Frugal Travel Tips For Las Vegas Attractions

I do not gamble so I am often asked why I go to Las Vegas at least once a year. answer? Free attractions make Las Vegas a frugal traveler's paradise (and we'll save the food discussion for another article). Almost every casino has some kind of freebie gimmick to attract gamblers. In this article, I'll cover what I want to see to give tourists a taste of Las Vegas.

Fountain show in Bellagio

With night comes the fountain show at Bellagio. In the vast pool of water on the strip edge of the casino, there are illuminated sprints of water dance in a variety of music, popular, classical and even opera. They usually show every 15 minutes (to be sure to check in with the casino), with a different song and each time.

Siren of ti

Every night, in front of Treasure Island on the Strip, a fight takes place between sexy sirens and renegade male pirates. There are usually four similarly child-friendly shows at night. Get there early to see the best (especially if you are challenged standing). Stand close and you may get a little wet.

Circus circus show

Circus Circus Casino on the Strip has a free yet world class midway act, including jugglers and trapeze acts, approximately every half an hour. I stayed for three shows and all three were different.

Fremont Street Experience

Las Vegas is more than a strip. Located in the center of the city, the historic Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian trail, billed as the largest large screen on the planet. There is a street performer, vendor and a light and sound show several times each night.

Ethel M's Chocolate Tour and Botanical Cactus Garden

Want to get away from the strip yet do something free? Check out the Ethel M Chocolate Factory (One Sunset Way). For the chocolate connoisseur (I bought chocolate from around the world for my mom, her favorite is Ethel M), a self-guided tour, free samples and products for sale.

Outside is the Botanical Cactus Garden, which has more than 350 types of cacti, local areas and suicides around the world (also free entry).

Note: There is an Ethel M at the airport if you're worried about melting chocolate (every time I go, check the hours of operation at the time of its closure).

Las Vegas has many, many other free attractions. Often changing attractions to keep the city fresh, exciting and thrifty traveler's paradise.