*Vegas trip bought by me

Sian Victoria © - Paris Hotel & Eiffel Tower replica, Las Vegas

Ways to Save Money While Visiting Las Vegas: Free Hacks & Tricks

Although Las Vegas is famous for its lavish lifestyle and glamour, you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy it. With some strategic planning and smart money-saving techniques, you can enjoy the city of lights without going over your budget.

In this blog post, I will be sharing some tips for visiting Las Vegas for the first time while on a shoestring budget, so you can have a memorable experience without draining your pockets. From budget-friendly lodging to inexpensive dining options and free activities, I’ll cover everything I’ve done so far to make my budget go further.

So, let's explore how you can have an amazing time in Las Vegas while sticking to your travel funds. Whether you want to explore the city's nightlife or soak in its dazzling neon lights, there are several ways to save money and still have a great time. Drawing on my personal experience of visiting Vegas a few times, I have discovered some effective ways to stay within a budget and even have some cash left over.

1. Choosing Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Las Vegas

When planning a budget-friendly trip to Las Vegas, picking the perfect accommodation is important. Luckily, the city provides a diverse range of lodging options catering to all kinds of budgets. From luxurious themed resorts on the strip to affordable hotels, choosing to stay a little further away from the Strip can lead to significant cost reductions without sacrificing the Vegas experience. Many of these accommodations even offer free shuttle services to the main entertainment areas.

Opting for a holiday rental in Las Vegas is also a savvy move, especially if you're travelling with a group. The cost can be split, resulting in an affordable stay. Furthermore, having access to a kitchen can aid in reducing dining expenses.

You can also maximise savings by leveraging hotel loyalty programmes and booking sites that provide rewards and cashback offers. These programmes can provide access to exclusive deals, discounts, and even free nights. Look out for mid-week offers too, as accommodation rates can be lower compared to weekends. Even after you’ve booked continue to be savvy as some resorts will refund the difference if you’ve booked directly and they have reduced the price of the room type on the same dates before your visit.

Additionally, timing your visit to avoid major events and holidays can result in lower rates and a wider selection of budget-friendly accommodations. By doing some research and being flexible with your travel dates, finding affordable lodging in Las Vegas is not out of reach. This allows you to allocate more funds towards experiencing everything the city has to offer.

To avoid unforeseen costs, it is important to be aware of resort fees, which are extra charges added to the total cost of your stay. Many resorts on the strip include these fees, so it is wise to look for hotels that do not charge them or carefully examine the details of your booking to understand what you are paying for. Furthermore, keep an eye out for special offers from your preferred hotels that waive resort fees, and sign up for their mailing lists in advance to increase your chances of finding a deal.

Sian Victoria © - Starbucks breakfast at Rio All Suite Hotel, Las Vegas

2. Savvy Dining: Eating Well on a Budget in Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its diverse range of dining options, which cater to every budget and appetite. From luxurious fine-dining establishments to cheap eating places, the city has something to offer for everyone. However, even those on a tight budget can still relish delicious meals without sacrificing quality or experience.

One effective strategy for thrifty dining is to take advantage of the numerous buffets scattered throughout the city. While some may be pricey, many offer exceptional value, particularly during lunch hours when prices are generally lower than at dinner time. This allows customers to sample a variety of dishes without the expense of multiple restaurant visits.

Exploring eateries located off the strip can also prove to be a savvy decision. These venues typically cater to locals and thus, maintain lower prices than their tourist-centric counterparts. Whether you crave authentic Mexican street food or a comforting bowl of pasta, these hidden gems offer a range of cuisines at a fraction of the cost.

Food courts within hotels that have a casino also present an affordable dining option for those on a budget. Many of these establishments offer surprisingly affordable meal options and specials designed to attract gamers. Happy hour deals are also widespread, providing discounted drinks and food specials to hungry patrons.

Since most of these establishments serve fast food or offer food-to-go, you will not typically receive the same level of attentive table service as in a traditional restaurant. This means that you can also save money by not having to leave a tip. Whereas if you dine in a restaurant where you sit down and get served, you’ll be expected to pay a gratuity of up to 20% which can significantly make a dent in your budget.

For those with access to a kitchen, visiting a local supermarket and preparing one or two meals a day can significantly reduce dining expenses. A picnic of local produce can be especially enjoyable when taken to one of the many scenic spots in Las Vegas.

Finally, you should keep an eye out for vouchers and deals available in visitor guides, online, or through mobile apps dedicated to Las Vegas tourism. These discounts can lead to substantial savings on meals, allowing travellers to indulge in the city's food and drink offerings without the hefty price tag.

By adopting these strategies, foodies and budget-conscious travellers alike can enjoy places to eat in Las Vegas without overspending, allowing you to save money towards attractions instead.

Sian Victoria © - Pedestrian bridge, Las Vegas

3. Buying Essentials from Supermarkets Rather Than Resorts

One often overlooked strategy for saving money while visiting Las Vegas involves purchasing essentials and even some luxuries from local supermarkets rather than resort shops or convenience stores on the Strip. The price difference for basic items such as bottled water, snacks, and even alcohol can be astonishingly high in tourist-centric areas compared to regular retail prices found in supermarkets.

You can find supermarkets like Walmart, and Target, and local chains such as Smith's and Albertsons scattered around the city, just a short drive or bus ride from the main tourist areas. Although, from experience leaving the strip to visit a supermarket isn’t necessary as I’ve found Wallgreens to be the most affordable supermarket to visit on the strip, but it all depends on how tight your budget is and how long you’re staying in Vegas for to make the travel expense worthwhile.

Making a supermarket run shortly after arrival can provide you with all the necessary supplies for your stay at a fraction of the cost. For example, buying a pack of bottled water to keep in your hotel room can save you a considerable amount, as purchasing a single bottle from a hotel can sometimes cost as much as an entire pack from a supermarket. Similarly, stocking up on snacks or even ready-to-eat meals can provide a budget-friendly alternative to dining out for every meal, particularly for breakfast or late-night cravings. Furthermore, using a reusable bottle and locating the refill water stations in some resorts would be ideal to prevent single-use plastics.

Moreover, if your accommodation includes a fridge or a kitchenette, you have the added advantage of storing perishables. This means you could prepare simple meals, store cold drinks, or even mix your cocktails, further reducing your dining expenses.

Exploring local supermarkets can be an experience, offering insight into the everyday lives of Las Vegas residents and potentially uncovering unique regional products or souvenirs to take home. This approach not only helps manage your budget effectively but also enriches your travel experience, adding an element of local flavour to your stay in Las Vegas.

Overall, to save money in Las Vegas, consider the best places to stock up on essentials such as water and snacks, leaving more money for experiences. Walgreens stores on the strip are excellent options, offering a variety of affordable food, including freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and fruit boxes. Convenience stores inside resorts tend to have overpriced drinks and snacks, making larger supermarket stores a more cost-effective choice.

Additionally, some hotels may provide food credits or discount vouchers for use within the resort. For example, during our 10-day stay at the Rio Hotel, we received $30 ($15 per person) daily to use every morning at Starbucks, which was conveniently located within the resort meaning we didn’t have to buy breakfast or lose time every morning deciding on where to eat.

If you're going to Vegas to gamble, make sure to use the loyalty points you're building up for redeeming food, experiences, and extra night stays. Playing at MGM Resort-owned casinos allowed my partner to use earned points to buy food at prestigious hotels like the Bellagio, Aria, and Mirage. To avoid losing accumulated points and offers, it is important to utilise them before departing. We regretfully lost a substantial number of points due to our inability to redeem them before leaving, which were acquired during our previous visits. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a record of all loyalty cards obtained and ensure to utilise the rewards before their expiry dates.

Finally, replacing breakfast and lunch with more affordable options from the supermarket or a cheap food-to-go place, means you can free up your budget to enjoy a lavish dinner with a scenic view in the evening. Therefore, prioritising quality experiences might entail having two economical meals and then splurging on a third meal in a romantic setting overlooking the dazzling lights of the strip.

4. Free Entertainment and Attractions in Las Vegas

Each of these attractions offers a slice of the unique Vegas experience without the need for a single cent, allowing you to engage yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and entertainment offerings for free.

Fountains of Bellagio: A captivating spectacle, the Bellagio Fountain show dazzles viewers with its choreographed water performances set to music and light. Shows occur frequently throughout the day and evening.

Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Forum Shops: This engaging animatronic show, featuring a 20-foot winged dragon, fire, and talking statues, takes place every hour at Caesars Palace Hotel. Nearby, explore a vast aquarium home to 300 saltwater fish.

Fremont Street Experience: Downtown Vegas comes alive in the evening with the Fremont Street Experience, showcasing live music and an impressive LED canopy display.

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat: Protected within the Flamingo Hotel & Casino, this habitat offers a serene escape with its array of exotic birds, including its namesake flamingos.

Bellagio Botanical Gardens: Free entry to the Bellagio's Botanical Garden allows visitors to admire the ever-changing floral displays, themed around the seasons and holidays.

The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian: Experience the ambience of Venice with live performances, watching gondola rides along the canal, and the beautifully painted sky ceiling, all within the Venetian Hotel.

Welcome to Las Vegas Sign: A quintessential Vegas landmark, the iconic sign is a popular spot for photographs. Accessible by walking, driving, or taking the Duce bus, it's a must-visit for every traveller.

The Volcano at the Mirage: Witness the explosive power of the Mirage's volcano eruption show, with fireballs and music. Front-row viewers should be mindful of the heat during this dramatic performance as my mobile overheated watching this from the strip.

5. Getting Around Vegas on a Budget

Travelling around Las Vegas without denting your wallet is simpler than you might think, thanks to a variety of public transport options. Here’s how you can explore the city affordably:

Bus: The Deuce bus is a cost-effective alternative to taxis, allowing you to traverse the length of the Strip and beyond. An excellent option for budget travellers is the 24-hour day pass, available for £6.10, which I used to explore both the Fremont Street Experience and the iconic 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign.

Shuttle: Find out if your accommodation offers complimentary shuttle services. These shuttles often provide round-trip transportation to key areas on the Strip and are an efficient way to save money. During my stay at the Rio All-Suite & Casino, the free shuttle service, operating every 30 minutes, significantly reduced our transportation costs.

Monorail: The Las Vegas Monorail spans a considerable section of the Strip, connecting the MGM Grand down to the Sahara station, meaning you can hop on and off at the resorts it passes by. At the last stop, you can simply get off and cross the road to experience the Strat Hotel which is at the very end of the strip. It’s an excellent way to beat the heat and skip the busy streets, providing a swift and cool ride with scenic views of the Strip.

Trams: The cheapest way to get around Vegas includes making use of the free trams that operate on the west side of the Strip. These trams offer convenient connections between several resorts and are a quick and cost-free method to move between major spots. The trams operating are:
- Mandalay Bay - Luxor - Excalibur Tram
- Monte Carlo - Aria - Bellagio Tram
- Mirage - Treasure Island Tram

Each of these options presents a practical solution for budget-conscious travellers, ensuring you can enjoy the best of Las Vegas without overspending on transportation.

6. How to Save Money with Deals and Discounts in Vegas

Las Vegas is a hub of exclusive offers and markdowns for those who are in the know. A fantastic resource for budget-conscious tourists is the array of discount websites and mobile applications dedicated to Las Vegas deals. The usual popular coupon sites, for example, regularly present discounted tickets for shows, tours, and dining experiences, all at a fraction of the original price. Furthermore, browsing through official Vegas tourist sites could grant access to reduced-price tickets for entertainment and attractions across the city.

In addition, enrolling in players' clubs at casinos can offer a multitude of rewards and discounts, even for those who are not avid gamblers. Simply registering for a club can earn free play credits, meal vouchers, and discounted rates on shows and accommodation. Although these clubs are typically designed to encourage spending, clever travellers can take advantage of initial offers without splurging or having to gamble.

Moreover, be on the lookout for coupon books accessible in taxi cabs, hotel lobbies, and tourist information stands. These books are often brimming with markdowns on anything from dining to helicopter tours over the Strip. Be sure to peruse one from the airport as soon as you touch down in Vegas.

Another piece of advice is to invest in a Las Vegas Explorer Pass or a Go Las Vegas Card if you plan on visiting multiple attractions. These passes can result in significant savings for those interested in exploring various sights and experiences across the city. They enable you to see multiple attractions at a lower combined price than paying for each one separately and often provide skip-the-queue privileges.

By integrating these strategies into your Vegas itinerary, you can unlock numerous opportunities to enjoy what the city has to offer at a substantially reduced cost, allowing you to allocate your budget to experiences instead of expenses.

7. Planning Your Visit to Vegas During the Off-Season

When it comes to planning your trip to Las Vegas, timing can make all the difference. By visiting during the off-season, which typically spans from January to April and late September to November, you can reap the benefits of a more affordable and enjoyable holiday experience.

One of the biggest advantages of travelling during the off-season is the decrease in demand for accommodation, shows, and attractions. As a result, hotels and resorts often offer enticing rates and package deals, which can include complimentary meals, show tickets, or casino credits, making your stay more valuable without an additional cost.

In addition to lower prices, the off-season also brings milder temperatures, making it more comfortable to explore the city on foot and save on transportation costs. Plus, with fewer tourists, you'll benefit from shorter queues and less crowded attractions, allowing you to make the most of your visit without the hassle of making your way through flocks of people. You may even have more opportunities to score last-minute tickets to popular shows and events at a reduced price.

Flight costs can also see a significant reduction in the off-season, with airlines and travel companies offering promotions to encourage travel during these quieter months. Keep an eye out for deals and be flexible with your travel dates to secure the best fares.

It's important to note, however, that some attractions, pools, or shows may be closed or have reduced hours during the off-season. Therefore, a bit of planning in advance can ensure that your visit to Las Vegas is not only budget-friendly but also full of the excitement and entertainment the city is famous for.

Overall, planning your trip to Las Vegas during the off-season can be a strategic move that allows you to enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank.

8. Search For the Best Deal when Booking Experiences

To truly experience the excitement and adventure that Las Vegas has to offer, it is important to do your research and find the best deals on shows, excursions, and day trips. The key to a successful and budget-friendly approach is to compare prices between service providers and tour booking sites, as there can often be significant disparities in pricing. Many booking sites also have exclusive agreements with providers, which can offer experiences at a lower cost than the direct websites of service providers.

Once you have identified the most cost-effective options, it is also worth scouring the internet for discount codes. Applying these codes at checkout can result in even greater savings, especially for high-ticket items like shows and helicopter tours. For example, on a recent trip to Las Vegas, I used an app that specialises in local experiences to book a tandem skydive and a hiking excursion with a visit to the Red Rock Canyon and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. By finding and applying discount codes, I was able to make these once-in-a-lifetime experiences more financially accessible.

Going beyond Las Vegas itself can also open a world of natural beauty and iconic landmarks in neighbouring states. On my previous trip, I took a day trip to Hollywood and explored the breathtaking Grand Canyon in Arizona. These types of excursions often include stops at other notable sites, such as the Hoover Dam and the historical Route 66 town of Seligman, Arizona. To get the most value and experience out of your adventure, it is advisable to confirm the itinerary with the tour provider and look for inclusive perks, such as packed lunches or admission fees to attractions, which were all included in the trips I bought.

Ultimately, whether you're soaring above the desert or exploring it on the ground, making informed booking choices can significantly enhance your Las Vegas experience. By doing your research and comparing prices, as well as applying discount codes and seeking out inclusive perks, you can enjoy everything this vibrant and thrilling destination has to offer without going over budget.

To conclude

With careful planning and smart choices, it's possible to explore Las Vegas without breaking the bank. Choosing the right accommodation, being strategic about dining, and taking advantage of free attractions and affordable transport are all ways to get the most out of the city while staying within budget.

To save money on travel expenses additional savings can be found through deals and discounts, enabling you to create unforgettable experiences. To achieve a wallet-friendly trip to Vegas, conducting thorough research, remaining open to different options, and utilising available resources are key.