Surviving 24 Hours in Las Vegas on Only $100

Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour, and endless entertainment, which makes it easy to see how even the most seasoned visitors can find themselves on a tight budget during their stay. If you ever find yourself in this situation, fear not, because with a little creativity and strategic planning, you can still have an unforgettable time on the Las Vegas Strip without breaking the bank. I recently experienced this firsthand during my last day in Las Vegas while staying at Paris Las Vegas, armed with only $100 in my budget for the next 24 hours. Here's a look at how I made the most of my limited funds:

Breakfast at Ocean One

The day began with a trip to the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. The Miracle Mile Shops offer several budget friendly breakfast options, but I headed straight to Ocean One to take advantage of their $5.99 breakfast special. The bar area at Ocean One features open seating, and I was able to grab a spot right away. The meal included a full plate of eggs, toast, ham, and potatoes, which was a great way to start the day without emptying my wallet. With a decent tip, my total expenditure was around $10, leaving me with $90 for the rest of the day.

A Little Bit of Gambling

Of course, I wasn't planning on doing a lot of gambling with only $100 left, but I'm in Las Vegas so a little gambling is almost inevitable. I stopped by a sports betting kiosk and put $5 on some long-shot parlays. This way, I had a reason to keep an eye on various games throughout the day and maintained a glimmer of hope that I might strike it lucky and head home with more than just memories. 

If you are new to sports betting, a parlay is a type of wager that allows you to combine multiple games into a single bet, with the potential for higher payouts. Simply check any sports website to view the games being played that day and do your best to predict the winner of each one. The more games you pick, the higher the payout, but picking just one game wrong means you lose the entire bet.

RElaxing By the Pool

After a satisfying breakfast and a small gambling thrill, I decided to make the most of the sunny Vegas weather. I headed to the pool at Paris Las Vegas, where I spent a peaceful 2-3 hours lounging and relaxing. I treated myself to one drink that set me back $15, but the relaxation was well worth it.

There's really no better place to kill time on a tight budget in Las Vegas than your hotel pool. You already paid for it when you booked your room (and then again when you paid the scam charges known as resort fees), so why not take advantage of it.

Lunch at In-N-Out and Free Entertainment

For lunch, I took a leisurely stroll to the Linq Promenade. There, I enjoyed an always delicious burger at the budget-friendly In-N-Out burger joint, which cost me just around $10. While eating my meal, I sat outside and engaged in a little people-watching. While it may not be the most exciting entertainment the strip has to offer, people-watching in Las Vegas can certainly lead to some very memorable sights.

As the day progressed, I took advantage of the many free entertainment options that Las Vegas has to offer. I strolled through the Flamingo Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas, admired the always breathtaking displays at the Bellagio Conservatory, and, of course, enjoyed the mesmerizing Bellagio Fountains show. These attractions always prove to be worth a stop no matter how many times you've visited in the past.

Nightlife on a Budget

While walking the strip, I happen to see that Martin Garrix was performing at Omnia Nightclub on this night. However, cover charges for such a show is typically quite steep. But, if you know who to look for then these fees can be avoided. I found a promoter who added me to the guest list, granting me free entry into the nightclub later that night.

Promoters for the major Las Vegas nightclubs can always be found hanging around the hotel and casino in which the nightclub resides. They are typically wearing a suit jacket and you'll see them offering free entry to passing visitors. Even if a promoter does not offer free entry specifically to you, you can typically take advantage of the deal by simply asking.

Dinner at The Cosmopolitan

For dinner, I headed to STK Steakhouse at The Cosmopolitan during their Happy Hour. I savored a delicious salmon slider, a shrimp cocktail, and a classic Manhattan cocktail, and the total bill came to $35, including a tip.

If you are looking for a gourmet and budget-friendly dinner option in Las Vegas, then there's no better spot than STK. The Happy Hour at STK runs Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 pm, and on Friday from 3 to 5 pm. They offer an extensive cocktail list, with each drink costing $11, and an even better dining menu consisting of crab cake sliders, miso glazed seabass, and much more. All food items are only $7. 

One thing to note, the food is served in very small portions, so you will want to order a minimum of 2 items. But, even at $14, this is the best overall dining experience you can have in Las Vegas for the price.

Keeping the Night Going:

The night was still young, and I was determined to make the most of every moment. To keep the party going, I made a pit stop at the ABC Stores at the Miracle Mile Shops and treated myself to a $4 Blue Moon beer before heading to The Underground at OYO to catch the Golden Knights game.

The Underground features a hometown bar vibe with a very friendly staff and welcoming patrons. Best of all, The Underground serves $2 beers all day long to stretch even the tightest of budgets. I stayed at The Underground for nearly 3 hours, watched the Golden Knights get a big win, and met some really fun people.

To cap off my Las Vegas adventure, I returned to Omnia Nightclub with my free entry and took in the sights and sounds of the vibrant nightlife scene that Vegas is renowned for.

In conclusion, spending 24 hours on the Las Vegas Strip with only $100 is indeed possible with a bit of budgeting, creative planning, and making the most of the city's free offerings. From savoring budget-friendly meals and enjoying free attractions to finding ways to gain complimentary entry into nightclubs, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic of Las Vegas without breaking the bank. So, whether you're a returning Vegas visitor or a first-timer, keep these tips in mind to make your trip to Sin City a memorable one, regardless of your budget!