The Strip's free classics
Bellagio fountains: every 30 minutes 3pm to 8pm, every 15 minutes 8pm to midnight. Best view from the Cosmopolitan's terrace. Bellagio Conservatory (inside the lobby) changes displays five times a year, always free. Aria's fine art collection includes a Maya Lin sculpture. The Venetian's Grand Canal ceiling is worth 10 minutes even if you skip the gondolas. The Waldorf Astoria's 23rd-floor Sky Bar has no cover to enter, though you will pay $22 for a cocktail.
Downtown and beyond
Fremont Street's Viva Vision canopy show runs at the top of every hour from 6pm, and the free zipline (SlotZilla) is watchable from below. The Neon Museum's outdoor 'Neon Boneyard North Gallery' is free to view from the sidewalk on Las Vegas Boulevard. Container Park has fire-breathing praying mantis at sunset. The Arts District First Friday street festival (first Friday of every month) is free and worth planning around.
Outdoors, no fee
Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead: 3.7 miles one way through five old rail tunnels, spectacular lake views. Free with the $25 rec-area pass, or park at the trailhead outside the fee area for zero cost. Sunset on Frenchman Mountain (drive to the top on Sunrise Mountain Access Road for a 360-degree valley view). Springs Preserve has free-admission Friday afternoons for Nevada residents but the outdoor trails are always free.
Good to know
What is the best free show in Vegas?+
The Bellagio fountains, unanimously. Fifteen-minute intervals after 8pm, choreographed to different music each cycle.
Can I visit casinos without gambling?+
Yes. Nevada casinos are free to enter and walk through. Bellagio, Wynn, Aria, and the Venetian all have museum-quality lobbies and art.
Are the Vegas holiday lights worth seeing?+
Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden (Henderson) lights 3 million bulbs mid-November through early January, free entry. The Bellagio Conservatory does a huge Christmas display.
What free things can I do with kids in Vegas?+
The Flamingo wildlife habitat, Bellagio fountains, the M&M store, and Circus Circus midway acts (free clown and acrobat performances every 30 minutes).