15 Free or Cheap Things to Enjoy on the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas has always catered to visitors with budgets of every size. Much like the world in general, there’s a growing gap between what’s fairly priced and what’s expensive in Las Vegas.

Businesses will always charge as much as they can for a good or service – until they start losing customers. The law of supply and demand is strong in Vegas.

Enough visitors are willing to pay high prices for just about everything if it’s in the location they want to be. This goes for everything from beer to blackjack.

Similar to the 1900s, prices are higher on the Vegas Strip because that’s where the majority of tourists spend their time.

But not everything will break your piggy bank. Here are 15 great options to eat, drink, and explore the Vegas Strip area on the cheap:

Cheap Eats and Drinks 🍴

New York-New York: Beerhaus is an indoor/outdoor bar attached to the casino. Local craft beer and snacks are $7 each during happy hour. The location makes it a great meeting spot before Golden Knights games.

The Linq: In-N-Out is pricier here than off-Strip, but still a solid deal. The best bang for your buck is a milkshake for about $3. Not only is this cheaper than most Vegas Strip, but it’s one of the best fast food shakes.

Cosmopolitan: The Hattie B’s tender meal in the Block 16 Food Hall is both delicious and one of the best values in a luxury resort. The $16 meal includes three huge tenders and two sides. It’s enough for two people, but you can add an extra tender for $3 if you want to split everything evenly.

Palace Station: Station Casinos offers great deals at all of its cafés, and Palace Station is no exception. Located just a few minutes west of the Sahara, this casino features an all-day cheeseburger and fries special for $5.99, $1.99 margaritas, and several late-night (graveyard) specials, including pancakes for $3.99. It’s a great value for anyone on the property – and still a solid deal if a group wants to split a rideshare.

Mandalay Bay: The Foundation Room has great views of the Vegas Strip and $6 beers during happy hour. Start the evening at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Elevate your escape to new heights. We'll see you at the Foundation Room. pic.twitter.com/hTfyRILD3G

— Mandalay Bay Resort (@MandalayBay) October 14, 2023

Park MGM: The sportsbook here isn’t a traditional betting spot. It’s more of a restaurant wrapped around a video poker sports bar. The attached quick-serve spot has a solid happy hour with food and beer for $7.77. You can also pair a $7.77 snack with a more deeply discounted $4 beer for even better value.

Planet Hollywood: Bars and restaurants in casino malls often offer lower prices to attract visitors who may spend most of their time gambling. La Salsa Cantina inside the Miracle Mile Shops has a $6.99 breakfast special (eggs, ham, bacon or sausage, potatoes, and tortillas) on weekdays. It’s $9.99 on weekends. Just note: no drink included.

Caesars Palace: Carmine’s in the Forum Shops is a family-style Italian restaurant with giant portions. Regular prices are decent for the Strip, but the $10 meatball sliders during Happy Hour are a steal for a light meal. There are more options for Happy Hour but that’s the most filling option.

Casino Royale: This casino has been a haven for low rollers for years. While more expensive than 10 years ago, Casino Royale has $3 beers all day and night. You won’t find a cheaper beer on the Strip.

Budget-Friendly Gaming 🎰

Excalibur: Many casinos offer free gambling lessons for games on the main casino floor, such as craps and roulette. Excalibur is one of the few properties that offers free poker lessons. This isn’t available at most properties because poker is one of the lowest revenue generators for Las Vegas casinos.

OYO: The casino across the street from the MGM Grand has $1 blackjack every day. It pays even money on a blackjack instead of 3:2 or 6:5. Those higher-paying versions are available for a larger minimum bet.

Our new electronic blackjack machines are fresh outta the Interblock warehouse & ready to play! $1 blackjack, anyone? 🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OLRydgI8cj

— OYO Hotel & Casino Las Vegas (@oyolasvegas) February 22, 2024

Ellis Island: Just behind Horseshoe and Paris on Koval, this spot has $5 craps and cheap eats around the clock.

Circus Circus: The Slots-A-Fun area that’s right on the Vegas Strip is the only place on the Strip with coin-operated slots. You can max bet a quarter reel slot for just 75 cents. That’s cheaper than a lot of “penny” slots nearby. They also have $2 beers and hot dogs.

Entertainment Options 🎭

Aria: One of the pricier luxury resorts in Vegas, Aria still offers free entertainment in select lounges and is filled with great artwork. Take a free walking tour of the Aria Fine Art Collection. There are 20 art pieces throughout the property from artists such as James Turrell and Jenny Holzer.

Bellagio: The Botanical Gardens and the Fountain Show remain two of the best free attractions on the Strip. Nuff said.

Covers Expert Tip

"One of the best Strip hacks is to visit a CVS or Walgreens. Prices for everything – from snacks to booze to basics – are way cheaper than what you'll pay in the casino. It’s often the first stop for experienced Vegas visitors. Pro tip: Grab moisturizer and lip balm. Vegas’s dry heat is no joke, especially if you're drinking."

Marc Meltzer, Casino Writer