SEE IT FREE
Free is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Vegas these days. The visual stimulation that helped entice millions to travel to the oasis of entertainment in the Mojave individually are costly but collectively made Vegas iconic. Although the trend to make Vegas into a 'real city' is slowly eroding the unique free attractions and themed resorts, many still exist:
On the Strip
Bellagio
Fountains of Bellagio, an 8.5-acre lake with 1,214 fountains, dancing and shooting jets of water up to 460 feet, in sync with music. Inside, the lobby boasts Fiori di Como, a 2,000 piece $10 million blown glass ceiling. Don't miss the sights, scents and colors of the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. There's also the largest chocolate fountain in the world at 27 feet tall.
Harrah's
Piano Bar - Depending on the time and day, watch Dueling Pianos, Big Elvis or others at through the open wall.
Circus Circus
The largest permanent circus in the world. Stunts are performed high above the game room floor – all free.
Fashion Show Mall
True to its name, shows are performed on select weekends within this 2 million square feet of shopping mall.
Caesars Forum Shoppes
Fall of Atlantis show - A dated but still interesting Atlantis themed animatronics show.
Venetian Resort
Heavily themed Italian architecture throughout the entire resort. Gondolas can be seen outside and inside the resort.
Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian
'Streetmosphere' - Singers, living statues and other performers wander the streets in 'St. Mark’s Square'.
Wynn Resort
Animatronic singing frog, birds, a holograph, puppets and 40-foot waterfall - views from adjacent lounges and restaurants.
Flamingo
Wildlife Habitat - walk among swans, ducks, koi, turtles and, of course, Flamingos.
Wynn Resort
Lake of Dreams singing frog, birds, a holograph, music, puppets and a 40-foot waterfall.
The Strat
Thrill rides at the top of this 1,149 ft. tower where riders are launched and jump off the side.
NEAR THE STRIP
Sphere at the Venetian
The world's largest spherical structure with a continually changing free digital show that can be seen day and night from various spots near the Strip area.
Mermaid Show and Aquarium at Silverton Casino
Live 'mermaids' in a 117,000-gallon aquarium with thousands of tropical fish.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
The iconic sign designed in 1959 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Free to view and take photos.
DOWNTOWN
Fremont Street Experience
A high resolution digital canopy 90 feet above the Fremont street pedestrian mall, showing displays all day and musical shows at night, while unique acts perform on the street with live music on three stages.
Pawn Stars Shop
The reality show store is free to enter and shop. You won't see any of the show's stars there these days but you might catch Rick on special nights tending bar at his place across the parking lot.
Downtown Container Park Praying Mantis
A 40-foot tall mechanical insect spewing fire at the entrance of a mall made from 40 re-purposed shipping containers.
Arts District Murals
Within the 18 blocks of the Arts District is graffiti provided by notable street artists whose work can be seen covering buildings on every block.
SHORT DRIVE
Hoover Dam
Just over a half hour by car on the border of Nevada and Arizona, is the 726-foot high concrete dam on the Colorado River that supplies the region’s hydroelectric power. Its reservoir, Lake Mead, is still the largest in the United States.
Grand Canyon West Rim
The west rim, and famous Skywalk attraction are a two hour (125 mile) drive from the Strip (the more famous south rim lies about five hours east).
Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
Visit a large chocolate factory and a 3 acre Cactus Garden with over 300 types of cactus, agave plants, aloe, yuccas, and more
THEMED CASINOS
Unique architecture unlike anywhere else in the world (or in some cases, very much like elsewhere).
All free to enjoy - inside and out
Excalibur: Medieval theme, inspired by King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
New York, New York: A replica of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, of the Statue of Liberty
Luxor: Egyptian-themed resort and glass pyramid hotel.
Caesars Palace: A Roman themed hotel, with replicas of the Colosseum and statues.
Bellagio: Italian themed, named for the village in Lombardy Italy on Lake Como
Paris: A 2/3 scale Eiffel Tower built into the casino, constructed in the style of Parisian streets of the 1920s.
Circus Circus: Home of the largest permanent circus in the world.
Venetian Resort: Heavily themed Italian architecture with gondolas and wandering performers wandering.
Flamingo: Wildlife habitat outdoors walk among swans, ducks, koi, turtles and, of course, flamingos.
The Orleans: New Orleans French Quarter reminiscent architecture throughout this themed resort.
