The Las Vegas Strip provides glitz and glamour. It also has an “expensive” connotation. Therefore, many travelers avoid the Strip because they are concerned they may not be able to afford the trip. Fortunately, experiencing the Las Vegas Strip to the fullest on a tight budget is not only possible, it’s actually quite simple. We’ll show you how to How to Experience the Las Vegas Strip to the Fullest on a Tight Budget …
Every Visitor Must Experience the Bellagio Fountains Show
Las Vegas is known for its amazing shows. One of the best shows in town – the Bellagio Fountains show – is free. In front of the world famous Bellagio Hotel and Casino rests a row of gorgeous fountains. From 3 p.m. until midnight (Mon-Fri) and 12 p.m. until midnight (weekends) – once every half hour – dance in unison to the sounds of Frank Sinatra or other legendary musicians.
To ensure you have a good view of the fountain show, make sure you arrive at least 5-10 minutes early. There are usually places to stand with a great view either across the street in front of Paris Hotel & Casino or directly in front of the Bellagio fountains as long as you arrive a bit early.
Play a Role in Determining the Fate of a Potential CBS Television Show
Tired of all those mediocre television shows that come and go? Here is your chance to help determine the fate of potential CBS television shows at MGM Grand. Upon entering the MGM Grand hotel you will notice employees passing out tickets to the CBS Research Center. These tickets are good for free admission to a taping of a pilot episode of a potential CBS television series.
You won’t be able to choose the type of show you get to watch, but the experience is entertaining regardless. During the show, you will rate how interested you are in the show. Your opinions will be used to determine if the show will ever make it to television. This is a cool experience and will only take about an hour out of your day. After you’re done rating the show, you will receive some free coupons. Sometimes patrons receive cash as well ($20-$50 usually).
Nothing Beats Sightseeing in Las Vegas
You’ve seen pictures of the bright lights and fancy hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Now it’s time to experience it firsthand. Sightseeing is something every Las Vegas visitor must do. There are few places in the world with better sightseeing opportunities than the Las Vegas Strip.
You will have a few different sightseeing options. You can walk the Strip, which is about 4 miles in length (preferred). The monorail costs $5 per way and that isn’t a bad idea if you want to avoid driving through Las Vegas Boulevard or walking. The other options are to ride the Deuce or Strip Express bus ($8 for 24 hours) or drive. Whichever sightseeing option you choose, make sure you don’t miss stopping by any of the following spots (and don’t forget your camera!):
• Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and Chocolate Fountain inside Bellagio
• Eiffel Tower outside Paris Hotel and Casino
• Forum Shoppes at Caesars Palace
• M&M World next to MGM Grand
• Hershey’s Chocolate World at New York New York
• CityCenter
• The Linq (shopping and dining center next to Flamingo and The LINQ hotel)
Start at Mandalay Bay (south end of the Strip) and work your way to the Stratosphere (north end of the Strip, and also one of the world’s highest points). You can spend hours of fun simply by walking or driving down the Strip, viewing all the fancy hotels and sights. At night, the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip provide some amazing scenery.
Eating Cheap Scrumptious Meals Near the Strip
Although many restaurants on or near the Las Vegas Strip are expensive, there are some hidden gems. Whether you’re in the mood for a pizza, sandwich or a steak, Las Vegas has an affordable tasty restaurant to satisfy your appetite. The first hidden gem is located directly behind the Strip – Ellis Island Casino.
Ellis Island is a block east of the Horseshoe, or a 5-minute walk from the Strip. At Ellis Island, you can indulge in the best $8.99 complete steak dinner you’ll ever have. The meal includes a tasty 8-ounce steak, vegetables, a choice of potato, a side salad and a beer or root beer. It’s tough to eat better for less than $10.
Not in the mood for a steak? There are many other inexpensive options. Grab a delicious footlong hot dog inside Casino Royale for just $1.99. If that doesn’t strike your fancy either, certainly one of these options will:
- A burger at Johnny Rockets. There are nearly a dozen on the Strip. You will find a coupon on Groupon for $6, which is good for $12 worth of food.
- A slice of pizza, side salad and soda at Pop’s Pizza. Located directly across Las Vegas Boulevard from Mandalay Bay. Less than $10 for this combo. Pizza there is very good.
- There are food courts in most of the hotels on the Strip with inexpensive popular restaurants such as McDonald’s, Subway, etc.
Enjoying your trip to Las Vegas doesn’t have to be expensive. We hope us showing you How to Experience the Las Vegas Strip to the Fullest on a Tight Budget has provided many great activities and places to eat on the Las Vegas Strip that are inexpensive. Enjoy your vacation!
