How to Experience Vintage Las Vegas in 2025 – The Only Retro Travel Guide To Las Vegas You’ll Need To Read
Las Vegas has changed, but its golden era isn’t gone. You can still find classic casinos, retro lounges, and the old-school charm that made the city famous.
Whether it’s staying in a historic hotel, sipping cocktails under neon lights, or catching a show that brings back the Rat Pack days, vintage Vegas is alive if you know where to look.
Here’s how to experience the classic, old, vintage Las Vegas in 2025.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:
- Best Classic Hotels: Golden Nugget, The Flamingo
- Iconic Classic Lounges: Peppermill Lounge or Atomic Liquors
- Experience Old Las Vegas Culture: Neon Museum, Mob Museum, Antique Alley
- Best Classic Entertainment: Wayne Newton, Ratpack is Back, All Motown
- Best Vintage Restaurants: Golden Steer, Hugo’s Cellar, Piero’s Italian Cuisine
Stay in a Classic Las Vegas Hotel
Las Vegas is home to over 150,000 hotel rooms, but how many of those let you experience that old-school Vegas vibe? The answer is not many, but you’re in luck because there are a few that still hold their classic charm. The best places to soak in the nostalgia are downtown on Fremont Street, where classic neon and vintage vibes are everywhere, or at a few historic spots on the Strip that have kept their roots intact.
Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget has been a Fremont Street staple since 1946, making it one of the best places to experience vintage Las Vegas.
The casino still carries that old-school Vegas energy, while recent updates bring modern touches to the rooms and amenities. Grab a drink at one of the classic lounges, try your luck on the gaming floor, or take a swim next to the hotel’s famous shark tank.
With rooms starting at just $45 per night, Golden Nugget lets you stay in the heart of old Vegas without breaking the bank.
El Cortez
If you want to stay somewhere that truly feels, and literally looks like old Vegas, El Cortez is the place to be.
Opened in 1941 and once owned by mobster Bugsy Siegel, this casino hotel has kept its vintage character intact. The gaming floor still has that classic, no-frills vibe, and the main building’s rooms preserve the hotel’s historic charm.
It’s also one of the most affordable stays in town, with rooms starting at just $39 per night. Perfect for travelers looking to experience vintage Vegas on a budget.
The Flamingo
Away from Downtown and on the Strip, The Flamingo is the last remaining hotel from Vegas’ original Strip era. While the resort has been modernized, it still holds onto its old-school roots with Art Deco touches and a tropical vibe. The garden courtyard, home to actual flamingos, adds to its classic charm.
The Flamingo was actually opened in 1946 by none other than Bugsy Siegel. With rooms starting at just $23 per night, The Flamingo offers a budget-friendly way to experience a piece of Las Vegas history right on the Strip.
The Sahara
Originally opened in 1952, The Sahara was once a playground for legends like Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack. While the resort has undergone major renovations, it still nods to its storied past with vintage-inspired decor and a casino that keeps the classic Vegas energy alive.
If you’re looking to stay here, rooms start at $42 per night. The Sahara offers a mix of history and modern comfort at the north end of the Strip.
Visit Iconic Vintage Casinos & Lounges
The hotels above all have classic casinos where you can soak in old Vegas charm, however, there are a few spots that take you back into the old city’s vintage nightlife. If you’re looking for a retro lounge or bar with real history, Peppermill Lounge and Atomic Liquors are two of the best spots.
Peppermill Lounge
A throwback to ’70s Vegas, Peppermill Lounge is dimly lit, covered in neon, and known for its oversized cocktails. The sunken fire pit seating and mirrored walls give it a distinct old-school feel, making it a favorite for those who want a drink in a setting that hasn’t changed in decades.
Atomic Liquors
The oldest freestanding bar in Vegas, Atomic Liquors was once a go-to for the Rat Pack and Hollywood stars. It has been serving Las Vegas since 1952, and still serves strong drinks in a no-nonsense setting. The bar’s history that goes back to the days when people watched nuclear tests from the rooftop.
Explore Old Las Vegas Culture
Vintage Vegas isn’t just about casinos and lounges.
There’s plenty of history to see beyond the gaming floors.
These spots give you a closer look at the city’s past, from its iconic neon signs to its mob connections.
The Neon Museum
Home to some of the most recognizable signs in Vegas history, The Neon Museum preserves and displays the glowing remnants of long-gone casinos, hotels, and attractions. Whether you’re in town for Valentine’s Day, or genuinely curious about the history of old Las Vegas, the museum is something that should definitely be on your list.
The outdoor Neon Boneyard is a must-see, with restored classics like the Stardust and Moulin Rouge signs lighting up the night.
Daytime admission starts at $20, and evening admission starts at $30.
The Mob Museum
Las Vegas wouldn’t be what it is without its mob history, and The Mob Museum lays it all out. You’ll find everything from organized crime’s role in building the city to how law enforcement cracked down.
Exhibits include real artifacts, immersive displays, and even a Prohibition-era speakeasy in the basement.
General admission starts at $34.95.
Antique Alley Mall
Antique Alley Mall is located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. Here you’ll find a different kind of vintage Vegas.
Antique Alley in the Arts District is packed with shops selling retro furniture, old-school Vegas memorabilia, and unique finds from past decades. It’s the perfect spot to hunt for a piece of old Vegas to take home.
See Classic Las Vegas Entertainment
Vintage Vegas isn’t just about where you stay or what you see.
It’s also about the performances that have defined the city. While the show scene has changed over the years, a few acts still bring that old-school Vegas energy to the stage.
Wayne Newton at Flamingo
A Las Vegas icon, Wayne Newton has been performing in the city for over 60 years. His show at the Flamingo is a mix of storytelling, classic hits, and personal anecdotes from a career spent alongside legends like Elvis and Sinatra. If you want to see one of the last true Vegas entertainers, this is it.
Tickets start at $52. Wayne Newton’s show runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 7:00 PM.
The Rat Pack Is Back at Tuscany Suites
This tribute show recreates the magic of a Rat Pack performance, complete with a live band and performers channeling Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.
It’s a throwback to the era when the Strip was ruled by smooth voices, sharp suits, and effortless charm. You’ll also find the Rat Pack is Back on our list of the best Dinner Shows in Las Vegas.
The Rat Pack is Back runs Monday through Saturday at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at $90.
All Motown at Alexis Park
Another tribute show you should consider brings the sounds of The Supremes, The Temptations, and other Motown legends to the Vegas stage. All Motown is packed with classic hits, soulful vocals, and vintage choreography.
If you love the music of the ’60s and ’70s, this is one of the best ways to experience it live.
The show runs daily at 8:00 PM. Tickets start at $53.
Dine Like It’s Old Las Vegas
Las Vegas has no shortage of fine dining, but if you want a meal that feels straight out of the city’s golden era, these spots deliver. From mob-era Italian joints to classic steakhouses where legends once dined, these restaurants keep vintage Vegas alive.
Hugo’s Cellar (Four Queens)
Tucked inside the Four Queens, Hugo’s Cellar is the kind of place where dinner still feels like an occasion. It’s one of the best off-strip restaurants for a reason. Every woman is greeted with a rose, and tableside service is a staple, from salads made right in front of you to flambéed desserts.
With its old-school charm and dimly lit elegance, it’s one of the most classic dining experiences in downtown Vegas.
Golden Steer Steakhouse
If you want to eat where Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe once dined, Golden Steer is the place. Open since 1958, this steakhouse hasn’t changed much. You’ll find leather booths, dark wood paneling, and tuxedoed waiters that keep the vintage Vegas feel intact.
The menu sticks to the classics, with prime steaks, Caesar salads prepared tableside, and generous portions of old-school hospitality. It’s one of the top steakhouses in Las Vegas.
Piero’s Italian Cuisine
A mob-era favorite just off the Strip, Piero’s has been serving Italian staples since 1982, attracting everyone from casino bosses to Hollywood stars. The dimly lit dining room, white tablecloths, and framed photos of past guests make it feel like a step back in time. It’s known for its osso buco, handmade pastas, and classic veal dishes, all served in an atmosphere that hasn’t lost its vintage Vegas appeal.
Cruise the Strip in a Classic Car
How do you want to finish your evening? Nothing says vintage Vegas like rolling down the Strip in a classic car. Whether you’re behind the wheel or just along for the ride, there are a couple of ways to make it happen. Rent a vintage Cadillac or Lincoln, preferably a convertible to take in the neon glow.
Or, if you want something a little flashier, book an Elvis-themed Pink Cadillac tour, where an Elvis impersonator drives you down the Strip while belting out the King’s greatest hits. It’s a little over the top, but so is Vegas.
You Can Still Experience The Golden Age of Las Vegas
Las Vegas has changed a lot over the years, but if you know where to look, you can still find the charm of its golden era. Whether it’s the vintage glow of Fremont Street, a casino that still feels like old Vegas, or a steakhouse where Sinatra once dined, the city hasn’t forgotten its roots. The Neon Museum preserves its iconic signs, the Mob Museum tells its storied past, and places like Golden Steer and Hugo’s Cellar keep the classic dining experience alive.
So, if you’re looking for a Vegas experience that feels straight out of a bygone era (in 2025), now you know where to find it.
Now that you’ve decided to visit Las Vegas, here are some more resources that will help you plan your trip:
