Las Vegas is known for its sparkling neon lights, extravagant casinos and luxurious resorts along the famous Las Vegas Strip. But there is another fascinating part of the city that often gets overlooked – Fremont Street. This historic area in downtown Las Vegas is the old strip of Las Vegas and has a rich history and unique charm that takes visitors back to old Las Vegas. Yet this piece has also been brought quite up to date. In this blog, we take you on a journey through Fremont Street and what there is to do here!
This blog summarized
- The enchanting streets of Fremont Street take you on a journey to old Las Vegas.
- The Fremont Street Experience has the largest LED screen you’ll ever see with live performances and a cool zipline experience.
- Iconic casinos like the Golden Nugget and Binion’s Gambling Hall offer a completely different atmosphere than the Las Vegas Strip.
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The origin of Fremont Street, the old strip of Las Vegas
Fremont Street got its name from the explorer John C. Frémont, who traveled through this area in the 19th century. It was an important thoroughfare in the early 20th century and quickly developed into the beating heart of Las Vegas. Here the first casinos, hotels and restaurants emerged that gave the city its reputation as a gambling paradise. The first road of Las Vegas was built here. Because the more well-known strip of Las Vegas a bit further away eventually became bigger and more popular, they call this the old strip of Las Vegas. This is where it all began!
Experience the magic of Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas
The Fremont Street Experience is a bustling street from old Las Vegas which countless travelers visit annually. It is known for its cozy atmosphere, live performances and spectacular light shows that you have never witnessed before. In fact, the street is covered with huge LED screens and fantastic neon lighting, so watch out that you don’t get overstimulated. Well, if you’ve already been to the Las Vegas Strip you’re somewhat used to it by now, but such a large screen is really unique. The old strip of Las Vegas proves that in terms of extravagance it certainly keeps up with the new strip.
Fremont Street Experience buzzes with street artists, great pubs and eateries and the Kickass zipline experience that will blow your mind, so make sure you’re completely ready for it! You can easily walk the Experience back and forth 10 times. There’s constantly a new street artist doing something. From making paintings to dancing: it all comes by.
The famous street in old downtown Fremont Street has the nickname the Glitter Gulch
The most famous street in old downtown Las Vegas is also known as “Glitter Gulch” due to the abundance of neon lights and light shows that dominate the street. This striking lighting is characteristic of the area and has earned it the nickname “Glitter Gulch”. As soon as night falls, Fremont Street becomes a spectacle of colors and lights, transforming the street into a sparkling and glittering ‘gulch’ – another word for a narrow ravine or gorge – that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Enjoy shows from Imagine Dragons, Shakira and Tiesto
Every evening there are free shows to see. Every hour a show starts with famous artists like Imagine Dragons, Shakira, Tiesto, Katy Perry, The Chainsmokers and The Killers. The mega LED screen then lights up completely in the theme of the artist and you enjoy a number of songs.
Current schedule (2026)
| 6:00pm | Imagine Dragons |
| 7:00pm | Stone Temple Pilots |
| 8:00pm | Katy Perry |
| 9:00pm | Shakira |
| 10:00pm | The Chainsmokers |
| 11:00pm | Steve Aoki |
| 12:00am | Mixology |
| 1:00am | Katy Perry |
| 2:00am | Tiesto |
Want to know more? Check the schedule on the Vegas Experience website.
Fly with a zipline through Fremont Street
One of the coolest experiences is the Slotzilla zipline that towers high above Fremont Street. At nearly 20 meters high you zip like a real Superman over the crowd on Fremont Street. It is a unique way to experience this bustling street and you have to do something crazy when you’re in Las Vegas anyway. Do you dare to take the leap and fly like Superman with the zipline in Las Vegas? You can simply sign up on the spot.
The Iconic Casinos of Fremont Street
Fremont Street is home to some of the most iconic casinos in Las Vegas. These legendary casinos have played an important role in the history and development of the gambling industry in the city. So definitely make a round through these famous casinos on Fremont Street:
- Golden Nugget: The Golden Nugget Casino is one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas and has a rich history dating back to 1946. The casino is known for its classic charm and the world’s largest gold nugget.
- Binion’s Gambling Hall: Binion’s is another historic location on Fremont Street and was home to the famous World Series of Poker (WSOP) for many years.
- Four Queens: This casino has a nostalgic look and offers a timeless gambling experience. With a combination of modern facilities and a touch of vintage allure, Four Queens has been attracting visitors for decades.
- Fremont Casino: The Fremont Casino is another well-known name on Fremont Street and offers a wide range of gambling games.
- California Hotel & Casino: This unique casino combines the atmosphere of Las Vegas with a touch of Hawaiian culture.
Nightlife on Fremont Street
The nightlife on Fremont Street buzzes with energy, with lively bars, lounges and nightclubs that entertain visitors until the early hours. You also find plenty of clubs just outside Fremont Street. There you encounter more Americans, because it is just outside the touristy area.
Want to know more about what there is to do on Fremont Street? Check the official website of Vegasexperience.com.
Stay sharp on Fremont Street
It is very tempting to constantly look up, and pickpockets on the old strip of Las Vegas know that too. You encounter plenty of people under the influence. Las Vegas has many freedoms such as drug use. Combined with gambling this has ruined many people’s lives. You don’t need to be afraid of these people, but be aware of it when you are here.
The atmosphere of old Las Vegas vs the atmosphere at the strip
For the ultimate experience of luxury and entertainment, you go to the Strip. Here you find the newest casino resorts with breathtaking themes, from luxurious hotels to extravagant attractions. The Strip is also many times larger than old downtown Las Vegas.
At Fremont Street you really step back in time. From the vintage neon lights that adorn the streets to street musicians, and classic casinos. The compact setting creates a cozy atmosphere and everything is within reach.
My tip: enjoy both! You spend much more time at the Las Vegas strip than at Fremont Street.
Fremont Street:
- Historic center: Experience the authentic Vegas vibe with vintage neon lights, street artists and classic casinos.
- More affordable: Enjoy lower prices for food, drinks, and entertainment.
- Cozy atmosphere: Discover a more relaxed and social atmosphere with street musicians and live acts.
- Compact: Limit yourself to a manageable area with everything within walking distance.
The Strip:
- Modern glamour: Admire the newest casino resorts with themes, luxury hotels and spectacular shows.
- Extravagant: Experience the energy of world-famous artists, DJs, and extravagant attractions.
- More expensive options: Keep in mind higher prices for food, drinks, and entertainment.
- Expansive: Prepare for longer distances between hotels, casinos, and attractions.
Parking at Fremont Street
The easiest is to take the Fremont Street Experience Parking Garage (Google Maps). This one is not expensive and usually there is plenty of space.
End of the afternoon heading to Fremont Street? Visit the Pawn Shop from Pawn Stars
Probably your hotel is also on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Want to visit Fremont Street? Definitely do that in the evening. It is fun to make a short stop on the way there at the famous Pawn Shop from the TV show Pawn Stars. This iconic store, known from the popular TV show that is still being broadcast, is still just like you know it from TV. It is simply fun to pop in for a moment if you have followed this TV series for years.
The chance that you run into the family is very small. The guys are unfortunately no longer there daily and The Old Man (grandpa) unfortunately passed away in 2018. You can easily and free park behind the Pawn Shop.
If you are looking for an authentic Vegas experience that also shows the history and culture of Las Vegas, a visit to Fremont Street, the old strip of Las Vegas, should not be missed. Hopefully this blog has convinced you to visit this special place!
Stay overnight around the old strip of Las Vegas?
There is a very wide range of hotels, depending on your budget. On the map below you can search for a suitable hotel.
