30 of The Best Freebies 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.
11. Mirage aquarium & rainforest
The Mirage is one of my favorite resorts. I love the tropical theme, which includes a gorgeous pool area, a giant 20,000 gallon saltwater fish tank in the lobby, and a lush tropical rainforest. The hotel is beautiful, offers moderate pricing, and never feels as over congested as some of the more trendy options.
Take a mini vacation via a walk through the gorgeous tropical atrium, of which gardeners spend 100’s of hours each week maintaining all sorts of tropical plants and flowers, all of which is housed under an 100 foot dome.
With waterfalls and palm trees, it really is a breath of fresh air in comparison to the surrounding Nevada desert. Additionally, any Vegas Vacation fans will love seeing the huge colorful saltwater tank. Not an all day activity, of course, but worth checking out if you are staying/dining at the Mirage.
Update: Another iconic attraction gone! Sadly, The Hard Rock will replace The Mirage in 2027.
12. Venetian Italian painted ceilings
The amazing hand painted ceilings at the Venetian were designed by Italian artists to mimic the Sistine Chapel. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you really need to take a walk through this stunning casino. The entire building is a work of art. Strolling around the resort, you will notice a number of Venice inspired replicas including Palazzo Ducale, Piazza San Marco, Piazzetta di San Marco, the Lion of Venice Column and the Column of Saint Theodore, St Mark’s Campanile, and the Rialto Bridge.
I think this resort is a bit too pricey, but I do love walking around and enjoying the artwork. Also, there is a wonderful award-winning restaurant I love for brunch called Bouchon. A bit pricey, but they serve delicious French food and you can sit on a gorgeous patio near the pool.
13. The Golden Nugget Shark Tank
The Golden Nugget has received worldwide recognition for their unique pool area which includes a glass enclosed slide through a shark tank. I saw it spotlighted on the Travel Channel years ago and knew I had to see it in person. You’ll gain admission to this super cool pool as a guest of the hotel, however, you can still view it for free even if you are not staying on-site.
The 200,000 gallon tank features 5 species of shark and all sorts of colorful exotic fish. Not necessarily worthy of a separate drive, however, I recommend checking it out if you are heading to Fremont St. for other activities such as the Fremont Street Experience.
14. Fall of Atlantis show
This free show at Caesar’s Forum Shops features lifelike animatronics telling the myth of Atlantis. It’s a pretty entertaining (albeit cheesy and low tech) little 15 minute show with lots of special effects, making it a welcome little break from walking around the massive Forum shops area (I’ve never seen a bigger shopping area). And while you are here, be sure to check out the 50,000 gallon aquarium.
15. CBS Television Research Center
At this neat little research center at the MGM Grand, you will be able to watch a pilot for a potential new TV series. For anyone looking for a unique free experience, visiting the CBS Television Research Center is an idea. Giving your personal feedback on whether or not a TV show should be picked up is a fun way to kill an hour or 2. Who knows, you could be deciding the fate of the next big hit like Friends. It’s free, fun, and only requires an hour or so of your time. Plus, you will get lots of coupons just for showing up.
Update: Unfortunately, the research center has closed. Too bad, it was pretty cool to know you had a say in choosing what goes on the air.
16. WSOP signed table at Binion’s
Binion’s casino, known as “the place that made poker famous,” hosted the first World Series in 1970 with no poker room. Any poker fans will definitely want to take a glimpse at the poker table, which is signed by various professionals. As Mike and I are huge fans of watching The World Series, this was definitely really fun to see in person! It won’t take up much time so I recommend it as an add on before seeing the Fremont Street Experience.
17. Bellagio Chocolate Fountain
The Bellagio is home to a number of wonderful free attractions, amongst them the world’s tallest chocolate fountain. This amazing work of art can be found at the Jean-Philippe Patisserie, a delicious European chocolate shop located near the beautiful gardens. You will feel as if you are in Willy Wonka’s workshop as you marvel at 3 different types of chocolate totaling over 2000 pounds, enticingly flowing from a 27 foot tall glass case. It is a visually stunning work of art that will have your mouth watering for a sweet treat.
It’s hard not to be tempted by the mountains of pastries and sweets over flooding the shelves of this European chocolatier. A word of advice: combine this activity with the gardens and fountain show to save yourself some walking!
18. Swarovski Starburst
Each night at 9pm and Midnight in front of Bally’s, the 55 foot Swarovski Starburst crystal drops in a New Year’s Eve style fashion. Comprised of 900 crystals and 1800 LED lights, and weighing 4000 pounds, it is like a mini Times Square celebration every night, which of course is very fitting for the entertainment capital of the world. The lights change in tune with music for a really dazzling, can’t-miss experience.
19. Grand Canal Shoppes
Let’s start by saying that I hate shopping while on vacation. I can shop at home – why waste my time on a great vacation when this city has so much more to offer? The one exception to the rule is the luxurious Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. The designers really did a great job here replicating the feeling of Venice, complete with gondola rides (pricey but worth it for a romantic date), lovely architecture, outdoor cafes and gelato shops, romantic restaurants, and even a replica of St. Mark’s Square.
It’s a gorgeous place to take a stroll, and not at all overwhelming like some of the massive, mile plus shopping areas like Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Miles and Caesars Forum Shops.
20. The Linq Promenade
The Linq Promenade is a fun outdoor entertainment district filled with all sorts of unique shops and restaurants, and of course the High Roller, the largest Ferris Wheel in the world. It’s a fun place to take a little stroll if you need a break for a bit. Plus, there always seems to be lots of exciting free things going on. During the Christmas season, they have fake snow falling by the tree in addition to free concerts and live entertainment.
