Las Vegas is not known for free things. You can be assured of spending quite a lot in the Sin City on even the shortest visit.
However, if you are creative enough and are willing to walk around the magnificent region, you can be able to experience a couple of free attractions and sites. Some of these attractions include the Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel and the Downtown Art Murals.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of free stuff to do in Las Vegas but not all of them are included in our comprehensive list. We have curated the best of the best to give you an overview of what Las Vegas has to offer on zero budget.
The extensive list below features famous places and buildings but also includes small sites like the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and Eiffel Tower replica. We have also included free shows you may want to watch in Las Vegas.
20 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
1. Fountain Show at Bellagio
- Address: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Phone number: 983.4279
- Website: Fountains of Bellagio
- Operation Hours: Fountain Display times: Monday to Friday (every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.), Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays (every 30 minutes from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
This spectacular fountain is located outside the Bellagio Hotel Casino where you will find the Botanical Gardens mentioned above.
The fountain features 1,214 devices that shoot water more than 24-story buildings high. Additionally, the water is housed in an 8.5-acre lake that shoots a maximum of 17,000 gallons of water at any given time.
There is no age restriction to watching the beautiful water shows and the cost is completely free for everyone. There are 30 different songs that are used to choreograph the flow of the water.
In fact, the shows have recently included EDM shows that were created by the infamous DJ Tiesto. You will not get bored with the rhythmic water shows since they are tailored to provide a memorable motion that is intoxicating.
Related Read: Best Las Vegas Water Shows
2. Botanical Gardens and Bellagio Conservatory
- Address: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Phone number: 693.7111
- Website: Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- Operation Hours: Monday to Sunday from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens attract between 15,000 and 18,000 visitors per day. In fact, the destination requires many engineers and technicians to manage the 120 gardens in the conservatory that cover nearly 14,000 square feet.
Go to the conservatory for free to smell the flowers and get in touch with the beautiful nature of various plant species and colorful greenery. There is a great deal of attention to each section in the garden with well groomed plants and strategically placed species.
There are several themes in the conservatory that span a couple of seasons from the lunar new year to holiday seasons. Ensure to capture the moments because they are magical.
3. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
- Address: 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Phone number: 733.3349
- Website: Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
- Operation Hours: Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat offers the perfect escape from the craze of Las Vegas. The habitat is filled with exotic animals like birds, fish and turtles which you can get to see at no cost. This is a great place to come with family to relax and have great bonding experiences amidst beautiful nature and animals.
Bear in mind that the habitat is a non-smoking area and that the pelican feeding times/availability may vary depending on seasons and policies.
4. Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas
- Address: Wynn Las Vegas at 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
- Phone number: 770.7000
- Website: Lake of Dreams at Wynn
Lake Of Dreams at Wynn is a visual experience that combines colorful puppetry with exciting soundtracks and sound-lighting shows to make a mesmerizing spectacle. The production utilizes a waterfall and lake structure in combination with a ½ acre screen that is lit by 4,000 LEDs.
You can get to see this beautiful spectacle from Parasol Down Lounges, Parasol Up, or on the lake patio. The light show can be observed by anyone free of charge from the North Show Terrace. The show times run every 30 minutes from dusk till 11:30 p.m., every day throughout the year.
5. The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel
- Address: 3333 Blue Diamond Rd Silverton Casino Lodge, Las Vegas, NV 89139-7873
- Phone number: 263.7777, call 866.722.4608 to book your stay at Silverton Hotel.
- Operation Hours: 24/7 with daily interactive feeding shows from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Aquarium at Silverton Casino Hotel is not the biggest one in Las Vegas but at 117,000 gallons and 15 feet high, it is definitely not one of the smallest. The Aquarium is amazing especially for kids who want to awe in the spectacular scenes of sharks, live Mermaids, and stingrays. And it is all for free.
The mermaids are the main attraction for most visitors in the region. They have been so popular over the years that they got featured in Project Mermaids to bring awareness to Save Our Beach Foundation.
The Mermaid Swim Shows are schedule on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. The shows are also on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 12: 45 p.m., 2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m., and 5 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
The reef aquarium is filled with lots of tropical fish that are reminiscent of a tropical oasis. You will also find two 500-gallon jellyfish aquariums that are well lit with LED lights to add to the ambience.
The casino has slot machines and other casino games for adults but the aquarium is set aside as a free site for visitors in the region. Additionally, there is an interactive fish feeding session every day from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. that involves marine biologists and guests.
You should take full advantage of the feeding shows to get up close to the spectacular water life. It is a show you won’t want to miss!
6. The Strip in Las Vegas
- Address: Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
The Strip stretches about four miles with lots of tourist attractions, casinos, luxurious hotels, playgrounds, restaurants, and tons of chill spots. We recommend The Strip as a free place to visit in Las Vegas due to the number of activities in the area. You will not miss to see drunk people wilding in the streets, or tourists wearing party outfits ready to let loose.
You will also see street performers and buskers doing unique artistic expressions that are synonymous with The Strip. This is the ideal place to take random pictures with strangers and new friends on the road. You may get to see people in certain character costumes, musicians, and even magicians.
7. Fremont Street Experience
- Address: 425 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Phone number: 678.5600
- Website: Fremont Street Experience
- Operation Hours: Every night from dusk
Fremont Street Experience is a five-block street that is filled with carts, kiosks, and shows that involve some sound and light. This is the place to be if you are looking for amazing light shows, food that will leave you wanting more, and street performers that are just fun to watch.
The main free attraction for most will be the Viva Vision. This is an LED display canopy on Main Street to Fourth street where light and sound shows are performed every night from dusk on a Viva Vision video screen.
8. Downtown Container Park
- Address: 707 Fremont St, Las Vegas NV89101
- Phone number: 359.9982
- Website: Downtown Container Park
- Operation Hours: Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This is where you want to be I you are looking for a free family friendly place to chill. Downtown Container Park has shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions that will make your stay worthwhile. There is a 30-foot slide for kids to play in and a water area at the center of the park. Every destination in the park is outdoors and made from shipping containers.
The kids playing zone is free but most of the other activities for adults like casual bar dining will cost a few bucks. The main attraction however in Downtown Container Park is the awakening of The Mantis. The Giant Mantis is a sculpture that is ‘awakened’ with a drum circle and fire shows to create a rhythmic ambience.
9. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
- Address: 5100 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119-3232
You haven’t been to Las Vegas till you see and take a picture of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, or so it is believed. The sign is one of the attractions that are synonymous with Las Vegas and the whole culture of the region. Many people consider the sign as a source of happiness, good memories, and hope.
The sign was erected in 1959 and has since become a landmark. It was designed by Betty Willis and sold to Clark County without a copyright since she regarded Las Vegas as her hometown. The 25-foot-tall sign has silver circles that light up the ‘welcome’ part and they refer to silver dollars which represent Nevada as the ‘Silver State’.
You can park your vehicle and take a couple of selfies to light up the beauty of the city and the amazing lifestyle it offers.
Read More: 8 Best Las Vegas Live Cameras
10. Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Casino
- Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
- Operation Hours: Each half-hour from dusk till midnight, every day throughout the year.
You can take a look at the shiny and colorful Eiffel Tower replica from multiple spots in Las Vegas including the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck in Paris Las Vegas. The tower is made to scale (50 stories) to resemble the real thing in Paris. It was put up by Paris, a Las Vegas casino property, that is modelled after the Hotel de Ville in Paris, France.
The Eiffel tower replica has a free light show for anyone to see. Feel free to catch the light shows each half-hour from dusk till midnight, every day throughout the year.
11. The Park in Las Vegas
- Address: 3782 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Phone number: 740.6969
- Website: The Park Vegas
- Operation Hours: 24/7
The Park in Las Vegas is an outdoor place that is locate on The Strip’s west side near Park MGM Las Vegas resort. It is meant to be a social gathering place where you can go to explore, discover, and relax as you run your errands at The Strip.
There are restaurants, entertainment centers, and bars along the park that give you a convenient access to refreshments and enjoyment. The Park is free to the public with several chairs and tables that have shades to help you unwind from the sunny city. You may also get to see activities on game days where tons of fans and spectators flock in various jerseys and costumes.
12. Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden
- Address: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014
- Phone number: 435.2608
- Website: https://www.ethelm.com/
- Operation Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Las Vegas houses a 3-acre botanical garden that is open to the public with no admission fee. You can also get to check out the chocolate factory for free to see how they make the chocolates every day. Do not worry, you can eat the chocolates for free since guests are allowed to enjoy free chocolate samples during the self-guided factory tour.
The botanical garden is one of the biggest with over 350 different succulent species, half of which are native to Southwest America. There are cactus lighting displays that create a magical and uplifting experience especially during the holidays. This is the place to be if you are looking for free family friendly attractions.
Also Read: Huge Colorful M&M Store on Las Vegas Strip
13. Pawn Stars Filming shop – the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
- Address: 713 South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
- Phone number: 272.0006
- Website: Gold and silver Pawn shop
- Operation Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to m.
Pawn Stars has been on the air for years. The show is beloved by antiquity lovers who cannot wait to see the next rare item and listen to its back story. The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop is where the show is filmed. The shop is run by the Harrison family which spans a whopping three generation.
The shop is Rick Harrison’s office where he hangs out with the crew members and enthusiastic customers. Feel free to walk in since there is no admission charge and there are free parking spaces. Who knows, maybe you will get lucky and be featured in one of their episodes.
14. Hand of Faith at the Golden Nugget Casino
- Address: At the Golden Nugget Casino
- Phone number: 385.7111
- Website: Golden Nugget
- Operation Hours: 24/7
The world’s largest gold nugget is the Hand of Faith which is publicly displayed at the Golden Nugget Casino in Vegas. The piece was found by Kevin Hillier in Australia on 26th September 1980. He ended up selling the nugget to Golden Nugget Casino for over 1 million dollars.
The Hand of Faith weighs 27.21 kilograms and its dimensions are 18.5 inches by 7.9 inches by 3.5 inches. It is purely gold and is considered the second largest nugget to have ever been found in Australia in the 20th century.
15. The Arts Factory
- Address: 107 E Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89104
- Phone number: 383.3133
- Operation Hours: Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The New York Times referred to the Arts Factory as, “The least Vegas neighborhood in Las Vegas.” The Arts Factory was founded in 1991, and two decades later, it is still one of the most culturally uplifting and unique places in Las Vegas. The building houses arts spaces for photographers, artists, architects, and art galleries that will give you the artistic inspiration you have been yearning for.
The factory is 30,000 square feet on the indoors and 20,000 square feet outside. It is located in Downtown Las Vegas where culture and unique expression thrives unlike in the uptown casinos and luxurious hotels. This is the region where artists live and create amazing pieces that outrank all other Las Vegas attractions.
It is free to roam around the facility but the food, catering, and beverage joints will cost you a few bucks. There are a couple of bars and lounges in the property where you can pay for some entertainment and music.
There are a lot of acts that take place in the Arts Factory including belly dancing where guests are encouraged to participate. For free festivals and events, visit the arts factory every first Friday of the month when they have free shows to support the local culture and artists.
Related Read: Arts District Las Vegas: Activities, Dining & Tips
16. Downtown Las Vegas Art Murals
- Address: Downtown Las Vegas
- Phone number: N/A
- Operation Hours: 24/7
Downtown Las Vegas is known as the cultural hub of the Sin City. It boasts a lot of murals, street art, and artistic gems that are unique to any part of the city. You will find lots of art around the Downtown area within walking distance of each other.
Some of the most popular street pieces include ‘Fear No Fate’ by Tristan Eaton, ‘The Cycle of civilization’ by Zio Ziegler, ‘Love Forever’ and ‘Peacemaker’ by D Face, ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ by Ruben Sanchez, and ‘The meaning’ by Pixel Pancho.
These artistic gems are street paintings, and erected art pieces that decorate the Downtown area. The inspiration is mainly drawn from the lifestyle in Las Vegas and political ideologies that challenge the people’s way of life in the Sin City.
For example, the ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ mural is the most photographed piece in Las Vegas. The mural depicts Hunter Thompson, the write of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In the mural, he is making his way through Vegas in a drug-filled haze showcasing the state of many souls in the city.
You will not run out of beautiful murals to look at in Downtown Las Vegas. This is the place to be if you are artistically inclined and have an eye for beautiful photographs. It is a must see!
17. Seven Magic mountains
- Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054
- Phone number: 329.3333
- Website: Seven Magic Mountains
- Operation Hours: 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation that was installed by Ugo Rondinone, a world-renowned Swiss artist. The art installation consists of seven towers of stacked boulders that stand at more than 30 feet high. The boulders are colorful with each boulder having a different color from the one adjacent to it.
The site is managed by Nevada Bureau of Land Management and is free for public access to anyone who wishes to visit. There is an on-site parking lot where you are required to leave your vehicle and take a short hike to the Seven Magic Mountains. Tip: Use the bathroom before-hand, there are no restrooms in walking distance of the site.
18. Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
- Address: 29959-29999 Great Basin Hwy
- Operation Hours: 24/7
Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is an official landmark and historical site that is a few miles outside Las Vegas. It is a bridge that crosses the Colorado River to connect Arizona and Nevada. The bridge is super tall that you can see the famous Hoover dam from its height.
There is free access to the bridge and a parking lot nearby where you can relax as you take a short walk to view the bridge. This is the place to be for those who are brave with heights and want to visit a place that is outside the iconic city but still nearby.
19. Streetmosphere at the Grand Canal Shoppes
- Address: 3377 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, Suite 2600, NV 89109
- Operation Hours: Daily – varying hours
- Phone: 702 414 4525
Voted Best of Las Vegas by USA Today, Streetmosphere brings you a taste of Italy with its immersive live performances, where you get to see Italian culture shine through the eyes of talented musicians, dancers, and vocalists.
This free public show takes place in St. Mark’s Square at the Grand Canal Shoppes on the Strip and at the South Canal Turnaround.
20. MSG Sphere on the Strip
- Address: 255 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169
- Phone: 725 258 0001
The Sphere Experience is the latest mega project on the Strip that cost over $2 billion to make. Set to debut on September 2023, the spherical entertainment venue is essentially a massive video screen with an outside surface completely covered in LED screens.
These screens are used to project various video content, advertisements, and images. There are multiple locations along the Strip from where you can enjoy the colorful display, and so far, it has begun to attract a huge crowd on several hot spots.
Spectators can enjoy the Sphere’s exterior lighting show from major Strip resorts, making it a captivating addition to the Las Vegas experience.
21. Coca-Cola Store Las Vegas
- Address: 3785 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Hours: Store Hours are Daily 10 am – 10 pm, Beverage Bar is Daily 12 pm – 6 pm
- Phone: (702) 270-5952
The Coca-Cola Store in Las Vegas features a wide range of Coca-Cola-branded merchandise and products. From classic memorabilia to limited-edition collectibles, you’ll find a diverse selection of items, including clothing, glassware, home decor, and more, all adorned with the iconic Coca-Cola logo.
One unique attraction within the store is the “Taste of the World” tray at the beverage bar. Here, you can sample a variety of Coca-Cola products from around the world, some of which may not be readily available elsewhere. It’s an opportunity to try new flavors and discover regional variations of Coca-Cola.
The store also offers personalized experiences, such as customizing your own Coca-Cola bottle with your name or a special message. It’s a fun and memorable way to create a unique souvenir from your visit.
22. Walk the LINQ Promenade + Experience
- Address: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Phone: 800-634-6441
The LINQ Promenade is not only centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip but is also close to other major attractions like the High Roller observation wheel, making a convenient starting point for exploring the city.
Walk the promenade to visit several dining spots, exquisite shopping destinations, and unique attractions like the High Roller.
Ride on the High Roller to take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the Las Vegas skyline, especially stunning at sunset or night when the city is illuminated.
23. Free Circus Acts at Circus Circus
- Address: 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Hours: Mon – Thu from 1:30 pm, Fri – Sun from 11:30 am
- Phone: 800 634 3450
Circus Circus is king when it comes to nostalgia and tradition since it has been a staple of the Las Vegas entertainment scene for decades. Its free circus acts harken back to the tradition of old-school circus performances, evoking a sense of nostalgia for some visitors.
This is a great free attraction, especially when you are with your kids and family. The awe and wonder of this largest permanent circus will leave you wanting more. Performances include the Flying Poemas, Hossein, Naira, Noelia, Free Ladderman, Raul Cubillos, And The Shell Stachowicz.
Circus acts typically run multiple times a day, giving you flexibility in planning your visit. You can catch a performance at a time that works best for your schedule.
24. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
- Address: 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154
- Hours: Tue – Sat from 10 am – 5 pm
- Phone: 702-895-3011
The Barrick Museum hosts many art exhibitions that showcase diverse and thought-provoking artwork. You can explore various styles, mediums, and themes, from contemporary art to traditional and cultural pieces.
The museum often features works by local and regional artists, providing a platform for emerging talents and a chance to connect with the local art scene.
You can also look at their exhibitions that explore different cultures, including Native American, Hispanic, and international influences. It offers visitors a chance to learn and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Las Vegas and its surroundings.
25. M&Ms World
- Address: 3785 South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Hours: Daily 9 am – 12 am
- Phone: 702 740-2504
You do not have to shop at M&Ms to enjoy the immersive experience. The 28,000-square-foot store in a four-level complex in Las Vegas is the first-ever M&M store, bringing you colorful displays, larger-than-life M&M characters, and eye-catching merchandise. It’s a visually appealing and playful environment.
Located next to MGM Hotel & Casino, the store is a great place to visit to just enjoy the playful ambiance freely. Explore the store and take in all the colorful sights without any admission fee. However, keep in mind that if you purchase merchandise or candies, you’ll need to pay for those items.
26. Downtown Vegas Loop – Explore Downtown in a Free Shuttle
- Address: Downtown Vegas from City Hall (495 S. Main St. Las Vegas, NV 89101)
- Phone: 702 229 6011
The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle bus that takes you through various Downtown locations, including Fremont Street Experience, The Mob Museum, City Hall, Arts District, and the Brewery Row.
Exploring downtown areas can be costly due to parking fees, transportation expenses, and admission fees to various attractions. This free shuttle allows you to save money while still experiencing what downtown Las Vegas has to offer.
Also, the shuttle runs on a loop, which means you can hop on and off at various stops without worrying about timetables or schedules. This flexibility allows you to explore at your own pace and spend as much time as you want at each location.
Honorable Mentions
There a lot of tourist attractions in Las Vegas that are free. We have made short list below to help you find other cost-free sites and shows that will make your stay in Las Vegas worthwhile:
- Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
- Walking along the Streets of Venice
- A walk at Cosmopolitan – art and lobby
- Stranger Things Store
- Lawn Games at Gold Spike
- Luxor Sky Beam
- Pinball Hall of Fame
- Area 15
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Final Words
Whether it is a free show, event, or attraction, the above list got you covered the next time you want to save a buck in Sin City. Keep in mind that some of the aforementioned places may have charges for additional service such as guided tours and meals.
Ensure to bring family or friends along on these trips since they will be more enjoyable in groups. All in all, you will not go wrong with any of the destinations since they will give you the full Las Vegas experience without shortening your wallet. Enjoy yourself!