A Day of Vintage Vegas

Las Vegas is constantly evolving. But beyond the blinking lights of the Strip, a different kind of magic endures. Outside of glittering high rises and futuristic entertainment, Vegas is also a world of vintage charm.

If you’re craving a taste of Old Vegas, this one-day itinerary will take you back in time with classic cocktails, iconic signs, and timeless vibes. Start your day early and let nostalgia be your guide.

9:00 AM: BREAKFAST AT THE PEPPERMILL

Begin your day at The Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge, a Vegas institution since 1972. Located just north of the Strip, this technicolor diner has been featured in everything from Casino to CSI. The interior is a time capsule of plush booths, pink neon, and mirrored ceilings.

Plus, the portions are big enough to satisfy a Rat Pack-sized appetite. Order the French toast or biscuits and gravy, and soak in the loungey atmosphere before heading out on your adventures.

10:30 AM: CRUISE FREMONT STREET’S VINTAGE CORE

Head downtown to the heart of Old Vegas: Fremont Street. While much of it has been modernized, you can still find echoes of its glory days if you know where to look. Stroll past El Cortez, the oldest continuously running hotel and casino in Vegas, and admire its preserved 1940s facade. Pop into the lobby for a quick peek at the vintage fixtures and original design details.

Keep walking to see the historic Vegas Vic, the massive neon cowboy whose waving arm and wink have greeted visitors since 1951. He’s one of the most iconic pieces of neon in the city, standing proudly above the old Pioneer Club building. Across from him is Vegas Vickie, his counterpart and one-time rival, a glamorous neon cowgirl who now resides inside the Circa Resort, glowing in all her restored glory in the hotel’s lobby bar.

Don’t miss a stroll past Binion’s Gambling Hall, where the retro marquee and vintage feel remain even after multiple ownership changes. Once home to the World Series of Poker, the casino helped shape Vegas’s reputation as a gambling mecca. Right next door, The Golden Nugget, first opened in 1946, still features some of its classic gold decor and old-school styling.

12:00 PM: LUNCH AT SIEGEL’S 1941

Located inside El Cortez, Siegel’s 1941 is a tribute to Bugsy Siegel and the early days of Vegas mob lore. The decor features black-and-white photography, velvet booths, and a menu that leans into hearty, comforting classics. Grab a sandwich or try the French dip to keep the retro mood going.

1:30 PM: THE NEON MUSEUM: A WALK THROUGH TIME

Now it’s time to experience the crown jewel of vintage Vegas: The Neon Museum. Home to some of the most iconic signs in Las Vegas history, the museum is a curated outdoor collection of neon art and architecture known as the Neon Boneyard.

From the Moulin Rouge to Stardust, Sahara to Binion’s Horseshoe, these towering relics are priceless artifacts.

Book a guided tour to get the full history and context behind each sign. You’ll hear about the designers, the casinos, the performers, and the eras that each glowing piece represents.

3:00 PM: VINTAGE SHOPPING & ANTIQUES

After immersing yourself in Vegas history, head over to Main Street’s Antique Alley, just a short drive from the museum. This stretch of downtown is filled with vintage shops, antique malls, and funky thrift stores. Check out ReBAR or Retro Vegas for mid-century furniture, old casino memorabilia, and quirky finds that make the perfect souvenirs.

5:00 PM: CLASSIC COCKTAILS AT ATOMIC LIQUORS

It’s happy hour, and there’s no better place to toast the day than Atomic Liquors, Las Vegas’s oldest freestanding bar. Open since 1952, Atomic got its name because patrons used to watch atomic bomb tests from the rooftop while sipping cocktails.

7:00 PM: DINNER AT GOLDEN STEER STEAKHOUSE

For dinner, slip into something swanky and head to Golden Steer, Vegas’s oldest steakhouse and a favorite of the Rat Pack. Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe all dined here, and the red leather booths, tuxedoed waiters, and white-tablecloth service will make you feel like you’ve joined them.

9:00 PM: VIVA VISION & FREMONT STREET AFTER DARK

Before calling it a night, head back to Fremont Street for the Viva Vision Light Show, a dazzling canopy of LED lights playing various shows. Grab a drink and people-watch while soaking in the neon buzz. The energy here feels different at night, alive with tribute performers, street musicians, and just a hint of vintage allure.

11:00 PM: NIGHTCAP AT THE LAUNDRY ROOM

Tucked inside Commonwealth is a hidden speakeasy called The Laundry Room. With space for only 20 or so guests, it feels like a secret you were lucky to stumble upon. The bartenders craft bespoke cocktails based on your preferences, and the vibe is intimate, moody, and incredibly Old Vegas cool.

From breakfast at a neon-lit diner to midnight cocktails in a speakeasy, this itinerary peels back the layers of Las Vegas to reveal its retro roots. Whether you’re a history buff, a design lover, or just someone looking for something beyond the Strip, vintage Vegas has never looked so good.