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Old Vegas Strip – Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

old vegas strip

10 minutes

Last Updated: September 11, 2022

Las Vegas, known as Sin City, is famous for its mega-sized casinos and resort hotels. But there's more to this city than the gambling monoliths, entertainment and dining.

If you're confused, we're talking about the hidden gem known as Old Vegas or Downtown Las Vegas.

In this detailed article, we'll talk about the top attractions in old Vegas, explore the old Vegas casinos, the best things to do in old town Vegas and discuss the best hotels where you can enjoy your stay. So, without further ado, let's get started.

10 Fascinating Old Las Vegas Strip Attractions You Can't Afford to Miss

10. The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino

golden gate hotel downtown las vegas

This place can proudly claim to be the oldest establishment that is still in operation and one of the finest old Vegas casinos.

It is situated on Fermont Street and opened as Hotel Nevada in 1906.

Over the years, the casino became popular, attracting people from different parts of the world, making it one of the best boutique hotels in the city.

9. Mirage Hotel with Erupting Volcano and Secret Garden

Walking down the old Las Vegas strip, you can't afford to miss the magnificent Mirage Hotel.

You'll find a volcano in the front that erupts at regular intervals. The volcano surrounds a 54-foot mountain with miniature fire sprouts and is a top attraction in old town Las Vegas.

mirage las vegas volcano

The glowing red fire and explosive sounds shooting out of the volcano are a sight to behold at nighttime. In addition, you will find Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat inside the Mirage Hotel.

Although Siegfried and Roy are no longer alive, you will find a wide range of exotic animals inside.

The palm-shaded sanctuary has some of the rarest animals on the planet, including white lions, royal Bengal tigers and snow leopards.

In addition, the Dolphin Habitat contains different species of dolphins trained to perform various activities across 2.5-million-gallon pools.

8. Bellagio Resort and Fountain Show

If you don't have money and want to enjoy free quality time, this is the best place to be in old town Vegas.

Would you believe that the Bellagio fountain show was the largest fountain attraction back when it was opened?

This is an enormous casino resort on the old Las Vegas strip, offering numerous attractions like Fine Arts Gallery, Botanical Garden, salon, spa and top-rated restaurants in the city.

bellagio fountains old vegas

Across the lobby, you'll find an open area that changes themes from enthralling art shows to spring botanical displays.

The visitors from the sidewalk can enjoy the ringside views. In the front, you'll find the fountains dancing through a magnificent water display set to the tune of music.

Each part of the fountain is fully synchronized and offers spellbinding lighting effects that you would love to watch repeatedly.

7. Paris Hotel and Eiffel Tower

Located on the old Las Vegas strip, Paris Las Vegas is one of the top destinations in the city.

Out front, you can see the scale model of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris Opera House. The hotel has forty-six stories, and you can have an incredible 360-degree view from the top.

old vegas

The Eiffel Tower restaurant is a posh and extravagant place offering spectacular views over the strip all the way through Bellagio's dancing fountains. You can also find a mock hot air balloon decorated with neon lights.

6. The Mob Museum 

Also known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, it is located in the heart of old Las Vegas.

This is not the typical museum, as you could guess from the name, as it explores the history of organized crime, and you learn about gangsters in old Vegas.

Take a seat in the swanky booth and enjoy the favorite clips from the top gangster movies.

The place offers an interactive story about famed gangsters and their impact on Las Vegas and other parts of America.

One key exhibit offers an actual courtroom used in the Kefauver hearing. The most valuable artifact of the museum is a brick wall from Valentine's Day Massacre in 1921.

mob musem old las vegas

The museum also contains items belonging to gangsters like Al Capone, Tony Spilotro, and Charlie Luciano, among others.

5. Caesar's Palace & Colosseum

Rated as the most sought after resort and casino in old Las Vegas, Caesar's Palace is nothing short of brilliant and attracts many tourists every year.

Located in the middle of the old Las Vegas strip, the hotel is a massive complex with every imaginable entertainment.

old town vegas

Besides the hotel, there is a huge concert hall called Colosseum. Here, artists like Elton John and Celine Dione performed in the past here, and the hall is often booked out months in advance.

If you are planning a visit to this hotel and want to enjoy a concert, we highly recommend chalking out your plans early because tickets get sold out quickly.

4. Mandalay Bay and the Shark Reef Aquarium

Lush tropical surroundings and striking architecture are the hallmarks of the award-winning Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

It's a 43-storeyed luxury resort and casino across the old Las Vegas strip. The casino resort offers a fascinating experience, from the beautifully remodeled rooms to the sandy beaches.

Eat, drink and liberate yourself with a next-generation gastro pub with a compelling atmosphere that will undoubtedly stimulate your senses.

The suites and guest rooms include 424 accommodations, and one of the salient features of the complex is the amazing Shark Reef aquarium.

old vegas casinos

The humungous 1.3-million-gallon tank contains different varieties of sharks, fish, reptiles, green sea turtles, Komodo dragons, and other aquatic animals.

More than 100 sharks and over 2000 aquatic animals are on display here. The shark reef works closely with wildlife biologists for protecting endangered marine species and rehabilitation of injured animals.

3. The Strat Tower

This observation tower is an unmistakable sight across the old town Vegas skyline and offers a unique vantage point.

The tower height is 1149 ft., making it the tallest in the United States, where you can get an unparalleled view of the city and the surrounding valley.

A pod tops this skyscraper tower with a revolving restaurant, observation decks, and lounges.

There are several thrill rides at the top of the tower. Also, you can indulge in some heart-pounding activities like ski jumping, big shot, X scream and insanity.

las vegas strat tower

However, if you want less drama and more stationery experience, you should check out the casino resort and the hotel situated at the tower's base, which includes shopping malls and various showrooms.

If you consider getting married in old Las Vegas, this is the best place in the city. There's a fully outfitted chapel available where you can tie the knot beneath the sky. The tower and the rides stay open for the visitors until late in the evening.

2. The Neon Museum

What began as a storage site for retired neon signs has now grown into a full-scale Neon Museum.

Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum is a non-profit organization in old town Las Vegas dedicated to the collection, preservation, study, and exhibition of iconic Las Vegas signs for historic, educational, artistic, and cultural enrichment.

You will find more than 200 rescued neon sign pieces sprawling over an approximately two-acre Neon Boneyard.

old las vegas neon musem

This museum is an excellent place for kids as they would surely enjoy the fancy color combination and vintage signboards on display.

The place is open seven days a week from 3 PM till 11 PM. Admission to the museum depends on the age group and the time of visit, with entry fees ranging between $16 and $28.

1. Iconic Vegas Vic

Talking about neon, Vegas Vic sits adjacent to Golden Nugget on Fermont Street and offers a small piece of history of old Las Vegas.

This amazing neon sign keeps waving at the visitors across Fremont Street. It broadcasts the welcome message ‘Howdy Partner' at an interval of 15 minutes.

old las vegas vic

The neon sign portrays a cowboy on the outside of The Pioneer Club. The 50-foot-tall cowboy has been waving at the old Vegas visitors since 1951 and is a sight to behold.

The cheerful visage of the cowboy peering down at you offers an incredible feeling.

This smiling and winking cowboy is lit 24/7. When he is not moving, you can take a souvenir photo with him, as a reminder of the fond memories of the old Las Vegas strip.

Top 7 Things to Do in Old Town Las Vegas

Are there fun things to do on the old Las Vegas strip? Believe it or not, Sin City is more than just the main drag where tourists throng the casino resorts and choreograph fountains dance to the tune of music.

There are plenty of attractions in old Vegas, and here are some of the to-do things that should be on your bucket list while visiting this city.

1. Get a Picture with One Million Dollars

Can you imagine the feeling and sense of ecstasy of having your hands around one million dollars?

It's possible to get a taste of vast sums of cold, hard cash if you head towards Binion's Gambling Hall.

You can wrap your hands across the glass pyramid containing big bucks and get a souvenir photo without paying anything.

2. Take Zipline Ride on SlotZilla

SlotZilla is an 11-storied slot machine-inspired zipline that allows you to fly the entire length of Freemont Street. It is one of the top things to do while you're on the old Las Vegas strip.

old vegas slotzilla

You can make the experience more magical if you plan your ride during the Viva Vision light show. You have the option to fly across the zipline either in a seated position or in Superman style.

3. Enjoy Lip Smacking Burgers at Heart Attack Grill

If you are a food lover, you must check out this fantastic restaurant which lies in the heart of old Las Vegas.

You will have to dress up in hospital gowns before you can chow down the burgers.

The waiters are dressed in doctor or nurse outfits and offer some of the best mouth-watering delicacies.

hear atttack grill old vegas

No food sharing is allowed, and you must finish your food. If you don't, get ready to receive spanking on your bums. In short, this place is as much about fun as it is about food.

4. Experience the Supernatural at Zak Bagans Haunted Museum

Experience horror at its best at this haunted museum in old Vegas. The museum is housed in a “haunted” building covering an area of more than 11,000 square feet.

The mansion was built in the 1930s with darkness all around and corridors leading to exhibit rooms that connect the paranormal.

haunted museum old vegas strip

This place has some popular odd items available for display, including a staircase from Demon House in Indiana and Dybbuk Box, allegedly holding malicious spirits.

If you want to experience shivers down your spine, don't forget to check out the Puppet Room.

5. Fear the Walking Dead

If the Zak Bagans haunted museum is not enough to scare the wits out of you, then you might have some of the scariest times of your life at Fear the Walking Dead.

Based on the popular television series, it's an escape room with a twist.

Here, you will find fake dead bodies on the bed with eerie sounds in the background and hundreds of different places from where the dead can unhide and come face to face.

In addition, there's a zombie horde inside a makeshift medical facility that you must try to escape.

fear the walking dead las vegas

Be prepared to scream because the zombies are for real. With excellent audio and top-notch technology, this place offers an unforgettable experience.

6. Play on the World's Largest Keno Board

Las Vegas is home to the largest keno board in the world. You can't afford to miss it if you're a gaming aficionado.

old vegas largest keno board

There's a large video screen outside The D along Fremont Street. Just move inside the casino's keno lounge to pick your numbers and run outside to watch the draw live on the giant screen.

7. Enjoy Shopping at the Container Park

You’ll struggle to find any shopping mall as unique as the Container Park. The weird thing about the mall is that it was constructed using old shipping containers.

Here, you can shop to your heart's content across different retail outlets. There are numerous shops for clothes, watches, perfumes, and chocolates.

old vegas container park

At the same time, you can eat hot dogs with unusual toppings, enjoy 4K interactive games, or indulge in a decadent Waffelato. In short, this park is a fun-filled place, and you’ll have a great time enjoying various activities.

Final Thoughts

With so much going on in Las Vegas, you will probably think of skipping the old Las Vegas strip.

Well, you shouldn’t. The old strip is where the whole concept of Las Vegas is born, and there is more to Sin City.

There’s no lack of great places to visit and interesting things to do while in old town Las Vegas.

We highly recommend visiting the top places in old Vegas, and don't forget to check out the to-do activities for an unforgettable experience!

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