FREE Things to Do in Las Vegas Strip (Bucket List Guide)
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Updated August 2025
Ready for a unique and free bucket list adventure down the Las Vegas strip? Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there is something special about taking in all of the sights and sounds of this iconic strip.
Plus, it’s completely FREE! From exploring casinos to taking in views of the city skyline from one end to another, walking down The Strip can be an exciting way to experience Las Vegas.
Vegas is my second home – my dad is apart of the art scene there – and I am also a big fan of saving money while adventuring!
The Strip is always filled with people, activities, and attractions that will keep you entertained. It is truly a sensory overload! So put on your comfortable shoes and get ready for a unique Las Vegas experience.
Keep in mind too that I will point out only FREE things to see in these hotels, but the paid activities are endless!
Top 5 Free attractions on the Las Vegas Strip
- Bellagio Fountains – The most iconic free show on the Strip (especially stunning at night).
- Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Seasonal floral displays that change throughout the year.
- Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign – The must-have Vegas photo op (go early to skip the crowds).
- Flamingo Wildlife Habitat – A tropical escape with flamingos, koi, and waterfalls right on the Strip.
- Fremont Street Experience – A dazzling LED canopy light show + live performers downtown, free every night.
Bucket List Review of The Las Vegas Strip
| My Overall Rating | 7/10 |
| Category | Luxury |
| Who Needs to Add this To Their Bucket List? | Luxurious yet active travelers who want to see all the wonders of Vegas without spending any money |
| Best Time to Go | March to May, September to November |
| Traveling Difficulty | Easy |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate to difficult – lots of walking! |
| Popularity Rating | 9/10 |
| Group/Tour Required | No |
| Budget | $ (free) |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes, but read my note on this later |
If you want more information about my bucket list reviews, please swim here.
Free Things to Do in Las Vegas Map
Exploring the Iconic Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip
Please note that the amount of hotels on the Las Vegas Strip is unbelievable! Most of them are filled to the brim with fancy atmospheres and amenities.
Instead of going through all of them, I will touch on the hotels with unique features or themes that need to be added to your bucket list.
Luxor
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen any massive pyramid hotels. That’s right…the entire thing is a pyramid. An Egyptian-themed hotel, it is a fun stop on the Las Vegas strip.
It is right on the end by Mandalay Bay and is a great starting point for your journey down the Strip.
If you go inside, you will be treated to one of the largest atriums in the world.
Plus, the giant sphinx on the other side of the entrance (by the tram) is a perfect place for a bucket list photo op!
New York New York
A hotel with a roller coaster in it? No way!? This New York-themed hotel is immersive and casual!
When you walk through sections of this hotel and casino, it actually feels like you are walking on a nice night in New York. Sadly, the roller coaster does cost money but it is still cool to see!
This hotel is one of my favorites from the outside! It actually looks like the New York skyline! Don’t forget to spot the Statue of Liberty outside!
Aria
Please don’t hate me, but this is the only one where I am going to suggest something that costs money. When I was in China, I tried the most miraculous dumplings called Xiao Long Bao.
Scouring the globe, this small chain restaurant actually has a location in the Aria! If you love soup dumplings, I cannot recommend this enough…or you could just fly to Shanghai! Other than that, the Aria is a typical fancy Vegas hotel!
I don’t want to be dramatic or anything, but I would fly to Vegas for these dumplings at Din Tai Fung.
Okay, back to the free hotel exploration. Thank you for going on that small journey with me.
Cosmopolitan
All Vegas hotels have spared no expense with their decor and ambiance. The Cosmopolitan is no exception.
Although it doesn’t have a specific theme, it is just a cool hotel! My favorite part is the glittering crystal chandelier structure near the middle of the casino!
Bellagio
The Bellagio doesn’t really have a theme per se…but needs to be talked about nonetheless. Once you enter the main door, you will be greeted by an entire ceiling of glass-blown flowers.
The lobby itself is absolutely stunning! Continuing through the lobby, there is a giant room with flowers and plants. Better yet, the theme of this room frequently changes.
Once you are done there, make sure you don’t miss the world’s largest chocolate fountain and Dale Chihuly’s “Fiori di Como” in the lobby.
Caesars Palace
One of the biggest hotels on the Vegas Strip! Seriously—it is fancy and it’s massive. Based on a Roman theme, this is one of the coolest hotels on the Strip.
The outside feels like you have been transported to Ancient Rome and the inside casino just drips with luxury! Even if you are just passing through, it is truly a sight to see!
Paris Las Vegas
Why go see the Eiffel Tower in real life when you could see it in Vegas? Just kidding! But this hotel will get you close!
The outside sports a 541ft (165m) Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Parisian-style buildings.
On the inside, you are transported to the streets of Paris. All the signs are in French, there are several French restaurants, and the main casino area is gorgeous.
You will have to say, “Oo la la!” After this popular Vegas hotel!
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is exactly how it sounds—there are pirates, treasure, and sirens! Although the entire casino is pirate themed, the real beauty comes from the outside.
Surrounded by the entrance are two giant pirate ships with elaborate details! They are truly a sight to see!
Plus, it is near the end of the strip (opposite Mandalay Bay), so it is a perfect place to begin your (pirate?) quest of conquering the Las Vegas Strip.
Looking for something unique? An intricately carved woolly mammoth tusk and the siren motorcycle can be found near the cashier cages.
the Venetian
I love several hotels that are located on the Strip, but this one just might be my favorite.
This is a massive hotel that is grand, luxurious, and Italian!
Similar to Paris or New York, this hotel is an immersive Italian ambiance. Unlike the others, it is very expansive, spanning over an entire mall (see the Grand Canal Shoppes later). It even has an entire canal with traditional Venetian gondolas.
Some ceilings are so detailed that you could swear you were back in Europe. When I was here, they also had performers covering songs in Italian. This is definitely one to check off your bucket list!
If you are looking for an iconic photo spot, the Waterfall Atrium at Palazzo is huge!
Free Shows in the Las Vegas Strip
Please note that some of these are inside hotels, but are entities of their own! Have fun checking them off of your bucket list!
Bellagio Fountain
One can’t go to Vegas and not stop to see the Bellagio fountain show. In fact, it might be one of the most popular free and iconic attractions in Las Vegas!
Fun fact! This fountain cost $50 million to build and $10,000 a day to run! It also has 22 million gallons of water and filters 5 million gallons a day!
It has over 1,200 nozzles, 4,500 lights, and 8,000 meters of pipes! The water can shoot 460 feet into the air!
Bellagio Fountains Schedule
This amazing fountain show goes off every day starting at 12pm on weekdays and holidays and 3 pm on weekdays.
They shoot off every half hour during the day (until 6:30 pm), but every 15 minutes at night (until 12pm).
I would always check with the official schedule before making the trek.
Is it Better to See the Bellagio Fountains During the Day or Night?
Although it is still a spectacle during the day, there is nothing quite like seeing the Bellagio Fountains at nighttime!
If you truly don’t want to miss out, I would do both!
Viva Vision Fremont Street Experience Light Shows
There are free nightly light shows at the Fremont Street Experience.
They also have various free special concerts and events throughout the year!
It lasts about 6-8 minutes.
rain show at the Miracle Mile
Step into the heart of the desert and find yourself caught in a sudden downpour—indoors!
The Rainstorm Show at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood is a delightful surprise that brings the drama of a thunderstorm to the Las Vegas Strip.
When is the Rain Show?
Every hour from Monday to Thursday, and every half hour on weekends, this free spectacle features cascading rain, rolling fog, lightning effects, and thunderclaps, all choreographed to an original soundtrack.
The show lasts about 5 minutes.
It’s not spectacular…but it’s free.
Free Circus Acts at Circus Circus
Step into Circus Circus and you’ll find one of the Strip’s longest-running free shows.
Every day, performers take the stage with jaw-dropping acrobatics, juggling, and high-flying stunts.
It’s family-friendly, fun, and a rare taste of old-school Vegas entertainment that hasn’t disappeared into history.
Dueling Pianos
For a night of interactive music, head to one of the Strip’s dueling piano shows (Harrah’s and New York-New York are both popular).
Two pianists face off, taking audience song requests and battling it out in sing-along style.
Big Elvis at Harrah’s Piano Bar
Dubbed one of Vegas’ best free shows, Big Elvis (Pete Vallee) has been performing at Harrah’s Piano Bar for years.
With a voice that channels the King himself, his set is nostalgic, soulful, and a little bit magical.
Elvis fans and casual visitors alike will love the show. Plus, it’s one of the few free live music performances on the Strip.
Eiffel Tower Light Show at Paris Las Vegas
Every night, the half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower sparkles with a choreographed light show, bringing a taste of Paris to the Nevada desert.
It’s free to watch from the street and makes for an Instagram-worthy moment.
Pair it with the Bellagio fountains across the street, and you’ve got one of the most dazzling (and free!) nighttime combos on the Strip.
Going Window Shopping in Las Vegas
As I said, there is someplace to spend your money on every step you take on the Las Vegas Strip!
This doesn’t mean you actually have to spend it! Sometimes it is fun to just look around and window shop.
If I am going to window shop, I might as well shop at Harry Winston and Tiffany’s!
Here is my list of all the coolest malls and shops to check out when exploring the Las Vegas strip!
Art Galleries
Vegas is over-saturated with shopping centers and places to spend your hard-earned cash.
However, I have found that many of these malls also offer private art galleries. My dad even showcases his art in some of them!
Right now, I am not interested in investing in any art, but it was amazing to see all of the different art pieces in different locations on the strip!
The Forum Shops
Near Ceasar’s Palace, these shops are a must-see for Vegas! It isn’t really the shops per se…but the overall ambiance of the mall.
Imagine a Roman-styled atrium brimming with golden details! There are curving escalators and even benches made out of fallen pillars!
The entire thing is truly a sight to see and is guaranteed to make your jaw drop! Plus, when do you get to see a curved escalator?
Promenade Shops
Can I afford literally anything in these shops? Absolutely not. Is it fun to walk through and pretend like I can? Absolutely!
Instead of a Roman or Venetian vibe, the theme here is luxury! And it is very fun to walk through and then head over to the Bellagio.
Grand Canal Shoppes
A true bucket list experience and a shopping mall like you have never seen! This mall is in the Venetian and is one of the coolest places to shop!
The entire theme is Venice! It has an entire canal with traditional gondolas and classic Venetian architecture. And it’s not just one room, either! It’s the entire mall!
Even if you never buy anything, it is a bucket list idea activity just to experience it!
Miracle Mile
This is a 475,000-square-foot, 1.2-mile-long mall right in the heart of the Vegas Strip. It has over 170 shops, 15 restaurants and is home to several shows.
The easiest way to get here is to go through Planet Hollywood.
Don’t fear – this doesn’t have a “normal mall” ambiance either.
The ceiling is made to look like the sky and the shops are made to look like outdoor buildings.
They say it is supposed to be a North American harbor, but it gives me major “Aladdin” vibes!
LINQ Promenade + Experience
This lively pedestrian promenade offers a feast for the senses—totally free to explore. Enjoy street performers, quirky shops, and outdoor art installations.
It’s also where you’ll find the High Roller observation wheel, which isn’t free, but you can watch it light up nightly from below for zero bucks.
Nature Shows and Exhibits on the Strip
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
While the Flamingo Hotel itself is slightly outdated and underwhelming compared to its glamorous neighbors, it does have a free flamingo habitat!
Reservations and tickets aren’t required–just go during normal operating hours!
The entire thing is a 4-acre garden that has waterfalls, streams, birds, turtles, and fish. Don’t forget to see the flamingos (obviously!).
At 8:30 am and 2 pm, there is a Keeper’s Talk to learn more about the habitat.
This can be a peaceful and much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of The Strip!
Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas
This hidden gem is a hypnotic combo of water, light, and music.
Lake of Dreams puts on a free nightly show starting at dusk and runs every half hour.
It’s best viewed from the lounge or balcony area, but totally visible without spending a dime.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
This ever-changing floral wonderland is a must-see!
Located just past the Bellagio lobby, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens transforms with the seasons and holidays, with jaw-dropping themed displays made from thousands of flowers and plants.
And yes, it’s 100% free.
I’ve been several times and it’s been different every time!
The Waterfalls at the Wynn
This one isn’t really an exhibit – it’s just a really cool waterfall and photo op.
It is slightly hidden and overshadowed by the Venetian right next door.
However, it is beautiful!
Sweet & Quirky Attractions in the Las Vegas Strip
Coca-Cola Store
Pop into the Coca-Cola Store on the Strip for a fizzy blast of nostalgia.
While the tasting flights cost a little extra, it’s free to browse the massive collection of Coca-Cola merchandise, vintage ads, and the adorable Coca-Cola Polar Bear photo op on the second floor.
M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World
Right across from each other near the MGM Grand, M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World are four stories of delicious fun.
They’re perfect for window shopping, snapping silly pics with life-sized characters, and maybe snagging a free chocolate sample or two if you’re lucky!
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
No Vegas adventure is complete without snapping a photo at this world-famous sign!
Located just south of Mandalay Bay, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is a true Sin City rite of passage.
There’s a small parking lot, and while there might be a line, it moves fast and gives you time to plan your best pose. Bring water—it’s hot out here!
Las Vegas Walk of Stars
Like Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the Las Vegas Walk of Stars stretches along the Strip with plaques honoring celebrities who left their mark on Sin City.
From entertainers and musicians to icons of Vegas’ golden era, it’s a cool reminder that this city has always been a stage.
Perfect for a free stroll with a side of history.
Street Performers on the Las Vegas Strip
I would categorize these into 2 sections:
People who put on professional street shows
These shows usually involve professional gear and microphones. They are normally good enough to draw a crowd and can involve multiple people.
When I watched these, I did not feel pressure to contribute or tip. The qualities of these shows were actually pretty good, too!
People who dress up/perform for tips
These are the people you need to take caution with. If you take a picture, they will expect or hassle you for money.
This is mostly in the form of people dressed up in a costume looking for you to take a picture or they want to sing a song for you. They target individual groups or people instead of looking to draw a crowd.
And when I say hassle, I mean pester. I had a lady follow me for a block or two begging me to let her sing for me so I could give her money.
It may seem rude, but if this happens to you, politely decline and continue walking.
I am not saying to not pay for their services. If you want to take a picture with that girl in a skimpy showgirl outfit, you go right ahead! Just know that it may cost you!
Best Free Attractions in Vegas at Night
The Strip is when Las Vegas truly earns its nickname as the City of Lights.
Even if you’re not spending money, you can have an unforgettable evening just soaking up the free nighttime entertainment.
There might be some repeats in here, but here are my favorite things to do in Las Vegas at night👇
- Walk…just walk!
- Bellagio Fountains – Every 15–30 minutes, the fountains dance in sync with music under glowing lights. At night, the water glitters like liquid diamonds against the neon skyline.
- Fremont Street Experience (just north of the Strip, but worth noting if you wander that way) – The LED canopy bursts into life with dazzling light shows set to music. Street performers add even more energy.
- Neon and Street Performers Along the Strip – You don’t need a ticket to be entertained. At night, the Strip itself becomes the show. Between costumed performers, musicians, and neon-lit hotel exteriors, there’s endless free fun just walking around.
Travel Photography Tips for Las Vegas
Vegas is a photographer’s dream! Here are a few pro-level tips to help you capture it all:
Long Exposure Waterfall Shots → Vegas is fountain central! Use a tripod and slow shutter (1–2 seconds) at night to make the fountains look silky and dreamy.
Iconic Welcome Sign → Arrive at sunrise for soft light and minimal crowds. A wide-angle lens (16–24mm) helps capture the whole sign with the Strip behind it.
Strip at Night → Try to bring a tripod if you can. If you are going handheld, crank ISO to 1600–3200 and use a fast prime (f/1.8 or lower). Motion blur from people can actually add to the energy.
Neon Reflections → Look for puddles or shiny surfaces on the Strip to double your neon in creative shots.
Golden Hour Strip Walk → The hour before sunset is ideal. Buildings glow, shadows are softer, and you’ll still have time to stay for night shots.
👉 Want a full breakdown of camera settings and exact photo locations? Don’t miss my full guide: Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
Best Free Vegas Attractions by Seasonality
Here are the top 5 free things to do in Las Vegas and the best time of year to check them off of your bucket list!
| Bellagio Fountains | Evenings year-round; especially magical at blue hour (sunset) for photos. |
| Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens | Best in spring (flowers), summer (bright themes), fall (harvest displays), and winter (holiday lights). It’s worth seeing every season because the displays change. |
| Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign | Early mornings year-round to avoid crowds; spring and fall have the most comfortable weather for waiting in line. |
| Flamingo Wildlife Habitat | Late mornings are ideal year-round; best enjoyed in spring and fall when it’s not too hot to linger outside. |
| Fremont Street Experience | Best in the evenings year-round; cooler from October–April. Summer nights are busier but can be uncomfortably hot. |
Free Ways to Get Around the Las Vegas Strip
There are different ways to get around if you don’t want to walk. Here are your free options!
Walk
This may sound obvious since I have been talking about it throughout this entire article, but the best way to truly see everything (and its completely free!) is just to walk.
With that being said, it is a LOT of walking. The entire Strip is 4.2 miles.
You may cut some of that distance off by not going completely to Sahara Ave or Russel Road, but if you are doing both sides, that is clocking in around 6-8 miles to walk the full thing.
I love to walk! But some people don’t or are unable. That is why I would also recommend combining it with some other modes of transportation or spreading out the trip for a longer period of time to give your legs a break.
Trams
Please keep in mind that there are paid trams on the east side that are operated by the Las Vegas Monorail system.
However, this is a free guide, so let’s talk about your options that don’t involve your wallet! There are 3 free trams between Treasure Island and Montaray Bay that are paid for by the casinos themselves and work independently.
Confirm the hours of operation with the tram before you start exploring.
Excalibur to Monterey Bay to Luxor
The first free tram goes to three major hotels in the south area of the strip. The trains run every five minutes or so.
If you take the tram to the Excalibur, there is a short walkway to New York New York and then it is a quick walk to MGM.
Park MGM to Aria to Bellagio
This tram starts at the Park MGM near the Aria and stops at the Crystals Shopping Mall near the Cosmopolitan. It ends at the south tower of the Bellagio.
This tram is the one that I used the most because it is very central and you can get from to and from several hotels from each stop! It goes both directions and is very useful when your legs start to feel tired!
Mirage to Treasure Island
On the north end of the strip, this tram provides a no-stop and quick access to the Mirage and Treasure Island. There are several attractions and shops on both sides that require little walking from there.
Buses
If you are looking to explore more of Downtown Vegas past the main hotels and casinos, I would check out the free Downtown Loop buses provided by the city of Las Vegas.
If you are looking for a cheap bus option, I would see if the Las Vegas Deuce could be an option for you.
A Note on Wheelchair Accessibility
As far as I am concerned, you can explore the Las Vegas Strip with a wheelchair.
However, based on my observations, it would be very hectic. There are so many people walking about and it is crowded. Some of the vertical streets have crosswalks, but the horizontal crosswalks are all pedestrian bridges.
And 9 times out of 10, one escalator isn’t working. The elevators seemed to have a better track record, but if it goes out, it would be very hard to cross the street in a wheelchair.
You can definitely cross exploring the Las Vegas strip off of your bucket list, but it may be an adventure!
One Day Las Vegas Itinerary Without Spending a Dime
Note that I’ve actually walked the entire Las Vegas Strip in two days without spending any money! I did one side of the street one day, and then did the other side the next day.
If you attempt to do Las Vegas in one day, I would know what you want to see ahead of time and prioritize.
Here’s how I would do it👇
Morning – Sunrise at the Welcome Sign
Kick off your day at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.
Early morning is the magic hour. This brings soft golden light, cooler temps, and (hopefully) no line of tourists yet.
It’s the ultimate start to a free Vegas adventure.
Late Morning – Wildlife & Quirky Finds
Pick one hotel and start walking The Strip!
You can zig-zag or go where your heart tells you, but try to make your way to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, a tropical oasis with flamingos, turtles, and waterfalls tucked inside the hotel.
Afterward, wander through the Cosmopolitan’s hidden art installations: giant sculptures, colorful murals, and digital displays you’ll stumble across for free.
Afternoon – Conservatories & Canal Daydreams
Step into the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, where seasonal floral displays transform the space into a wonderland.
If you still have walking energy, drift over to the Venetian to admire the gondola canals and painted ceilings (you don’t have to pay for a ride, the architecture alone is a treat).
Evening – Free Shows on the Strip
As the sun sets, position yourself for Bellagio Fountains shows. It’s the most iconic free show in Vegas.
Then, simply walk around and stop whenever you feel called to do so!
Night – Neon Nights & Street Performers
End your free day with a slow stroll along the Strip.
At night, the hotels light up like giant neon sculptures. Between costumed characters, live street musicians, and the electric buzz of the crowds, the Strip itself is the show.
👉 Pro tip: Expect to log 5–7 miles on foot, so wear comfy shoes and refill your water whenever you duck into a casino (they’re happy to keep you hydrated while you wander).
Las Vegas Strip Bucket List FAQs
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Final Word on Free Things to Do on the Las Vegas Strip
Who says Vegas has to break the bank? As you’ve seen, some of the most iconic and unforgettable experiences on the Las Vegas Strip are absolutely free—and totally bucket list worthy.
So throw on your comfiest shoes, charge your phone for all those epic photo ops, and get ready to explore Vegas in true adventurer style—without spending a dime.
And hey, if you’re planning to walk the whole Strip and want the best route, tips, and time-saving secrets, don’t miss my Ultimate Walking Guide to the Las Vegas Strip!
Because when you’re checking off your bucket list, every step should feel legendary. 💫
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More Travel Resources
Adventure Bucket List Resources
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