What to Do in Downtown Las Vegas: The 11 Best Activities

I’ve been to Vegas 5 times in the past four years. Previously, I’d only ever visited the Las Vegas strip during girl’s trips or a romantic weekend trip. Recently, I branched out to spend a weekend on Fremont Street. This guide to what to do in downtown Las Vegas shares the best activities to do and explains how to experience a different side of Vegas.

Staying in downtown Las Vegas feels like a completely different vacation than the strip. There’s a more laid-back vibe, stuff is a little cheaper, and its all smaller.

During my recent weekend in downtown Las Vegas, I was determined to try all of the top activities and things to do. I experienced everything from the zipline down Fremont street to a brewery and mural tour.

For a completely different side of the city, keep reading to learn the best things to do in downtown Las Vegas.

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What is Downtown Las Vegas?

Downtown Las Vegas, also referred to as Fremont Street is an alternative destination in Vegas to the strip. Fun fact – the strip is technically in the town of Paradise, Nevada, not Las Vegas! However, downtown is actually in the city of Las Vegas.

Downtown Las Vegas is only a few miles from the strip but offers a very different experience. Fremont street is lined with Casinos, hotels, restaurants, and bars. The vibe is more relaxed, with casual dress codes, cheaper drinks, and more locals.

There are a ton of great things to do that make downtown a great day trip if you are staying on the strip, or a weekend trip destination in itself.

What to Do in Downtown Las Vegas

There are many great things to do in Downtown Las Vegas. The simplest activity is wandering Fremont Street, checking out the street performers and casinos.

If you are interested in gambling, you won’t be able to go far without having an opportunity. You could easily spend a night doing just that.

Below, I list some more unique activities that will allow you to experience the local culture of downtown.

Daring Activities near downtown Las Vegas

1. Slotzilla Zipline – Soar above downtown Las Vegas on the Slotzilla zipline. This zipline runs the entire length of the covered portion of Fremont Street. You can choose to fly in a seated position or on your stomach like superman. This activity is a bit expensive around $40, but it is a very unique and memorable experience.

2. Get a $10 Tattoo – If you’re feeling adventurous, you can get a tattoo for only $10 at Koolsville. It’s conveniently located next to the brewery tour mentioned above.

3. Go Axe Throwing – Axehole in Las Vegas downtown is a fun place to burn off some extra energy. Spend a couple hours with friends throwing axes at the wall, competing for who can get bullseye.

Food & Drink Tours near fremont street

4. Brewery Tour – Located in the art district, only a mile away from Fremont Street, this tour is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Las Vegas that isn’t just the strip. The tour visits three local breweries with tasting flights included. You will also get a tour of one of the facilities to learn about the beer making process.

Between breweries, stop at murals to take pictures with the art and learn about the history they represent.  This tour was one of the highlights of my recent trip and I highly recommend it.

5. Food and Walking Tour – If you’re a foodie, this food and walking tour of downtown Las Vegas is a great way to taste great food and learn about the area. The tour includes visits to 3+ restaurants with food and drink tastings included. Between the restaurants, you will learn all about the area from a local, which will provide much more insight than exploring on your own.

6. Visit the Container Park – This unique area is made up of old shipping containers that have been turned into stores, bars, and restaurants. This is a fun place to spend an afternoon shopping and trying different foods.

7. Get a drink at the Carousel bar – This is a super unique bar at the Plaza Hotel. Stop by for a fun drink and fun photo opp.

Fun las Vegas Museums

8. Mob Museum – Visit this museum to learn about the history of organized crime in Las Vegas. This museum is very well curated and provides an interesting look at the city.

9. Omega Mart – Meow Wolf’s Omega Mark is an interactive art installation that is modeled after a grocery store, with projections, art installations, and unique technology. If you are interested in art, this is a great activity for you.

10. Neon Museum – The Neon Museum is an outdoor exhibit in Las Vegas that celebrates the iconic neon signs of the city. It features famous neon signs from a variety of Las Vegas establishments, including the Golden Nugget and the Stardust.

You can take a guided tour to learn about the stories behind each sign and explore different areas of interest such as vintage photos or sculptures made from salvaged materials.

11. Pawn Stars Pawn Shop – It’s a little bit off of Fremont Street, but this Pawn Shop is worth visiting if you are a fan of the TV show.

Best Downtown Las Vegas Hotel on Fremont Street

Without a doubt, the best place to stay in downtown Las Vegas is the Golden Nugget. This hotel is the most luxurious, has the best pool, and is in a great location. The Golden Nugget has multiple exits directly onto Fremont Street, easy walking distance from anywhere in downtown.

The best part of the Golden Nugget is the pool area. There is a large resort pool, a smaller 21+ pool, cabanas, and daybeds for rent, and fantastic pool service. The highlight is the daring waterslide that passes through the middle of the shark tank. The fish tank is also visible from the pool itself, and is highly entertaining.

The rooms at the Golden Nugget are basic, but clean and functional. There are also a few high-end suites if you want to splurge.

Where to Eat Near Downtown Las Vegas

Esther’s Kitchen – This restaurant in the Art District came highly recommended by locals. If you choose to take the brewery tour, I recommend above, this is the perfect place to grab a bite nearby. The menu consists of seasonal Italian food, such as pizza, pasta, and other entrees.  

Park on Fremont – The patio seating at this restaurant is covered in greenery and will transport you from Las Vegas to a small town in the mountains. The menu is simple but delicious with items such as burgers and wings.

Gold Spike – This backyard-themed bar has food trucks, outdoor games, and live music. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a night with a group of friends.

Downtown Vegas vs the Las Vegas Strip

Now, the common question of what’s better- the strip or downtown? When comparing, downtown Las Vegas vs the strip, it comes down to what type of vacation you are looking for.

If you haven’t been to Vegas before, you definitely need to spend some time on the Las Vegas strip. If that’s your situation, I recommend visiting Fremont Street for one night to do one activity and enjoy one meal.

However, if you have been to Vegas a few times, like me, I highly recommend branching out and planning to spend your next visit in downtown. It’s a refreshing change to the strip, with lower prices, less crowds, and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Plus, with so many great things to do in downtown Las Vegas, you will need the entire vacation to see it all.

Downtown Las Vegas Map

This map shows where to find all of these activities in downtown Las Vegas. This is helpful if you want to see what to do nearby or want to plan out an itinerary based on location.

Summary of What to Do in Las Vegas Downtown

Have I convinced you to visit downtown Las Vegas yet? I love the strip as much as the next person, but you are missing out on a huge part of the city if you neglect to visit downtown.

If I had to choose the #1 thing to do in downtown Vegas, it would be the brewery tour. It’s the perfect way to experience local culture and history, enhanced by great local beer.

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