50 of the Best Things to Do in Vegas Under $50 (or for Free)
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While Las Vegas's massive marquees once billed $0.99 steak-and-eggs specials, these days, it's hardly known as the place to go if you're looking for a bargain.
Filled with some of the world's most glamorous casinos, A-list residencies, world-class sporting events, and celebrity chef-helmed restaurants, it's the over-the-top destination when you have a lot of cash to burn. (That's before you've even spent a penny on the casino floor—and good luck finding a table game minimum under $25 on the Strip these days.) But there's still plenty of fun to be had in Sin City, even with a budget that hovers under baller status—and even if you're not into dive bars and greasy spoons.
This list of the best things to do in Las Vegas under $50 includes something for everyone, from the foodie and show enthusiast to the culture buff and thrill seeker. Start packing for a Vegas getaway that will set you and your traveling crew up for a lifetime of memories—without breaking the bank.
Ride the High Roller.
Topping out at 550 feet high, the aptly named High Roller is the tallest observation wheel in North America. It's also the centerpiece of the LINQ Promenade—the open-air entertainment, retail, and dining district. Tickets start at $25 for a daytime pass and $36 for nighttime.
Have brunch at the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace.
With 250 items on offer, this whopping buffet is the largest in Vegas—and that's really saying something. The decadent weekend brunch starts at $42...and you could feasibly make it your only meal of the day.
Experience Shaq's Fantasy Lab.
An immersive sensory and art experience through a collection of seven dreamy spaces, Fantasy Lab is a goldmine for content creators—and an ideal all-ages activity if you're traveling with kids. The family-friendly "Time to Dream" experience is $39 for adults and $20 for children up to 10 years old. Or adults can go at night with a drink: Tickets for the "Midnight Dream" experience start at $36.
Get a Michelin-esque sushi experience at Bar ITO.
Tucked into the exclusive Poodle Room at the new Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the intimate 12-seat Omakase restaurant Ito, led by executive chef Wilson Chan (who earned Michelin Bib Gourmand honors for two consecutive years for his work at Tsubasa Sushi in San Francisco). No, you cannot eat at Ito for under $50. But you can eat at its sibling restaurant, Bar Ito, a fast-casual dining destination focusing on premium handrolls in the top-notch food court within the same resort. The menu offers three rolls for $30.
Stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
It's completely free to wander around the spectacular Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with organic exhibits that change five times each year with holiday and seasonal themes.
Get a cigar at the Montecristo Cigar Bar.
Located inside Paris Las Vegas, the 2,835-square-foot Montecristo Cigar Bar offers more than 300 top brands, including Romeo Y Julieta, H. Upmann, Padrón, La Flor Dominicana, Arturo Fuente, My Father, and Montecristo. There's a walk-in, climate-controlled humidor featuring custom Spanish cedar shelving that stores cigars you can light up in the lounge or take home. Cigars start at $15.
Take a dip at Stadium Swim.
Located within Circa Resort & Casino, Stadium Swim is the only multi-level destination pool amphitheater in the city—and it's open all year round. It has a massive high-resolution, 143-foot diagonal, 14-million-pixel screen and six temperature-controlled pools (which feature advanced UV light sanitation and recirculation patterns, making them among the cleanest pools in the city and beyond). General admission entry starts at $15.
Watch the Bellagio Water Show.
One of the most iconic sights on the strip, the Bellagio Fountains show is free to watch. More than 1,000 fountains dance in unison with a rotating musical lineup, and you can BYOB as you stroll the Strip.
Enjoy sangria hour at Jaleo.
For under $50, you can experience sips and snacks from one of the world's top chefs (and surely one of the planet's best people) José Andrés. From 5 to 7 p.m. daily, his restaurant within the Cosmopolitan, Jaleo, offers specialty Spanish cheeses, cured Ibérico meats, and alcoholic beverages all priced under $10.
Visit the Neon Museum.
The eye-popping neon museum is devoted to collecting, preserving, and showing off iconic Las Vegas signs. The highlight is the outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard, where guests can see and hear the history of Sin City's most iconic neon signs, as well as its visitors' center inside the former La Concha Motel lobby. Tickets start at $10 for kids and $20 for adults.
Do cookie shots at Dominique Ansel Las Vegas.
At Dominique Ansel within Caesars Palace, you can get a warm chocolate chip cookie shaped like a shot glass, filled to order with homemade cold-infused Tahitian vanilla milk by—what else?—an actual robot. Take a video, sip the milk, and eat the cookie for $8.
Marvel from the Eiffel Tower viewing deck.
Located 46 stories up the half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, the viewing deck offers knockout views of the action below. Adult tickets start at $25 and kids at $19.
Explore Area15.
This purpose-built art, entertainment, and event district features a mix of cool experiential attractions, including LIFTOFF Bar and Ride, Asylum Arcade, Illuminarium, Dueling Axes, Five Iron Golf, Wink World: Portals Into the Infinite, Museum Fiasco, Virtualis VR, and Particle Quest. Each of these attractions offers single-ride passes for under $50. Area15 also recently introduced a new Access Level 1 pass starting at $49, with tons of inclusions.
Visit The Mob Museum.
The Mob Museum, officially known as The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, contains a wealth of true crime history, from the origins of the mob to current headlines. The museum holds hundreds of artifacts and offers interactive exhibits, including a crime lab. General admission tickets start at $35.
Dine at Proper Eats Food Hall.
In this food hall located within Aria, find plenty of satisfying meal and cocktail combinations for under $50. There's Steve Aoki's Pizzaoki, Food Network star Judy Joo's first Seoul Bird outside of London, the only location of Wexler's Deli outside the original in L.A., and Egghead by Tao Group Hospitality, which serves egg-focused breakfast sandwiches inspired by New York neighborhoods.
Visit the Atomic Museum.
The Atomic Museum is one of 37 museums designated as an affiliate partner of the Smithsonian Institution. It holds one of the most comprehensive collections of nuclear history in the world— beginning with the first test at the Nevada Test Site in 1951, with exhibits up to current-day relevancy. Tickets start at $25 for adults.
Experience Flyover.
This immersive experience transports guests through epic places around the globe via exciting flying journeys. The attraction utilizes flight motion seats that swoop, dip, and turn—plus a 65-foot spherical screen. Effects, including wind, mist, and scents, round out the experience. Tickets start at $32.
Grab a bite day or night at American Coney Island.
In 1917, American Coney Island birthed the now-classic recipe: a hot dog with chili and onions. The spot was founded by Greek immigrant Gust Keros, and the Keros family has owned and managed the establishment for three generations. Find it now at the D Las Vegas, where it's open 24/7. Come for hot dogs, cheese fries, burgers, and more under $15.
Explore Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is the only institution in the state accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The aquarium houses more than 3,400 animals and 140 species, including 14 types of sharks on display within the 1.6 million gallons of water and 14 major exhibits. The venue also offers feeding experiences with sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays—plus a VR theater that takes guests on an immersive virtual journey underwater. Tickets start at $18.
Take in Mad Apple.
This high-energy, sometimes bawdy, Cirque du Soleil show combines inspired acrobatics, music, dance, magic, and comedy—all with a New York City theme. The fast-moving show blurs the lines between live entertainment and nightlife, offering pre-show drinks at the stage bar, and a band playing music inspired by the city. Tickets start at $49.
Go for dim sum at Washing Potato.
An original concept for the new Fontainebleau from restaurateur Alan Yau, the whimsical dining destination Washing Potato is a feast for the eyes, as well as the palate. The abstract, modern architecture of the raised dining room feels like a stage for the meal, with theatrical lights dancing from above. Dim sum menu options range from $6 to $36, with choices like Shumai, char siu bao, crispy aromatic duck, roast duck noodle soup, and more.
Have an upside-down tea party at the Shag Room.
Located inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the intimate Shag Room has a curated bar, top-notch AV system, and a cozy vibe for teatime. On Sundays, the venue hosts its upside-down tea party, featuring boozy teapots and sweet and savory bites coupled with live performances for $40 per person.
Throw darts at Flight Club Las Vegas.
This isn't your frat house's dartboard. Here, state-of-the-art dart technology (along with other games) stir up healthy competition alongside elevated bar bites and hand-crafted cocktails. Reservations for 90-minute sessions start at $20 per person (not inclusive of whatever you order).
Go clubbing at Zouk.
Zouk Nightclub, located within Resorts World Las Vegas, is a nightlife hotspot featuring acts like T-Pain, Ludacris, Kaskade, and Deadmau5. Tickets start at $20.
Walk the Las Vegas Boulevard Strip.
Sure, there are plentiful taxis and rideshare options here. But there are so many sensory pleasures to be found while walking the Las Vegas Boulevard Strip—for free—day or night. Get your steps in while feasting your senses on the stimulating sights and sounds. Open-container laws are not a thing, so bring along a bevvy from your last stop, if you'd like (or pick one up along the way).
Grab a late-night snack at Chez Bon Bon.
No matter what hour you're stumbling around the new Fontainebleau, you can score a sub-$50 treat to coat your stomach. Open 24 hours, Chez Bon Bon is a patisserie dishing up freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and wraps, plus made-to-order crepes and more.
Practice your swing at Topgolf.
From 10 to noon, up to six guests can tee up for $42 for an hour of gameplay at Topgolf Las Vegas, which has excellent views— including ones of the Sphere and the new F1 Pit Building—more than 300 screens, and tons of food and drink options. Fun fact: It's the only Topgolf location with a pool. Guests 21 and up can enjoy the Level 3 pool for free when it's open seasonally.
Visit the Arte Museum.
This 30,000-square-foot art exhibition space showcases works inspired by nature, incorporating motifs from the natural landscape as well as the cultural landscape of the region. The artworks provide not just cool visuals but also engagement for multiple senses—from enveloping soundscapes to aromas—for a totally immersive experience. Adult tickets are $40 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday.
Get your game on at Play Playground.
The newly opened Play Playground at Luxor is a 15,000-square-foot interactive space that includes 20 larger-than-life nostalgic games, along with two bars. There are no VR, AR, or arcade games here. Everything is tactile and analog, including physical games, memory games, puzzle games, and team games—all in a high-energy (and, of course, social media-friendly) environment. Prices start at $37, which includes enough credits to experience 12 games.
Glide through the Grand Canal in a gondola.
For $39 per person, float through the Venetian streetscape of the Grand Canal Shoppes in a Venetian gondola as a singing gondolier sets the mood for Vegas-style romance. Private two-person gondolas are available, or make it a double date and book a four-person gondola. A professional photographer will also be on hand—but, of course, you can also BYO camera.
Take in the views (or a thrill ride) from atop The Strat.
Take a ride to the top of The Strat Tower—at 1,149 feet tall, it's the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. Take in the awe-inspiring city views or hit the thrill rides while you’re at the top, too. Tickets for the observation deck start at $20.
Chill out at Minus5° Icebar.
This cool attraction (see what we did there?) has three Las Vegas locations: Mandalay Bay, the Venetian, and the LINQ Promenade. Inside, it serves frosty cocktails in glasses made entirely of ice. Each location has more than 90 tons of ice, including interactive ice sculptures and art pieces—so yes, it's all good stuff for amateur content creators. Tickets start at $13 for children and $24 for adults.
Party at AYU Dayclub.
Come to ResortsWorld for its AYU dayclub pool party, inspired by the sands of Southeast Asia. Then take a good, long disco nap before the evening's festivities. Tickets start at $20.
Make your way out of the PanIQ Escape Room.
At the PanIQ Escape Room inside the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, all escape rooms start at $40 per person. Discover clues and solve puzzles to beat the clock. Splurge on a signature cocktail to round out your experience (because, Vegas).
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Carb load with the 'Taste of Eataly' Menu at La Pizza & La Pasta.
At the Eataly Italian food hall, grab a snack, coffee, or dessert at the traditional counters in the Cucina del Mercato. Or indulge in the full "Taste of Eataly" menu at La Pizza & La Pasta. For $34 per person, daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you'll get three courses: one antipasto, one piatto, and one dolce.
Explore a Tut exhibit.
Imagine Exhibitions offers several immersive and educational opportunities in town, each under $50. In "Discovering King Tut's Tomb" at Luxor, check out one of the most famous archaeological feats that took place 100 years ago through the perspective of archaeologist Howard Carter.
Scarf down celeb food truck fare.
Writer, director, and actor Jon Favreau joined forces with chef Roy Choi to debut the Chef Truck at Park MGM. Paying homage to the friendship that began in the movie Chef, this permanent food truck offers dreamy on-screen dishes for the first time IRL. Get a massive breakfast burrito for $17 or beignets for $6.
See the Jabbawockeez show
The Jabbawockeez performance at MGM Grand is all about music and choreography, making it a great all-ages activity. The high-tech production pairs cool visual effects with a playlist that spans many genres. Tickets start at $49.
Get your game on at HyperX Arena.
Located in the Luxor, this multilevel e-sports facility spans a whopping 30,000 square feet. It's tricked out with tech amenities, including a cutting-edge LED video wall and 160 PC and console stations for serious gamers and amateurs alike. Admission is free with a variety of game play packages available for hourly play, starting at $15.
Check out the Paradox Museum.
Immerse yourself in optical illusions at the Paradox Museum, where nothing seems to make sense, but it's a lot of fun for all ages—and it makes great social media content too. Adult tickets are $28.
Hit the A.Y.C.E. buffet at Palms.
The A.Y.C.E. buffet at Palms has all you need to fill up for hours: Think seven unique food stations with cuisine from around the world. Brunch is $33 for adults and features bottomless mimosas, and dinner is $37.
Post up poolside at Bel-Aire Backyard
Bel-Aire Backyard at Durango Casino & Resort spans the pool deck next to the new cocktail bar and is just steps away from the hotel's main porte-cochère. It's the first venue of its kind in the southwest Las Vegas neighborhood, and admission is $40 on weekdays for non-hotel guests (with a lounger included).
Fill up on pie at Crust & Roux.
To soak up the alcohol, visit Crust & Roux, just south of the Las Vegas strip, for pies galore under $50. Think pizza pies, pot pies, and dessert pies too.
Eat, watch sports, play games, and sing karaoke at RedTail.
There's something for everyone at RedTail at ResortsWorld, a restaurant and social lounge for all ages. It has an arcade, entertainment, interactive games, and huge TVs. Plus, there are three private karaoke rooms. Score a meal here under $50, easily.
Sip in a mysterious speakeasy.
The Cabinet of Curiosities and The Lock Bar and Speakeasy are not your ordinary bars and lounges.
The Cabinet of Curiosities focuses on classic cocktails with a range of oddities throughout, each with their own story that can be accessed through a QR Code. There is no cover charge, no drink minimum, and the average cocktail is around $18.
The Lock, on the other hand, is a Prohibition-style speakeasy focusing on cocktails inspired by that era. Find the key to the safe room, and from there, crack the code to gain entry into the Lock. It's free entry for a 90-minute experience with a two-drink minimum once inside. (Try ordering from the secret menu.)
Indulge a fast food superfan at Taco Bell Cantina.
If you're into Taco Bell—or just into kitschy all-night novelties—the Taco Bell Cantina in Las Vegas is a 24-hour restaurant on the Strip that features two floors and a patio for outdoor dining. Not your typical Taco Bell, this one features a wedding chapel, VIP lounge, DJ booth, retail store, and 16 TV screens. And yes, obviously there's booze.
See the Blue Man Group.
A whopping 50 million people have seen the performance art troupe Blue Man Group over the decades, and you can, too, for a starting price point of $49.
Fill up on wagyu at Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House.
Come for all-you-can-eat wagyu shabu at Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House. Starting at $45, the (90-minute max) experience offers the traditional Japanese art of shabu-shabu with premium wagyu beef and seasonal vegetables simmering in broth. (Up all night? The restaurant also offers a late-night weekend menu from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting at $20).
See America's Got Talent Live.
With some of the best acts from America's Got Talent, this 75-minute variety show features thrill acts, magicians, singers, acrobats, and more. Tickets start at $49.
Stay at the Golden Gate.
Think you can't stay in Vegas for under $50 anymore? You're mostly right, but you do have options. Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas's most historic hotel and casino, opening in 1906 as Hotel Nevada at One Fremont Street. It was a hangout for Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin during the Rat Pack era, and has kept its character over the years—even preserving 10 of the original rooms from the property's first incarnation. Reservations begin at a scant $24 a night.
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