Sample 3-Night Budget Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Strip
2:00 PM
Check into budget hotel
Treasure Island, LINQ, Flamingo, or off-strip options like Ellis Island
3:30 PM
Walk the Strip - FREE attractions
Bellagio Fountains, Mirage Volcano, Fall of Atlantis at Caesars
6:00 PM
Early bird or happy hour dinner
$6.99 steak at Ellis Island, hash house portions, or casino buffet deals
8:00 PM
Evening entertainment
Free lounge shows, piano bars, or discounted tickets from Tix4Tonight
10:00 PM
Downtown experience or casual gaming
Set a $20-50 gambling budget and stick to it
Day 2: Fremont Street & Downtown
9:00 AM
Free continental breakfast at hotel
Many budget hotels include breakfast
11:00 AM
Take the Deuce bus to Fremont Street ($6 day pass)
Explore Container Park, Fremont Street Experience canopy
1:00 PM
Cheap lunch downtown
$5 pizza slices, hot dogs, or Golden Gate shrimp cocktail ($3.99)
3:00 PM
Pool time at hotel or explore more free attractions
M&M World, Coca-Cola Store, Hershey's (free to walk through)
6:00 PM
Dinner at local favorite
Tacos El Gordo, Secret Pizza, or In-N-Out Burger
8:00 PM
Fremont Street live music & light shows
Free Viva Vision light shows every hour, live bands
10:00 PM
SlotZilla zipline (optional, $25-45)
Or enjoy the free entertainment and people-watching
Day 3: Shows & Hidden Gems
9:00 AM
Free breakfast + plan the day
Check Groupon and Tix4Tonight for show deals
11:00 AM
Visit free museums or attractions
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art ($19), or free Spring Preserve on certain days
1:00 PM
Lunch at food court or casino café
Many casinos have $7-12 meal deals with player's card
3:00 PM
Afternoon show or activity
Blue Man Group, Mac King (comedy magic $35), or Tournament of Kings
7:00 PM
Happy hour dinner & drinks
Many bars have 2-for-1 or free apps with drink purchase
9:00 PM
Walk the Strip at night
Best time for photos, fountains, and people-watching
Day 4: Departure Day
9:00 AM
Final breakfast, pack up
Grab complimentary breakfast before checkout
11:00 AM
Last-minute souvenir shopping
Walgreens has cheaper Vegas merch than casino shops
12:00 PM
Head to airport via shuttle or rideshare
Book in advance for better rates
Top Money-Saving Tips
Best Budget Hotels
- • Off-Strip: Ellis Island ($30-60), Gold Coast, Palace Station
- • Budget Strip: Excalibur, Luxor, LINQ ($50-100/night)
- • Fremont: Golden Nugget, Fremont, El Cortez ($40-80)
- • Tip: Book Sun-Thu for 50% savings vs. weekends
Free & Cheap Eats
- • Ellis Island steak: $6.99 with player's card
- • Casino comp meals: Play $20, get buffet voucher
- • Happy hours: 2-for-1 drinks + free apps (4-7 PM)
- • Food courts: Grand Bazaar Shops, Fashion Show Mall
Free Attractions
- • Bellagio Fountains (every 15-30 min, best at night)
- • Fremont Street Viva Vision light shows (hourly)
- • Mirage Volcano (nightly at 8 PM, 9 PM, 10 PM)
- • Fall of Atlantis show at Caesars Forum Shops
- • Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo (free flamingos, koi, turtles)
Show & Entertainment Deals
- • Tix4Tonight: 50% off same-day show tickets (multiple locations)
- • Groupon: Discounted shows, tours, and activities
- • Afternoon shows: Usually $20-40 cheaper than evening
- • Free shows: Lounge acts, piano bars, street performers
Transportation Hacks
- • 24-hour bus pass: $8 for unlimited rides (vs $6/ride Uber)
- • Walk the Strip: Save $20-30/day on short trips
- • Hotel shuttles: Many off-strip hotels offer free shuttles
- • Share rides: Split Ubers with travel companions
Gambling Smart
- • Set a strict budget ($20-50/day) and stick to it
- • Play lower-limit tables off-strip for longer fun
- • Sign up for player's cards (free meals, show tix, room upgrades)
- • Best odds: Blackjack, Craps, Video Poker (with strategy)
Sample Budget Breakdown (3 Nights)
Hotel (budget, 3 nights)$120 - $300
Food & drinks (smart choices)$100 - $200
Shows & entertainment$50 - $150
Transportation (bus passes, rideshare)$40 - $80
Gambling budget$60 - $150
Activities & miscellaneous$30 - $120
Total Per Person$400 - $1,000
Flights not included. Budget can be lower with strategic planning!
Ultra-Budget Challenge: $300 Total
- ✓ Stay off-strip ($90 for 3 nights)
- ✓ Free continental breakfasts + casino comps ($40 total food)
- ✓ Only free attractions + one $35 show ($35)
- ✓ Walk everywhere or use $8 bus pass ($15)
- ✓ Set $50 gambling limit ($50)
- ✓ Bring refillable water bottle, avoid expensive drinks ($20 drinks)
- ✓ Miscellaneous buffer ($50)