Travel & Experiences

Things to do in Las Vegas for under $21

By Steve Friess Special to The Los Angeles Times Once upon a time, Las Vegas was synonymous with bargains. Then cheap buffets, lounge acts and inexpensive hotel rooms gave way to Michelin Guide star-rated restaurants, Cirque du Soleil extravaganzas and luxury suites at the Bellagio. But all is not lost, even in these tough economic times when gas prices alone may make you reconsider a Vegas trip. These 21 ideas, each for less than $21, show that Vegas is still the land of the cheap and home of the free, if you know where to look.v

By Steve Friess
Special to The Los Angeles Times

Once upon a time, Las Vegas was synonymous with bargains. Then cheap buffets, lounge acts and inexpensive hotel rooms gave way to Michelin Guide star-rated restaurants, Cirque du Soleil extravaganzas and luxury suites at the Bellagio. But all is not lost, even in these tough economic times when gas prices alone may make you reconsider a Vegas trip. These 21 ideas, each for less than $21, show that Vegas is still the land of the cheap and home of the free, if you know where to look.v  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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1. Pinball Hall of Fame

This 10,000-square-foot storefront is a hidden treasure where you can play vintage pinball machines for 25-50 cents. It’s a nonprofit effort run by Tim Arnold, a former arcade chain owner with a collection that dates from the 1950s to the 1990s. The Pinball Hall of Fame is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at 1610 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV. For more information and to get a 3D view, visit online.  (SARA TRAMIEL / For the Times)

2. Dueling piano competitions

At two locations, pianists play and the audience chooses a winner by applause. Check out the Piano Bar at Harrah’s Las Vegas (9 nightly) and the Bar at Times Square at New York New York (8 nightly). Free at Harrah’s; $15 at New York New York.  (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

4. Wireless internet

The lobbies and casino areas of the Palazzo and Venetian are among the few spots on the Strip where you can find unfettered access. Power up and log on. Free.

Pictured: The casino in the Palazzo.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

9. The Neon Museum

The Neon Museum tells the fascinating history of Las Vegas with more than 150 iconic neon signs as the backdrop. Daytime tours are $18 for adults and $12 for seniors, students, NV residents active military and veterans. Cost for night tours is $25 and $22 respectively. The Neon Boneyard houses recognizable signs that once hung on the Strip, including the Moulin Rouge, the Stardust, the Aladdin, the Treasure Island skulls, the Sahara and the original Caesars Palace neon sign.  (Sam Morris / Associated Press)

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