30 Ways to Save Money in Las Vegas
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
21. Avoid the endless shops
If shopping is your temptation, then you will want to avoid the massive complexes found in resorts such as Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood. These areas seriously go on forever (Planet Hollywood is home a mile long string of shops known as the Miracle Mile Shops). Out of sight, out of mind! You are better off using your time to do something new and interesting, so leave the typical shopping for home.
22. Make coffee in your room
Coffee prices in Vegas are astronomically high, especially in the higher end resorts like Bellagio and The Venetian. Save yourself a bit of money and the hassle of waiting in endlessly long lines by brewing your own in your room to take on the go. Not a fan of room coffee? Me either. Skip the Starbucks and at least try something new. Sambalatte is a local gem which I sometimes splurge on while in town.
23. Look for free live music/shows
If you would rather not dish out the money for a pricey show, you can always enjoy the live music/entertainment at the casinos. For example, Circus Circus has a daily Circus acts show starting at 11:30am on weekends and 1:30 on Monday-Thursday. The nightly free light show on Fremont Street is worth a look too. In addition, many other resorts like Bellagio and The Wynn offer free shows in various lounges. Check the entertainment section on the website of your favorite casino for a lineup.
24. Check hotel websites for special promotions and packages
Many hotels offer package deals that may include air + hotel, spa/show packages, discounted rates the longer you stay, and more. Compare various hotels to find your preferred deal! Also check the hotel’s rate calendar to compare how prices vary throughout the month/year. Check specialty discount sites like Best of Vegas for exclusive deals and email alerts when prices drop.
25. Consider purchasing a Go City Pass
This sightseeing pass includes admission to over 30 attractions including the roller coaster at New York, New York, Eiffel Tower Experience, High Roller observation wheel, The Stratosphere observation deck, and many more. An all inclusive pass or multi day pass (choosing your attractions) is available.
26. Plan one nice restaurant a day
Plan a fancy dinner for each night of your trip, and then go cheap with breakfast and lunch. Some affordable options include: PF Changs, Subway, Chipotle, Chilis. You will also find typical fast food chains like McDonalds, White Castle, Del Taco, Wendy’s, etc. If you have car, Jason’s Deli is a wonderful affordable unlimited salad bar restaurant with several locations throughout Vegas and the suburbs.
27. Book everything well in advance
The earlier you book hotels and airline tickets, the better the deals. Be flexible and compare prices on different dates to score the top deals. You can also sign up for a casino email list or check the company Twitter (X) page to be alerted of special/last minute deals.
28. Get a massage off The Strip
A spa package at any resort could easily cost hundreds of dollars. A more affordable option is to visit a basic chain offering like Massage Envy or look on Groupon for special deals to local spas. The one spa I will say was a really wonderful deal was Drift at Palms Place. They offer the best seasonal specials and the spa facilities are so amazing. They also have a co-ed Hammam steam room which is pretty rare.
29. Purchase a case of water bottles
If you are driving this will be easier as you can just stock a case (or 2) in your car. If flying, purchase a case at a Walgreens/CVS to keep in your hotel room (an easy walk from any hotel). This will help you reduce the temptation to spend $1-2 for a single water bottle (plenty of vendors will tempt you with overpriced ice cold bottles). You will need lots of water in this dry desert climate, so stock up and avoid unnecessary extra fees!
Another frugal tip is to purchase a few cheap breakfast items like fruit, yogurt, granola bars, or muffins to enjoy a budget friendly breakfast in your room as opposed to a pricey buffet or cafe. The same goes for forgotten basic necessities like a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunblock where you are better off purchasing at a convenience store instead of the hotel’s overpriced gift shop!
30. Skip nightclubs
Or at least only visit no cover bars. Paying a cover charge when you are already paying for drinks is the biggest waste of money. There are plenty of fun, affordable things to do at night besides clubs. If you must, research clubs without cover charges, and preferably those that offer some unique theme that you cannot see at home.
Seahorse Lounge inside Caesars Palace is one nice free option (this unique lounge features a relaxed setting centered around a 1700 gallon seahorse fish tank). Revolution is a cool Beatles themed lounge inside the Mirage, and the Petrossian Lounge inside the Bellagio features a classy setting with piano music and afternoon tea service. These are just a few options – most lounges and piano bars have free entry. Update: Seahorse and Revolution have closed.
More ways to save…
Instead of paying for the new pricey Linq High Roller, purchase a 2 for 1 deal to the Eiffel Tower Experience at Tix 4 Tonight Booth. Even if there are no deals available, I would recommend this attraction. I really love the glass elevator ride up to the observing area.
Skip the Stratosphere rides and visit the observation deck instead for the same great views. The rides are too pricey in my opinion.
If you want to play games…Skip the pricey arcades at the casinos and head to the Pinball Museum Hall of Fame. This unique arcade museum features more pinball machines than you can imagine, some dating back to the 50’s. Games are just 25-75 cents so you can keep playing til your heart’s desire.
Skip touristy restaurants which tend to be majorly overpriced and overcrowded.
Skip typical tourist attractions like Madame Tussaud’s wax museum which you can do elsewhere in the country. Focus your energy (and money) on things you cannot do elsewhere!
Spend a day away from the action for a relaxing trek into nature. You are within a half day’s drive from many outstanding natural parks and attractions like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Horseshoe Bend, Zion National park, and the Grand Canyon. You might as well take advantage of a national park or 2 while you are in the area!
If you want to keep it closer, there are many parks and preserves in the immediate area. Red Rock Canyon is an amazing recreational area where you can hike, bike, and take a scenic drive around stunning rock formations. I highly recommend checking it out while you are in such close proximity.
Limit souvenirs to just one or 2 unique items. Consider how likely you are going to be to display multiple themed knick knacks or will they just end up in the trash?
Take out cash before your trip so you do not have to waste money on unnecessary ATM fees.
Set up a budget plan before you leave. Make up an itinerary and stick to it.
Skip soft drinks. Your restaurant bills will be lower. You should be drinking more water anyways due to the dry climate.
Book a hotel in the center of the Strip. Most of these offer cheaper rates, plus you have more convenient walkable access to the top attractions. More affordable options include: the Flamingo, Bally’s, Paris, Harrah’s, and Planet Hollywood. I recommend the Paris, a wonderful mid price option walkable to everything (check out my review for more details).
