Fremont Street holds the origin story of Las Vegas’ rise to fame — and the address for many famous casinos, such as Binion’s Gambling Hall and the Golden Nugget. People flock here for a different experience compared to the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll find a mix of vintage Vegas, nonstop entertainment, neon lights, and lots of places to eat and drink.
You can choose your adventure exploring the mainstream mecca or delve into secret hot spots most tourists miss. Either way, it’s a whirlwind of discovery.
As a local, I’ll share what I recommend doing on Fremont Street so you can plan your trip. But first, an intro to what Fremont Street actually is.
What is Fremont Street Las Vegas?
Locals call it Fremont. It’s an area in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas named after John C. Fremont, an explorer and military leader who paved the way for the expansion of the States into the West. Second only to the Strip, Fremont Street is the most famous street in Las Vegas.
Fremont Street is broken up into two parts.
- The main part of Fremont Street is called the Fremont Experience. This six-block pedestrian walkway is covered in a large LED canopy, has surround-sound music, and is filled with buskers of all kinds.
- Or you can venture beyond the Fremont Street Experience to East Fremont, where you’ll find a haven of local bars, restaurants, and live entertainment.
If you’re interested in the true essence of Las Vegas’ past mixed with a bit of wild charm, then a visit to Fremont Street is a must.
1. Do the Fremont Street Experience
Whatever time of day or night, you’ll find yourself immediately engulfed in the Fremont Street Experience. A vibing entertainment destination in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street Experience isn’t just a spectacle, it’s an invitation. Join the crowd and be prepared for an adventure.
Here are some of the attractions you can enjoy at the Fremont Street Experience:
- Downtown Rocks: Dance the night away from 6 p.m. till late. Three stages come alive with nonstop music, from DJs to well-known bands playing live for free!
- Viva Vision: Fremont has the world’s largest LED canopy. At 1,375 feet long with 49 million LEDs lit up 24/7, you’ll find yourself immersed in high-resolution imagery and heart-pounding sounds.
- Slotzilla: Feeling adventurous? Catch a ride on the world’s largest slot machine, Fremont’s 11-story zip line. Choose from two different rides or ride all you want before 5 p.m. with their unlimited flight package.
- People-watching: This is my favorite activity on Fremont Street. Grab a drink at one of the open-air bars — you’ll see something unusual that will surprise you.
Guide tip: Check the schedule for the Downtown Rocks concert series. You might be surprised to find one of your favorite bands playing during your visit.
2. See where Sin City got its name
Las Vegas is called “Sin City” for a reason. Contrary to what some people say, that nickname didn’t originate from the Strip but from Downtown Las Vegas, where neon lights beckon people to take part in after-dark delights.
Even the expression, “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas,” came from Downtown Las Vegas. The phrase was in part inspired by the outlaws, mobsters, and risk-taking investors who paved the way for Sin City’s outrageous legacy.
Fremont Street is flooded with juicy tales and remarkable history. It’s where the neon revolution first lit up the night sky. It’s where many Las Vegas legends first landed and the World Series of Poker dealt its inaugural hand. And it’s the birthplace of everything that makes Vegas, Vegas!
If you want to take a deep dive into the heart and soul of the real Las Vegas, join us on our Fremont Street Tour. We reveal the secrets and colorful characters that will forever change your view of Sin City.
3. Stay in the heart of Fremont Street
Fremont is home to some of the most legendary hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. You can find some good deals here and get more bang for your buck.
One of the most beloved and oldest casinos is the Golden Nugget. It’s home to one of the top steakhouses in Vegas, the infamous shark tank, and the Hand of Faith golden nugget.
For a blast from the past, you can book one of the original rooms at the first hotel built in Las Vegas, the Golden Gate. This hotel first opened its doors in 1906 on Fremont’s once-dusty street as Hotel Nevada.
For an adult-only experience, the Circa has a lot going on. It has an impressive 1,000-person viewing sportsbook and a 40-foot-tall high-definition screen above its Stadium Swim six-pool complex. Order a drink at the longest bar in Vegas.
The Downtown Grand is a contemporary hotel with the coolest jazz and blues club nestled at the back of the casino. Located just off Fremont Street, it’s close enough to the action but quiet enough to get some well-earned sleep.
4. Visit the Mob Museum
If you’re curious about the Mob’s influence on Las Vegas, then a visit to the Mob Museum is a must. It’s one of the most popular museums in Vegas for a reason.
Explore three levels of film, interactive expeditions, and objects that were used by mobsters like Al Capone, Meyer Lansky, and Bugsy Seigel. If you want the full experience, you may want to choose to upgrade your ticket to include the crime lab, distillery tour and tasting, and firearm training simulator.
But wait there’s more! The Mob Museum has an immersive speakeasy with 1920s-themed Prohibition cocktails at the Underground. You can enter with your museum ticket or ask for the password to get inside the back door.
Guide tip: Check out the Mob Museum and speakeasy calendar for engaging talks from real mobsters and live music reflecting the Prohibition era.
To hear the stories of gangsters and mobsters from where they once stood take our Fremont Street Tour, which includes a ticket to the Mob Museum.
5. Eat a really good dinner
Fremont Street has some of the best places to find great steak and seafood.
Here are some of the places in Fremont, Las Vegas, that I recommend when you’re looking for a really nice dinner.
- Binions Steakhouse: Binions Steakhouse is an old-school gem. Las Vegas legend Benny Binion, also known as “The Cowboy,” is credited with pioneering the concept of complimentary gifts and services for casino players. A good steak dinner was always available to fill gamblers’ bellies. Binions is known for its juicy, flavorful traditional steakhouse menu.
- Oscar’s Steakhouse: This classic Vegas steakhouse is located inside the Plaza Hotel and Casino. It’s named for Oscar Goodman, once the defense attorney for the Mob, later the mayor and founder of the Mob Museum. This steakhouse has a fine-dining atmosphere infused with history. Want something extra special? Book a table with a superb view of the Fremont Street Experience.
- Vic and Anthony’s: This award-winning spot boasts not only some of the juiciest prime cuts in Las Vegas but also impeccable service. Consistently rated among the top five restaurants out of over 3,000 in Las Vegas, Vic and Anthony’s is a guaranteed highlight for any Las Vegas getaway.
6. Live Hard, Ride Fast, Eat Pizza
Live Hard, Ride Fast, and Eat Pizza is the tagline for Evel Pie. This hole-in-the-wall gem of a pizza parlor is a tribute to Evel Knievel, the legendary daredevil who captivated audiences with his death-defying motorcycle jumps.
Evel Pie is a local favorite with a cool atmosphere. If you’re a bit of a daredevil yourself, try the “World’s Hottest Pizza” aka the Reaper Challenge. Conquer the challenge of eating their fiery pizza and you could end up on their wall of fame!
Evel Pie is located at the beginning of East Fremont, the entryway to great food, fun bars, and nightclubs.
7. Catch live music
Las Vegas is a destination known for attracting big-name performers. From Garth Brooks to Santana and Rod Stewart, the list of A-list residents is a long one.
But if you look a little deeper, you’ll find a thriving local music scene brimming with outstanding talent. There are many places to check out to find some fresh Vegas sounds and mingle with the locals.
A local favorite is the Sand Dollar Downtown. A hidden gem for lovers of good music tucked inside the Plaza Hotel, it’s perfect for catching live performances and an awesome bar to fuel your night. You might even see some legendary musicians who often make it to the Sand Dollar. Bands that play here range from blues to rock to reggae or even synth wave.
Fun fact: The Sand Dollar is famous for hosting after-parties for some of the biggest touring artists.
At the end of East Fremont, you’ll find the Usual Place, a fun bar, event space, and music venue. It’s a good place to mingle with some friendly locals. Every second Wednesday of the month, Playful Pastimes is a fave place where musicians gather to jam together on stage. The night kicks off at 7 p.m. with board games, and the live music jam starts at 9 p.m.
Fat Cat is the place to find funky jazz and dirty blues at the back of the Downtown Grand Casino. Come to hear some local groove in a cool atmosphere with some seriously crafty cocktails.
8. Dance the night away
If you’re looking for more of a nightclub feel, then head to East Fremont. You can party with the locals at late-night hangouts with killer sound systems and a changing lineup of talented DJs.
Bring your friends — we party late here in Vegas!
9. Wander off the beaten track
So many visitors miss exploring the full length of Fremont Street. If you are keen to see more, head down to the end of East Fremont to find these attractions.
Container Park
Container Park is an open-air event space with restaurants, shops, and bars built from shipping containers. Guarding the front entrance you will be greeted by a 40-foot tall metal praying mantis. At night, it comes alive spewing fire from its antennas.
In the middle of the park, there’s a stage for live music, a green courtyard, and a playground to entertain the kids.
Fergusons Downtown
Fergusons is a city block of artisan shops, locally made treasures, live music, and art.
If you like good coffee, Mothership Coffee Roasters is the place to go. Fbar often hosts rotating pop-up local chefs cooking up a one-of-a-kind menu.
Murals
East Fremont is covered in colorful murals by artists from all over, including famous international street artists and local muralists.
Every year, the Life is Beautiful festival comes to town, beautifying the walls with permanent art.
Slonina Artspace
Stop in and pay a visit to Slonina Artspace. This local art gallery showcases rotating exhibitions of local artists’ work so you canbrowse or bring home a piece of Vegas that’s truly unique.
10. Experience a blast from the past
For a dive bar experience infused with history, Atomic Liquor is one bar you can’t miss.
Las Vegas legends like Hunter S. Thompson, the Rat Pack, and Baraba Streisand were known to frequent here. It’s a dark and quirky bar with an explosive past.
How to get to Fremont Street
Just FYI, Fremont is a bit far to walk from the Strip. It’s best to get on one of the public buses.
The Deuce bus is the most popular option. It drops you off in the middle of Fremont. It’s an affordable option at $8 for a 24-hour pass.
To park, you have a few options, but the Neonopolis Parking Garage is one of the best deals and is in the middle of Fremont Street.
The best of Fremont Street
Fremont Street is a place where you’ll always find something to keep you engaged and entertained. Hopefully, this list will inspire you to get in on the action. There is so much more to see and do in Vegas than the Strip!
Downtown Fremont hosts several well-known annual events too: festivals like Life is Beautiful, Reggae Rise Up, and Best Friends Forever. For a taste of the Wild West experience, there’s Giddy Up and the Helldorado Days Rodeo.
We’d love to show you the highlights and backstory of this corner of Vegas. Join me (or another local) on a guided tour of Fremont Street and see what the buzz is all about!