Great time: Perfect for a midday escape from the bustling strip.
• Family-friendly: Ideal for kids and adults alike.

5. Take a Selfie at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

No trip to Vegas is complete without a photo at the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. This symbol of Sin City has welcomed visitors since 1959.

• Perfect place: Located south of the Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard South.
• Free parking: A small lot is available for photo ops.
• Best time: Early morning or just before sunset for spectacular views.

6. Wander Through the Downtown Container Park

This outdoor shopping center built from shipping containers is a hub for local art, food, and entertainment in Downtown Las Vegas. The Downtown Container Park offers free live music, a giant praying mantis that breathes fire, and a fun play zone for kids.

• Free show: Catch performances on the lawn.
• Various dining options: While food costs, browsing is always free.
• Great place: Ideal for casual strolling and people-watching.

7. Marvel at the Fall of Atlantis Show at Caesars Palace

Inside the Caesars Palace Forum Shops, the Fall of Atlantis show is a mesmerizing mix of fire, water, and special effects that tells the story of the lost city.

• Schedule: Performances every hour.
• Unique experience: Animatronic statues and dramatic storytelling.
• Bonus: Check out the Grand Canal Shoppes afterward.

8. Explore the Shelby Heritage Center

Car enthusiasts will love the Shelby Heritage Center, which showcases a collection of classic Shelby cars and offers a free self-guided tour of the showroom and factory.

• Located near: South end of the Strip.
• Fun things: Great for families and anyone interested in American muscle cars.
• Top free things: Educational and visually impressive.

9. Pinball Hall of Fame

Step into retro heaven at the Pinball Hall of Fame, where you can admire vintage and modern pinball machines and arcade games. While playing costs a few quarters, browsing is free.

• Pinball museum: Over 25,000 square feet of nostalgia.
• Cheap things: If you do play, it’s a budget-friendly way to have fun.
• Free parking: Available onsite.

10. Visit the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden

Located just off the Strip in nearby Henderson, the Ethel M Chocolates Factory offers free tours of their chocolate-making process and a stroll through a 3-acre botanical cactus garden.

• Chocolate factory: Watch chocolates being made.
• Perfect spot: Free samples are often available.
• Great time: Visit during holidays when the garden is decorated.

11. Window Shop at the Miracle Mile Shops

This open-air shopping experience at the Planet Hollywood Resort offers vibrant decor, live performers, and the occasional free show.

• Various dining options: Ideal for browsing or grabbing a bite.
• Fun things: Great people-watching and window shopping.
• Perfect place: Centrally located on the Strip.

12. Walk the LINQ Promenade

The LINQ Promenade is a modern pedestrian mall offering a relaxed walking experience with shops, live music, and views of the High Roller, the world’s second-largest observation wheel.

• Iconic free attractions: Street performers and pop-up shows.
• Great place: Especially pretty at night with all the lights.
• Bonus: Great selfie spots with the High Roller in the background.

13. Tour the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art

Located at UNLV, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is one of Vegas’s hidden cultural gems. It offers rotating exhibits, modern art, and a focus on regional artists.

• Free self-guided tour: Donations are welcome but not required.
• Unique experience: Features work by international artists, including Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.
• Educational: A break from the party scene.

14. See the Lake of Dreams Show at Wynn

Head to the back of the Wynn Hotel to catch the Lake of Dreams, a surreal show with holographics, puppetry, and multimedia special effects set on a serene lake.

• Free show: Runs nightly.
• Spectacular views: Best viewed from the upper terrace.
• Special effects: Quirky, beautiful, and hypnotic.

15. Watch Circus Acts at Circus Circus

At the Circus Circus hotel, you can catch a rotating schedule of acrobatics, juggling, and aerial feats at the free circus show.

• Free live entertainment: Shows run every half hour.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the vibrant performances.
• Great place: An old-school Vegas vibe.

16. Visit the Silverton Hotel Aquarium

The Silverton Hotel boasts a stunning 117,000-gallon aquarium filled with tropical fish and even live mermaid shows on weekends.

• Perfect spot: Next to Bass Pro Shops, another free attraction.
• Fun things: Watch divers feed the fish.
• Great time: Relaxing and photo-worthy.

17. Check Out the Silver Pawn Shop from “Pawn Stars”

Fans of the History Channel’s Pawn Stars will enjoy stopping by the Silver Pawn Shop to see where the show is filmed. It’s free to enter, and you might even spot a cast member.

• Top free things: Take a peek at memorabilia and collectibles.
• Unique experience: A behind-the-scenes look at a reality TV staple.
• Cheap things: No purchase necessary!

18. Admire the Art at the Venetian Hotel

The Venetian Hotel offers a free self-guided tour of its remarkable architecture, complete with frescoed ceilings, sculptures, and even gondolas cruising along the Grand Canal Shoppes.

• Best places: For art and architecture lovers.
• Perfect place: Feels like you’re in Italy—without the airfare.
• Great photo ops: Especially on the indoor canal bridges.

19. Day Trip to Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

While not on the Strip, visiting Hoover Dam and Lake Mead is an amazing day trip and one of the best free things to do in the Las Vegas area.

• Spectacular views: Of the Colorado River and the surrounding desert.
• Free self-guided tour: Walk across the dam and take in the history.
• Cheap things: Optional paid tours are available, but walking the dam is free.

20. Visit the Seven Magic Mountains

Just outside Las Vegas, Seven Magic Mountains is a large-scale desert art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, featuring neon-colored stacked boulders.

• Iconic free attractions: Instagram-famous and worth the long walk.
• Perfect spot: Especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Unique experience: Combines nature and modern art beautifully.

Conclusion: You Don’t Need to Spend Much Money to Have a Great Time

Whether you’re strolling through botanical gardens, watching light shows, admiring exotic birds, or soaking in spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip, there are plenty of free things to enjoy in this desert paradise.

The city known for slot machines, table games, and live shows also offers unforgettable moments that are completely free.

Next time you’re planning a Vegas vacation, consider adding these top free things to your itinerary. You’ll discover the best places to explore, enjoy a great time, and create amazing memories—without spending a fortune.