Viva Vision - Overhead Light/Music Show and other Las Vegas, NV Things to Do Tips

You can visit the website for more information on show times, shows, live acts, and technical information so I'll tell you what I "experienced on Freemont Street."

Freemont Street is one street that is mainly enclosed under a large dome-like structure that is called Viva Vision. Viva Vision - is a huge overhead screen that projects mini-musical ensembles and a feast of colour and spledor for the eyes. Its a visual delight. Have you ever been to a planetarium? It's kind of like that but with a lot more razzle dazzle and you're standing as opposed to seated. Each mini-musical is different and lasts about 10 minutes. They usually show every hour on the hour after dusk. You'll know when a show is coming on because all of the lights from the hotels and vendors suddenly go off and you're left wondering if there is a power blackout. But all of a sudden the music and lights overhead boom on and everyone stops to watch. (This is where pickpockets may be lurking so just be cautious).

Taking photos of it is like taking pictures of the Grand Canyon - easy to do and great for memories but hard to capture the actual experience of being there. The overhead shows we seen were all family-friendly. Since the dome covers the whole part of the experience there really isn't a bad spot in which to see it from. Wherever you're standing will do just fine. And best of all - it's free!

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Address: Downtown on Freemont Street
Website: http://www.vegasexperience.com/viva.cfm

Besides the free Viva Vision shows (see my other Freemont Street Tip) there is lots to explore on Freemont Street. If you are looking for gambling, you'll find it. If you're looking for family entertainment you'll find it. If you want to buy some tacky-but-can't-resist souveniers of Las Vegas this is THE place to do it. Everything here is generally cheaper then on The Strip. The merchants especially seem to be cashing on the C.S.I. Show merchandise. These t-shirts can be found for about $5. Other Vegas shirts can be found here - a wide variety for about $2 or $3 each.

I didn't see many "shows" available to go to on Freemont Street except for Live Nudes. But the whole street comes to life at night. Walking around at 4 in the afternoon - the street is pretty quiet, but come 10pm or 11pm the place is jumping! Especially Saturday nights.

There is plenty of security around as well but you won't see them because they are in plain clothes. But they're there. The alcohol flows freely here and it takes some getting used to to see people walking around with beers in their hands on this public street. But things usually go off without a hitch. Sure you get the odd loneytoon here or there but you'll likely never feel threatened. All ages, all races - it's just a great melting pot of people and it's great for people watching.

Try and schedule your visit to Freemont Street when a live musical act is playing. We lucked out - there was a free band called "Wonderboogie" performing there. It was an amazing 70's Disco Tribute band. They had over 500 people all doing the Love Train at midnight. It was surely a sight to see! Young and old will have a great time on Freemont Street - but you only need about 2 or 3 hours to wonder around. The street is not that long, but if you go into the casinos, have a bite to eat, watch the musical acts or other creatures that be - it's worth the visit. Enjoy!

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Address: Downtown on Freemont Street
Website: http://www.vegasexperience.com/

I was shocked when I overheard a local say that going to Freemont Street was a waste of time. It was one of the highlights of my trip! We stayed at the Vegas Club in downtown Vegas which is located right at the beginning of "The Freemont Street Experience".

So what is Downtown/Freemont Street? It is the main street in downtown Las Vegas - not to be confused with the Las Vegas Strip.

Downtown/Freemont Street is about a 5 or 10 minute car ride from the Strip. Downtown/Freemont Street is accessible by the CAT System (Citizens Area Transit) The Deuce a.k.a.city bus. It is NOT walking distance between the two.

On weekends the hotels on The Strip charge an arm and a leg, so staying Downtown/Freemont Street on the weekend is a much more affordable alternative. Plus, if you're still looking for a great street-long party, but not the elbow-to-elbow standing room of the Strip on a weekend, then the Downtown/Freemont Street is the place to be. If you do decide to stay Downtown/Freemont Street you'll likely only need one night. Stay in one of the hotels under the Freemont Street Experience - not El Cortez or one of the other hotels further down. Too many scary creatures and no security really once you leave under the Viva Vision dome. DO stay at Fitzgeralds, Binions, 4Queens, Vegas Club, or the Plaza.

If you're staying on the Strip and just want to visit Downtown/Freemont Street then I'd suggest getting on The Deuce (public bus transit) and getting a 24-hour-pass for $5. Go to Freemont Street after 7pm and expect to leave around midnight.

The only transportation you'll need when you get to Freemont Street is your own two feet. I thought there was supposed to be a huge neon museum on Freemont Street - but what it is, is actually an outdoor complex called the Neonopolis, which has several neon signs attached to the inner structure. See the attached websites for more information.

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Address: Downtown on Freemont Street
Website: www.neonopolis.net
Other Contact: www.vegas.com/attractions/off_th

Vegas is not a cheap-o vacation spot anymore. Almost everything here hurts the wallet so when you can be entertained for free - it's always a pretty good thing. The fountains in front of the Bellagio began to 'dance' every 15 minutes. Set to some trendy, popular music of today, the fountains can be seen from The Strip, from hotel rooms, and down several little side streets. However, I personally think that for picture taking, standing in front of the Bellagio on the Strip will make a nice souvenier photo, as will standing beside the fountains facing towards Hotel Paris - like I did. I'd highly recommend taking the digital camera for this photo op. so that when all is said and done, you'll be able to select and keep only the best. Suitable for all family members.

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Phone: (888) 987-3456
Address: 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Directions: In Front of the Bellagio Hotel
Website: http://www.Bellagio.com

The Sirens of T.I. is a free show that happens on the Pirate Ships out front of the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino every night. Check their website for most up to date times. This would have been an awesome free show - if only I could have seen it! My one tip for you: ARRIVE EARLY. I mean... arrive REALLY EARLY for a good spot - unless you're 8 feet tall and then no matter where you stand you'll have a good spot.

We arrived 40 minutes early for the 10pm show on a Monday night and the outside was already jam packed with people. If you are short - like me, I'm only 5 feet tall - arrive up to one full hour before the show. And don't expect people to move for you, they don't care if you're short or a child the viewing area crowd is dog eat dog.

Sitting on shoulders is fine, standing room only, wear heels - or combat boots or platform shoes and be prepared to elbow your way for a view. If you're staying at T.I. you get special access to the roped off areas in the middle of the bridge (it seperates the two pirate ships and the ships battle back and forth absoulte best viewing areas.) Other then that - be as close to the waters edges as you can get because people will stand in front of you and annoy the %^#&& outta you. The show only lasts about 15 minutes but worth seeing - if you can see it that is!

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Phone: (702) 894-7111
Address: 3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Directions: It is found on the west side of Las Vegas Blvd., between the Mirage and Fashion Show Mall.
Website: http://www.treasureisland.com

One thing is for sure about Vegas - the bigger, the better. However if you have arthritis it will be a nightmare because you walk, then walk, then walk some more. But whatever you're doing in Vegas a stop at the infamous Venetian Casino, Hotel and Mall complex will dazzle you. Shopping (pricier then your regular mall of course $$$) is always a treat but simply walking around this gorgeous structure inside and out is a visual delight. Great design, great for people waching, with some of the most romantic inside-a-mall restaurants I've ever seen.

500,000 square feet or shopping space, and more to see and do then Virtual Tourist will allow me to write about. I wished I had of rode on the Gondola/Canal...

Ride Hours:
Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-Midnight *Last gondola leaves the dock 15 minutes prior to closing. The outdoor ride operates on a weather permitting basis.

Indoor Ride:
Adults - $15.00
Private 2-passenger gondola - $60.00

Outdoor Ride:
Adults - $12.50
Private 2-passenger gondola - $50.00

Reservations must be made in person, same day only. Ticket sales open daily at 9 a.m. for the indoor ride and 10 a.m. for the outdoor ride.

For questions or special requests, please call 702.414.4500
As long as you're an extrovert.

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Address: 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Website: http://www.venetian.com/