Where it all started - Freemont Street
The Original Las Vegas

Fremont Street (Downtown Vegas)
The original Las Vegas, where people hung out in the Thirties and early Forties, is still standing and thriving, but with a new face, known as the Fremont Street Experience. Some tourists actually prefer this area to the Strip because room prices are generally lower, its an easy walk from one casino to the next, and its more reminiscent of the early, nostalgic days of Las Vegas.

In addition to some of the more famous hotels, such as The Plaza (formerly known as Union Plaza), overlooking Fremont Street, (and the background in numerous movies), theres the understated classic elegance of the Golden Nugget, one of the few Triple A & Mobil four-star rated hotels in Las Vegas. For nostalgia buffs, theres also the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, recently renovated to its earlier classic glory and appearance, and still famous for its 99-cent shrimp cocktail. Plans are in the works for Neonopolis, a multi-media complex, which will contain movie theatres, the Neon Museum and a variety of shops.

Several years ago Fremont Street was accessible by cars, but now it is all part of the Fremont Street Experience. To see this part of Downtown, you will need to park your car and walk a bit, but there are several private garages here; its possible to valet park the car at any of the hotels for no charge. Remember Las Vegas truly shines at night, so try to do this tour after dark. It is awe-inspiring.