26 FREE THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS

Heading to Vegas? We share the best free things to do in Las Vegas including free shows in vegas and free entertainment in Las Vegas.

Free things to do in Las Vegas

The Aquarium at the Silverton

With over 160 species of fish and open 24 hours a day, the Aquarium is a fantastic free attraction based in the Silverton Hotel. Holding more than 117,000 gallons, this attraction is perhaps the best thing to do in Vegas for free.

Don’t miss the mermaid shows; you can even have a meal during the performances!

Fall of Atlantis at Caesar Palace

This is an upscale shopping mall on the Las Vegas Strip and is the highest-grossing mall in the US. 

Within the Fall of Atlantis, you can find a collection of statues that come to life during a special effect and lighting show that are completely free. The show plays every hour, on the hour, starting from 11am. Also, check out the 50,000-gallon aquarium whilst you are there. 

Flamingo wildlife habitat

Situated in the Flamingo hotel, this is a surprise for many Vegas visitors. Beat the heat, escape the crowds of the strip and enjoy these beautiful creatures up close. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is an idyllic escape with a four-acre garden, waterfalls, exotic birds, turtles, fish and streams. 

Bellagio fountains

This is one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas and for good reason. From 3pm the fountains dance to music every 30 minutes, then every 15 minutes after 7pm. 

Head inside the Bellagio to see the beautiful Italian theming and, for a special experience, head to Lago or Prime Steakhouse for a delicious meal with views of the famous fountains. 

Fremont Street Experience

Yes, you can spend money in the casinos, bars and restaurants of Fremont Street but the street itself is worth visiting and experiencing with its old-style lights and ceiling light show. There is live music every night from 6pm and plenty of downtown attractions to enjoy.

The Viva Vision is the world’s largest digital display, running hourly from 6pm to 2am every night. It recently had a $32 million upgrade, making this experience a whole lot more mind-blowing!

The Park

Hidden away between New York, New York and Monte Carlo is The Park; a walkway and park with intriguing sculptures, free wi-fi and plenty of seating area. Ideal for those looking for a bit of an escape from the strip. There is also a popular dance sculpture and water walls as well as occasional outdoor performances.

Garage Art

A lesser-known attraction is the Garage Art found in the car park of The Cosmopolitan. They have allowed their garage doors too become a canvas for artists and of course, it is completely free to enjoy.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

This is a unique place and a must-visit in Las Vegas. It is beautifully decorated and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Opposite the front desk, the garden display changes seasonally and is worth admiring. 

Visit during the Christmas holidays or Lunar New Year for special decorations; we love the Winter Wonderland on the lead-up to Christmas (it includes a 42-foot-tall fir tree, a cozy Swiss chalet and Santa’s sleigh! 

Street performers

One of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas is to walk along the strip and enjoy the street performers. There is literally everything you could imagine and more – break dancing, singers, graffiti artists, musicians, cartoon characters, and more.

The Mirage Volcano

Every hour, on the hour between 6pm and 11pm, the volcano in front of the Mirage hotel rumbles into life and erupts; delivering a fantastic show to the many tourists that experience it every day.

Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

A trip to Vegas is not complete without that iconic photo in front of the Las Vegas Sign. The landmark was founded in May 1959, and has stood at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South ever since. This is around one mile south of Mandalay Bay. 

The easiest way to get to the sign is by driving a car but make sure to drive south on Las Vegas to be able to access the sign parking area. 

Bonnie and Clyde’s Death Car Exhibit

Found just off the strip, head to the Whiskey Pete’s Casino and Hotel to see the Bonnie and Clyde death car, along with some interesting facts.

The famous pair were ambushed by officers near Sailes, Bienville Parish, Louisiana on May 23rd 1934. It was one of the most spectacular manhunts that the nation had ever seen at that time.

The Circus

The Circus Circus hotel offers free circus performances every half hour from 11 am. Head to the upstairs level of Midway and enjoy the 40-minute performance. This is one of many free things to do in Las Vegas with kids and the mini-theme park inside Circus Circus makes for a great day out too.

Fountain Show at Miracle Mile Shops

Head to the mall to see a small but beautiful light show – on the hour, every hour from 12pm to 11pm.

The feature includes water effects and eruptions five stories high as well as colour-changing fog and light bursts; all timed to a dramatic original soundtrack. 

ARIA Fine Art Collection

Within the Aria campus, you will uncover the Fine Art Collection; Vegas’ first permanent public art space. Aria commissioned works from 15 acclaimed painters, sculptors and visionaries to create this unique art collection in Vegas. 

The collection is free to see and open 7 days a week.

The world’s brightest light beam

Whilst wandering the strip at night, look over to the Luxor hotel. You will see a beam shining to the heavens; this is the world’s brightest light beam.

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Head over to the Paris hotel and admire the replica of the iconic landmark. The whole hotel should be explored during your visit, with fantastic theming, elegant casino, Parisian replicas and plenty of amazing restaurants and bars to enjoy. 

Exploring and admiring the Eiffel Tower is free but heading up the tower itself will cost you, with ticket prices starting at $24.50. 

Experience Venice

Within The Venetian hotel, you will find canal shoppes complete with Italian singers and gondolas. Visiting the hotel is a must during your visit, with the theming being some of the best in Las Vegas. 

Head through the impressive entrance before exploring the incredible interior. The hotel is also home to the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, gondola rides on the water canals and a replica of St Mark’s Square complete with street performers. 

Extravagant shops

Something we spent some time doing in Vegas, was checking out the shops! Visit the giant Coca Cola store (complete with a giant Cola bottle as an entrance) or enjoy the theming and chocolate galore in the M&M World.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Head over to this Chocolate factory and take a FREE self-guided tour. Sample some chocolate and check out the Botanical Cactus Gardens whilst you are here.

This is a free attraction and a great choice for foodies and families. 

Movie Locations

Many movies are filmed in Las Vegas so make sure you check out the locations – the lobby in Ceasars Palace was used for the Hangover movie whilst the Bellagio fountains were highlighted in Ocean’s 11.

The Biggest Golden Nugget

Head to the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino to see the biggest Golden Nugget in existence! Head to the casino and enjoy free drinks whilst you play then explore downtown Fremont Street for cheap drinks and cheap tables (well, cheaper than the strip prices).

Pawn Shops

If you are a fan of the TV programme Pawn Stars, head to 713 South Las Vegas Boulevard to see the Pawn shop from the programme

Anderson Dairy

Head over to the Anderson Diary factory to organise a free guided tour of the dairy factory – and enjoy free ice cream too!

Downtown Container Park

Head down to Fremont Street and check out the container park; an open-air shopping and entertainment venue using repurposed shipping containers.

Napoleon’s Dueling Pianos

Head to the Napoleon’s Dueling Pianos in the evening to watch a spectacular performance of Dueling Pianists! Great fun and affordable drinks.

Free shows in Las Vegas

• Circus Circus Act – This is the largest permanent circus in the world and it is completely free! Check out the Circus schedule for the different shows and either show up just before the event or reserve tickets on their hotline.
• Bellagio Fountains – There is something mesmerising and wonderful about watching these fountains dance along to the music. They are fantastically timed and each ‘performance’ offers something different and special. This water show happens multiple times throughout the day; see the full schedule here. 
• Mermaid Show at the Silverton Hotel and Casino – This show is on 3 times a day in the Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel. The mermaids swim around, performing tricks and are also great with kids!
• Volcano show at The Mirage – In the front of The Mirage, you can’t miss the massive volcano that dominates the entrance. At 7, 8 and 9 pm, this volcano erupts, making a fantastic light and sound display for passersby. Head here early to get a good spot; especially on weekends.
• Music at Le Cabaret Bar inside Paris Las Vegas Hotel – Live bands and musicians play here every night, from 6 pm onwards. We found this open-air styled bar a romantic spot to unwind after a long day exploring.
• Fremont Street Experience – Along the top of Freemont Street is the largest video screen in the world. Here, you can watch a colourful and fun light show, every evening, on the hour starting at 6pm.