We want to spend our first evening in downtown, since after 13 years we still haven't been downtown at night to see the light show. Let me ask some obvious questions that have been asked (I'm sure) at least a million times before....you all know I'm too lazy to search through past threads.... What time is the first showing? We plan on taking the bus down but how much would a cab ride be to go back to, let's say the fashion show mall area? This would be on a Friday night. Is downtown really crazy at night...do I need to be concerned for our safety and/or valuables? (wallet, purse etc) Anything you suggest doing in the evening hours that you might not be able to do during the day? We've only ever spend afternoons in downtown.
1. Cab back to Fashion Show Mall = ~ $20 + tip. Catch a cab on east side of California, Golden Nugget or front of Plaza. Not every casino downtown has a cab line . 2. First light show will be about 7 or 8 p.m. ( Has to be dark ). Shows are on the hour until MN or 1. 3. Safe? Yes, but. It's kind of like walking down Bourbon Street. Nobody's going to mug you, but you are physically close to the crowd. Protect your purse or wallet. Also, you may be approached by panhandlers. Having said the above, I've been on Fremont many nights & never felt threatened. 4. What to do? I like the bands that play outside on Fremont. See light shows. People watch. Buy a can of beer & walk around. Wander in and out of casinos, playing the various machines, and just checking out the different casinos. 5. I like to eat downtown because the prices are much more reasonable, and many of the restaurants are not as crowded. My favorites: Binion's Steakhouse, Magnolia's at 4 Queens, 777 Brewpub at MSS, Garden Court Buffet at MSS, Le Thai & Triple George. Hope this helps a little!
Thanks! Great info. I was just reading the other thread about panhandlers and it makes me a bit nervous...I'm not a fan of that and neither is the hubby but he's a little more weary than me so if he starts to get the uncomfortable feeling, we'll be taking a cab back sooner then later. Downtown in the morning? We love it!
I prefer the occasional panhandler, which may or may not approach you to the porn slappers any day. Those guys really bug me. You will be fine!
I actually feel much safer under the FSE canopy than on some of the pedestrian bridges on the strip. Las Vegas is not the safest city, period. You have to be careful whether you are on the strip or downtown. But the perception downtown is more dangerous is simple not accurate. Plenty of trouble can find you on the strip too.
Completely agree. While it pays to be cautious anywhere, I for one have been "accosted" on the Strip far more often than downtown.
Does anyone know someone thats been pick pocketed in Vegas? Im always worried about my wallet in Vegas but I know the chance of anything happening are lower than winning a huge jackpot.
Sal, great post for a new member. I will add that I think your chances of being pick-pocketed is far greater standing with the insane crowd watching the TI show than normal crowds downtown. However, they are the same when downtown has a headliner. WeLuv, you really should give thought to venturing past the canopy to Fremont East and have a beer at one of the cool bars near El Cortez. Or walk over to Mob Bar, both very safe.