Las Vegas is famous for its glitz, glamour, and casinos, but did you know there’s a whole world of free and unusual attractions on Fremont Street? If you’re exploring Downtown Vegas and want to enjoy unique experiences without breaking the bank, you’re in luck! From historic landmarks to quirky photo ops, here’s your ultimate guide to the best free things to do on Fremont Street.
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Ride the Free Downtown Loop Shuttle
Getting around Downtown Vegas is easy with the Downtown Loop Shuttle—a free service with stops at notable attractions like Circa, the Mob Museum, Fremont East, the Arts District, Pawn Plaza, and the Strat. Save money on transportation while exploring the best of Fremont Street and beyond!
Must-See Free Attractions on Fremont Street
Golden Gate Casino: A Walk Through History
The Golden Gate is the oldest casino in Las Vegas, and it’s where Vegas got its start. Golden Gate opened in 1906 and is better than ever. Find the Rocker sign. Outside the Golden Gate is a unique sign that “rocks,” putting most other casino signs to shame. There is a lot of history of the casino on display inside, so go on in and enjoy a journey back in time.
Near the casino’s valet entrance you’ll find several vintage slot machines, adding to the casino’s old-school charm and there’s a great mural on the wall across from these.
In the hotel lobby you will find artifacts from the past including ledgers, old gaming chips and a rotary phone. Why a phone? The property had the first working phone in Nevada. The phone number? 1.
Check out the small, unmarked door located along the hallway to the high limit room, which opens to reveal part of an original wall of the hotel. Also located in the high limit room at Golden Gate is a historic fountain with intricate tile work.
Although not free, staying the night here is budget friendly. If you don’t mind a really small room, stay a night in one of the “original 10” rooms to go back in time and see what hotel rooms were like.
Bar Prohibition! at Golden Gate: Boasting famous patrons like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin, this historic bar is a must-see when downtown Las Vegas.
Golden Nugget Casino: See a real nugget
Hand of Faith at Golden Nugget: This nugget was found by a man in Australia with a metal detector and purchased by the Golden Nugget for over a million bucks, the Hand of Faith is on display near the hotel registration desk. The Hand of Faith is the biggest golden nugget in existence, weighing in at 61 lbs. It is the second biggest nugget ever discovered, and the biggest ever found with a metal detector.
The Tank at Golden Nugget: The Nugget’s pool complex features a 200,000-gallon aquarium stocked with fish and sharks smack dab in the middle of their pool. There’s even a transparent waterslide that goes through the middle of it.
The D: Vintage Fun & Lucky Charms
Root for your favorite horse at the classic Sigma Derby slot machine on the second floor of The D Las Vegas. Sigma Derby is more than a game of chance, it’s a communal experience. You can watch the races without wagering and join everyone rooting for their favorite horse or jockey. Lots of fun!
Rub The Blarney Stone for Luck: A stone from the Blarney Castle in Ireland has found a home on the second floor of The D’s casino. Traditionally, in Ireland, you’re supposed to kiss the Blarney Stone but it’s probably more sanitary to rub the one in the D.
Don’t miss the largest Keno Board on the outside wall of the D. You may have to stand there a few minutes since they also run digital ads on the board but it is kind of cool.
Binion’s: Free slot and million dollar photo op
You can try your luck with a free slot spin outside Binion’s and Four Queens. Take your turn on free spin slot machine and you could end up with tons of free play or other perks. Beware of other free spins on Fremont Street, though. They’re sometimes used by timeshare salespersons to lure unsuspecting visitors into hearing their sales pitch.
Outside the famed Binion’s poker room is suspended a poker table with the autographs of dozens of poker luminaries. Binion’s was the original home of the World Series of Poker, and many of its most famous players appear on this epic piece of Vegas memorabilia.
While in Binion’s you have to visit the Million Dollar Display and get a free souvenir picture. Binion’s just remodeled this display and you can get your picture sent to your email. It’s nice to dream!
See Remnants of The Mint: While people watching at Binion’s Whiskey Licker Up, check out the original petrified wood exterior wall of The Mint as well as a part of its original signage.
Fremont Hotel: Rub elbows with lucky arms
Long, lucrative craps rolls are the stuff of legend in Las Vegas. On May 29, 1989, Stanley Fujitake rolled the bones for an incredible three hours and six minutes. In 2003, a Golden Arm Wall of Fame was created to honor other craps players with exceptional dice-throwing abilities. You can see the Wall of Fame at Fremont casino, and there’s another collection of honors on the bridge between The California and Main Street casino.
El Cortez: Coin Machines and Artifacts
El Cortez is one of the few casinos that still have coin slot machines! There is nothing like hearing the sound of coins hitting the metal pocket when you cash out! Although not free to play them, you can still take a picture for free.
Near the player’s club you will find some historical memorabilia, including old poker chips!
Circa: See Real Gold Bars
Legacy Club is an upscale cocktail lounge located on the 60th level of Circa and offers spectacular views of Las Vegas. There, you’ll find a display case stocked with 500 gold bars, individually numbered and engraved with the Circa logo. Uniquely, there’s a screen above the display that states the collection’s current value based on the current spot price of gold. I’ve never seen a real gold bar, so for me this was pretty amazing.
California Hotel: Get some luck from Buddha
You can never take for granted the luck of Buddha. Rubbing the Laughing Buddha’s belly for good luck is a time-honored tradition, and there’s a large Buddha statue suitable for rubbing near the hotel registration desk at the California Hotel & Casino.
Main Street Station: Hidden Historic Artifacts
The antique collection at Main Street Station is worth the 2-minute walk from the Fremont Street Experience. Items scattered about the property include Winston Churchill’s snooker table, a chunk of the Berlin wall, a Louisa May Alcott Pullman Car, Stained glass windows and so much more. Stop by Main Street’s hotel registration desk and pick up a “Guide to Artifacts, Antiques and Artworks.” Don’t miss a portion of the Berlin Wall in the men’s restroom. If you don’t have a male with you, get security to take you in to get a few photos.
Heart Attack Grill: Step on the scale if you dare
The Heart Attack Grill is a truly one-of-a-kind restaurant. The establishment is known for its extravagant menu and jesting humor. Get up your courage, step on the scale outside and you’re bound to draw a crowd. The restaurant boasts that anyone that weighs over 300 pounds will eat for free! Customers at the Heart Attack Grill will be served by waitresses dressed as nurses and wear a hospital gown as they dine on “Bypass Burgers” of various sizes and “Flatliner Fries”. You may not survive the meal, but that’s what’s fun about it!
Neonopolis: Look at all the toys!
In the Neonopolis shopping plaza, there’s Toy Shack, a toy store known around the world thanks to the reality TV series, “Pawn Stars.” Stroll the aisles of this toy shop and you’ll see thousands of vintage and hard-to-find toys. It’s a family-friendly activity that’ll bring back some memories, whether you’re buying, selling or just killing some time.
Hennessey’s Tavern: World’s Largest Pint Glass
Hennessey’s Tavern is a bar and restaurant on the eastern most end of Fremont Street Experience, not far from the SlotZilla tower. Towering over the restaurant is what’s touted as the world’s largest pint glass. It’s not actually a pint “glass,” of course, but it does make a great photo op for lovers of frothy beverages.
Fremont Street Experience: Street Performers & Free Concerts
Fremont Street Performers: While the buskers that work for tips up and down Fremont Street have varying degrees of talent, they are almost always “interesting”. There are also a lot of free concerts here. Check the schedule for bands and times. The light show is not to be missed either.
Take a stroll down Fremont East for more Hidden Gems
Visit the world’s largest functioning fire hydrant. Fremont Street is home to what’s billed as the world’s largest functioning fire hydrant. The 14.5-foot-tall fire hydrant is a few blocks east of the SlotZilla tower. You’ll feel very small when you stand next to it, but it’s a great photo!
Time travel on Fremont East. If you’re up for a stroll, make your way to Fremont East. Along this part of Fremont Street you’ll find 18 bronze “medallions” embedded in the sidewalk. Each medallion provides a glimpse into the history of Las Vegas, including interesting facts about Vegas icons like Benny Binion, “Bugsy” Siegel, Wayne Newton and Steve Wynn.
Conclusion: Experience Fremont Street’s Quirky Side—For Free!
Fremont Street is more than just flashing lights and casinos—it’s a treasure trove of unique history, fun attractions, and exciting entertainment—all without spending a dime! Whether you’re posing with a million dollars, spotting sharks at Golden Nugget, or cheering on a Sigma Derby race, there’s something fun and unusual waiting for you at every corner. If you’re visiting Las Vegas, take the time to explore Fremont Street’s hidden gems—you never know what you’ll find!
As always, we want to give you information and tips we’ve learned along the way to help you plan your perfect vacation. If you ever need help planning your trip, go to Roadtrippers and use code BTR5QTP to get $5 off. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, make memories and have fun!