5 Las Vegas Budget Tips

In December 2023, Zach and Stefanie enjoyed a couple nights in Las Vegas. As we all know, VEGAS is EXPENSIVE. There is absolutely no doubt about it, however we wanted to provide cheap things to do in Las Vegas and some tips and tricks on how you can still have fun in the Sin City without spending too much money. Below is a list of hotel recommendations, transportation tricks and fun activities to do while you are visiting Las Vegas. 

1. Hotel Recommendation: 

We stayed at the Jockey Club Suites, which is a hotel located between the Bellagio and the Cosmopolitan. You probably never heard about the Jockey Club Suites, but it's an affordable way to stay on the Strip. The rooms are spacious, the staff was friendly and you can use the Cosmopolitan's amenities during your stay. The rooms are not glamorous, but include a full kitchen and living room. Some of the Suites even overlook the Bellagio Fountains. 

2. Bellagio Fountains: 

The Bellagio Water Show, is a fountain show in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and does not cost anything to watch and the show starts every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night. There is something so magical about the fountains, we have watched it several times over the last couple years and always enjoyed it. 

3. Transportation: 

While Vegas is extremely pedestrian friendly, distances between hotels can be far, and after a day of exploring, you will be tired of walking. Ubers and Lyfts are easy to order but it is sometimes hard to find where the designated Uber pick up spot is located and it could take a long time depending on traffic. There is affordable option called The Deuce. It is a double decker bus similar to the Big Red Bus tours. However, this bus takes you from the Airport all the way to Freemont Street for only $4. You can also get a day pass for $8, which is a lot cheaper than getting Ubers all day. The Deuce stops at all major casinos, which makes it super easy to get around.

4. Happy Hours and Budget Food: 

Food and Drinks in Vegas do not have to be expensive. There are so many great Happy Hour specials in the City. For example STK Las Vegas has a great Happy Hour which includes $7 Appetizers, half off cocktails and $10 rose. 

Another great Happy Hour is at Margaritaville Las Vegas, where you can get a good Margarita  that only costs you $8. We had several drinks there as we made our way to the Venetian Hotel. Happy Hour at Margaritaville is all day every day which means you do not have to plan your day around it. For food options, we recommend Istanbul Mediterranean as our number one budget food spot. The walk-up window offers authentic Turkish flavors and huge portions for a really good price on the Strip. There are a couple tables and chairs close by, but we would recommend ordering food to go. We have been going here for years and enjoyed our meal every time. The price is very reasonable and it's the perfect food for a night out with lots of drinks. It is located in the Grand Bazar Shops by the HorseShoe Casino. There is also a Ramen shop and a pizza by the slice place close by. 

Additionally, the Cosmpolitian Hotel has a food court full with delicious food options. For example, we tried David Chang's Bang Bar by Momofuku where you can try his signature roasted meat in a wrap or bowl. There is also a delicious secret pizza place hidden on the third floor at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. We ordered a whole pie for our family and it was around $30. The pizza was super yammi and we would totally go back. 

 

       

5. Neon Sign Museum: 

On our last day we visited the New Sign Museum Las Vegas. It has been on our bucket list for years and we were so excited to finally visit this tribute to an under appreciated art form. It is only $20 or less with student or military discount and includes a self-guided tour which provides the history of each sign. Despite what you might think, this attractions is good for day and night. At night you can bask in the beautiful glow of these vintage signs but during the day you can take better pictures of you and your friends next to the signs. We learned, that Las Vegas has an interesting history that was reflected through the different neon signs. The fragile glass tubes were all made by hand by artists, craftsmen and women and it was nice to see their hard work respected. It is super close to Freemont Street so we took The Deuce bus to avoid high Uber prices. During your next Las Vegas trip, definitely plan to come here, you won't regret it. 

    

Bonus Tip: 

Each Hotel and Casino is so unique and you can spend hours exploring and not spend a dime. Our favorites are the Venetian Las Vegas and New York New York .  Whether strolling along the canals of Venice or getting a slice of pizza at the replica time square, both places will transport you away from the Nevada desert. 

   

We hope this block post will help you planning your next Las Vegas trip showing that you don't have to spend a lot of money to have fun. We want to be an inspiration and show affordable ways to travel and to have fun in life. 

Please leave a comment if you know some other budget tips and tricks for Las Vegas.