The Tours of Downtown Las Vegas you Don’t Want to Miss

The next time you find yourself in Las Vegas, consider taking some time to tour the downtown area. There are all kinds of fun guided tours of this vibrant cultural area, so no matter where your interests lie, you should be able to find the perfect tour to enhance your Vegas experience. While exploring the city on your own is certainly an option, there’s nothing quite like a guided tour to give you a detailed look at everything Downtown Vegas has to offer. Here are a few of the best tours of the downtown area to consider.

Zappos Downtown Escapade Tour Experience

For an incredible look at Downtown Las Vegas, opt for the Zappos Downtown Escapade Tour Experience. For only $35, you’ll get to tour the Fremont Street Experience, the El Cortez Hotel and Casino, Inspire Theater, and Container Park. You’ll even receive a complimentary coupon book and downtown adventure guide that will serve you well for the rest of your Vegas vacation.

Segway Las Vegas Tours

One of the most modern and exciting ways to tour downtown is on a Segway! This tour company offers an array of Vegas tours, with several of them located in the downtown area. Choose from the following tours: Fremont North, Fremont Experience, or the Early Bird Tour of Fremont Street.

A photo posted by Segway Las Vegas (@segwaylv) on

Helmets are provided; however, it’s also important to dress for the tour in flat, closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing. Reservations are required, so be sure to reserve your spot at least two hours before the tour starts.

Lip Smacking Foodie Tour

A foodie tour combines the dazzling excitement of Downtown Vegas with fine cuisine for a look at the city that you won’t soon forget! This tour will take you to as many as five delicious restaurants, where you’ll get to sample each establishment’s signature dishes.
A photo posted by @lipsmackingfoodie on
Along with the food tastings, this tour will educate you about the history of Downtown Vegas and provide you with ample opportunities for photos.

Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour

Another fantastic tour for food lovers is the Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour. This tour takes 2.5 hours and takes you to several incredible establishments. You’ll learn about Vegas history and get an up-close-and-personal look at local culture. On this tour you’ll visit: Cous Cous Mediterranean Cafe, Rachel’s Kitchen, ChillSpot by SASASWEET, Uncle Joe’s Pizza, The Beef Jerky Store, and Simply Pure. This tour is an excellent way to have lunch while discovering and exploring Downtown Vegas at the same time!

Las Vegas Walking Tours

A walking tour is a perfect way to see the downtown area while getting fresh air and exercise. Tour choices include the Past to Present Downtown Las Vegas Fremont Street tour and the Glitter Gulch Fremont After Dark Tour. These two-hour tours take you through downtown Vegas’ hottest attractions for only $35. Before heading out on your tour, make sure to dress comfortably for the weather and wear athletic walking shoes. After your tour, head back to the Plaza where you can relax in style at your Downtown Vegas suite. Later, head to one of the Plaza’s delicious restaurants or catch a show. It’s the best of Las Vegas all in one place!

Downtown Las Vegas Parking Guide

Your Vegas adventure should be hassle free from start to finish — even when it comes to parking. While Las Vegas as a whole has ample parking, the downtown area can be tricky. parking-in-downtown-las-vegas If you’re visiting areas like Container Park or Fremont Street, you may run into parking problems if you aren’t adequately prepared. Check out these tips before parking downtown.

Parking at the Plaza

Parking at the Plaza Hotel & Casino is convenient and affordable. To access the self-parking garage, head to Main Street and Carson Avenue. Located on Main Street at Bridger Avenue is a self-parking surface lot. Self parking in these areas is always free for Plaza hotel guests, but everyone else can still enjoy free parking for the first 30 minutes! Non-hotel guests can have their parking refunded if validated at Oscar’s Steakhouse or the Plaza casino based upon play.

Parking at The Fremont Street Experience

If you’re headed to the Fremont Street Experience, there are several options when it comes to parking. There are self-parking garages and valet parking at several casinos in the area, including the Golden Nugget, Fremont, and Four Queens.

Parking at The Fremont Street Experience — West End

The five-block area that comprises the West End of the Fremont Street Experience is a popular attraction for visitors, and the Plaza offers excellent parking for this downtown area. Some members of the Plaza Rewards Club may be awarded free parking in paid areas, depending upon membership tier and points earned. If you’re not already a member, it’s fast, easy, and free to sign up online!

Container Park Parking

For convenient access to Container Park, consider parking at the El Cortez self-parking area. There’s another public parking lot adjacent to the casino and an underground garage at Neonopolis. The Neonopolis garage offers one free hour. After that, each additional hour costs $1, but $5 is the maximum for parking up to 24 hours.

Main Street Parking

If you’re headed to Main Street, there’s convenient valet parking between Stewart and Ogden. Or, try the self-parking garage located slightly north of Stewart Ave. parking-garage-downtown-las-vegas There’s another public lot at First Street. Both self-parking garages charge $3 for parking Sunday through Thursday and $5 on Fridays and Saturdays.

General Downtown Parking Tips

When it comes to parking in Downtown Vegas, parking at the Plaza is one of the most convenient options — especially if you’re a Royal Rewards Club member or a hotel guest! There’s no denying that using the Plaza’s free 30 minutes of parking is the best option in Downtown Vegas, either. There is parking available on downtown side streets for a small fee, although you’re likely to find garage parking far more convenient. If you do opt for side-street parking, make sure to have a major credit card handy to pay the parking fee, as cash is not accepted. For first-time visitors to Vegas, the idea of parking may be intimidating. However, it’s easier than you might think to find accessible parking downtown. When mapping out your Las Vegas itinerary, decide where you’ll be parking ahead of time. With a little planning, you can find the best parking and make your Vegas experience fun and hassle-free!

Top Steakhouses in Downtown Las Vegas

There’s just something romantic about a quality meal enjoyed in a refined setting. Luckily for you and your sweetheart, Las Vegas has some of the finest steakhouses found anywhere — especially in the dazzling downtown area. Consider these great steakhouses in Downtown Las Vegas when making your dinner reservations.

Oscar’s

You don’t have to travel far from the comfort of your Plaza hotel room for an extraordinary meal and impeccable service. Head to Oscar’s, a steakhouse opened by Vegas icon and former Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. Start your Oscar’s experience with an appetizer like Steak Tartare A’La Meyer or Sal’s Shrimp Cocktail — paired with a selection from the extensive wine list. For entrees, there’s something on the dinner menu to please every palate, with items such as Joey C’s Filet Mignon and Citrus Crusted Halibut. Dining at Oscar’s steakhouse is an unparalleled culinary experience, which you’ll want to top off with a delectable dessert like tiramisu or crème brulee.

Hugo’s Cellar

Every lady who visits this romantic restaurant is presented with a rose, and that’s not all. When you visit Hugo’s Cellar, prepare for special touches like sorbet between courses and chocolate-covered strawberries brought to your table. Appetizers here include jumbo shrimp cocktail, seafood on ice for two, and escargot en croute. When it comes to steaks, you’ll find charbroiled Black Angus cuts including rib-eye, prime rib, and New York strip. Sweet indulgences that complete your meal include cherries jubilee and bananas foster for two.

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse

Surf and turf is just one possibility when you choose to dine at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse on Fremont Street. Start your meal with an appetizer of fresh raw oysters on the half-shell, or try the artisan cheese plate. Seared foie gras and maple glazed quail are two other options to consider. When it comes to entrees, you can’t beat a juicy steak like the filet mignon or prime rib-eye. For a light bite, this restaurant also has an array of gourmet salads from which to choose.

Chart House

This charming steakhouse at the Golden Nugget offers delicious American fare and elegant décor. Start things off with a charcuterie and cheese platter, featuring a tempting selection of cured meats and gourmet cheeses. When it comes to steak, filet mignon, and prime rib are just two available options. If you’ve got room for dessert, try the Chart House Soufflé, which is made with Grand Marnier and comes with chocolate, raspberry, or cream Anglaise. No matter where you choose to dine in Downtown Vegas, you’ll find no shortage of fantastic steaks, seafood, desserts, and beverages. After dinner, enjoy a show at the Plaza or head to the Plaza casino floor for fun and excitement. Of course, if you’re too stuffed for revelry, head back to your Plaza hotel room to relax in comfort and style.

Best Romantic Activities in Downtown Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most romantic cities in the world — not just on Valentine’s Day, but all year long! If you’re going to be in Vegas with your sweetheart and want an unforgettable experience filled with romance, look no further than the downtown area. Check out these ideas for couple-friendly activities that are sure to fill your heart with love.

Dinner at Oscar’s

A delicious meal in an elegant setting is always an excellent choice when it comes to turning up the romance. Look no further than Oscar’s at the Plaza when you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner. This iconic restaurant serves up mouthwatering steaks grilled to order and tempting sides made lovingly from scratch. Whether you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, or both, Oscar’s extensive menu is sure to satisfy. Before the main course, linger over an appetizer like bruschetta or a fresh shellfish platter. A photo posted by Oscar’s Beef, Booze, & Broads (@oscarssteakhouselv) on If you’re in the mood for a few drinks, hit the restaurant’s adjacent cocktail lounge for a tempting array of libations. Love is sweet — and so are the desserts at Oscar’s! Tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and New York style cheesecake are just a few of the available dessert options.

Stroll through the Neon Graveyard

Dating back to 1996, the Neon Graveyard — also known as the Neon Museum — is a collection of 150 retired neon signs. The one-hour tour through this museum is a perfect way to bond with that special someone while marveling at some of Las Vegas’ iconic neon.

Get Cozy with Cocktails

If you and your sweetheart are in the mood for a low-key date that’s intimate and cozy, cuddle up with cocktails at the Plaza. In addition to the cocktail lounge at Oscar’s, the Plaza also has other cocktail hotspots including the Omaha Bar and the Beer Garden. If you and your special someone are looking for something a little different, head over to the Downtown Cocktail Room. This local favorite features a wonderfully intimate space and delicious handcrafted cocktails with exotic and unexpected ingredients.

Take a Gamble

There’s nothing like the excitement of the Plaza’s casino games, which can certainly bring you and your sweetie closer together and give you both an evening to remember. With slot machines, card games, roulette, and more, the Plaza casino floor has everything you need to treat your date to hours of gaming fun.

See a Show

Catch The Scintas, where you can enjoy a prix fixe meal along with your show for only $99. Also, the Omaha Lounge features a regularly changing array of incredible performers every night. Glamorous Downtown Las Vegas is always a winning choice when it comes to romantic activities to enjoy. And, you don’t even have to leave your hotel! When you choose the Plaza for your Downtown Las Vegas accommodations, you’re right where you need to be for incredible dining, exciting gaming, and dazzling entertainment both you and your loved one are sure to enjoy!

2 Exciting New Exhibits Opening at The Plaza

Last year, the Plaza opened a special gallery full of some of the most iconic sports memorabilia. The Las Vegas Club Gallery at the Plaza was filled with hundreds of sports-related items available for purchase by the public. The exhibit was a huge success, with many of the items quickly bought by eager sports enthusiasts and collectors. In response to the overwhelming success of the Plaza’s sports memorabilia exhibit, the Plaza is doing it again. This time, with two exciting new exhibits that pay homage to the hotel’s old Vegas roots. These exhibits are an excellent way to showcase the history of not only Downtown Las Vegas, but also the unique role the Plaza Hotel & Casino has played in shaping the area into what it is today. Whether you are a local or visitor, the Plaza’s new displays are sure to give you a distinct perspective on the rich and interesting history and culture of Downtown Las Vegas.

Jerry Misko

In a style true to the artistic and creative vibe that flows through downtown, the Plaza’s first new exhibit will be one from famed local artist, Jerry Misko. The exhibit, which opened on Jan. 15, features a collection of Misko’s edition prints accompanied by one-of-a-kind paintings of classic Vegas neon signs. Misko, a Las Vegas native, has collaborated on projects with some of the most recognizable names in the city, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Neon Museum, First Friday, and even the city of Las Vegas. These collaborations, combined with 12 years of experience as a practicing artist in Las Vegas have given Misko’s art a distinctly Vegas personality perfect for the Las Vegas Club Gallery. Those looking to take a piece of Vegas nostalgia home with them will be able to purchase Misko’s retro-meets-modern interpretations at the exhibit.

Union Plaza Then and Now

The second exhibit, which opens Feb. 4, is an exciting look at the evolution of the Plaza throughout the past five decades. The free exhibit, “Union Plaza Then and Now,” offers guests a rare look into the history of the Plaza through artifacts, photos, and videos. The exhibit is one of many from the Museum of Gaming History, a non-profit educational project of The Casino Chip & Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc. that aims to preserve gaming history. Since it opened in 1971, the Plaza has cemented itself as a cultural icon, not only in Vegas but throughout the world. The exhibit aims to explore this rich and iconic history by showcasing the evolution of the Plaza. “Union Plaza Then and Now” will feature over 150 artifacts including chips, dice, ashtrays, postcards and even a unique lightbox display of a rare shot glass collection. Museum-of-gaming-history-plaza-hotel Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the history of the Plaza through a series of photographs that chronicles the progress made by the hotel from its groundbreaking to present day. For an even broader perspective of the transformation of both the Plaza and Downtown Las Vegas, guests will be treated to a 30-minute video about the hotel’s place in the historical development of downtown. A special grand opening of both exhibits will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. The museum will be open to the public from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Whether you are a seasoned Las Vegas native with a broad understanding of the history of the city, or someone looking for a fun and unique activity downtown, you are sure to love the one-of-a-kind insights garnered from both exhibits.