Five blocks of Downtown, covered by a 1,500-foot-long neon LED canopy that runs synchronized shows every hour after dark. Below: casinos, live music on three stages, zip-lines overhead, cocktail bars, and the street-performer chaos of Vegas's oldest casino strip. It's free, it's loud, and it's one of two places in the city every first-timer needs to see.
Every hour after dark. Six-minute LED shows that feel like standing inside a music video. Best viewed from dead-center under the canopy, ideally near the Golden Nugget.
$30-50 depending on which level (lower 'zip' or upper 'Zoom'). Runs the length of the canopy. Worth it once for the view.
Oak & Ivy at Downtown Container Park, Nacho Daddy's on Fremont, and the Peppermill-level classic Carousel Bar inside the Plaza. For cocktails, stroll 3 blocks south to Herbs & Rye.
Fremont Street is also where locals go when tourists aren't looking. The crowd leans to older regulars + bachelorette parties, with the best people-watching on any Friday night between 9pm and midnight.