Want to enjoy the city without breaking the bank? Put this on your to-do list: Dine at a French bistro for breakfast, visit a celebrity-themed wax museum, see famous East Coast landmarks, eat New York-style pizza, explore one of the many sweet places in town, ride the world’s largest observation wheel and go for happy hour at an eclectic entertainment venue—all for under $100.
Morning
Start the day off at Thomas Keller’s upscale French bistro Bouchon at The Venetian for breakfast. Go for pastries such as a cheese Danish or a pecan sticky bun, spiced doughnuts with house-made jam or a seasonal fruit salad. The brioche French toast with blueberry compote and the sourdough waffle with vanilla bean butter are decadent options, too. It’s also worth mentioning that Bouchon is perfect for al fresco dining.
After breakfast, see some of your favorite singers, actors, athletes and superheroes at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, also at The Venetian. Pose for pictures with Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock, Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Shaquille O’Neal. You’ll also meet Marvel’s The Hulk and Spider Man. (Note: Purchase the Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Scenic Package online for admission to the wax museum and a High Roller daytime ticket at The Linq Promenade, which will come in handy later in the day.)
Afternoon
Next up is New York—New York-New York hotel, that is. You’ll feel like you’re on the East Coast as the resort’s architecture is composed of replicas of the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. The moment you step inside, take note of the Greenwich Village resemblance and stores like Grand Central Bling, SoHo Shop and I Love NYNY.
For lunch, head to New York Pizzeria, on the mezzanine, for a slice of hand-tossed New York-style cheese pizza. From the mezzanine, take the escalator to the casino floor and on the right is your next destination: Hershey’s Chocolate World. At the 13,000-square-foot, two-story store, you’ll find things like an 800-pound replica of the Statue of Liberty carved from Hershey’s milk chocolate, plenty of interactive displays and costumed characters strolling the premises. Make sure to buy a treat for yourself like a red velvet brownie truffle or a Reese’s double chocolate cookie sandwich from the bakery counter in the middle of the store. Expect to spend at least an hour here.
High Roller
Evening
Head north on the Strip just past Flamingo to The Linq Promenade. Remember that High Roller daytime ticket that came with your Madame Tussauds Scenic Package? Well, now is the perfect time to use it (arrive before 5 p.m., though). Before boarding the world’s largest observation wheel, check out the Sky Shop on the first floor of the High Roller complex. Once you reach top level, sit back relax and enjoy your 30-minute ride high above the city, all in a spacious glass-enclosed pod with panoramic views all around.
Afterwards, it’ll be time for the most important part of the day—happy hour. Although Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq Promenade is known for serving Blue Ribbon fried chicken, it’s also a nice spot for happy hour, too. Half-price appetizers, available 5-7 p.m. daily, include hummus and pita, barbecue pork sliders, rock-and-roll fries and fried calamari. Drinks are half off, too. You can easily order an appetizer and a drink (or two) within a reasonable price range. Make sure you get there early enough, because on nights when there are special events and concerts, it can get packed quickly.
Budget Checklist
Bouchon: Under $15
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas: $55*
New York Pizzeria: $5
Hershey’s Chocolate World: $5
High Roller: $0**
Brooklyn Bowl: Under $20
Key
*Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Scenic Package includes admission and High Roller daytime ticket
**High Roller daytime ticket included with Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Scenic Package
Note: Transportation, tip, tax and additional shopping expenses are not included in the budget checklist
