DO THIS In Downtown Vegas List

I was talking to a friend who is taking his first trip downtown and was looking for some advice. I started making him a "Do This" list so he can get it all in and not get stuck with the "tourist" type stuff. I dont claim to be an expert, but I do love Downtown and try to stay up to date about whats going on.

1) Get A Room Facing the FSE. Yes, its loud, but by God its Vegas! If you wanted a quiet weekend, go to a spa.
2) Spend a few hours just walking the FSE at night. Take it all in. Its crowded, blue collar and can be sketchy, but it also has some fun/stupid street performers and the light show is pretty cool.
3) Hit up one of the new hip/trendy bars in Fremont East. Insert Coins and Vanguard (if still there) turned out to be much better than expected.
4) Go to the El Cortez!! People will say its a dangerous walk, but its not. Plus, there is something about that "pina colada" smell that sticks with you.
5) Sit at the Keno Lounge at 4Q. One of the few that still remain and its a fun way to kill an hour.
6) Shrimp Cocktail at the Golden Gate. One of the few tourist items I 100% agree with.
7) If its hot, take advantage of your hotels pool. If you dont have one, sneak into one. One thing I love about dowtown is that its full of normal folks. Im 34, married with a kid and you would never in a million years find me at Rehab or one of the pool parties on the Strip (call it lack of confidence or just age). I like a fun pool scene with a drink, and if they have a DJ, bonus! If not, I have beer to keep me company.
8) Take advantage of the free shuttle to Sams Town. It leaves from a few spots and a good way to see another side of "neighborhood" Vegas. Plus, its free.
9) Enjoy the Cheap food and booze. When I hit Vegas, Im not on a diet, Im not watching what I drink, Im there to have fun. Take advantage of the cheap beer and drinks (however, Im still on the fence about the deep fried oreos). Remember, that $2 beer at Golden Gate would cost $6 at Planet Hollywood.
10) This is a LONG shot, but if you go to the Plaza, look for the older, blonde cocktail waitress. Seriously, shes gotta be in her late 60's or early 70's, but still sporting the little outfits. She is as sweet as can be and rumor is, she was once married to a mob boss. Again, all rumors, but its still fun.

Help me out...

Marko..

Marko - you have really nailed it down. I just love the downtown. I also enjoy Main Street Station - beautiful hotel with history. And Binions - they make a great hamburger. And the pawn shops - love shopping for diamonds.

MSS antique tour is a must - pick up brochure at reception.
MSS Buffet - great value.
2 Prime Rib dinners for $10.00 at Magnolias - 4Q.
Mob Museum.
Entertainers at night on Fremont - Safe Sax is great first time you see him.
Fremont Canopy Shows
Full pay VP - MSS and 4Q
Shrimp cocktail at Golden Gate - I am allergic to shellfish but I am told it is really good.
Dinner at Flame - El Cortez, Breakast at Hash House - Plaza.
Free photo with $1,000,000 at Binions.
Vegas Jackets at Binions - $20.00

free toplees show @Glitter Gulch 2 drink min drinks cost about $6 to $10 each. So I have been told not like I would ever go into a place like that

I heard that the pics outside are real pics of the girls inside - taken in 1970. True?

- Try to figure out the secret door at The Downtown Cocktail Room.
- Take a piss on the Berlin wall (Main Street Station)
- Have dinner with a great view at Binion's Steak House
- Rent a car. You usually won't have to walk the usual 10 miles to find your car.
- Sit down and enjoy a great cocktail at the El Cortez lounge. Instead of paying $15 for your premium hand crafted cocktail like you would on the strip, you will shell out something like $3 during happy hour.

Take the time to look at the old neon signs scattered around including the original Aladdin lamp.
Explore the Golden Gate and all the history it has to offer.
Enjoy a free concert during most weekends. (sometimes they have big time acts, we've seen Big N Rich, Little Big Town, and many others)
Get a hair/cut and shave at the El Cortez (a must by our best friend--old time shave with the straight razor and towel wrap)

Take TUMS--with all the cheap eats downtown has to offer.

As for the walk to El Cortez, for anyone who may be afraid of it, there is another option of how to get there.

If you are going East on Fremont Street, once you get to Las Vegas Blvd., cross the street going East but then immediately turn Left (going North) and there is a separate and special walkway with Palm Trees and Bicycle Security that leads right to El Cortez. I've done it several times and have not had a problem with it.

As for Keno at Four Queens, right by it in machines is cheap and good Video Poker with 9/6 Jacks Or Better at the Nickel ($0.05) level.

Maybe your friend should also try to take advantage of any New Member promotions that may be offered.

RecVPPlayer

-Visit the Beef Jerky Store. Sampling the dried baby crabs is a priceless experience.

-If you don't want to go into the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, at least drive by it. No other pawn shop in the world has a line out the door and/or people standing on the street center divider snapping pictures.

-Try to make it to First Friday. A great Vegas tradition in the making.

Yes.... AND they play classical music to keep the "rubby-dubs" away.