So what is it like walking from Old Vegas and Freemont Street along Las Vegas Boulevard to the glamorous modern end of the Strip? Also, was it safe?
Las Vegas is a city of extremes, from the opulence of the mega-casinos to the homeless in the street. It’s a microcosm of the American dream. When you win, you win big but if you lose, you end up on the less desirable end of Las Vegas Boulevard.
Is it safe? I walked Las Vegas Boulevard during the day and felt perfectly safe. Although, at night, I think it would be a different experience. The walk was quiet as it’s not something people do. The people you do encounter can be ‘slightly unusual‘.
Also, during the summer months, Las Vegas is incredibly hot. Walking this distance in the sun would be unbearable. During my stay, I also walked the 2023 Las Vegas Formula 1 circuit, which looks like it’s going to be a chaotic event.
Starting On Freemont Street
Starting from Fremont Street, you enter the pedestrian-only Fremont Street Experience. It’s a bustling hub of entertainment, shops, and restaurants. This area is well-monitored and patrolled by police officers and private security personnel. Despite what people say and the exaggerations, Freemont Street is no worse than any UK city centre on a Saturday night.
As you head south down Las Vegas Boulevard, the crowds quickly disappear. The casinos are soon replaced by Pawn Shops and Bail Bonds offices. There were very few people in this area during my walk in November.
You pass the Supreme Court of Nevada and the Bankruptcy Court (which is probably quite busy in Las Vegas). The Pawn Shops are joined by some dodgy-looking restaurants, which did not look appetising.
The Stratosphere Tower is directly in front of you as you walk south. It’s around this stretch of the Boulevard that the wedding chapels appear.
Just a few blocks to the west of the Boulevard is the Arts District. This area has seen significant revitalization in recent years. While this neighbourhood has become more popular among locals and visitors alike, it’s always wise to remain aware of your surroundings and exercise common-sense precautions such as staying on well-lit streets and avoiding isolated areas.
Approaching The Strat
The first “big’ casino you reach is the Stratosphere which is now known as ‘The Strat’. It may be an iconic building but don’t get too comfortable, the area behind it is not the best. This neighbourhood is known as Naked City and is very run down. But to be honest, you don’t have a reason to stray off Las Vegas Boulevard and walk into it.
After the Strat and the new arches, you pass some more wedding chapels and a massive gift shop before reaching the Sahara Hotel and Casino. This is where the ‘glitzy’ Las Vegas you recognise from TV and Films starts.
This northern end of the main strip used to be relatively quiet but in recent years, it has seen a lot of development with Resorts World and the completion of The Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
The Vegas Strip
You now reach the famous Las Vegas Strip known for its vibrant atmosphere, bustling crowds, and round-the-clock activity. The concentration of hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues creates a lively and vibrant environment, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Looking down the strip, the hotels do look close to each other. But as you walk, you’ll soon realise they are not as close as you think.
Walking Las Vegas Boulevard South can be a fascinating experience and allows you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Although, it’s also important to note that the Vegas Strip spans approximately 4.2 miles. Walking the entire length of the Strip from Fremont Street to the southernmost point can be time-consuming and physically demanding, especially in the desert heat.
While safety is always a consideration when exploring any city. Las Vegas Boulevard is generally a safe place for pedestrians. Like anywhere, just use your common sense.
