The Cheapest Way to Visit Las Vegas

From its variety of casinos to dazzling entertainment scene, we’ll take the gamble and bet you’ll never get bored in Sin City. With so much to do in this Mojave Desert paradise, a single trip to Las Vegas may not be enough for some – but everyone should definitely visit at least once in their lifetimes.

How much you’ll get to tick off your bucket list in the “Entertainment Capital of the World” largely depends on your time and budget. Here are a few reasons why you should visit Las Vegas – including a top Trip.com tip on the cheapest way to save during your visit.

Top Tip: The Cheapest Ways to Visit Las Vegas

Here are some tips for visiting Las Vegas on the cheap:

1. Travel during the off-season: Las Vegas is busiest in the summer and during holidays, so consider traveling during the off-season to save on hotel and flight costs.
2. Stay off the Strip: The hotels on the Las Vegas Boulevard (the “Strip”) are often more expensive than those located a little further away. Consider staying in a cheaper hotel off the Strip and taking a taxi or public transportation to the attractions you want to visit.
3. Eat at buffets: Las Vegas is known for its buffets, which offer a variety of food options at a reasonable price. Look for buffets at hotels off the Strip, which may offer lower prices.
4. Take advantage of free attractions: Many of the major casinos in Las Vegas offer free attractions, such as fountains shows, light displays, and street performers. Take advantage of these to save on entertainment costs.
5. Visit during a promotion: Many hotels in Las Vegas offer promotions, such as discounted room rates or packages that include meals and shows. Keep an eye out for these deals to save on your trip.
6. Plan ahead: Booking your hotel, flights, and activities in advance can help you save money on your trip. Consider using a travel website that specializes in Las Vegas to find the best deals.

By following these tips, you can have a budget-friendly trip to Las Vegas while still enjoying all the city has to offer.

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Las Vegas

Let’s face it, New York City isn’t the only city that never sleeps. With options available round-the-clock in the main touristy areas and national parks just a short drive away, you’ll want to pack as much into your Sin City itinerary as possible. To help ease your planning process, we’ve compiled a list of top things to do during your Las Vegas visit.

1. Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

The Fountains of Bellagio

The Fountains of Bellagio is a spectacular water, music, and light show located in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. It is one of the city’s most iconic attractions, and it is a must-see for visitors to Las Vegas.

The Fountains of Bellagio feature 1,214 jets of water that shoot water up to 460 feet into the air, synchronized to a variety of music, including classical, contemporary, and pop hits. The fountains are lit by 4,500 lights and 25 colored projectors, creating a mesmerizing display of light and water.

The Fountains of Bellagio perform several shows throughout the day and evening. The show schedules vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week, but typically shows start every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight.

It’s best to check the exact show schedule before you go, as it may change based on special events or holidays. You can find the show schedule on the Bellagio Hotel and Casino website or by asking the front desk at the hotel.

The Freemont Street Experience

There’s nothing quite like a walk down Las Vegas’ first paved street. Set in Downtown Las Vegas, Freemont Street serves as the city’s 2nd-most popular street and is home to some of Sin City’s first casinos (Golden Nugget, Four Queens, and Binion’s). It’s a unique and lively area that offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music, street performers, light shows, and more.

The centerpiece of the Fremont Street Experience is a massive LED canopy that covers four blocks of the street. The canopy is over 1,500 feet long and 90 feet wide, and it displays stunning light shows every night. The light shows are accompanied by a powerful sound system and feature a mix of music, images, and special effects that create a truly immersive experience.

The light shows take place every hour, starting at dusk and ending around midnight. During peak tourist season, the light shows may run more frequently or for longer hours. In addition to the light shows, there are also street performers, live music, and other entertainment options that take place throughout the day and evening.

Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

An iconic Sin City landmark, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” has been gracing visitors on 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South since 1959. Don’t miss your Instagram opportunity with the 25-foot-tall (7.6m) roadside pole – it’s certainly a Las Vegas must!

It is not only a popular tourist spot, but also a cultural symbol of the city. There are several interesting facts and special features about the sign that make it worth a visit. Here are a few of them:

1. Iconic design: The classic design of the sign, with its bold white letters against a blue background, is instantly recognizable and has become an iconic representation of Las Vegas.
2. History: The original sign was erected in 1959 and was much smaller than the current sign. It was created to promote the new housing development called “Hollywood in the Desert.” Over the years, the sign has been moved and modified to become the landmark it is today.
3. Photo opportunity: The sign is a popular photo opportunity for visitors, and many people take advantage of the large open area surrounding the sign to take selfies or group photos.
4. Souvenirs: There are street vendors and gift shops nearby that offer a variety of souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and other items with the Las Vegas Sign logo.
5. Nighttime viewing: The sign is lit up at night, making it a popular spot for nighttime viewing. The bright lights and busy atmosphere make for a lively and exciting experience.

2. Zip-Line Across Sin City

Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. With the variety of zip lines popping up in and on the outskirts of Las Vegas, we’ve narrowed down a few of the most popular ones according to location.

Fly LINQ Zipline

Get your adrenaline pumping with the FlyLINQ Zipline – Las Vegas’ first zip line on the Strip. Fitted with 10 side-by-side zip lines, there’s plenty of room for you and your entourage to “fly” off its 114-feet-tall (12 stories) launch tower. If you’re new to zip-lining, consider opting for Rio ZipLine (formerly Voodoo ZipLine) instead. The zip ride is located on the 51st floor of Rio’s Masquerade Tower and is known for their ski lift-style seats.

Freemont Street Zipline

When SlotZilla proclaims they’re a “zip line unlike any other”, they mean it. This exhilarating course is based in the world’s largest slot machine – standing 11-stories-tall. The basic zip line – Zip-Zilla – launches from the 7th floor and lands halfway down the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian promenade. Super-Hero Zoom starts from the 11th floor and lands 5 blocks away at Golden Gate Casino & Hotel. Not for the faint-hearted, this zoom line launches you “face first” in superhero-fashion.

3. Las Vegas’ Best Vantage Points

Your trip wouldn’t be complete without spending the evening enjoying aerial views of Las Vegas from some of its best vantage points. From panoramic dining spots to viewing towers, your options are endless.

The STRAT Hotel’s SkyPod

It is a tower that stands at 1,149 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 108th floor. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck, which is the highest observation deck in the US and the second-highest in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can take in the views from both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and can also learn about the history of Las Vegas and the surrounding area through interactive exhibits and displays.

In addition to the observation deck, the SkyPod also features a restaurant, bar, and a thrill ride called the Big Shot, which takes riders on a short, but intense trip up the side of the tower to the top.

High Roller at the LINQ Promenade

The High Roller at the LINQ Promenade is a 550-foot tall Ferris wheel located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. It is one of the tallest observation wheels in the world and offers breathtaking views of the city from its enclosed, air-conditioned cabins.

Each cabin can hold up to 40 people and provides a unique and comfortable way to take in the views of the city, day or night. Visitors can enjoy a scenic 30-minute ride, with 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including the Las Vegas Strip, the surrounding desert, and the nearby mountains.

The High Roller is a great option for families, friends, and couples looking for a unique and memorable experience in Las Vegas. In addition to the scenic ride, the wheel also features several dining and entertainment options, including a bar, lounge, and interactive exhibits.

Eiffel Tower Restaurant and Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant is a fine dining establishment located on the 11th floor of the Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and gourmet French cuisine.

The Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck, on the other hand, is an observation deck located on the 46th floor of the Eiffel Tower Experience. Visitors can take in the views of the city from the observation deck, which offers 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding desert.

VooDoo Lounge at The Rio

The VooDoo Lounge is a nightlife destination located on the 51st floor of the Rio hotel in Las Vegas. It offers stunning views of the city, an eclectic decor, cocktails, a spacious outdoor patio, a dance floor, and a restaurant serving American, Brazilian, and Cajun cuisine.

For the ultimate bird’s eye view, consider splurging on a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Tour.

4. Things to Do in Las Vegas with the Family

While “family-friendly” isn’t the first descriptive term that comes to mind, Las Vegas is actually filled with a variety of activities fit for a family vacation.

Shark Reef Aquarium

Shark Reef Aquarium is a large, state-of-the-art aquarium that features a diverse collection of marine life, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, exotic fish, and more. Visitors to the Shark Reef Aquarium can observe the animals in their natural habitats, as the exhibits are designed to recreate the creatures’ environments.

The aquarium also offers interactive experiences, such as a touch pool where visitors can touch the rays, and a dive program where visitors can go snorkeling or scuba diving with the sharks. It is a great destination for families, as it provides an educational and fun experience for visitors of all ages.

M&M’s World/Hershey’s Chocolate World

M&M’s World is a celebration of all things M&M’s, the world-famous chocolate candies. Visitors can personalize their own M&M’s with a custom message and choose from over 20 colors. The store also features a large wall filled with dispensers of every M&M’s flavor available, making it easy for visitors to sample and purchase their favorite varieties.

In addition to the retail store, M&M’s World offers a variety of interactive experiences, including a 3D movie theater, a candy-making factory tour, and a candy-themed ride.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is similar and great for anyone looking for a sweet and fun shopping experience in Las Vegas.

Adventuredome – an amusement park located in Circus Circus.

Adventuredome is an indoor amusement park located at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. It offers a variety of rides, including classic carnival-style rides, such as the Ferris wheel and bumper cars, as well as more adventurous and daring attractions, such as the Canyon Blaster roller coaster and the Chaos spinning ride. There are also rides specifically designed for younger visitors, including the Frog Hopper and the balloons ride.

In addition to the rides, Adventuredome also offers a variety of other attractions, such as a rock climbing wall, a laser tag arena, and a miniature golf course. The park is constantly updating and adding new attractions, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting for visitors to enjoy.

Adventuredome is open daily, with extended hours during holidays and weekends. Admission to the park is free, but there is a fee for individual rides and attractions. Visitors can purchase tickets for individual rides or an all-day pass for unlimited access to all attractions.

If you’re planning to venture off The Strip, check out Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson or drive up to any of the nearby national parks. Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon are all located within a 3-hour drive away from Downtown Las Vegas.

Know Before You Go

1. Getting to Las Vegas

To get to Las Vegas by flight, you will need to book a ticket to McCarran International Airport (LAS). Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) (formerly McCarran International Airport) is Las Vegas’ closest airport, just 3 miles from The Strip and 5 miles from Downtown Las Vegas.

You can book a flight through Trip.com or directly with an airline. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and book in advance to get the best deal.

Once you arrive at McCarran International Airport, there are several options for getting to your final destination in Las Vegas, including taxi, shuttle bus, or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Taxis are readily available outside of baggage claim and are a convenient option for getting to your hotel or other destination in the city. Shuttle buses and ride-sharing services are also available, but it’s a good idea to arrange transportation in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.

2. Las Vegas Public Transportation

The cheapest way of getting around Las Vegas is via public transportation.

For the most convenient way of getting around the Strip, take advantage of the Las Vegas Monorail. The 4-mile air-conditioned, elevated system runs along the Las Vegas Strip from 07:00 and stops between 00:00–03:00, daily. Single rides cost US$5 and 24-Hour passes cost US$13.45.

If you prefer transit options that’ll take you between the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, opt for the Deuce and SDX (commonly referred to as the Downtown Express) instead. Both bus services stop along most major casino hotels on the Strip and Freemont Street. Tickets cost US$6 for 2 hours and US$8 for a 24-hour pass.

The City of Las Vegas also offers complimentary public shuttle services – Las Vegas Free Tram and the Downtown Loop. While free, these services are less frequent and typically have lesser stops.

3. Driving in Las Vegas

Because traffic tends to get quite heavy in Sin City, we would not recommend driving around Las Vegas if you aren’t planning to get out of the city thereafter. If you’re visiting Las Vegas via car, we recommend parking in your accommodation and making full use of the city’s extensive public transportation system – or getting around on foot.

4. The Best Time to Visit Las Vegas

Las Vegas experiences its high season from January through April, October, and major U.S. holidays.

5. Las Vegas Weather

Because the “Entertainment Capital of the World” is located in the middle of the Mojave Desert, temperatures between July and August often exceed 104°F (40°C). While it doesn’t snow in Las Vegas, winter months tend to be short – from December to February, with cool temperatures that average between 57°F (13°C) and 39°F (4°C).

Top Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes during your visit. It takes approx. 15-20 minutes to walk between casino hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.