Las Vegas may be known for its dazzling glitz, glamour, and gambling, but it also has a lot of free activities and attractions you can enjoy without ever leaving the city’s heart. From the famous Bellagio fountains to the Freemont Street Experience, here are our top six free things to do in Las Vegas.
When you first land in Las Vegas, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the neon lights, the variety of spectacular shows and entertainment, and, of course, the casinos. But if you want to take in the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, there’s a lot of ground you can cover without spending a dime if you know to go about it. Grab comfortable shoes because the Strip is much bigger than you imagine, with over four miles of interconnected casinos, nightlife, restaurants, and things to do.
Consider planning a whole afternoon just walking with this list of free attractions, starting with our favorite, the iconic welcome sign. We’ve listed these free things to do in Las Vegas by walking order.
The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
Snap a selfie with the famous Las Vegas sign, located on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard, so it’s a good starting point for your trip. The Las Vegas sign is a famous landmark located in Las Vegas, designed by Betty Willis in 1959. It stands 25 feet tall and features neon lights spelling out “Las Vegas” in cursive script.
It’s an iconic city symbol and a popular spot for tourists to take photos, making it the first stop on our list. If you get there early in the day, you’ll beat the crowds that can form a line to queue up for photos.
Insider tip: If you miss your chance, grab a picture under the welcome sign right inside terminal D up the escalators of Harry Reed Airport. It’s not the iconic sign, but still fun and free!
The Bellagio Fountains
The stunning choreographed water, music, and light show in front of the Bellagio hotel are among the most popular free things to see in Las Vegas.
With shows that run every half hour most of the day and every 15 minutes from 8 PM to 12 AM, it’s easy to time a walk along the Vegas Strip so that you can take in the full display.
The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens that change each season and are free to visit. These masterfully curated exhibits are stunning seasonal displays that feature a variety of colorful plants and flowers are woven into and around intricate sculptures and fountains.
The theme changes seasonally and is always worth seeing. Never the same exhibit twice, this is a must-see display, no matter when you’re planning to visit Las Vegas.
The Forum Shops at Caesars
Take a stroll through the luxury shopping mall with its ancient Roman theme, and see the beautiful frescoes and statues. You’ll feel like you’re traveling through Europe. With meticulously detailed murals winding through the beautiful frescos and figures, you can easily imagine yourself on vacation to Rome or, at least, in an episode of Friends. Marvel at the high-end boutiques, dining options, and grandeur of an iconic Vegas casino.
The LINQ Promenade
Enjoy the bustling open-air shopping and entertainment district in the LINQ Promenade, which features various shops, restaurants, and attractions, including a zipline and High Roller observation wheel!
The energy pulsing through the LINQ makes it one of the most vibrant and youthful spots on the Strip, with a variety of street performers, a rotating art gallery, and bars with live music.
Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian mall in Las Vegas that features an overhead canopy of dazzling lights, Viva Vision, and a stage for live entertainment. It’s in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, North of the Strip, in the city’s original area. It’s worth the trek for the sightseeing alone.
There are a variety of free shows, even major concerts, scheduled throughout the year, and it’s worth checking to see if something exciting is happening while you’re in town or just taking in the fun light show.
If you want to add to your free day of activities by taking in the views from the High Roller Observation Wheel or seeing a show, check Vegas.com for the best resource for last-minute tickets.
As you can imagine, just a walk along the world-famous Vegas Strip is a feast for the senses. Taking in these dazzling lights and iconic landmarks is a must-see experience, whether it’s your first or fifth time in Sin City. With this list of fun, free things to do in Las Vegas, you can spend an entire day without spending a penny. And then spend the night discovering the best speakeasies in Las Vegas.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
