For most, The Strip is where Las Vegas begin and ends. But for Vegas veterans, heading downtown unlocks a whole different side to Sin City. It may be known as ‘Vintage Vegas,’ but the district is the heart and soul of Nevada’s up and coming arts and culture scene.

Urban by nature, Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) is home to hip nightlife that that’s worlds away from the glitz and glamour of The Strip. The Fremont East District is rapidly gaining a reputation for its chic bars, where mixologists shake up a kaleidoscope of craft cocktails. Team this with rooftop lounges, piano bars and indie music venues, and Downtown Las Vegas serves up an attitude all of its own. Brimming with designer stores, dining and entertainment attractions, the Downtown Container Park is a must visit open air hub for families and retail addicts alike.

For those arriving by road, the Interstate 15 and Interstate 515/U.S. Route 95 both flow into downtown Las Vegas. RTC Transit buses offer transport throughout the downtown area, while a rapid-transit link service called the Strip & Downtown Express ferries passengers to The Strip and the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

Considered the historic centre of Las Vegas, DTLV was settled in 1844 by the American explorer, John C. Frémont. While today the resort city is famous for its 24/7 casinos, in the 1800s it was strewn with wild grasses, fields and desert spring waters. In Spanish, the name “Las Vegas” means the meadows, which perfectly describes the city’s humble origins.