Experience Vegas On A Budget: 3-Day Itinerary & Tips

You don’t need to be rich to experience Las Vegas. It is 100% possible to make the most of every dollar and still get the full Vegas experience.

Take Papu and I for example — before we met, we were both exploring the city and partying it up on the Strip as young college kids making less than $20 an hour.

Having gone to school at UNLV, he spent six years discovering all the local spots that don’t charge tourist prices. And me? I loved Las Vegas! There was even one year where I went to Vegas seven times—crazy, I know. That said, I’ve definitely mastered the art of doing Vegas on a budget.

He mostly hung out off the Strip. I hung out on the Strip, but skipped the fancy Michelin-star restaurants / bougie bars and stuck with budget-friendly options.

For entertainment, we embraced the city’s free/cheap activities, like exploring new neighborhoods, enjoying happy hours, lounging by the pool, and clubbing at some of the hottest spots (thank you, guestlists and industry perks — you saved us from the insane cover charges).

There are countless ways to enjoy Vegas on a budget, and this guide is meant to help you uncover the more affordable side of the city.

If you’ve got 3 days to spare in Las Vegas, our itinerary will help you maximize fun for the least amount of money, covering budget eats, free entertainment, affordable must-sees, and a few splurge-worthy moments you won’t regret.

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Day 1 In Vegas

Day 1 is your day to do all your Las Vegas first-timer must-do’s. Lucky for you, most of them are free or super cheap to experience.

Drink a Fat Tuesday

Kick off your trip and celebrate your arrival Vegas-style… with a drink you can walk around with!

Fat Tuesdays are a must when it comes to having yourself a successful Las Vegas trip. These oversized frozen drinks are famous for their flamboyant size and crazy colors.

Not only are they a Las Vegas staple, but they’re also pretty darn affordable. You can save money on pricey cocktails by getting these yardstick-sized drinks. You can knock out a Vegas bucket list item, cool down, and get tipsy at a fraction of the cost.

If you want to feel a bit more than tipsy, they offer you the option to add little test tube shot(s) to your daiquiris for an extra cost.

Everyone’s drink of choice at Fat Tuesday differs depending on who you ask, but our group loves to order the Big Stick flavor off their secret menu, which tastes like a Big Stick ice pop but with alcohol!

You can find Fat Tuesdays in multiple hotels such as The Venetian, Casino Royale, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, The LINQ, etc.

Cost: $12-25

Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show

Bellagio’s famous water fountain show is a must for first-timers and anyone looking for free things to do in Vegas. This free water show features lights and music (genres include classical, opera, Broadway, and even pop songs) to give visitors a quintessentially Vegas experience.

The fountain show runs every half hour during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening. We recommend catching it in the evening for an extra-wow experience.

Cost: FREE

See the seasonal displays at the Bellagio Conservatory

After being amazed at the fountain show, head into the Bellagio hotel to see the beautiful Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, featuring larger-than-life floral displays that change seasonally.

Each season, the talented Horticulture and Engineering teams transform the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Gardens into a showcase of inspiring sights, sounds, scents, and colors!

Depending on when you go, you’ll be able to enjoy a different landscape featuring Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, along with a special display for Lunar New Year.

Cost: FREE

Eat a casual dinner

If you don’t have a car, there are a few budget-friendly options near Bellagio.

• Earl of Sandwich (Planet Hollywood) – Head just across the street for affordable hot sandwiches. This was our go-to meal back in the day — my friends and I would always base ourselves out of PH and eat Earl’s at least twice per trip.
• Restaurants at Miracle Mile Shops – A hotspot for affordable restaurants.
• Secret Pizza (The Cosmopolitan) – A not-so-hidden spot to get delicious NY-style slices at a great price.
• Block 16 Urban Food Hall (The Cosmopolitan) – The businesses here are both trendy and offer way cheaper eats compared to Las Vegas Strip restaurants.

If you do have a car, your pool of choices has opened up immensely! These days, Papu and I rarely eat on the Strip when we have a car (unless a new restaurant’s opened up or we feel like gorging on a high-end buffet). Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Ellis Island’s Village Pub – A local fave just off the Strip, known for its famous steak special for under $12.
• Tacos El Gordo – The best tacos on the Strip. Their al pastor tacos are a crowd favorite, and it’s hard to beat the price for such deliciousness.
• Aloha Specialties (California Hotel) – Hawaiian comfort food in downtown Las Vegas at great prices.

Take a picture by the Welcome To Las Vegas sign at night

When you hit up Las Vegas for the first time, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t miss: snapping that IG-worthy pic by the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.

You’ve seen it in movies, on TV, and probably all over your Instagram feed. This sign is the real deal! It’s like the Eiffel Tower of Vegas – you gotta have a pic to prove you’ve been there and done that.

The sign is Vegas in a nutshell – glitzy, glamorous, and oh-so-colorful. We think the photos of it look so much better in the evening (when the lighting from the sun isn’t so harsh).

You can find it at the southern end of the Strip by the Pinball Hall of Fame (also free to visit).

Address: 5100 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Cost: FREE

PRO TIP: For even more vintage Las Vegas signage, head to the Neon Museum and Boneyard, home to dozens of cute and retro signs from Old Vegas’ heyday. It’s extra cool to see at night! While it’s not free, you will end up with some pretty cool photos — and you’ll end up learning a lot from the history tour if you opt for that experience.

Get your drink on for the night

Take a peek at any bar menu on the Strip — 7 times out of 10 you’re going to see that cocktails start at $18 per drink. Crazy, right?

For budget-conscious travelers looking to enjoy some nightlife on the Strip, there are still plenty of fun options that won’t totally empty your wallet. Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas offers a relaxed rooftop vibe with great views of the Strip, plus a nice selection of beers that are reasonably priced.

If you’re in the mood for live music, Ole Red is a fantastic option where you can enjoy country music performances along with your drinks. While the cocktails aren’t the cheapest, the free live music makes it worth the money. Harrah’s Piano Bar is another cool spot to grab a drink and enjoy a free dueling piano show.

If you are open to venturing out a little further, The Golden Tiki in Chinatown is a must-visit for a fun/kitschy tiki atmosphere with affordable and delicious drinks.

Wanna head downtown instead? Bars like Commonwealth and The Griffin offer some great energy (especially on weekends) and cheaper drinks compared to the Strip.

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Day 2 In Vegas

On your second day in Vegas, you’ll be experiencing the Strip without totally going broke. Skip the $20 cocktails and the crazy expensive restaurants — we’ve rounded up some of our personal recs for eating/drinking on a budget.

Breakfast at Ellis Island

Kick off the day with a hearty yet affordable breakfast at one of the best spots for cheap eats on the Strip–Ellis Island Hotel Casino and Brewery.

The Village Pub & Cafe inside Ellis Island has a super wallet-friendly breakfast menu, including a $9.99 steak & egg special (available until 11am).

Most of the other breakfast dishes cost $6-12, which is an awesome deal considering most other breakfast spots have dishes that cost around $15-20.

PRO TIP: Not situated near Ellis Island? The other Village Pub locations around town also have the steaks and eggs deal as an all-day special so you don’t necessarily need to rush to Ellis Island if you’d rather enjoy steggs at some other point in the day.

ALTERNATIVE: For all my early risers (or late-night partiers), South Point is another great spot for breakfast specials. Coronado Cafe has what they call Late Nite Specials (from midnight to 6am, originally meant for people who work the graveyard shift). We love getting the steak and eggs here — a full meal for under $8? Yes, please.

Walk the Strip and explore all the themed hotels

With the rest of your late morning and afternoon, take to the Las Vegas Strip on foot!

There are tons of cool hotels on the Strip to check out. A majority of them consist of way more than hotel rooms… they’re full-on entertainment complexes. A huge plus is that exploring the ins and outs of these resorts is completely free.

To get you started, here are a few of our favorite hotels to walk through — we love over-the-top themed hotels!

The Venetian

Want to take a free trip to Venice without needing to spend a dime on plane tickets? Head straight for The Venetian Resort.

Stroll through the Grand Canal Shoppes, where the cloud-painted ceiling creates the illusion of an open sky underneath the afternoon streets of Venice. You can marvel at the detailed architecture and enjoy the lively atmosphere of shoppers and alfresco diners as you window-shop at high-end boutiques and unique stores.

You can also watch gondolas floating by on the indoor canal or take a ride for yourself (not a free activity, sadly). The serenading gondoliers will make you feel like you’re really in Italy — in a kitschy way, of course.

The Venetian Resort is also home to some really great experiences/shows such as Madame Tussauds, The Sphere Experience, Shin Lim, and Atomic Saloon Show. Stay for a meal at one of the 40+ restaurants at the resort complex before catching your show!

New York-New York

How about a trip to NYC next? You can hit the bustling streets of the Big Apple by visiting New York-New York.

The hotel’s replicas of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge are perfect for some quick ‘sightseeing’, offering excellent photo opportunities and a taste of New York’s iconic architecture (all crammed into one convenient resort, of course).

The two main draws of this hotel are the Big Apple Coaster and the Big Apple Arcade, both of which are great for kids. And if you’ve never had a Nathan’s Famous hotdog, here is your chance!

Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple show takes place here, and despite it being a “name brand” Cirque du Soleil show, it’s really not too expensive at all.

Paris Las Vegas

Don’t let the global exploration stop there — you can head to Paris next.

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Paris Las Vegas’ Le Boulevard District, where the colorful storefronts and café patios replicate the charming ambiance of the French capital.

Enjoy some French food at one of the hotel’s bistros, grab a crispy and flaky croissant at the Dominique Ansel Marché, and snap a few photos with the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re open to spending some money, you can even choose to go up to the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck. This half-scale replica offers great views of the Las Vegas Strip.

The Cosmopolitan

Head to The Cosmopolitan when you’re ready to fill your bellies up because this resort is a total eating + drinking hotspot.

Start by grabbing a cheap slice of NY-style pizza at the not-so-hidden Secret Pizza, or splurge on pizza and drinks at the quirky and theatrical Superfrico.

For an adventurous evening, explore the hotel’s many speakeasies like Ghost Donkey or The Barbershop, where craft cocktails and an intimate atmosphere await. There’s also the iconic Chandelier Bar that you can’t miss upon entering the hotel!

Caesars Palace

At Caesars Palace, start your visit by exploring the Forum Shops. Yes, it’s an upscale shopping destination with high-end brands, but you can just do some window shopping and enjoy the architecture (like the cloud-painted ceiling and the pretty spiral escalator).

For a free activity, stay for the Atlantis Show at the Forum Shops. Consistently named one of the top free attractions in Las Vegas, this animatronic attraction with more than 400 moving parts is an entertaining take on the legendary story of the fall of Atlantis.

The Atlantis Show plays Thursday – Monday on the hour, beginning at 12:00 pm through 8:00 pm.

Fun fact: The costumes and props featured in the show were created by the same team who worked on Thor and Pirates of the Caribbean, which is super neat. There are also fire effects, water effects, and a 20-foot winged dragon which is even cooler.

Catch a budget-friendly show

If you came to Vegas and didn’t catch a show, did you really experience Vegas? The city’s got a world-class theater scene, and attending a show is an essential part of any visit.

From burlesque to magic, Cirque de Soleil to comedy, there is a show for every type of person and every sort of budget. And the best part is, there’s a show happening every single day in Vegas so there’s no excuse not to watch one!

Yes, premium bestselling shows like Cirque du Soleil, Absinthe, and Awakening may cost a lot, but there are way more budget-friendly options that can keep your wallet from hurting too much.

If you ask us, WOW! – The Vegas Spectacular is one of the best bang-for-your-buck shows in town.

Another cheap way to experience the Las Vegas entertainment scene? Catching a nightly comedy show, like the one hosted at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club. Tickets start at only $20.

Cost: $20-$75 per person

Need help picking the perfect show? Check out some of these show guides below:

• Budget-Friendly Shows In Las Vegas That Are Still A Whole Lotta Fun
• These Variety Shows In Vegas Will Wow You With A Bit Of Everything
• Las Vegas Magic Shows That Will Knock Your Socks Off
• Kid-Friendly Shows In Las Vegas Perfect For Families
• Best Shows In Las Vegas For Seniors And Elderly Parents

Grab dinner at one of Vegas’ many food halls

Restaurants on the Strip are expensive. To get around that, hitting up one of the city’s many food halls for dinner is a smart move.

Most of these spots are counter-service, which not only helps keep costs down but also makes it super convenient if you’re traveling with a group of picky eaters. Everyone can grab what they want—whether they’re craving tacos, hot chicken sandos, or pizza—so there’s no need to compromise on different tastes.

The two food halls I recommend you check out are Block 16 Urban Food Hall at The Cosmopolitan and Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA. These food halls carry quite the variety when it comes to cuisine.

Cost: $12-25 per person

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Day 3 In Vegas

Spend your late morning at the pool

If you’re staying at a hotel, you’ve got super convenient access to a free daytime activity right at your doorstep — the resort pool!

Relaxing by the pool is an absolute must during your Vegas stay. After all, that resort fee you’re paying for covers pool access, so why not take full advantage?

If you’re looking for an amazing pool complex where both adults and kids will have fun all day long, we’d recommend staying at Mandalay Bay or MGM Grand. These two hotels have the craziest swimming pool complexes in Vegas.

Both have massive lazy rivers complete with waterfalls. Mandalay Bay even has a wave pool! We’ve stayed at both hotels and have had tons of fun at both (even as adults!). Just keep in mind they do get crazy busy with lots of kids running around on weekends.

Cost: FREE

Lunch at the LINQ Promenade

The LINQ Promenade is a pedestrian-friendly hub packed with affordable dining, shopping, and entertainment. It’s a must-stop for anyone looking to enjoy Strip vibes without breaking the bank.

With 35+ restaurants to choose from, including favorites like In-N-Out and Ramsay Gordon’s Fish and Chips, your taste buds are in for a treat.

After enjoying your cheap and delicious eats, you can also take a spin on the High Roller, grab drinks in an ice bar, play a round of bowling at Brooklyn Bowl, or take a ride on the thrilling Fly LINQ zipline adventure.

Cost: $12-25 per person

Enjoy a happy hour or two

One of our favorite ways to save on food in Las Vegas? Taking advantage of the many happy hours across town!

Most happy hours in Vegas run from 3pm to 6pm, so if you tend to eat earlier dinners, you can get some pretty good deals in town.

This guide contains all of our favorite happy hour restaurants and bars around Vegas.

Cost: $20-40 per person depending on how crazy you wanna get with drinks.

Dinner and mini-golfing at Swingers

At Swingers, you’ll discover what the Brits call ‘crazy golf’. Alongside inventive mini-golf course layouts and a cocktail or two, you’ll find fun bars, street food, live DJs, and the friendliest of staff. 

According to its creators, the vision for Swingers was to craft the most outrageously fun venue imaginable. After wild success in London, the experience has made its way to Las Vegas, now located at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

The 3-story, 36-hole adults-only miniature golf venue features four “crazy” golf courses (with obstacles like moving windmills and carousels, jumps, and loops), multiple bars and eateries, and a carnival arcade concept — all decorated to feel like you’re at an English country estate.

Cost: Starting at $30 per person

Explore downtown Las Vegas

After dinner, head to downtown Las Vegas to explore the less-touristy side of the city.

Start by strolling through Downtown Container Park, an open-air shopping spot with quirky boutiques, bars, and a giant fire-breathing praying mantis (straight from Burning Man!)—perfect for some post-dinner fun.

For sports lovers, Circa Resort’s massive sportsbook is a must-see. If a game is on, you can catch it and experience the sportsbook yourself — all without spending a dime. In the mood for something more historical? Head to the Mob Museum for a deep dive into Vegas’ mobster past. They have a speakeasy inside, too.

We are suckers for variety shows, so there was no way we were creating this guide without mentioning The Plaza Hotel’s very own vaudeville-esque show, Miss Behave’s Mavericks. This highly interactive show is equal parts comedy, burlesque, circus acts, and sheer unpredictability. The best part? The tickets are SO affordable.

While you’re at The Plaza Hotel, try your luck at bingo at the Plaza Hotel or wrap up your night with a sweet treat from Sorry Not Sorry Creamery.

See the Viva Vision show at Fremont Street Experience

You didn’t think we’d talk about Old Vegas without mentioning this one, right? One of the most well-known attractions of the downtown area is the Viva Vision show on display right above Fremont Street.

Yes, the pedestrian-only street has gone downhill over the years, but nevertheless, it’s still filled to the brim with people, touristy live entertainment, and bright retro lights.

You’ll have lots of souvenir shopping opportunities, the chance to pretend like you’re a coin ziplining into a slot machine, enjoy free concerts, and do some people-watching.

Viva Vision (the free light show) is the largest video screen in the world and recently got a $32 million upgrade so you know it’ll be interactive and blinding in the best way possible.

Featured shows run every night on the hour from 6 pm to 2 am. The show goes for approximately 6-7 minutes.

Cost: FREE

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Experience Las Vegas’ Major Attractions For Less: Go City Pass

If you’ve lingered on our site for at least five whole minutes, you’ll know that we’re big fans of Go City attraction passes. They’re great vehicles for experiencing city attractions while also saving loads of money on those attractions.

We’ve personally used Go City passes in places like Bangkok, Cancun, Oahu, and Chicago — and in all of the cases, we saved money using these passes.

Go City operates in Las Vegas too, which is awesome given how many attractions the city is home to. There are two flavors of these passes: the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

The passes include admission to iconic attractions such as:

• Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York
• KA by Cirque du Soleil
• Strip Highlights Night Flight on Papillon Helicopters
• Finger Licking Self-Guided Downtown Foodie Tour
• FlyOver: The Ultimate Flying Ride ft. Wonders of the American West
• High Roller Observation Wheel
• Madame Tussauds
• The Big Apple Roller Coaster
• Fly LINQ Zipline
• Minus5 Ice Bar
• … and so much more!

You can learn more about the Go City passes and get our honest thoughts on it here.

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Planning Your Trip To Vegas?

Here are some of our other Vegas travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip:

• How To Snag Discounts On Las Vegas Attractions And Shows
• Here Are All The Absolute Must-Do’s In Las Vegas For First Timers
• 25+ Unique And Totally FREE Things To Do In Vegas
• Top Las Vegas Magic Shows That Will Knock Your Socks Off
• 15 Fun Places To Eat On The Las Vegas Strip
• 15 Kid-Friendly Shows In Las Vegas Perfect For Families
• 5 Cheaper Alternatives To Cirque du Soleil Shows In Las Vegas
• 10 Fun Rides and Roller Coasters In Las Vegas For Thrill Seekers
• 10 Secret Bars And Speakeasies On The Las Vegas Strip (+ Where To Find Them!)
• 20 Quirky And Fun Museums You’ll Only Find In Las Vegas

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