Step off the Strip and into the original and authentic heart of Las Vegas, where smoky bars, quirky museums and family-friendly attractions exist side by side. 

Downtown Las Vegas is one of this lively city’s hippest places to visit. Stroll the streets and soak up the buzz of outdoor concerts, eat in one of the inexpensive but stylish restaurants or enjoy some real Vegas entertainment in the Fremont East District. Discover unusual museums, lounge in intimate cocktail bars or go in search of the largest golden nugget in existence.

The Mob MuseumOpens in a new window is one of the biggest draws of Downtown Las Vegas. Delve into the murky world of organized crime in the U.S. at this fascinating museum. Housed in a historic federal courthouse where mobsters were tried and condemned in the 1950s, it is filled with multimedia exhibits and interactive displays.

To experience the true, gritty Downtown Las Vegas, head to Fremont East District in the heart of the neighborhood. Here find comedy clubs and jazz nightclubs, with music and entertainment venues to suit all tastes. The Fremont Street ExperienceOpens in a new window is a must-do. Be amazed at the free nightly shows which see 12.5 million lights and 550,000 watts of sound come together to create the Viva Vision extravaganza.

Head to the family-friendly Downtown Container Park for boutique shopping, dining and a children’s play area, all housed within stacks of shipping containers. Alternatively, peruse the works at the Arts Factory, where artists, architects, photographers and graphic designers display their creations.

For a true slice of Las Vegas eccentricity, visit the Golden Nugget, a luxury hotel and casino. Dare to enter the vast shark aquarium, indulge in the spa or simply view the biggest golden nugget in existence. It was found with a metal detector and weighs a whopping 61 pounds (28 kilograms).

Take advantage of the good public transportation connections to Downtown Las Vegas. If you’re driving, use the on-street or valet parking options. Enjoy the raucous bars and entertainment by leaving the car behind and heading off on foot.