Las Vegas On A Budget

Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Garden is always worth a visit, this huge space is transformed multiple times a year as the seasons change with an unashamedly over-engineered display of colours and natural beauty. With the giant animated roosters reminding you that you’re still in Vegas. It’s free to visit, and since every corner’s Insta-worthy, don’t be surprised if it’s packed.

Here’s where the city “began” — first hotel, first paved street — and you can celebrate vintage Vegas in futuristic fashion, for free. The main draw of the Fremont Street Experience is the Viva Vision LED canopy (the largest in the world), which hosts a nightly sound and light show every hour. Current tributes include Katy Perry, Shakira, and Steve Aoki. In between shows, live bands and DJs keep the party going across three stages every night.

You’ll clock up serious mileage in Vegas — Getting to 'just across the street' can take longer than you think — and even the hardiest walkers eventually cry mercy. Luckily, a few free trams are on hand to give your feet a breather: one links Mandalay Bay with Excalibur, while the Aria Express zips over to Bellagio and Park MGM. Taxis line up outside every hotel, but if you’d rather save your chips for the blackjack table, rideshare apps will shave a few dollars off the fare. The Deuce bus is another steal at $8 for 24 hours, trundling from Mandalay Bay all the way to Downtown. Just don’t cut it fine — Vegas traffic (and the odd Elvis impersonator boarding) means it can take its sweet time, so set off early if you’ve got a hot dinner reservation or show to make.