Las Vegas with its glittering lights, high rollers and big-name talent may seem like an unlikely destination for backpackers. With a little ingenuity and creativity there are many ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city on a budget.
Where to Stay
Despite the high profile of the luxury resorts, there are cheap hotels in Las Vegas. Some of the more affordable options for accommodation include:
- Hostels. Las Vegas is home to several hostels, some in the city proper and a few outside town. Amenities include swimming pools, free Wi-Fi and continental or make-your-own breakfasts. Rates can run as low as $14.00 per night if you don’t mind sharing a dormitory-style room.
- Downtown. Historic Downtown Las Vegas has a number of older hotel casinos with reasonable rates. You won’t find Jacuzzi tubs in your room or tiger shows in the casino, but you will get a clean, comfortable room starting at around $40.00 per night midweek.
- Off-Strip. Similar to Downtown in rooms and rates, moving off the strip, even by a few minutes walk can mean a significantly lower room rate.
- Camping. The KOA campground at the Circus Circus offers tent camping or Airstream travel trailer “cabins” at reasonable rates. Availability depends on the season so phone ahead and bear in mind Las Vegas’ often extreme climate!
What to Do
Even if you don’t have a huge stake to drop at the tables, you can still take advantage of the legendary nightlife in Las Vegas.
- Walk the Strip. In addition to the dazzling lights of the casinos, the strip offers a variety of free outdoor and indoor entertainments. Treasure Island stages a pirate show complete with sinking ships and sirens and the Mirage boasts a lighted waterfall “volcano” eruption. Tour the canals at the Venetian or explore the sights of an ersatz Paris.
- Fremont Street Experience. A four-block lighted screen comes to life every evening with animation and music. Some weekends feature street performers and artists.
- Take a Day Trip. For the more adventurous, bus tours leave Las Vegas almost daily for Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon. Packages start at around $50.00.
Where to Eat and Drink
Las Vegas has built a reputation as a fine dining destination in recent years, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to get a decent meal.
- Buffet. If it wouldn’t be Vegas without at least one trip to the buffet, the downtown Main Street Station offers a quality midweek breakfast or lunch for around $10.00.
- Mr. Lucky’s 24/7. This coffee shop in the Hard Rock has some of the best deals on quality food in Vegas. The after-midnight graveyard special includes steak and eggs or a burger and fries for around $5.00.
- Gamble a Little. All of the casinos provide free drinks to gamblers. Dropping $5.00 in the quarter slots can easily get you two beers or mixed drinks.
- Sign Up. Joining the casinos player’s clubs can often net you a handful of coupons for free meals, two-for-one drinks or entry to some of the more low-end shows. Be wary of drink minimums before redeeming those show tickets, though.
John is a guest blogger from Las Vegas Travel – see their guide to the best cheap hotels in Las vegas to find a room on a budget.
