Downtown Las Vegas may not be the first thing you think of when you think of Vegas, but in recent years it has done a fabulous job of rebranding itself. Instead of competing with the circus of the strip, downtown Las Vegas has worked hard to create an image that embraces art, music, and culture in a world-class destination. If you’re wondering why you should consider a stay in downtown Las Vegas, here are five must-visit spots that showcase the best of the downtown revival.

Mob Museum

Located in the heart of downtown, the Mob Museum shares the thrilling story of organized crime in Las Vegas. The mob scene played a huge role in the shaping of modern Las Vegas – helping it evolve and to become the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” At the Mob Museum, you’ll explore high-tech theater presentations, unique artifacts, and awesome interactive exhibits that tell both sides of the story; that of the mobs and that of the law’s. This intriguing presentation of Las Vegass’ colorful history will surprise and enthrall you. A must see.

Smith Center for the Performing Arts

From Broadway shows, to jazz, ballet, and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, there is always something happening at the Smith Center. This thriving cultural complex has enabled southern Nevada to take its place on the international stage, and the sprawling campus has become a mecca for world-class culture, art, and musical events. In fact, the Smith Center is an exhibit in-and-of itself, with unique architecture, outdoor sculptures, and beautifully landscaped grounds. A picnic in Symphony Park is almost as exciting as the first-rate performances.

Downtown Container Park

Downtown Container Park is a truly unique experience, unlike anything in Las Vegas. A Fremont Street destination built entirely of shipping containers, this urban gathering area features nightly music, boutique shopping, world-class cuisine, and a kids’ play area, complete with a 30-foot slide and water-play attraction. There’s always something going on at this hip, downtown destination.

The Neon Museum

Founded in 1996, the spectacular Neon Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying the iconic Las Vegas signs that used to tower over Sin City. Indoor and outdoor display areas, with more than 150 rescued signs, chronicle the changes and trends in sign design and technology from the 1930s to the present day. This uniquely Las Vegas museum is located downtown on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Discovery Children’s Museum

Located in Symphony Park, adjacent to the Smith Center, the Discovery Children’s Museum has helped redefine downtown Las Vegas as a cultural and artistic destination. This huge, interactive and educational play space provides a vibrant and engaging experience for kids of all ages. The 58,000-square foot building has nine exhibition halls spread across three stories. Science, art, technology, music, and theater: It’s all here, just waiting for your family to discover. Over the years, Las Vegas has become so much more than an opulent gambling destination. Thanks to a modern revival, Downtown Las Vegas is now an attraction in its own right, helping to define Vegas as a culturally diverse and internationally renowned urban center.    

Downtown Container Park

Everyone knows Vegas is one of the best cities to shop ’til you drop.  Whether it’s high end couture, beautiful boutiques or fantastic outlets, there are tons of places and a variety of ways to shop in Sin City.  Those who like to find special pieces that no one else will have should explore Downtown Container Park. It’s only a short walk from Plaza and has beautiful boutiques and a quirky design. And foor the bargain mavens there is Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, which offer an unparalleled combination of quality and great deals and are also located close to Plaza. Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or just a task to cross off your to-do list. It can be quality, relaxing alone time or a destination event for the whole family. Container Park has an amazing array of stores (art, apparel, décor, toys), dining options (BBQ, Mexican, extravagant hot dogs, whiskey bar, wine bar) and activities (treehouse and play area for kids and adults, live music). You can bring the fun back to holiday shopping with a visit to this popular Downtown Las Vegas destination. It’s a fresh urban landscape and more than a collection of stores. The area is constructed from shipping containers stacked on one another and was created as a place everyone can enjoy. Spend the day perusing the boutiques, sampling the different food options and having fun in the park. While you can pay top dollar for anything you want in Las Vegas, you also can find amazing brand name goods at bargain prices if you visit the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets. Tell everyone you picked a little something up for them in Vegas – just don’t tell them you bought designer wear for less than designer costs! With 150 stores, the outlets offer all of the high end designers you’d find at malls and destination shopping venues.  Come visit Las Vegas and shop it up – you’ll love what you find!

Downtown Las Vegas is a vibrant area that speaks to both a great past and promising future. The Life is Beautiful festival, which returns to Downtown Las Vegas on Friday, is a testament of this. The festival will bring some of today’s greatest musicians, chefs, artists and speakers to the art district for a three day inspirational social platform. The Plaza Hotel and Casino has defined Downtown Las Vegas throughout its historic past. Today, as the area continues to undergo substantial change and growth we continue to create the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. The effort put forth by the Life is Beautiful team is something we admire. And as a fellow Downtown Las Vegas business we certainly appreciate the buzz it creates for our community. Adjacent to the arts district, the Plaza was a hub for those who attended last year’s inaugural Life is Beautiful festival and we be one this year as well. Whether you need a room to rest between days, something to eat or drink or just some help with directions, we are here to help make your Life is Beautiful experience as enjoyable and empowering as possible. For the full festival lineup, please visit lifeisbeautiful.com.