People often think that you need to spend soooo much money when you go to Las Vegas, but this doesn’t have to be the case! There are plenty of FREE things to do on The Strip, Fremont Street, and even within ten minutes from the main stretch (and some of them even have Free shuttles!). In fact, there are Free things to do in EVERY casino on The Strip! You just have to know where to find them and that’s where I come in!
First, let’s start with the Freebies you will see all through The Strip.
LAS VEGAS SIGNS – We all know the most iconic Freebie photo opp, the Las Vegas Sign, but did you know there’s a new one by the STRAT? Now, you can take a picture at the top AND bottom of The Strip. The good news is that right now not many people are venturing to the second sign because they don’t know about it, so there will be no line to take a picture there! That area is also still under construction with Resorts World going in, bringing in new business to that side of The Strip! Which means, a lot of the road is closed and you can take great pics from the center of the road!
Closest to Mandalay Bay
Closest to STRAT
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The old school Vintage Welcome To Las Vegas Sign is walking distance from Mandalay Bay’s Convention Center. It’s about a 15 minute walk (which can be brutal in the sun so just plan accordingly). The other is right outside of the STRAT hanging over the street. There is plenty of air conditioning nearby there but if you are walking from the monorail from the Sahara it is about a ten minute walk.
FREE TRAMS – These have some of the best views of the casinos on The Strip of Vegas! From Mandalay Bay to Excalibur, from Park MGM to Bellagio, and Mirage to Treasure Island, these trams really give you a view you wouldn’t otherwise think to angle your view from. Click here for the latest schedules.It’s also fun to ride these, even if it’s just to see the themed hotels from the outside and take a rest from all the walking. It’s the perfect view at night to see the Luxor’s lights.
WALK OF STARS – This four-mile stretch between Sahara Ave and Russell Boulevard has a scattering of stars along Las Vegas Blvd named “Stars of Vegas.” Some of its most memorable stars include “Big” Elvis in front of the piano bar at Harrah’s, Donnie & Marie Osmond in front of the Flamingo on the Cromwell’s side, and Elvis Presley, Sammy Davis Jr., & Liberace in front of Paris.
SHOPS – All Vegas shops are packed full of fun Vegas gear which make for fun free photo opps. A lot of them have hashtags posted and photo walls for you to take pics in front of and repost to social media.
STREET PERFORMERS – From musicians, to show girls, to random guys who put snakes around your neck, yep snakes, there are plenty of characters to see while you walk in between casinos. You can find most of them gathered around Bellagio’s fountains and the Linq’s Promenade.
Just be wary, some charge $10 on Venmo and Cashapp to take pics WITH them! (Yes, that’s a thing now. This trip, I had a homeless “artist” guy following me while I was on the phone painting a penny with my name on it and trying to sell it to me for $20 via Venmo! I offered him $2 and he threw it on the ground saying I was devaluing his art and then he started calling me names. I can’t make this stuff up haha!)
1- DRINKS are Free when you gamble and yes 25 cent machines count! The server just has to see you gambling when they come around and then once again when they drop off your drink. So technically drinks aren’t “free” but you can get drinks (not just beer, you can also get scotch etc too) for 50 cents or so. AND, you can drink on the street in Vegas so feel free to bring your drink with you to other casinos on your walk to the next FREE attraction. Here’s some more tips on how to work the system in Vegas.
2 – POOLS are always Free for guests, but if you have a loyalty player’s card, you can often get in for Free to other affiliated locations with your player’s card too! Las Vegas pools are huge and even though one may be smaller like New York, New York’s, another like Mandalay Bay’s beach, wave pool, and lazy river is huge and sprawling! You’d never know it was there unless you researched ahead of time.
3 – CENTER BARS in each casino always have live entertainment, performing bartenders, or DJs. Check their schedule and pick which one works best for you or have a drink at each as you make your way down The Strip!
4 – Free GAMING LESSONS at most casinos if you want to learn!
5 – Players cards give away free perks. Usually it’s a buffet, but since most are still closed they are giving away $5-$20 in FREEPLAY to use on slot machines. Casino Royale ALWAYS offers Freeplay for new members. Spend $20 and get $20!
To keep it simple, I’ll do each casino/attraction in order from the airport. Casinos that are themed and are an attraction in themself, I’ll mark with a...
MANDALAY BAY
(Known for it’s spa, Shark Reef, and wave pool, beach, & pools. Site of #Vegasstrong shooting but the memorial site is located in Old Downtown.)
Waterfalls and Gardens in front of Mandalay Bay and the Delano.
Michael Jackson Statue in the lobby.
Foundation Room Rooftop – one of the best views of The Strip for sunset – Free admittance and great Happy Hour!
Between Hacienda and Las Vegas Blvd, is the biggest tailgating party in Vegas before events at the new Raiders Stadium. The party starts 4 hours before events and doesn’t end till the event is over.
Inside the Shops At Mandalay Bay, there is a really cool Guinness store (filled with everything Guinness) and bar named Rí Ráthat is a pub they shipped over from Ireland!
LUXOR
(Egyptian theme in the shape of a pyramid.)
Light Stream & Light Show at night. (You can see it from the airport and while you fly in at night. Best viewed outside at the monorail entrance.)
Home of Blue Man Group and Carrot Top with experiences and unique souvenirs next to their theaters.
TROPICANA (Demolished 2024)
(All white interior, Cuban – South Beach style. Best know for being where the mob used to hang out in Vegas. Second oldest casino on The Strip.)
Tiffany stained glass ceiling.
EXCALIBUR
(Inside and out looks like a castle from Camelot. Keep an eye out for the troll’s house under the bridge.)
Shirtless guys from Thunder From Down Under and Knights from the Tournament of Kings meet you at The Strip’s entrance.
NEW YORK NEW YORK
(Inside and out looks like NYC complete with a Statue Of Liberty!)
The Ultimate Neighborhood Bar has Dueling Pianos inside. (Just tip the performers.)
Hershey World has a number of social media photo opps.
Watch people’s hats fly off of the rooftop roller coaster.
PARK MGM
(This spot is full of streetfood and speakeasy style bars & restaurants.)
The Park next to Park MGM is always busy when any event lets out. There’s plenty of seating and drinks flowing. The crowd tends to head into the casino for even more fun after, so you will see plenty of jerseys around.
Go to the Arena about an hour before a game and they have a ton of free stuff, live music, and a big street party during home games.
MGM GRAND
(Known for sports betting (especially boxing) and its pool party & club scene.)
KA 360 by Cirque Du Soleil takes you behind the scenes how they make the show work.
Be a TV Critic – CBS TV Research Center lets you critique TV shows.
M&M World has a number of social media photo opps..
Coca Cola Store has a number of social media photo opps..
Lay a penny (or I put a quarter) at the lion’s feet at The Strip’s entrance stairway for good luck. (Located to the right of the escalator by Hakassan.)
ARIA
(Known for its spa and luxurious rooms.)
In the mall in front, check out the Water Tornadoes and Art exhibits throughout. There’s also High-End window shopping here like Balenciaga, which is always fun to take pics in front of the tiny or huge purses.
They always have an amazing art exhibit in the casino’s lobby entrance.
Check out the restaurant Catch’s flower wall entrance.
Aria has a hidden water show at it’s cab entrance. Water shoots around the fountain and also down the walls surrounding the road’s round about.
WALDORF ASTORIA
(Known for being the Waldorf Astoria… nough said! There’s no casino here.)
Moet & Chandon champagne vending machine is in the lobby! Totally worth taking a picture in front of!
COSMOPOLITAN
(Known for its metropolitan feel and modern art collection.)
Art is everywhere! My favorite spots to explore are by the conference rooms, the digital art walls in the lobby, and the Alice In Wonderland theme of the upper level of the Chandalier Bar.
The Chandelier Bar itself is breathtaking. My favorite view is while coming down the escalators.
PLANET HOLLYWOOD
(Known for its collection of celebrity memorabilia.)
The Crazy Girls Statue near the mall entrance.
Miracle Miles Shop – Harbor Rainstorm, a thunderstorm takes over near the fountain.
Watch the Tipsy Robot, a robotic bartender slinging drinks.
Watch people ride the mechanical bull in PBR Bar.
HORSESHOE
(Known as the old Ballys.)
Las Vegas Sign in the back of the shops area.. take a picture here rain or shine!
Light Show in the Grand Bazaar Shops.
Swarovski Starburst show at night close to The Strip in the Grand Bazaar Shops..
At the cross streets of Flamingo and Koval where Tupac was shot, there is a makeshift memorials. Write a letter to the artist to leave there. (I suggest during the day only.)
PARIS
(Inside and out looks like Paris, including a blue sky ceiling.)
Eiffel Tower has a nightly Light Show.
Flower wall picture opp right when you walk in.
Walk the streets of Paris and listen to French music and street performers.
BELLAGIO
(Swanky theme where they do everything big here including the light fixtures.)
The Conservatory Garden is in the back, past the check – in lobby. The theme always changes but it is always a room full of flower decorations.
The famous Bellagio Fountains.
Hand blown glass ceiling art pieces throughout the casino.
CAESARS
(Inside and out is lined with the columns of Rome.)
Atlantis Show & Aquarium inside the Forum Shops
Statues and fountains in the lobby and outside in the beer garden.
Caesar Statue in front of The Strip’s entrance.
Statue of Muhammad Ali in front of the Sports Betting.
Cleopatra’s Barge (an actual boat) has live entertainment located next to Nobu’s entrance.
Kalifano has amazing metal statues and art you won’t find anywhere else! They also give you a free gift if you visit their locations in Caesars and Venetian.
FLAMINGOS
(Pink and flamingos are everywhere here, including in their Bird Bar. Known as the oldest iconic casino on The Strip.)
There is a hidden oasis and Wildlife Habitat with Flamingos, Coyfish, Ducks, etc in the back of the casino.
Giant Flamingo Statues on Linq’s side.
LINQ
(Known as the party casino on The Strip. There’s always a scene and street performers on its promenade in front of the High Roller.)
Carnival Court has all kinds of Live Music.
Promenade – walkway filled with street performers and various street side fun. Home of the High Roller.
O’Sheas Lucky The Lephrican can often be found making a guest appearance dancing on the bar here.
You can hang out in O’Sheas and watch people play beerpong or table games while listening to live music.
HARRAHS
(Known as the place you will see all the hardcore gamblers – at all hours of the day. You are most likely to see a senior with an air tank on a slot machine smoking a cigarette here.)
Big Elvis is GREAT – he sounds just like Elvis! He performs certain days at the open aired Piano Bar.
One of my favorite statues on The Strip is here. Walk towards the center of the casino and you will see a glitzy statue of a rich couple. I always take a picture here for good luck!
The Court Jester on the outside of the building is quite the sight, especially when he’s all lit up.
CASINO ROYALE
(Known for having the cheapest drinks on The Strip.)
One of the only casinos on The Strip that gives you $20 Freeplay when you play $20 after you sign up for the loyalty card!
MIRAGE
(Known as the home to Siegfried and Roy’s white tigers. Inside feels like a true oasis in the desert.)
The Beatles LOVE car and art exhibit.
Volcano explosion show in front of the casino.
Coral Reef Aquarium inside by the lobby.
A tropical garden greets you when you walk in the door.
Siegfried and Roy’s Tigers, real and statues, can be seen here. (They have a small zoo there you can pay admittance to as well.)
TREASURE ISLAND
(Known for it’s pirate ships and Treasure Island theme.)
Gilley’s has live music, Country line dancing, and a mechanical bull
Old wild west cowboy slot machines in front of Gilleys. They don’t work but cool to see.
Wolly Mamoth Tusk and Siren Chopper are some of the hidden art scattered around the casino.
Pirate ships out front from their famous Siren’s show (Siren’s show no longer plays but still cool to see the ships).
FASHION SHOW MALL
(A shopping mall right on The Strip with regular pricing, not casino prices.)
Runway shows run here all the time.
Go to Guest Services for a coupon book that will save you loads throughout Vegas!
Rainbow Stairs are right in front.
VENETIAN
(Known for being modeled after the city of Venice, Italy, including indoor rivers.)
Spirits & Sprites Free whiskey tasting.
Opera, other Italian performances, and street performers in the main mall area.
Watch gondola rides indoors and outdoors.
Take a picture with a famous wax celebrity on display in front of Madame Toussauds wax museum.
LIK Fine Art is a breathtaking display of landscapes. The photos change as you adjust the lights. It’s something that really makes you feel like you’re in a Vegas experience.
PALAZZO
(Known for being the second largest hotel in the World!)
Indoor wishing waterfall on The Venetian’s side.
Flower exhibits throughout.
Glass artwork scattered throughout.
LOVE Statue in front of the wishing waterfall.
The Wishing Tree inside Palazzo Tower.
WYNN (& ENCORE)
(Known for it’s high-end appeal. Everything is glitz and glamour here from its high end shops to its light fixtures and flower statues. They have one of the best buffets on The Strip.)
Parasol Down’s dancing parasols.
Lake of Dreams is so calming you forget you are in Vegas! You can see it from inside, but it’s best to get a drink on Parasol Down Bar and watch their night show.
Fountain show in front of the Wynn on the Palazzo side.
Flower walkway entrance with flower statues of a Merry go Round and a Hot Air Balloon.
Their casino sign in front is always up to fun. It is animated and always has a fun theme going.
Jeff Koon’s chrome-like balloon artwork is scattered around the Wynn and Encore.
In their High Limit Slots Salon sits a $5,000-a-pull slot machine! Crazy to see it in real life. Yes, that’s $5,000 a bet.
RESORTS WORLD
(It has an Asian theme with high tech and ultra modern designs.)
Liberace’s Piano closest to the Hilton side of Resort’s World.
Check out/ Test drive Free rides in Tesla Shuttles here in an underground roadway between Resorts World and the Convention Center.
LED Ball Light Show in the front when you walk in from Las Vegas Blvd!
Disco Ball Bathroom – in the food court!
CIRCUS CIRCUS
(Known for its glitzy clown in front and circus tent shape.)
Free Circus & Carnival!
They are the last casino on The Strip to still have quarter machines and dollar machines. It’s fun to watch people get paid out in quarters or tokens and hear all the banging of the coins. Imagine how loud casinos must have used to be! It’s a part of Vegas still captured in time.
SAHARA
(Known to be Sahara then SLS then Sahara again, it’s a mix between new Vegas and Old Vegas.)
Great throwback pics of celebrities and famous events that took place over the years scattered on their walls across the casino.
WESTGATE
(Known as where Elvis had his last hurrah.)
Elvis used to live and perform here. Famous performer’s like Liberace, Elvis, and Barbara Streisand memorabilia all over.
Elvis Statue in the front lobby.
STRAT
(Known for it’s amazing views of Vegas and thrilling rooftop activities.)
Free to go onto the observation deck after you have a cocktail at the 107 SkyLounge.
Free to watch the extreme rides on top of the STRAT.
FONTAINEBLEAU
Really Cool Art scattered around.
No matter where you go on The Strip, there is always Free things to do! Keep that in mind and enjoy yourself!
Stay on budget and explore all Vegas has to offer! Who knows, maybe you’ll win big off your Freeplay money and then you can blow your budget!
MORE RESOURSES– Check out LasVegasThenAndNow.com and Vegas4Locals.com for even more Free Las Vegas adventures and Coupons! They are always updating their sites with all the up to date latest things Vegas!