Fremont Street, Downtown’s Old Las Vegas
Las Vegas was born in 1905 in what is now the heart of downtown. It all centered around the new railroad and the developers auctioned land in the area. Soon businesses started popping up on Fremont Street, and then in 1906, Hotel Nevada opened. It later changed names to the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino and would become downtown’s oldest continuously operating hotel-casino.
Fremont Street Las Vegas
Also known as “Old Vegas” Fremont Street still attracts tourists to this day. See below for my “Authors Personal Opinion.” Long before the Las Vegas Strip attracted international attention, Fremont Street established the city’s entertainment hub. Today, this historic downtown destination combines vintage casino character with concerts, spectacular displays and modern attractions.
Fremont Street continued making history as the city expanded. In 1925, it became the first first paved street in Las Vegas. Two years later, Hotel Nevada installed an outdoor electric sign which would attract more attention and inspired downtown’s signage to come. Then in 1931, Nevada legalized gambling attracting even more people and casinos. It was soon dubbed Glitter Gulch because neon signs were abundant.
During the 1940s and 1950s Fremont Street’s reputation soared. The Golden Nugget officially opening in 1946, taking over Hotel Nevada. Then in 1951 other properties opened such as Binion’s Horseshoe and the Pioneer Club which introduced Vegas Vic, the towering neon cowboy. His welcoming gesture became one of downtown’s most recognizable symbols.
New Las Vegas Strip
In 1994 when the “new” strip started luring tourists away from the downtown area, the Las Vegas City Council passed a bill to allow local businesses to create the Fremont Street Experience to open in 1995. The work began in 1994 to build the five block pedestrian mall, as well as Viva Vision, a giant curved digital canopy. It is 1,375 feet long (four football fields) and 90 feet wide. At 90 feet in the air, it creates a voluminous in-door feel. Incredible projections complete with music elevates the presentation. While the original featured 2.1 million incandescent lights, when it first debuted, LED lights would later replace those during an upgrade in 2004. A $32 million renovation further updated the original Viva Vision with a higher-resolution LED display in 2019.
Today, the Fremont Street Experience blends historic Las Vegas with contemporary entertainment. Its Viva Vision canopy delivers spectacular light shows, while three stages host free live music. Visitors can also ride the SlotZilla zipline (see ETG’s instagram) above the crowds. Additionally, casinos, street performers, restaurants and bars keep the district active day and night.
Author’s Personal Opinion
Don’t miss Fremont Street. While the main strip can be quite alluring. I loved big block party atmosphere. Moreover, it’s open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. We met up with friends and sat down to have a drink and people watched. Plus you can also buy a glass of wine or a cocktail and walk around. We even recognized a performer that was on America’s Got Talent.
ETG Tip: Just beware of shady characters. Sometimes performers may try to hustle you. I had no problem, but of course I was born and raised in NYC.
Halloween Takes Over Fremont Street
I have visited Vegas a couple times during the week during Halloween in recent years. Every Halloween season, Fremont Street hosts its annual Costumes Under the Canopy celebration. During the week, the overhead canopy changes to display all kinds of fun spooky graphic. The festivities build toward October 31, when thousands gather in elaborate costumes. As always you will find live music, themed performances, fire artists and a costume contest. Contestants compete for cash prizes, while the canopy creates a spectacular Halloween atmosphere. As of 2026 it’s still FREE to enter.
I love the history of Downtown Vegas, plus the restaurants are cheaper here than on the strip. You’ll find a lot of happy hour options, so you can save money for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Stay tuned for ETG’s Staff Picks: Best Buffets in Las Vegas.
Read ETG’s Best Las Vegas Nevada Attractions. Find out more about this town on our Nevada Page.
