There's a classic joke about Las Vegas being called "Lost Wages." Whether it's high-roller suites or pricey meals at fine-dining restaurants, Las Vegas can occasionally feel like a playground for the filthy rich.
But Sin City doesn't have to be for the upper crust. There are plenty of ways to enjoy everything the town provides – from the rowdy piano bar to a stroll through Vegas' bright, vintage past – without having to spend a single cent. These are our favorite things to do free of charge in Vegas.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Changing with the seasons, Bellagio's conservatory displays ostentatious floral arrangements, installed by crane via a soaring 50ft-high ceiling. The effect is unnatural, but that doesn't stop crowds from gawking, and the aroma of fresh blooms is enchanting.
Peek around the periphery from the conservatory for classic paintings re-created with buds and flowers instead of oil paints.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
The perfect location for families with kids, the wildlife habitat is simply steps from the hubbub around the Strip. On the dozen acres of pools, gardens, waterfalls and water-ways are filled with swans, exotic birds and ornamental koi (carp). Here, Chilean flamingos and African penguins wander around, and palm trees and jungle plants achieve the middle of the desert.
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
In a town famous for neon signs, one reigns supreme: the "Welcome to Fabulous Vegas Nevada" sign, facing north and straddling Vegas Blvd just south of Mandalay Bay, the unofficial beginning of the Strip. Designed by Betty Willis at the end of the "Fabulous Fifties," this sign is a classic photo op and a reminder of Vegas' past. Only southbound traffic can go into the parking area, greeted by its flip-side reminder to "Drive Carefully" and "Return Soon." There is typically a bit of a watch for those wanting to get an image underneath the iconic sign, however the line moves quickly.
Fountains of Bellagio
With a backdrop of Tuscan-style architecture, the Bellagio's faux Lake Como and dancing fountains are the antitheses of the Mojave Desert – even though the resort does use reclaimed water. The fountain show's recorded soundtrack varies, so cross your fingers that it'll be Italian opera or ol' Blue Eyes crooning "Luck Be considered a Lady," instead of top 40.
Fremont Street Experience
A five-block pedestrian entertainment strip, between Main St and N Las Vegas Blvd, topped by an arched steel canopy and filled with computer-controlled lights, the Fremont Street Experience was the catalyst for Downtown's rejuvenation. Each night, the canopy turns into a 1375ft-long video screen showering revelers with dazzling light-and-sound shows powered by 600,000 watts and over 49 million LEDs.
Don't Tell Mama
There's no cover charge at this friendly Fremont East piano bar that's a success with locals, who crowd the place on weekends to hear their most favorite "singing bartenders" belting out requests. Free-flowing (but not free) cocktails keep your scene thumping in to the wee hours. It takes only reservations if you are planning to reach before 9pm.
The Neon Museum's Public Art
One of Las Vegas' best museums, the Neon Museum isn't completely free (guided around the Neon Boneyard start at $20), however the museum is responsible for an equally spectacular display of refurbished signs that line Las Vegas Blvd N as vintage public art. Download the disposable walking tour to spot Sin City classics like Benny Binion's Horseshoe that when illuminated Fremont St, or the Hacienda Horse and Rider that once hung within the Strip. Be sure to be around the premises at dusk to really witness the twelve signs light up to actually witness the beauty of the museum.
Poker lessons at MGM Grand
Owned by the eponymous Hollywood studio, the Grand liberally borrows Hollywood themes. Flashing LED screens and computerized fountains add extra theatrics to the 100,000lb, 45ft-tall bronze lion statue in the casino's entrance. It's liberated to wander around the sights, however the real draw is the free poker lessons that occur every day at 10:30am and 6pm. Arrive early, because they fill up fast.
Mirage Volcano
When the Mirage's trademark artificial volcano erupts having a roar from a 3-acre lagoon, it inevitably brings traffic on the Strip to some screeching halt. Look for wisps of smoke escaping from the top, signaling that the fiery Polynesian-style inferno, having a soundtrack with a Grateful Dead drummer as well as an Indian tabla musician, is about to begin.
Aria Art work Collection
Fifteen large-scale art installations, contemporary sculptures and abstract paintings by a few from the world's top artists add a dab of substance towards the glitzy Aria Campus. Key works include Maya Lin's 84ft-long reclaimed-silver cast from the Colorado River overhanging the leading desk, Tony Cragg's stainless-steel towers and a giant LED installation by Jenny Holzer.
Also search for works by Henry Moore, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Tatsuo Miyajima, Nancy Rubins and Isa Genzken. Get a brochure from the nearest Aria concierge, or download it from the website.
Grand Canal Shoppes
Don't be surprised to locate Hollywood celebrities inside this high-design retail center. Anchored through the three-story mall Barneys Ny, the Palazzo's shops are dazzling. Bauman Rare Books carries rare, signed editions and antiquarian titles. If you can subdue the longing to go home with a rare Shakespeare (for any cool $12,000), the experience of perusing literary history is free of charge.
Container Park
Say hi towards the giant praying mantis art installation while you enter this outdoor complex built from decommissioned shipping containers and streel-framed cubes. Inside are mainly indie boutiques, bars, restaurants, galleries or even a pole-dancing studio.
