How to Do Las Vegas on a Budget: 11 Travel Tips
By
Kaitlyn McInnis
Writer at Casinos.US Updated: 07/31/2024
Kaitlyn McInnis is an outstanding travel writer and guidebook author with years of experience. She’s written for numerous international publications, such as BBC Travel, CNN, and Forbes. She blends her travel expertise with insights on accommodations and entertainment to help our readers maximize their experience at casino resorts and hotels.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada
Las Vegas is a veritable kaleidoscope of entertainment; there may be no other place in the world that offers such an abundance of attractions and restaurants for visitors to indulge in. While it’s true that you can find some of the most expensive meals and shows in the world here, planning a budget-friendly trip to Las Vegas is certainly feasible as well.
“Visiting Las Vegas on a budget is totally doable,” says professional travel blogger Kevin Mercier, adding that he recently explored the city inside and out without breaking the bank. Eva Keller from Discovering Hidden Gems agreed, citing that she and her husband take frequent trips from their home in Southern California to Las Vegas due to how easy it is to score a luxury vacation for pocket change.
If you’re keen on exploring everything Las Vegas has to offer but don’t want to go over your travel budget, you’ll want to read on. Here’s exactly how to save on hotels, entertainment, transportation, and more, according to professional travelers:
Stay
Las Vegas might be famous for its luxurious hotels and extravagant resorts, but these can take a huge chunk out of your budget. You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy the city, here are two ways that you can reduce your costs while still getting the most out of your stay in Las Vegas.
Sign up for loyalty programs
“I suggest making an account with MGM Rewards and Caesar’s Rewards. Even without gambling, you’ll have offers for discounted or free rooms as long as you’re not visiting during a major event,” says Keller. With Caesar’s Rewards, for example, you can also add a companion account of someone traveling with you to try to get an even better deal. There are tons of places right on the Strip for less than $100 a night, even after the $35-$45 added nightly fees.
Go a little further out
Mercier suggests considering staying at a hotel off the Strip in order to save even more on your accommodation cost. “I found some great deals at budget hotels just a few blocks away, which were much cheaper but still offered easy access to the main attractions.”
Play
When it comes to entertainment, Las Vegas is unrivaled. The city offers everything from world-class shows to thrilling attractions. While some ticket prices can break the bank, there are ways to get them for a fraction of the price, or even for free. Here are four way to get the most out of your entertainment budget.
Do a timeshare tour for free show tickets
“One option is to take an hour of your time to do a timeshare tour in exchange for free show or attraction tickets or a prepaid debit card,” says Keller. Even when you don’t buy anything, they still have to give you these freebies just for attending—so if you do have the time on your hands or interest in potentially investing in a timeshare, this can pay off in a major way.
Shop around for the best prices on attractions
“Another option is to stop at the various ticket booths that sell attraction and show tickets at a discounted rate every day,” says Keller, adding that these kinds of booths are all over the Strip and easy to find. Shopping around at these points of sale can easily save you 10%-20% versus buying directly from the attraction. It’s worth noting that these ticket booths also offer meal deals of $20+ off of dining.
Opt for free activities
“When it comes to activities, there are plenty of free things to do,” points out Mercier. “I enjoyed the Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano, and the Fremont Street Experience, all without spending a dime.” For a bit of culture, Mercier suggests checking out the art installations at The Cosmopolitan or taking a stroll through the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes.
Sign up for players’ clubs at casinos
“I recommend signing up for players’ clubs at casinos,” says Mercier. “Even if you’re not gambling, they often offer discounts on everything from food and drinks to shows and attractions.”
Eat and Drink
Dining in Las Vegas doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. The city boasts a wide range of budget friendly dining options, from regional fast-food and casual diners to affordable meals thanks to food and drink coupons. There is something for everyone in Vegas. Here are three ways to eat on a budget in Sin City.
Sign up for Landry’s Select Club
Keller recommends joining Landry’s Select Club because several restaurants in Vegas are part of this restaurant group—which can net you major savings during your stay. You’ll also get $25 to spend every year on your birthday. “I honestly just recommend visiting Vegas on your birthday—there are seemingly endless freebies!” adds Keller.
Look for food and drink coupons and deals
Several bars are always passing out 2-for-1 drinks, so definitely take advantage of these unlimited deals! “There are happy hours 24/7 in Vegas as well,” adds Keller, so try to eat all your meals/snacks during different happy hours to get more for less.
Check out the food courts and regional fast-food
If you’re looking for quick and cheap eats, you’re in luck in Las Vegas. “I discovered some fantastic, affordable spots like In-N-Out Burger and the various food courts are cheap and delicious as well,” says Mercier, adding that buffets can be a good deal if you go during lunch instead of dinner.
Getting Around
Navigating Las Vegas on a budget is easier than you might think. There are several cost-effective ways to get around the city. From public transportation and affordable rideshares to free shuttles and good old-fashioned walking. Here are two way that you can save money while getting around in Las Vegas.
Stay on—or near—the Strip
The best way to save money is to plan your trip around a particular part of Vegas and just stay in that area for that trip. Keller recommends staying on the Strip and spending your trip just visiting places up and down the Strip since it’s all walkable. You can always do a single trip downtown/on Fremont Street and explore that whole area on foot as well.
Take public transport
“I relied on the Deuce bus ($4 per ride) and the Monorail ($5.50 per ride),” says Mercier. “Both are affordable and convenient ways to get around the Strip and downtown.” He also thinks walking is a great option, especially in the evening when the city lights up.
