12 Things to Do in Downtown Las Vegas

Get ready for a wild adventure in the heart of Vegas where vintage charm meets modern thrills—Downtown Las Vegas is about to take you on a ride like no other!

Las Vegas is perhaps known for the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, but if you're scouting for something that defies the ordinary, Downtown Las Vegas is where the real magic is in full swing. Overflowing with energy, neon lights, and endless surprises, this lively part of the city blends old-school Vegas charm and cutting-edge experiences together. From flying over buzzing streets on a zip line to venturing quirky museums and container-built shopping hubs, DTLV is where the party never stops—and neither will you. So, buckle up for a wild ride through the most exciting corner of Sin City with these best 12 things to do in downtown Las Vegas!

Downtown Las Vegas's most recognizable neon sign is called Vegas Vic. The sign was installed in 1951 and could throw out a "Howdy partner" every fifteen minutes while waving at the crowd on Fremont Street. The forty-foot-tall, winking, smiling figure is illuminated around the clock. Even though Vegas Vic can’t wave or chat anymore, he still makes for a great souvenir photo and proves you’ve been to Downtown Las Vegas—even if you didn’t strike it rich at the casino.

If the spinning roulette wheel doesn't make you tense, the Slotzilla Zip Line surely will. Under the canopied roof of the iconic Fremont Street Experience entertainment hub, the zip line extends for more than a third of a mile. Take off from Slotzilla, a twelve-story slot machine, and fly above the ant-sized skulls of onlookers below. Choose among flying prone at a height of 114 feet or, if that's simply too frightening, take the sitting trip at 77 feet.  

Experience what DTLA looked like before electricity and neon by visiting the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort. The first inhabited building in Las Vegas was built in the state park of the city somewhere in the middle of the 1880s. It was constructed by Mormon settlers to defend against Indian raids and contains living quarters, real wagons, cattle barriers, and many other fascinating items that demonstrate how far life has come in the past.

Visit Heart Attack Grill and munch on some extreme burgers that have the greatest calorie count while wearing medical gowns or doctor's attire. To wash down your favorite Bypass Burger, sip a beverage via an IV line. You can select a single, double, or possibly triple Bypass burger, or the Octuple Bypass Burger, which has eight burger patties piled with forty bacon pieces and enough cheese to reach over 20,000 calories.

Visiting The Las Vegas Downtown Events Center is among the coolest things to do in downtown Las Vegas. Why is that? It is an awesome outdoor venue that can hold up to 11,000 people and hosts everything from big rock concerts to 3-day festivals. Plus, for major sporting events, they’ve got a Downtown Watch Zone where you can snag a spot on the inner field to watch the action of the match while accompanied by other fans. The DLVEC also has "man-caves" that can fit up to 20 people and are furnished with couches, TVs, plus a party game table for private viewing.

Explore the Haunted Museum, a captivating attraction located in a spine-chilling building that spans 11,000 square feet and is rumored to be haunted. This 1930s home features dimly lit hallways leading to eerie rooms filled with unsettling exhibits. Among the highlights are the staircase from the infamous Demon House in Indiana and the Dybbuk Box, a wine box said to be inhabited by a malevolent spirit. Be sure to visit the Puppet Room—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

They’ve turned an old shipping container into Container Park, a pretty cool shopping place jam-packed with stores selling everything from clothes and watches to chocolates and quirky gifts for Vegas gamblers. Oh, and there’s even a wedding chapel in case you suddenly feel the urge to tie the knot! Get a hot dog alongside a unique topping, treat yourself to a rich waffle cake, or visit the Dome to play an interactive 4K video game.

The Mob Museum, situated in a former Las Vegas post office and a courtroom, offers an intimate look into the murky secrets of the organized criminal underground. Photographs and stories of the powerful gangsters from the era of prohibition are on show in the museum exhibitions. Furthermore, in the immersive forensic lab, discover how law enforcement retaliated. Lastly, have a spot in an electric chair if you happen to be an extreme daredevil, and make sure to visit the courtroom where actual mafia members were convicted of their crimes.

And who can forget Fear The Walking Dead while making a list of what to do in downtown Las Vegas? On Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, you can enjoy the most terrifying experience of your lifetime. This unique escape room, which is based on the well-known television program, has a hundred hiding spots for zombies, spooky green lighting, and bodies in beds. The zombie swarms assemble and attempt to escape the labyrinth of a temporary military medical center. This is a memorable experience thanks to sophisticated technology and excellent acoustics.

The Commonwealth serves as a sophisticated bar on the famous Fremont Street that has décor from the Prohibition era, where you can travel back in the past. The gloomy place is decorated with ornate chandeliers and chairs with leather tops. The walls over the vast array of whiskey bottles are decorated with a framed poster of Burlesque ladies. The rooftop terrace of the bar features couch seating, making it the ideal place to enjoy a beverage at sunset while taking in the city's lights.

Neon signage is all over downtown Las Vegas. But when they finally run out of light, where do they actually end up? Yeah, you guessed it right! The Neon Museum! Explore the Neon Boneyard's outdoor exhibitions or the North Gallery, which has signage from the 1930s. Its enormous size is among its most startling features. Plus, every piece has its own backstory, letting you know what building it came from and what inspired its design.

Downtown Summerlin is an outdoor shopping center in Las Vegas Downtown that is packed with shops, boutiques, eateries, and bars. Look around for sales on clothing and accessories and head to Five Guys to enjoy a delicious burger or stop by the Crazy Pita for an instant meal. Make a night out at Dave and Busters, a restaurant and an entertainment center, including virtual games and vintage pub-style shuffleboards, or enjoy dinner at the popular Mexican eatery El Casa Del Matador.