The Guide for Fun Grownups
In this guide to Downtown Las Vegas, we aren’t looking for the hottest clubs and cheapest drinks. Leave that to the 20-somethings. Instead, we’ll venture off The Strip to discover the original Vegas destination.
Downtown Las Vegas is a fabulous blend of vintage and modern – we’ll uncover hidden gems, authentic history, and experiences that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. Expect memorable moments, great cocktails, and good vibes. If that sounds like your jam, let’s go!
Downtown Las Vegas, Baby
Downtown Las Vegas is at the center of Sin City’s history with authentic vintage vibes and plenty of new things to discover. Spend a few days off the Strip and explore this thriving area that offers more than you may have guessed.
Strolling the famed Fremont Street Experience with a drink in hand is an obligatory rite of passage complete with world-class people watching and historic casinos that are more relaxed than what you’ll find on the Strip. Do this, but then do something else.
Just a few blocks away, the growing Fremont East district is packed with lively venues, bars, restaurants, galleries, food trucks, and more. Most people don’t even venture in this direction and they’re missing out.
In Downtown Las Vegas, you will discover authentic places to spend a relaxed afternoon, cozy evening, or wild night away from The Strip. Learn about Vegas’ history with organized crime, sip craft cocktails in an old hotel laundry, or catch a burlesque variety show with all the good vibes.
Here are my top things to do in Downtown Las Vegas:
The Mob Museum
History and true crime buffs should not miss this wonderful museum dedicated to telling the complicated true story of organized crime and law enforcement in America. It’s also one of the best ways to spend a hot desert day in the air conditioning!
The museum building is the original Las Vegas U.S. Post Office and Courthouse that opened in 1933. The neoclassical exterior and interior details show off the authentic character that has been lovingly restored and preserved for its second life as a museum. There’s even a restored courtroom where notable trials and U.S. Senate Committee hearings took place. If those walls could talk!
Exhibits are high-quality and spread throughout four floors of the building. Highlights for me were the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre wall, crime lab, and vintage artifacts from the fabulous Flamingo Hotel & Casino. You can easily spend several hours here.
Underground Distillery Tour & Tasting
Our upgraded ticket included one interactive experience. So, of course, we chose the Distillery Tour and Tasting. We were given samples of house-made spirits and a history lesson on Prohibition in America, bootlegging, and pre-1920s drinking culture. Seated at tables, the group (about 10 people) could watch the distilling wizards doing their thing behind a glass wall. While it wasn’t really a “tour” of a working distillery, it was relaxed, interesting, and put everyone in a good mood.
Underground Speakeasy
Whatever you do, don’t leave the Mob Museum without visiting the Underground Speakeasy. Some refreshments will surely be in order after all that learning. Part immersive museum exhibit, part cocktail bar, don’t miss the authentic prohibition-era artifacts around the room and built into the bar itself.
The Speakeasy serves prohibition-era style cocktails (think whiskey, gin, and moonshine), shareable plates, and desserts. The cocktail menu is on point with clever names and a few presentation upgrade options – if you want your Bathtub Fizz cocktail served in a bathtub, that will be $20 more (ouch). If you’d rather have a frosty beer, The Mob Museum’s house-brewed Irish Red Ale is on tap!
Entry to The Speakeasy is included with your Mob Museum ticket. It’s also open to the public through a side door entrance – be sure to note the weekly password so you can get in without a hassle. Mid to late afternoon is the best time to come before the evening crowd sets in – this is a popular place and it does get crowded some nights. Check the Mob Museum’s calendar for special events.
If you’ve ever wanted to get dressed up like the Roaring Twenties, this is the place to do it. If you do, consider combining the Speakeasy with a visit to The Laundry Room!
Educational Programs
The Mob Museum is also a hub for public programs, expert panel discussions, and lectures that dive deeper into crime, justice, and law enforcement topics. The museum makes all of these programs publicly available for free on their website – there are tons of different subjects. Study up for your visit or keep learning after you get home!
Plan Your Visit
Book your tickets in advance to ensure availability and take advantage of online discounts. Single tickets start at $29.95 and include all-day access to exhibits (discounts for Nevada residents). Ticket prices may also change depending on when you go. On a Saturday, you may pay a few dollars more. After 5 pm, you may pay a few dollars less. You can upgrade your ticket to include one or two interactive experiences as well.
Website: https://themobmuseum.org/
Commonwealth & The Laundry Room
Cocktail enthusiasts should not miss this spot. Commonwealth is a two-story bar housed in the old laundry building for the El Cortez Hotel & Casino (across the street). The decor is vintage fabulous and the cocktails are on point. There’s plenty of space to spread out with friends in comfortable furnishings. Walk upstairs for rooftop views of Fremont East!
The Laundry Room Secret Bar
The real treasure here is the secret bar within the bar – The Laundry Room. Make an advance reservation for this small speakeasy venue and be treated to an elevated craft cocktail experience that you won’t forget. Order from the extraordinary menu or let your mix master create something just for you.
We had some of the best and most unique cocktails here (and we’ve tried a lot). Only 22 people are allowed inside at one time and cameras are forbidden. The experience felt really special – we loved it and will be back for more.
During our visit, there were a few groups dressed in 1920s flapper fashion that really added to the atmosphere. If this appeals to you, consider getting jazzed up!
Pro-tip: For a relaxed experience, make your reservation for the early evening (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm) before the crowd arrives.
Website: https://www.commonwealthlv.com/, https://www.laundryroomlv.com/
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
This is classic Vegas, baby. Situated away from the Fremont Street madness but close to many of the spots listed in this article, the El Cortez is a gem. Opened in 1941 as Downtown Vegas’ first resort, it quickly became a storied institution hosting celebrities, mobsters, and a cavalcade of characters.
With over 80 years of stories within its walls, you can feel the history. It remains independently owned and operated and the love invested to keep it all going is apparent. The casino is relaxed, comfortable, and the staff is attentive. There are even slot machines that dispense quarters like in the olden days.
You can choose to stay in one of the original 47 rooms of the hotel with easy access to the casino, a renovated Tower room, a budget Pavilion room, or a swanky Cabana suite (across the street from the main building). We stayed in one of the renovated Tower rooms that are spacious, clean, and attractive at a reasonable price. The view of the iconic neon sign from our window gave me all the feels.
Having stayed on the Strip and experienced all it has to offer, this is our new favorite hotel in Vegas.
Website: https://elcortezhotelcasino.com/
Cheapshot Variety Show
We discovered this spot completely by accident and are so glad we did. From the street, the small facade didn’t tell us much about the sexy, happy, energetic extravaganza that awaited within. Generally speaking, when a drag queen invites you into an establishment and promises a good time, they’re probably right. Just say yes.
For a $20 entry, we were treated to burlesque, drag, magic, acrobatics, animal tricks, and a few things I won’t attempt to describe. We thought it was better than some shows on The Strip asking three times as much for a ticket. Their colorful calendar of events includes variety, burlesque, comedy, musical acts, sing-a-longs, and more.
The atmosphere in the intimate showroom was gracious, inclusive, and full of good vibes. The room is long and narrow, accommodating under 100 guests. Unlike other shows, spectators are welcome to take photos and share their experiences on social media. Here’s a reel from my second visit.
Website: https://www.cheapshotdtlv.com/
Neon Museum & Sign Boneyard
What began as a storage lot for retired neon signs has evolved into a bona fide museum and photographers’ playground. The Neon Museum showcases a remarkable collection of more than 200 retired neon signs, carefully preserved and restored to their former glory. Each sign tells a story and is a slice of Las Vegas’ rich history. From vintage casino signs to iconic symbols of famous hotels and businesses, the museum is a treasure trove.
Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the design, cultural significance, and technological advancements of these iconic signs. For obvious reasons, nighttime tours often sell out. Be sure to book tickets online in advance.
If your nights are spoken for, there is a self-paced tour during the day. While not as flashy as the nighttime experience, it’s special and photogenic in its own way. Just remember that the ‘Neon Boneyard’ is outdoors – prepare accordingly.
Photography enthusiasts can register for regular photo walks and portrait hours where advanced camera equipment is welcome.
Website: https://www.neonmuseum.org/
Downtown Arts District
The Downtown Las Vegas Arts District is a vibrant and thriving hub for creativity and expression. Just a few blocks from Fremont Street, the area is a haven for artists and art lovers. Home to galleries, antique shops, artisan markets, and studios – it is a colorful glimpse into the ever-evolving Las Vegas art scene.
If you enjoy live shows, the music and performance landscape of this district is also going strong, with music venues and theaters hosting regular events. Burlesque Hall of Fame, anyone?
Wander the streets lined with colorful murals showcasing the talent and diversity of local artists. Soak up the atmosphere from an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, bars, and the largest selection of food trucks that Las Vegas has to offer.
First Fridays are the district’s signature event, a monthly arts and cultural festival attracting thousands of people to the district. The energetic event is a celebration of local culture and creativity in various forms, featuring local artists, musicians, makers, and more.
Website: https://dtlvarts.com/
Container Park
The best thing about Container Park is ‘The Mantis‘, a colossal metallic sculpture of a praying mantis that spews musically synchronized fire from its antennae. Worth a walk-by.
More to Explore
When you’re looking for things to do in downtown Las Vegas, this is a great starting point. But, in this ever-evolving city, there’s always something new to discover. My to-do list is full of places to check out on our next visit. If it’s deemed worthy, I’ll update this article.
What are YOUR favorite spots in Downtown Las Vegas? Drop a comment below!
Thank you for the Cheapshot Variety Show recommendation!! I went with some girlfriends and we had a blast watching all of the mesmerizing and sometimes a bit ridiculous (in all the right ways) sets. Such a great find! 🙌🏻
Thanks, Rebecca! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂