Things to do in las vegas for free

The Best Free Shows and Paid Attractions in Las Vegas

This site may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Are you planning your vacation and are wondering what there is to do in Las Vegas? Here is a guide to all the many free shows and attractions, some of which, as you will see, are true American icons.

When it comes to unusual and eccentric tourist destinations, Las Vegas is certainly in the world’s top 5, because of its unique mix, all concentrated in a couple of central areas at a reasonable distance from each other. This makes it one of the most accessible cities in America. From the moment you pass the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, you will be inevitably awestruck by the huge hotels, the exotic architecture, and the general kitsch atmosphere.

Things to Do in Las Vegas for Free

After the initial excitement, you will realize that the visit becomes tiring, because Las Vegas is a somewhat over-the-top and bizarre city, and also because of its torrid climate and the continuous sounds and flashing lights (especially in the evening). However, if you organize yourself well, visiting Las Vegas can be a pleasant experience, not only for those who are willing to spend to see the many shows or to gamble but also for those who are on a tight budget. Here then is the top list of free attractions and shows in Las Vegas!

Free Attractions on the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas’s skyline and buildings with multiple themes all condensed on one of the busiest streets in the world. From modern design coming from New York to the medieval fantasy style of hotels like Excalibur, to reconstructions of famous cities like Venice and Paris and ending with the ancient Egyptian pyramids and sphinxes of the Luxor, you will notice that there are many things to see and visit. All of this can be found on Las Vegas Boulevard South, better known as the Las Vegas Strip, the most famous street in the city.

Strolling along this famous street also means exploring the gigantic (and definitely kitsch) hotels, which you can enter freely. In each one, you’ll find a themed reconstruction and, of course, a shiny and unmissable casino.

Obviously, this is the ideal place to stay overnight. If you want to book a hotel on the Strip, you can have a look at this page, or at our selection of the most intriguing theme hotels. For those who are looking for a 5-star hotel, I recommend looking at our list of luxury hotels in Las Vegas.

Despite being touristy, the Strip can also represent an interesting place for those in search of high-end food. You can eat at famous buffets prepared by star chefs in large hotels. Read more in our guide to the places to eat in Las Vegas,

For those planning to fly to Las Vegas, I reiterate the advice we always give. Booking flights and hotels in a cumulative package can often be much cheaper than booking both flights individually. See for yourself on this page.

Read our tips for finding accommodations in Las Vegas

If you’re going for a walk, keep in mind that the Las Vegas Strip is very long, so it might be useful to use public transportation (not a car, please!). An interesting option could be to ride the Monorail that runs along the Strip for about 4 miles from the Hotel Sahara to the MGM.

Finally, remember that on the Las Vegas Strip you will not only find hotels, but also famous restaurant chains and shops, such as Hard Rock Cafe, M&M’s, Coca Cola, Cabo Wabo Cantina (Van Halen fans know what I’m talking about), and more, as well as street performers who seem to love dressing up as the most famous celebrities in Hollywood and television.

Las Vegas Sign

las vegas best things to doThis is the point that marks the beginning of the Strip, as well as the entrance into the surreal world of Las Vegas. A trip to this city without the obligatory photo in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign would inevitably leave a bitter taste, so park nearby and be patient because there will be quite a few tourists with the same intentions as you…

Visiting the most beautiful hotels on the Strip

best hotels in las vegas

What to see in the hotels in Las Vegas? As mentioned before, one interesting aspect of this city is that you can enter all the hotels for free and explore them at your leisure, without having to pay any entrance fee. Many of these establishments have a charm that falls somewhere between kitsch and monumental, and the themed recreations you’ll find manage to create a certain atmosphere… Which hotels should you prioritize among the many on the Strip? Here are six structures to consider, listed in order from south to north:

  • Mandalay Bay: From the outside, you can already enjoy the tropical atmosphere of the hotel, but the most interesting part of this hotel is actually the Shark Reef Aquarium, a real aquatic zoo (admission fee required) with over 2,000 animals, including sharks, piranhas, sea turtles, giant rays, and much more. Here’s the link to purchase tickets.
  • Luxor: This hotel is housed in a 30-story black pyramid, inspired by ancient Egypt. You can leisurely stroll through the ancient-style reconstructions inside and admire the grand Egyptian Sphinx towering over the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel is also famous for the beam of light that emanates from the tip of its pyramid after sunset.
  • Paris Las Vegas: Lovers of Paris will find in this hotel a reconstruction of the city’s main symbols, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Montmartre district, which bring Little Paris to life.
  • Caesars Palace: While visiting this hotel, which aims to revive the splendor of ancient Rome, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its luxury shopping center, The Forum Shops, with its magnificent furnishings, statues, fountains, marble columns, and a vaulted ceiling that changes color like the sky.
  • The Venetian: The hotel inspired by Venice is one of the most famous in all of Las Vegas. In the space called Little Venice, you’ll find a reconstruction of St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, complete with gondoliers, singers, jugglers, stilt walkers, living statues, and luxury shops. If you’d like, you can take a gondola ride there. Here’s the link to purchase tickets.
  • Circus Circus: If you’re curious to see an amusement park inside a hotel, you can take a spin in this unusual structure. The amusement park is called Adventuredome and includes rides, family attractions, and roller coasters.

The Bellagio Fountains

The Bellagio Fountains are among the most popular free attractions in Las Vegas. It is impressive to watch the thousands of gallons of water being catapulted hundreds of feet into the air accompanied by music and visual shows (at night). This is a must-see for any tourist who goes on the Strip! Here are the times of the shows:

  • Monday to Friday: Every 30 minutes from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, every 15 minutes from 8:00 pm to midnight.
  • Saturdays and holidays: Every 30 minutes from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, every 15 minutes from 8:00 pm to midnight.
  • Sunday: Every 30 minutes from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, every 15 minutes from 7:00 pm to midnight.

The New Fall of Atlantis – The Free Show at Caesars Palace


Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch the fall of Atlantis (if it ever existed), in the middle of a deadly battle between statues? Well, go to the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and experience one of the most amazing free attractions in Las Vegas.

I recommend this show also for children. The statues are located at the top of one of the city’s most famous fountains and offer families a cool refuge from the city’s heat and at the same time the chance to enjoy a beautiful historical representation (more or less…). This opulent Las Vegas show has recently undergone a renovation and is even bigger and more magnificent.

The Volcano Show at Mirage

things to do las vegas volcano mirage

The theme of the Mirage hotel is that of Polynesia, well recreated in the park outside the hotel, which includes not only 1,200 palm trees but also a reproduction of a volcano standing over 52 feet tall.

Every evening at 8 PM and 11 PM, this volcano erupts, emitting smoke, fire, and lights, capturing the attention of passersby throughout its performance (approximately 5 minutes). It is said that this was one of the first free shows established in Las Vegas and that it has set a precedent in its genre, inspiring other shows as well.

Lake of Dreams Show at Wynn

las vegas best attractions

This hotel, created by the same designer as Bellagio and Mirage, has a different philosophy compared to other hotels: no exterior attractions. If you want to enjoy the show, you have to enter. After all, the source of income is not derived from casual passersby observing from the outside, but rather from those who enter the structure.

So, step inside to enjoy the free show called Lake of Dreams, a spectacle of lights, sounds, and choreography projected onto a 3-acre lake and a 88-feet-high waterfall, designed by renowned cutting-edge designers.

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

things to do in las vegas Flamingo-Wildlife-Habitat

The Flamingo hotel is one of the oldest on the Strip, and it takes inspiration from the Art Deco style of Miami. However, it’s not just its elegant architecture that stands out; it’s also the small, free zoo that is open to everyone. Outside the property, you’ll encounter a flock of flamingos, parrots posing for photographs, waterfalls, and water features with swans, turtles, ducks, and various fish. If you visit at 8:30 AM or 2 PM, you can even witness the feeding of the pelicans.

Eiffel Tower Light Show

Eiffel-Tower-Light-Show-Las-Vegas

At Paris Las Vegas, the hotel inspired by Paris that we have already mentioned, the Eiffel Tower couldn’t be missing. Just like the original French sculpture, its American counterpart also lights up.

The light show, using over 300 colored lights and more than 800 white strobe lights, takes place every 30 minutes from sunset until midnight (at the top and bottom of the hour). By purchasing a ticket, you can also ascend the Eiffel Tower to observe Las Vegas from above.

Tickets to go up the Eiffel Tower

The Rainstorm and Fountains at Miracle Mile Shops


Did you ever think you could see a downpour in the driest place in the United States of America? Well, one of the places to visit in Las Vegas allows you to experience this strange phenomenon. The indoor rainstorm at Miracle Mile Shops creates a thunderstorm in the desert (the times are found on the official website) with raindrops, thunder rumbles, and fog.

It’s a great way to relax after having spent a day on Las Vegas Boulevard and to freshen up mentally and physically (walking on the Strip can be very demanding, especially in summer). And don’t forget that, to top it off, close to the Miracle Mile Shops, you can see a huge (and decidedly tacky) statue of a showgirl, or enter the famous V Theater behind it.

The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at The Bellagio

free attractions in las vegasFor lovers of exotic flowers, the Bellagio offers a special treat. The Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio feature the most elaborate and complex selection of flora in Las Vegas, and it is the perfect place to relax on a hot day and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells in almost surreal tranquility, which is rare in a city like this.

In every season the gardens have a new design, so don’t miss the chance to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb, who will be at your disposal every day to answer all your questions.

Fremont Street

The list of free attractions in the city could not be complete without the famous Fremont Street, one of the oldest and best-known streets in the area (dating back to 1905). Originally it was the downtown area of old Las Vegas, today it is one of the city’s metropolitan hubs for both art and entertainment, in particular in the famous Fremont Street Experience, a street segment full of crazy attractions (such as the Golden Nugget).

In other words, this is the second most important street in Las Vegas after the Strip and it is impossible not to notice it. Fremont Street is completely covered by a roof lit by 12 million LED lights, which constantly fill it with designs and colors.

The other half of the street, called Fremont East, is not as extravagant. You won’t see an LED roof or hear loud music, but there is no shortage of neon signs or of strange attractions. Any examples? A giant praying mantis that spits fire from its antennae, the world’s largest yellow hydrant or the Phoenicopterus Rex, a giant pink flamingo that towers over a small public park full of other oddities.

Must-See Paid Attractions!

True, I promised to devote this article to things to see without spending a penny. However, there are, however, some paid attractions that are worth visiting.

I also remind you that there are passes that allow you to enjoy the paid attractions of the city and save money. For more information, read our article on Las Vegas passes. For other paid attractions in Las Vegas, I invite you to look at this article: Las Vegas unusual, bizarre… and kitsch!

Helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas

The first is the helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, a high altitude excursion over the course of a day that will allow you to enjoy a unique panorama. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel are included.

Definitely the recommended choice for those who don’t have time to organize a car trip to the Grand Canyon.

Cirque du Soleil

O Cirque du soleil las vegas

Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, one of the most fascinating shows in the city. In our article dedicated to entertainment in Las Vegas, you will find all the information to choose between the various shows available and how to find tickets.

The best museums in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Museum
Neon Museum

The three most interesting museums in Las Vegas are all located in the area north of Fremont Street. Let’s take a closer look at them:

  • Neon Museum: A museum that can be considered a kingdom of kitsch, with hundreds of neon signs taken from casinos, hotels, theaters, and burlesque venues.
  • The Mob Museum: The Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement was inaugurated in February 2012, featuring a collection that traces the history of organized crime in the United States and the law enforcement activities undertaken to combat it. The museum is housed in a historic building dating back to 1933. Here’s the link to purchase tickets.
  • Las Vegas Natural History Museum: Las Vegas also has its own Natural History Museum, with collections ranging from dinosaurs to marine life, and from mammals to ancient Egypt. Here’s the link to purchase tickets.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Pinball-Hall-of-Fame-las-vegas

Let’s set this museum apart because it is located in a different area than the other three. It’s not often that you get the chance to visit an entire museum dedicated to pinball machines, and here you’ll find a wide variety from different eras, including some truly rare specimens and classic arcade video games that have made history.

Google Maps may list the address of this museum on the Strip, but in reality, this attraction is located at a different location, which will require a detour of about ten minutes from the famous street. To ensure you reach it, enter this address into your navigation system: 1610 E Tropicana Avenue.

The Mermaid Show at the Silverton

At the Silverton Casino Hotel, you will find the Silverton Aquarium, where you can witness live shark feedings, observe tropical fish, and admire captivating mermaids (let’s play along, okay?) who will delight you with their skilled and graceful underwater dances. This attraction can be particularly enjoyable for those visiting Las Vegas with children.

For the schedule of the Mermaid Show, please check the official website of the hotel. If you wish to include this little show in your itinerary, keep in mind that it is located just off the Strip, approximately 4 miles south of the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

Las Vegas from above: the best viewpoints.

las vegas viewpoint

In addition to the aforementioned replica of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel, there are other ways to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Las Vegas from above. Besides the many hotels that offer their own rooftop terraces, there are two tourist attractions particularly suited for this purpose:

  • Stratosphere Tower: towering at 1148 feet in height, this observation tower is one of the two prime spots to admire the Strip. However, being in Las Vegas, it offers more than just a view. Once you reach the top, you can also engage in a range of high-adrenaline activities that only this “amusement park in the clouds” can offer in the city. To learn more, read our dedicated section, and here’s the link to purchase tickets.
  • High Roller: welcome to the world’s tallest observation wheel, reaching a height of 549 foot! If you want to ride one of its 28 cabins, don’t expect a quick ride like in traditional Ferris wheels. A full rotation takes half an hour, allowing you to combine the experience with a drink, dinner, or a romantic proposal at a great height. Here’s the link to our article on the High Roller, where we provide more information about this attraction and how to purchase tickets.

I also want to remind you that there are cards available to save money on the city’s many paid attractions by combining multiple admissions. To learn more, read our article on Las Vegas passes.

Where to stay and where to eat

Of course, the ideal place to stay is the Strip. If you want to book a hotel in the area, you can take a look at this list of accommodations or our selection of the most intriguing themed hotels in Las Vegas. For those seeking a 5-star hotel, I recommend our selection of luxury hotels in Las Vegas.

Despite its tourist-oriented nature, the Strip can also be an interesting resource for those looking for high-quality dining experiences, with famous buffets prepared by renowned chefs located in the large hotels. To learn more, read our guide on where to eat in Las Vegas.

For those planning to land at Las Vegas airport, we reiterate our usual advice: booking your flight and hotel as a package can often be more cost-effective than booking them separately. You can check for yourself on this page.

Read our tips on where to stay in Las Vegas

How Many Days Should You Spend in Las Vegas?

The area of Las Vegas that you usually go to see is quite limited and includes the Strip and Fremont Street. Of course, the Strip is nice and long, and seeing it all, with all it has to offer, is quite challenging (it goes on for about 4 miles, so it is better to get around with public transportation). However, I would recommend dedicating 1 or a maximum of 2 days to the city.

During this time, you can certainly see the main hotels, maybe place a bet at the casino, or see a show. Of course, you’ll need more days if you are using Las Vegas as a base for excursions in the surrounding area, such as those listed below:

Day Trips to Parks near Las Vegas

Day Trips to Parks near Las Vegas
Valley of Fire

As you can read in our article dedicated to the best things to do outside of Las Vegas, this city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, with some wonderful parks or natural areas within a short distance. If you’re staying a few days in the city, I highly recommend that you take a day trip in the surrounding area. You can do it on your own (by driving a car, or rental car) or take advantage of an organized tour (you can find many of them on this page and also in our article about visiting the parks near Las Vegas).

Here are the nearest parks:

Finally, here is a treat for lovers of UFOs and aliens. You should know that about 150 miles from Las Vegas along the so-called Extraterrestrial Highway, you will find the secret military base that gave rise to the famous conspiracy theories about the existence of aliens. If you want to know more, take a look at our article about Area 51.


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti
lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

Related posts

da las vegas a yellowstone

Traveling from Las Vegas to Yellowstone: recommended on-the-road itinerary

Visiting Yellowstone can be quite a puzzle for those who would like to include the park in a larger Southwest tour. Due to the vast distances, this plan often remains ...
things to do at lake mead

Visiting Lake Mead: Things to Do, Beaches and Hiking Trails

Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake in the United States and was formed thanks to the construction of the famous Hoover Dam along the course of the Colorado River. It ...
Las Vegas Filming locations

Discover the Best Filming Locations in Las Vegas!

I mean, what do you think we’re doing outhere in the middle of the desert? It’s all this money. This is the end result of all the bright lights andthe ...
things to do outside of las vegas

Places to Visit Outside of Las Vegas: Best Attractions and Nature Parks

What are the best things to do and see oustide of Las Vegas? How many people ask themselves this question while planning a road trip in America? Indeed, even though ...

5 thoughts on “The Best Free Shows and Paid Attractions in Las Vegas”

  1. Hi We are coming to Las Vegas on 3-28-22 till 4-2-22. What are some attractions good to see with daughter(34) granddaughters (15-17)

    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.