The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Fremont Street in Las Vegas

What it is Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience is a covered pedestrian street located in Downtown Las Vegas, the city's historic district. It is famous for its massive LED screen ceiling, which displays light and sound shows, and is home to historic casinos, live music, street performances, and a lively atmosphere.

Although Las Vegas is best known for the Strip—with its modern casinos where chips disappear left and right and its massive themed hotels that transport you to European cities or ancient civilizations— the origin of the city lies in Downtown, specifically on this street.

The origin of Fremont Street has a story worth telling. The writings of John C. Frémont, who arrived in the area in 1844, marked the arrival of the first pioneers. Over the years, businessman William A. Clark built a railroad stop in the area for the line connecting Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, allowing investors to arrive and purchase lots for what are now just a few dollars.

The city was founded in 1905, and in 1906 the first hotel opened its doors, the Hotel Nevada (which still operates today as the Golden Gate Casino Hotel). At first, the ban on gambling and Prohibition threatened the development of Fremont Street, but legalization in 1931 and the start of construction on the Hoover Dam marked the beginning of a boom, attracting more people and new businesses to Downtown, with the opening of numerous hotels and casinos.

Over time, casinos and hotels began to open in what is now the Strip, sparking a competition to see which area could launch the most eye-catching establishment. Needless to say, Downtown and Fremont lost the battle, falling into decline as several establishments closed. It wasn’t until the 1990s that efforts were made to revitalize the area, culminating in the 1995 with the opening of the Fremont Street Experience, which has attracted an ever-growing number of visitors ever since.

💡 Recommended: On Fremont Street and Downtown Walking Tour, a guide will take you on a tour of the history and main attractions of this part of Las Vegas.

What to do on Fremont Street

🎆 Fremont Street light and music show

We’re sure your main reason for visiting Fremont Street is its light and music show—a must-see in Las Vegas. And best of all, it’s free! The ceiling covering this street features an end-to-end LED screen called the Viva Vision Canopy, which is 450 meters long (1,375 feet) and 27 meters wide (90 feet). Although it has always been the longest LED screen in the world, it’s true that the Exosphere at The Sphere (on the Strip) has surpassed it in terms of surface area since 2023.

That said, every day of the week from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., all the sounds and lights on Fremont Street go dark to kick off this show, which takes place every hour on the hour and lasts between 6 and 8 minutes. Songs by famous artists start playing, and images and lights begin to dance on the screen, while your hips inevitably start moving.

Each show is dedicated to a specific band or singer; we arrived just as the Imagine Dragons show was starting, and we loved it!

🎡 SlotZilla Zipline

One of the most fun attractions on Fremont Street is the only zipline in Downtown, SlotZilla. Although there’s another one on the Strip—specifically the Fly LINQ zipline—we think this one is much better.

This zipline is inspired by a giant slot machine and runs along the Fremont Street Experience, offering views of the street below and the giant screen above. There are two types of rides: the Zip Line and the Zoom Line. Here are the main differences between them to help you choose:

ℹ️ Tips if you're planning to ride SlotZilla:

• The whole process will take you about an hour, since you have to go through several security checks before boarding.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. If you wear flip-flops, they’ll be taken off during the security check, and you’ll have to do the ride barefoot (plus you’ll have to walk the whole way back without shoes 😂).
• Cameras and cell phones are not allowed during the descent. You can rent helmets on-site for your GoPro.
• There are usually special offers for Zip Line rides from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• There are no lockers to store your belongings, but they give you a zippered bag so you can keep small items (cell phone, sunglasses, etc.) safe.

🎸 Live music on Fremont Street

Did you know that there are concerts and live shows every day at the Fremont Street Experience? And that they’re always free? There’s a reason this place holds the title of “the world’s largest source of free entertainment”. There are a total of three stages on the street, where everyone from local artists to major stars performs. Katy Perry even performed there once!

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🎲 Hotels and historic casinos on Fremont Street

In the place where it all began, you can’t miss the city’s oldest casinos. To some, they seem a bit outdated compared to those on the Strip; to others, they’ve been modernized too much to evoke any sense of nostalgia. Here are the main ones—some of them hold some truly curious things inside!

• Golden Gate Hotel & Casino: the first casino to open in Las Vegas in 1906, formerly Hotel Nevada. It still houses artifacts from that era, which you can see in the lobby, such as early 20th-century gaming ledgers and antique chip racks.
• The D Casino & Hotel: it features an outdoor screen that broadcasts live keno games, and at the entrance there is a replica of Brussels' Manneken Pis.
• Four Queens Hotel & Casino: its entrance is one of the most iconic on Fremont Street.
• Fremont Hotel & Casino: it also features a striking entrance with neon lights.
• Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino: its pool features a tank with sharks and other fish. While we know this might catch many people’s attention, remember that these animals belong in the ocean, not in a pool in Las Vegas.
• Binion’s Gambling Hall: since 1954, this casino has displayed a large stack of bills arranged in the shape of a pyramid, totaling $1 million 💵. You can enter for free to take a photo with it—just press the camera button and have the photo mailed to you or sent to your phone.
• Circa Resort & Casino: adults-only, featuring the world's largest sportsbook.

💡 Neon Signs on Fremont Street

If there's one thing that sets Downtown Las Vegas apart, it's its collection of historic neon signs—and Fremont Street is no exception. Here are the ones you'll want to check out:

Vegas Vic

One of the symbols of Las Vegas is this neon sign depicting a cowboy with a cigarette in his mouth, a red bandana around his neck, and his thumb pointing at himself. It was created in 1951 to be placed on the facade of the former Pioneer Club, and today you can see it at the Fremont Street Experience, on the facade of a souvenir shop called Famous Pioneer.

Even though it doesn't move its arm anymore or say "Howdy Podner!" every 15 minutes, it's still really cool!

Vegas Vickie

In 1980, Vegas Vic found a girlfriend: Vegas Vickie. This neon sign, depicting a cowgirl dressed in fringed clothing with her legs crossed, was installed at the entrance to the Girls of Glitter Gulch strip club. The two signs were even married in a ceremony held in 1994 during the construction of the Fremont Street Experience.

Currently, this sign is located inside the Circa Resort & Casino, specifically in the Vegas Vickie's Cocktail Lounge.

Hacienda Horse and Rider

Another legendary neon sign is the Horse and Rider, depicting a rider on a rearing horse, which you can find on Las Vegas Boulevard, right at the entrance to the Fremont Street Experience. Its history dates back to 1967, when it was installed at the Hacienda Horse and Rider.

After it was demolished to make way for the Mandalay Bay, it was acquired by the Neon Museum, becoming the museum’s first restored sign.

Once you're on East Fremont Street, you'll see other neon signs, like the Oscar's Martini Neon Sign (a giant martini glass) or the sign that spells out "VEGAS" vertically—which is also really cool.

Things to do near Fremont Street Experience

The Berlin Wall at Main Street Station

Did you know there’s a hotel-casino-brewery that has a piece of the Berlin Wall inside? And if that surprised you, wait until you hear that it’s in the men’s restroom 🤪. It’s called Main Street Station, and if you think you can’t see it just because you’re a woman, all you have to do is ask the security staff—they’ll be happy to show you!

But that's not all—this hotel is a veritable museum of antiques that you can explore by picking up a map at the front desk. Here are some of the treasures you'll find:

• Winston Churchill's pool table
• Stained-glass windows from the Lillian Russell Mansion
• Bronze doors and facade from the Royal Bank of Kuwait
• Doors from the Pullman Mansion
• Louisa May Alcott Pullman Car
• Chandeliers from Coca-Cola Building (Austin, Texas) and Figaro Opera House (Paris, France)

Lucky Buddha Statue at The Cal

If you want to try your luck at the tables in Las Vegas, stop by The California Hotel & Casino (known as "The Cal") to rub the belly of the Buddha statue in the lobby of this Hawaiian-themed hotel. The coins left by visitors are donated to charity.

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Fremont East Entertainment District

Just east of the Fremont Street Experience lies this lively little neighborhood, full of bars, restaurants, neon signs, murals, and historic casinos like El Cortez Hotel & Casino. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink or a bite at one of its many restaurants (we’ll tell you about a few in the "best places to eat on Fremont Street" section), with a nightlife scene that’s quite different from the Strip.

Here you can also visit the original Container Park, a place with shops and bars housed in colorful old shipping containers, featuring a playground and a giant mantis at the entrance.

Neon Museum

• 🕧 Opening hours: daily from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (subject to change depending on the season).
• 💵 Price: $25 during the day and $35 at night.

We’ve already mentioned the Neon Museum, so if you’re into retro neon signs, you’ve got to check out this must-see spot in Las Vegas, located about a 15-minute walk from the Fremont Street Experience. This museum has been dedicated to preserving and displaying neon signs that once belonged to businesses that no longer exist in the city, thus preventing their loss following the demolition of the buildings.

The site features 250 unrestored signs and 28 restored ones, distributed across three areas: the visitor center (located in the lobby of the former La Concha Motel), the Neon Boneyard (an open-air plaza and the museum’s main attraction), and the North Gallery.

If you want to get the most out of your visit, the best time to go is at night, when 30 of the signs are lit up.

Mob Museum

• 🕧 Opening hours: daily from 9 AM to 9 PM; The Underground (which features a speakeasy and a distillery) is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 11 PM and Friday through Saturday from 11 AM to midnight.
• 💵 Price: $34.95.

Another interesting museum, located a 10-minute walk from Fremont Street, is The Mob Museum. Also known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, here you can explore the history of organized crime in the United States and its connection to the development of Las Vegas.

You’ll find exhibits, original artifacts, police wiretaps, and immersive experiences that will give you insight into the rise of the mafia in Las Vegas (linked to Prohibition and casinos) and the fight to combat it. There’s also a recreation of a speakeasy and a distillery on the ground floor; admission is restricted to those 21 and older, and alcoholic beverages are served.

Plus, it's located in a beautiful building that was constructed in the 1930s. If it catches your eye, you can buy your ticket to The Mob Museum here.

Graceland Wedding Chapel

Just 15 minutes from Fremont Street lies the most famous wedding chapel in Las Vegas, Graceland Wedding Chapel, the first one where Elvis officiated weddings and made famous by ceremonies for several celebrities, including Jon Bon Jovi.

If you’re looking for a fun and unforgettable experience, you can book your Elvis-Themed Graceland Chapel Wedding—limousine ride included! You can renew your vows or get legally married (for an additional $100 license fee). Otherwise, we still invite you to stop by—it’s such a cute chapel!

Museums for children

If you're traveling with your family, there are a couple of interesting museums for kids near Fremont Street. Why not take the opportunity to visit one of them?

Discovery Children's Museum, the best museum for kids in Las Vegas

• 🕧 Opening hours: Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Open on Mondays during school breaks, summer, winter, and spring break).
• 💵 Price: $15 for Nevada residents and $20 for non-residents.

It is an educational and interactive space where children can touch, experiment, and actively participate while learning about science, art, technology, and engineering.

The facility is divided into three floors, each featuring various themed areas, such as building zones, climbing and play structures, a water play area, and an experiment zone. There are also educational talks.

Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum

• 🕧 Opening hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• 💵 Price: $14 for adults and $7 for children.

Located near the Neon Museum, the Museum of Science and Natural History is the perfect place for kids to learn about the Prehistoric and Mesozoic eras (including a dinosaur exhibit), marine life, the planet’s various habitats and their animals, and history, with a gallery dedicated to Ancient Egypt.

When to visit Fremont Street

You can visit Fremont Street Experience at any time of day and any time of year; since it’s a covered street, it’s an ideal option if you’re visiting Las Vegas even during the hottest months. That said, some times are better than others, depending on what you’re looking for.

What is the best time of day to visit Fremont Street?

• ☀️During the day (until 6 p.m.): a quiet atmosphere with fewer people, but less spectacular. There are no music and light shows, and live music is scarce (things usually start getting interesting around 5 p.m.).
• 🌙At night (starting at 6 p.m.): the LED ceiling lights up and shows begin every hour on the hour; there’s live music, a lively atmosphere, and illuminated signs.

If you want to experience this street to the fullest, the best time to visit Fremont Street is at dusk (starting at 6 p.m.), when the musical show begins and there’s already a lively atmosphere and live performances. Plus, as night falls, the neon signs start to light up, adding that extra touch.

What is the best day to visit Fremont Street?

• Sunday through Thursday: quieter and less crowded.
• Friday and Saturday: the busiest days, with the best atmosphere—but also the most chaos.

Although the music and light show and live performances take place daily, it’s true that the weekend is when the largest crowds gather on Fremont Street. If you want to enjoy the street without the crowds, then it’s best to go from Sunday through Thursday.

When is the best time to visit Fremont Street with kids?

If you're traveling with your children, it's best to visit Fremont in the early evening (between 6 and 8 p.m. is a good time). That way, you can catch the LED screen shows, a concert, or a performance, and soak up the atmosphere without it getting as rowdy as it does later at night.

💡Recommended: Best things to do in Las Vegas with kids | Top Activities and Map |

Best places to eat on Fremont Street: Top Restaurants

With so many restaurants and bars in the area, it’s hard to choose. Personally, we prefer to eat on East Fremont Street rather than at the Fremont Street Experience. Here you can find some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas, so here are a few restaurants at Fremont Street for you to choose from:

• 🍔 Heart Attack Grill: one of the most unique restaurants in Las Vegas, serving burgers up to 8 layers high. Here, the waitresses are dressed as nurses, you have to put on a surgical gown to eat (just in case you have a heart attack), and anyone weighing over 350 pounds (158 kg) eats for free. There’s a scale at the entrance so you can weigh yourself.
• 🍜 Le Thai: a delicious Thai restaurant with Happy Hour specials.
• 🥪 Park on Fremont: a cozy restaurant with a lovely indoor patio. They serve brunch, burgers, salads, and cocktails.
• 🍕 Evil Pie: delicious pizzas in a rock-and-roll atmosphere.
• 🍹 The Griffin: a nice bar where you can enjoy classic cocktails and other drinks.
• 🌮 Taco Escobar: a nicely decorated Mexican restaurant with delicious tacos.

Where to stay on Fremont Street: Top Hotels

Although it probably wouldn't be the area we'd choose to stay in on a first visit to Las Vegas (though we would on subsequent visits), staying on Fremont Street has several advantages over the Strip: you can find lower prices, hotels usually include free parking, and dining options are generally more affordable.

🏨 In our selection of the best hotels on Fremont Street, you’ll find detailed descriptions of our top picks, but if you want to get straight to the point, here are 5 of the best options in the area. There are both resorts with their own casinos and more modest options:

How to get to Fremont Street

There are several ways to get to the Fremont Street Experience:

Las Vegas Night Tour

Did you know you can take a guided tour of Las Vegas at night? On this tour, you’ll visit the city’s top attractions after dark. On the Strip, you’ll stop at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, Luxor Hotel, Bellagio fountains, and The Venetian; in Downtown, you’ll have a great time at the Fremont Street Experience.

The Deuce Bus

This bus runs from the southern end of the Strip to the Fremont Street Experience, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The frequency varies depending on the time of day: from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., buses run every 10–15 minutes, and from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., approximately every 20 minutes.

As for the price, a single-ride ticket on the costs $4, but there are passes available that offer better value: 2-hour ($6), 24-hour ($8), and 3-day ($20) passes.

Car (private, rental, taxi, Uber...)

If none of the above options appeal to you, you can also get to Fremont Street by car—whether it’s a rental car, your own vehicle, a taxi, or an Uber or Lyft. If you’re driving your own car, then the next section is for you!

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Where to park on Fremont Street

If you're staying at one of the best hotels on Fremont Street, you'll most likely have free parking included (this is one of the advantages of staying in Downtown compared to the Strip). Also, most casinos will validate your parking if you gamble or have a drink there.

If none of the above applies to you, then you can park your car at the Fremont Street Experience Parking Garage, located at the beginning of the street. The first 15 minutes are free, and after that, the rate is $4 per hour (with a maximum rate of $20 for 24 hours). These prices may change if there is a special event.

If you're looking for free street parking in Fremont Street, you can find it on weekends near the Beverly Theater (South 6th Street); during the week, metered parking is in effect. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk to the Strip, but you can use the walk to visit the Graceland Wedding Chapel, Container Park, and take a stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard to see its neon signs.

Tips for First-Time Visitors to Fremont Street

• 🌙 Go at dusk and stay for the evening—that’s when this street really comes alive.
• 👦🏼 If you're visiting with children, go between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• 🎶 Be sure to catch at least two shows on Viva Vision (the LED screen).
• 💡 Keep an eye out for the historic neon signs—they’re what make this area unique.
• 💵 Bring some cash in case you want to tip street performers and musicians.
• 🍹 Alcohol is permitted, but it is prohibited to drink it from cans or glass bottles. All drinks must be served in plastic or paper cups. If you order a drink to enjoy at a bar or casino and want to finish it on the street, you must transfer it to a different container.
• 🔞 Minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to be out alone from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
• 🪪 Carry your ID with you so you can prove your age if the police stop you.

Fremont Street Map

On this map, you'll see marked all the places we've mentioned throughout the article:

FAQs about Fremont Street Experience

Where is Fremont Street Experience?

It is located in Downtown Las Vegas, between Las Vegas Boulevard and South Main Street. It takes about 15 minutes to drive there from the Strip.

Is Fremont Street worth a visit?

Yes, it's a different experience from the Strip, with a more alternative vibe, vintage neon signs, light shows, and live music.

Is it okay to visit Fremont Street with kids?

Yes, it's a unique place that's perfectly fine to visit with kids, but it's best to avoid going at night because of its adult atmosphere.

Is there any entrance fee to Fremont Street Experience?

Admission to the Fremont Street Experience is completely free, as are the shows. You only pay for additional activities, such as the zipline, or for food and drinks.

Is Fremont Street Experience safe?

Yes, but it's best to be careful, especially at night, since the atmosphere is adult-oriented.

What time does the music and light show on Fremont Street start?

It begins every day at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 2:00 a.m., taking place on the hour and lasting 6 to 8 minutes.

How long does it take to visit Fremont Street?

One to two hours is enough to soak up the atmosphere and watch the musical show, but you can spend more time there and also visit other interesting spots in Downtown.

When is the best time to visit Fremont Street?

It's best to go in the evening or at night, when you can enjoy the light show from the LED ceiling and the nighttime atmosphere.

What's the difference between Fremont Street and the Strip?

The Strip is more modern and touristy, and it's where all of Las Vegas's themed hotels are located. Fremont Street offers a more historic, alternative, and laid-back atmosphere.

We hope this guide to visiting the Fremont Street Experience and the surrounding area has been helpful in introducing you to this lively part of Las Vegas!