Nothing in life is free. Yeah, tell that to people who get to enjoy all of the free — yes, free — attractions in Vegas.
Sure, you’re probably plunking your hard-earned dollars into the slots or throwing dolla’ dolla’ bills on the tables, but come on, once you’ve folded, it’s nice to know you can still get something (for nothing) out of Sin City.
1. The Mirage Volcano
Experience the eruption of a volcano — minus the catastrophic damages. Every night in front of The Mirage, you can check out a force of nature, kind of. This man-made volcano erupts nightly, weather permitting, at 8pm and 9pm. Friday and Staurday nights feature a third explosion at 10pm. Think smoke and fire rising 100 feet into the arid Las Vegas air. Set to music. It’s like nature meets Las Vegas.
2. Bellagio Fountains
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The famed fountains outside of Bellagio cannot be missed. Just ask the throngs of people who line-up against the fence each day to witness the spectacular water show unfold in the 8-acre lake. These dancing fountains are timed to music ranging from classical to Broadway and more. To check out the free beauty, head to the front of the hotel after 3 p.m. during the week, or noon on weekends. Shows run until midnight and operate every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night. Take note — if it is windy, the show won’t go on.
3. The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
You’ve probably seen the infamous sign in posters, on T-shirts … well, just about everywhere when Vegas is mentioned. This iconic sign can also be in your own photos. Located at both the North and South ends of The Strip (the popular one is just south of Mandalay Bay), the sign is open 24 hours a day. You can glimpse newlyweds smooching, bachelorettes getting that final Facebook photo before heading out to the clubs and even Big Bird. Just say “cheese.”
4. Bellagio Conservatory
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Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Once you’ve enjoyed the free fountains, step inside Bellagio to explore the conservatory and botanical gardens. The whimsical botanical gardens are updated seasonally and have been known to feature everything from a working water mill to cranberry-filled ponds. There are more than 100 horticulturists who maintain the gardens, arranging floral works of art around gazebos and winding pathways.
5. The Wildlife Habitat
Housed at The Flamingo, The Wildlife Habitat is a popular free attraction for families. Inside the habitat, animal-lovers can find a flock of Chilean Flamingos, plus plenty of other feathered friends. The newest addition to the exhibit are brown pelicans rescued from California in 2012. Set next to the Flamingo pool area, it’s a chance to view entirely different animals.
6. Fremont Street Experience
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Downtown Las Vegas is not to be skipped for the freebies. Sure, you can get a thrill simply people-watching here, but the Fremont Street Experience is the real attraction for out-of-towners. Simply look up at the canopy packed with millions of LED lights to create different displays set to music. Plus, there are heaps of free concerts to enjoy between the light shows.
7. First Friday
Spread over Downtown, First Friday is the merging of art and culture. And locals. Here, you can stroll through the many galleries packed into the Arts District, sip wine (OK, that’s not free), and check out the local art scene. There’s live music, performances and more. It runs the first Friday of every month (hence the name) and is a perfect way to get a glimpse of real(!), live(!) people living in Vegas.
8. Circus Acts at Circus Circus
If you don’t want to spend time at AdventureDome, the huge indoor amusement park at the children-friendly resort, then head over and visit the circus midway. The kiddies will love the free circus shows they can enjoy, complete with jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists and other performers. Yes, there are clowns. Bragging rights: it’s the world’s largest permanent circus. The fun starts every day at 11 a.m.
9. CityCenter Fine Art Collection
CityCenter offers free art for your culture fix. Artists like Maya Lin, Henry Moore and others are packed into the property for your viewing pleasure. It may be packed into the high-end shopping area, but the art here is truly stunning and worth turning a blind eye to Prada for.
10. Cosmopolitan Art
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Speaking of art, The Cosmopolitan resort is packed with art. From the cool Art-O-Matic machines where you can snatch up original art for a few bucks, to the world’s biggest chandelier to the huge high-heeled shoe you can take a photo with, art abounds thanks to Cosmopolitan’s embracing artists like Yoko Ono and other big names.
Editor’s Bonus Picks
Ka Open House
Enter the spectacle and fantasy world of Cirque du Soliel … without spending a penny. Every Tuesday and Saturday, Ka opens its world to the public. Located inside MGM, guests can get a behind-the-scenes look at the renowned show and what goes into creating the whimsical world of Ka. Opens houses run Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and Saturdays at noon and 12:30 p.m. To take advantage of this opportunity and experience the world of Cirque, simply check-in at the theater doors.
Jame Turrell’s “Akhob”
Who would have thunk the latest art installation would come courtesy of Louis Vuitton? Well, it has. The French luxury store at City Center is now home to a permanent piece of art, Jame Turrell’s “Akhob,” meaning pure water in Egyptian. Housed on the fourth floor, the installation is the largest of the artist’s light fields and is made up of two chambers with circular openings and a pattern of light in pinks, blues and orange which slowly changes in 24-minute cycles. Take the time and chill out from the sensory overload of The Strip with Turrell’s latest piece. By reservation only (702) 730-3150.
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