Las Vegas has modified, however its golden period isn’t gone. You possibly can nonetheless discover traditional casinos, retro lounges, and the old-school allure that made town well-known.
Whether or not it’s staying in a historic resort, sipping cocktails underneath neon lights, or catching a present that brings again the Rat Pack days, classic Vegas is alive if you already know the place to look.
Right here’s easy methods to expertise the traditional, outdated, classic Las Vegas in 2025.
In case you’re brief on time, right here’s a fast abstract:
- Finest Basic Resorts: Golden Nugget, The Flamingo
- Iconic Basic Lounges: Peppermill Lounge or Atomic Liquors
- Expertise Previous Las Vegas Tradition: Neon Museum, Mob Museum, Vintage Alley
- Finest Basic Leisure: Wayne Newton, Ratpack is Again, All Motown
- Finest Classic Eating places: Golden Steer, Hugo’s Cellar, Piero’s Italian Delicacies
Keep in a Basic Las Vegas Resort
Las Vegas is dwelling to over 150,000 resort rooms, however what number of of these allow you to expertise that old-school Vegas vibe? The reply just isn’t many, however you’re in luck as a result of there are just a few that also maintain their traditional allure. The most effective locations to soak within the nostalgia are downtown on Fremont Road, the place traditional neon and classic vibes are in every single place, or at just a few historic spots on the Strip which have stored their roots intact.
Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget has been a Fremont Road staple since 1946, making it among the finest locations to expertise classic Las Vegas.
The on line casino nonetheless carries that old-school Vegas vitality, whereas current updates carry trendy touches to the rooms and facilities. Seize a drink at one of many traditional lounges, attempt your luck on the gaming flooring, or take a swim subsequent to the resort’s well-known shark tank.
With rooms beginning at simply $45 per night time, Golden Nugget permits you to keep within the coronary heart of outdated Vegas with out breaking the financial institution.
El Cortez
If you wish to keep someplace that really feels, and actually seems like outdated Vegas, El Cortez is the place to be.
Opened in 1941 and as soon as owned by mobster Bugsy Siegel, this on line casino resort has stored its classic character intact. The gaming flooring nonetheless has that traditional, no-frills vibe, and the primary constructing’s rooms protect the resort’s historic allure.
It’s additionally one of the reasonably priced stays on the town, with rooms beginning at simply $39 per night time. Excellent for vacationers trying to expertise classic Vegas on a price range.
The Flamingo
Away from Downtown and on the Strip, The Flamingo is the final remaining resort from Vegas’ authentic Strip period. Whereas the resort has been modernized, it nonetheless holds onto its old-school roots with Artwork Deco touches and a tropical vibe. The backyard courtyard, dwelling to precise flamingos, provides to its traditional allure.
The Flamingo was really opened in 1946 by none apart from Bugsy Siegel. With rooms beginning at simply $23 per night time, The Flamingo affords a budget-friendly solution to expertise a chunk of Las Vegas historical past proper on the Strip.
The Sahara
Initially opened in 1952, The Sahara was as soon as a playground for legends like Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack. Whereas the resort has undergone main renovations, it nonetheless nods to its storied previous with vintage-inspired decor and a on line casino that retains the traditional Vegas vitality alive.
In case you’re trying to keep right here, rooms begin at $42 per night time. The Sahara affords a mixture of historical past and trendy consolation on the north finish of the Strip.
Go to Iconic Classic Casinos & Lounges
The accommodations above all have traditional casinos the place you may soak in outdated Vegas allure, nonetheless, there are just a few spots that take you again into the outdated metropolis’s classic nightlife. In case you’re in search of a retro lounge or bar with actual historical past, Peppermill Lounge and Atomic Liquors are two of one of the best spots.
Peppermill Lounge
A throwback to ’70s Vegas, Peppermill Lounge is dimly lit, lined in neon, and recognized for its outsized cocktails. The sunken hearth pit seating and mirrored partitions give it a definite old-school really feel, making it a favourite for individuals who desire a drink in a setting that hasn’t modified in a long time.
Atomic Liquors
The oldest freestanding bar in Vegas, Atomic Liquors was as soon as a go-to for the Rat Pack and Hollywood stars. It has been serving Las Vegas since 1952, and nonetheless serves sturdy drinks in a no-nonsense setting. The bar’s historical past that goes again to the times when folks watched nuclear assessments from the rooftop.
Discover Previous Las Vegas Tradition
Classic Vegas isn’t nearly casinos and lounges.
There’s loads of historical past to see past the gaming flooring.
These spots offer you a more in-depth have a look at town’s previous, from its iconic neon indicators to its mob connections.
The Neon Museum
Residence to among the most recognizable indicators in Vegas historical past, The Neon Museum preserves and shows the glowing remnants of long-gone casinos, accommodations, and points of interest. Whether or not you’re on the town for Valentine’s Day, or genuinely curious concerning the historical past of outdated Las Vegas, the museum is one thing that ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist.
The out of doors Neon Boneyard is a must-see, with restored classics just like the Stardust and Moulin Rouge indicators lighting up the night time.
Daytime admission begins at $20, and night admission begins at $30.
The Mob Museum
Las Vegas wouldn’t be what it’s with out its mob historical past, and The Mob Museum lays all of it out. You’ll discover all the pieces from organized crime’s position in constructing town to how legislation enforcement cracked down.
Displays embrace actual artifacts, immersive shows, and even a Prohibition-era speakeasy within the basement.
Basic admission begins at $34.95.
Vintage Alley Mall
Vintage Alley Mall is positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Las Vegas. Right here you’ll discover a completely different sort of classic Vegas.
Vintage Alley within the Arts District is full of retailers promoting retro furnishings, old-school Vegas memorabilia, and distinctive finds from previous a long time. It’s the proper spot to hunt for a chunk of outdated Vegas to take dwelling.
See Basic Las Vegas Leisure
Classic Vegas isn’t nearly the place you keep or what you see.
It’s additionally concerning the performances which have outlined town. Whereas the present scene has modified over time, just a few acts nonetheless carry that old-school Vegas vitality to the stage.
Wayne Newton at Flamingo
A Las Vegas icon, Wayne Newton has been performing within the metropolis for over 60 years. His present on the Flamingo is a mixture of storytelling, traditional hits, and private anecdotes from a profession spent alongside legends like Elvis and Sinatra. If you wish to see one of many final true Vegas entertainers, that is it.
Tickets begin at $52. Wayne Newton’s present runs each Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 7:00 PM.
The Rat Pack Is Again at Tuscany Suites
This tribute present recreates the magic of a Rat Pack efficiency, full with a stay band and performers channeling Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.
It’s a throwback to the period when the Strip was dominated by easy voices, sharp fits, and easy allure. You’ll additionally discover the Rat Pack is Again on our checklist of the greatest Dinner Exhibits in Las Vegas.
The Rat Pack is Again runs Monday by Saturday at 7:30 PM. Tickets begin at $90.
All Motown at Alexis Park
One other tribute present you must contemplate brings the sounds of The Supremes, The Temptations, and different Motown legends to the Vegas stage. All Motown is full of traditional hits, soulful vocals, and classic choreography.
In case you love the music of the ’60s and ’70s, this is among the greatest methods to expertise it stay.
The present runs each day at 8:00 PM. Tickets begin at $130.
Dine Like It’s Previous Las Vegas
Las Vegas has no scarcity of superb eating, however if you need a meal that feels straight out of town’s golden period, these spots ship. From mob-era Italian joints to traditional steakhouses the place legends as soon as dined, these eating places hold classic Vegas alive.
Hugo’s Cellar (4 Queens)
Tucked contained in the 4 Queens, Hugo’s Cellar is the sort of place the place dinner nonetheless appears like an event. It’s one of many greatest off-strip eating places for a purpose. Each lady is greeted with a rose, and tableside service is a staple, from salads made proper in entrance of you to flambéed desserts.
With its old-school allure and dimly lit magnificence, it’s one of the traditional eating experiences in downtown Vegas.
Golden Steer Steakhouse
If you wish to eat the place Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe as soon as dined, Golden Steer is the place. Open since 1958, this steakhouse hasn’t modified a lot. You’ll discover leather-based cubicles, darkish wooden paneling, and tuxedoed waiters that hold the classic Vegas really feel intact.
The menu sticks to the classics, with prime steaks, Caesar salads ready tableside, and beneficiant parts of old-school hospitality. It’s one of many high steakhouses in Las Vegas.
Piero’s Italian Delicacies
A mob-era favourite simply off the Strip, Piero’s has been serving Italian staples since 1982, attracting everybody from on line casino bosses to Hollywood stars. The dimly lit eating room, white tablecloths, and framed images of previous visitors make it really feel like a step again in time. It’s recognized for its osso buco, handmade pastas, and traditional veal dishes, all served in an environment that hasn’t misplaced its classic Vegas attraction.
Cruise the Strip in a Basic Automobile
How do you need to end your night? Nothing says classic Vegas like rolling down the Strip in a traditional automobile. Whether or not you’re behind the wheel or simply alongside for the journey, there are a few methods to make it occur. Hire a classic Cadillac or Lincoln, ideally a convertible to soak up the neon glow.
Or, if you need one thing a little bit flashier, e book an Elvis-themed Pink Cadillac tour, the place an Elvis impersonator drives you down the Strip whereas belting out the King’s biggest hits. It’s a little bit excessive, however so is Vegas.
You Can Nonetheless Expertise The Golden Age of Las Vegas
Las Vegas has modified lots over time, but when you already know the place to look, you may nonetheless discover the allure of its golden period. Whether or not it’s the classic glow of Fremont Road, a on line casino that also appears like outdated Vegas, or a steakhouse the place Sinatra as soon as dined, town hasn’t forgotten its roots. The Neon Museum preserves its iconic indicators, the Mob Museum tells its storied previous, and locations like Golden Steer and Hugo’s Cellar hold the traditional eating expertise alive.
So, should you’re in search of a Vegas expertise that feels straight out of a bygone period (in 2025), now you already know the place to seek out it.
Now that you simply’ve determined to go to Las Vegas, listed here are some extra sources that may assist you plan your journey:
