Las Vegas, Nevada: What to See, What to Skip, and How To Do it All on a Budget
Ah, Vegas— from the shining lights of the strip to the wild and weird “Area 15” art exhibit (and beyond), there’s something for everyone to do in this city that never sleeps, and what’s more, you can do it ALL on a budget! Learn more about my most recent trip to Vegas, and see for yourself what’s skippable, what’s a must-see, and how you can save money doing it.
My husband Andrew and I in Las Vegas, NV— Sept. 2021
Vegas: the must-see things (and how to budget for them)
MEOW WOLF (AKA, “Area 15”)
Probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever, ever done (and yet still can’t explain super well?) is MEOW WOLF, located in a large warehouse called “Area 15” and featuring a plethora of weird, wild art exhibits (like the current mock-grocery store “Omega Mart” that sends you on a trippy quest), bars, rides and other funky functions. This exhibit cost $50 per person total (so it was one of the most expensive things we did in Vegas), but it was WELL worth it with us spending over three hours there riding slides, exploring the art exhibits, etc. This is a MUST see/do if you go to Vegas, without a doubt!
The Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace Casinos
A bit on the pricier side (but also worth springing some extra cash on), both The Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace have some of the most beautiful, classy bars and casinos I’ve ever been to, and for just $25 minimum at most tables you can run with the high-rollers all night (or until you run out of cash, at least).
Wondering how to budget for these? I scour Groupon for stuff like this, constantly. Search any of the activities above on Groupon next time you’re online and you’ll be surprised what deals you can find!
Vegas: the “skippable” things
Perhaps an unpopular opinion, I find almost all of the shows (other than select Cirque du Soleil shows) skippable. Many of them are overpriced for what they are, and unless you’re seeing a certified Cirque du Soleil or artist-based residency production, many of the shows fall flat and come off as a bit cheesy (especially when even some of the lowest rated shows on the strip will run you $75+ per ticket per person, by the way).
That said, I love the arts and live performance, and I would recommend on springing on at least one of the Cirque du Soleil productions (“Love” is my favorite, just FYI), and skipping the other, more wishy-washy shows in favor of one well put-together one.
Vegas: other free activities and ideas to explore
The Flamingo Habitat (at The Flamingo)
Did you know that if you enter The Flamingo Resort and Casino and go to the “garden bar” area, you’ll find glass doors that lead out into a courtyard that’s full of— that’s right— real, live flamingos?! One of the cooler free things to do in Vegas, going to visit this adorable, aviary area full of feathery-friends is a great way to pass time on the strip at absolutely no cost.
The Venice “Canals” (Canal Shoppes)
Conveniently located beneath The Venetian Resort, The Venice “Canal Shoppes” are a network of shops situated on “canals” that you can ride gondolas across (and that are designed to look literally just like the streets of Venice themselves)! Even if you aren’t a big shopper, this is something to see, as you feel like you’re actually outside and in Venice, Italy the entire time (even though you’re completely indoors)!
The Bellagio Fountain Shows
Free every single night from 8 PM onward, The Bellagio Fountains (directly out front of The Bellagio Resort and Casino, on Las Vegas Boulevard) go off every 15-to-30 minutes and are set to different music and lighting each time. These aren’t just normal fountains, either— these towering, spouting fountains dazzle guests from the world over and shoot up as high as 75+ feet into the sky. Now that’s a show, and for free, too!
So, have you ever been to Vegas? Are you rearing to go sometime? Take my advice and explore these activities (and skip others) fo maximize your fun while staying under budget!