Sin City Secrets: Hidden Gems and Weird Tales from Las Vegas

Las Vegas isn't just about casinos and bright lights; it's also full of hidden gems and strange stories. From secret restaurants to offbeat museums, there's a lot more to Sin City than meets the eye. Let's dive into some of the coolest and weirdest spots you might not know about.

Key Takeaways

• Las Vegas has a museum for everything, even neon signs and atomic bombs.

• You can find secret bars and restaurants if you know where to look.

• There are haunted spots on the Strip with spooky stories.

• You can play with heavy machinery or vintage pinball machines.

• The city offers unique experiences 24/7, like midnight sushi and late-night shows.

The Neon Boneyard: Where Signs Go to Die

History of the Neon Museum

Las Vegas is known for its iconic neon signs. But where do they go when they retire? The Neon Museum, of course! This place is like a retirement home for the city's most famous signs. Established to preserve these glowing pieces of history, the museum is divided into four sections: the Strip, Downtown, motels, and small businesses. You can take a self-guided tour in the afternoon or join a 45-minute guided tour in the evening. Either way, you'll learn some cool stories, like how the Moulin Rouge was the first racially integrated casino.

Famous Signs and Their Stories

Ever wondered what happened to the giant pirate skull from Treasure Island? It's here, grinning up at the sky. And that's just one of the many famous signs you'll find. From the original Aladdin’s lamp to Binion’s Horseshoe, each sign has a story to tell. The North Gallery even has a mural that pays tribute to lesser-known Vegas figures. Plus, there's a show called Brilliant! Jackpot that uses lights and music to bring non-operational signs back to life.

Visiting Tips for Night Owls

Planning a visit? Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:

• Book in advance: General admission starts at $20, and tickets sell out fast.

• Go in the evening: The signs look even more magical when they're lit up.

• Wear comfy shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.

• Bring a camera: Trust us, you'll want to capture these glowing relics.

Secret Eats: Hidden Restaurants You Have to Find

The Mystery of Secret Pizza

Don't see the secret pizza? That's because it doesn't have a sign. Hidden in a hallway by Marquee at the Cosmopolitan, you can find a secret pizza restaurant. Since it has no actual name or sign, look for the long lines at weird hours – it’s open about 18 hours a day. The big pieces are sold by the slice, and even when the line is somewhat short, it takes a pretty long time. Don’t even bother trying to find a seat, because there aren’t any. I guess it’s not much of a secret anymore, but it kind of is, right? It’s definitely weird.

Unmarked Doors and Gourmet Delights

Las Vegas is about being seen through big windows, all about welcoming guests through giant open doors. Except when it’s not. It’s hard to say when Vegas’ embrace of speakeasies and secret rooms began; it can be argued that secrets have been a big part of this town from its beginning. (“What happens here, stays here,” went the old LVCVA ad slogan.) But it was about 10 years ago, when Downtown’s Laundry Room and now-defunct Tokyo 365 made their debut, that we began flaunting the fact that Las Vegas had rooms that didn’t have giant open doors or big windows … or even have windows at all.

Today, there are covert nightspots located all over the city, even hidden away in those big casino properties. We’ll tell you about a few spots worth finding, what you might discover once you’re inside and how to gain entrance through those secret doors.

How to Snag a Table at These Hidden Gems

Bugsy & Meyer’s also contains the Count Room, an intimate speakeasy named for the casino space where the house’s money gets tallied. It’s tucked away within the restaurant and accessible only by request. The ambiance is as classy as it is cozy, and on Fridays and Saturdays, The Moonshiners’ live jazz soundtracks the room. Handcrafted cocktails—vintage and contemporary—headline the menu. Traditionalists will love the Count Room’s Old-Fashioned cart, with which you can customize the classic cocktail to your liking.

Weird and Wonderful Museums of Las Vegas

Las Vegas isn't just about casinos and shows. It's also home to some of the most bizarre and fascinating museums you'll ever see. Ready to dive into the strange and wonderful? Let's go!

Speakeasies and Secret Bars: Sip in Secrecy

Las Vegas is known for its glitz and glam, but hidden behind unmarked doors and secret passages are some of the city's most intriguing watering holes. Ready to sip in secrecy? Let's dive in!

Haunted Vegas: Ghosts of the Strip

The Flamingo Hotel is not just famous for its glitz and glam. It's also home to some of the spookiest Las Vegas stories. Bugsy Siegel, the mobster who opened the Flamingo, was murdered in 1947. Some say his spirit never left. Guests have reported seeing a ghostly figure in vintage clothing wandering the hotel grounds. Could it be Bugsy himself, keeping an eye on his investment?

Bally’s has its own share of eerie tales. In 1980, a fire broke out at what was then the MGM Grand, killing 87 people. Today, guests claim to smell smoke and hear screams in the hallways. Some even report seeing an elderly woman playing the slot machines, only to vanish in a puff of smoke. Crazy Vegas adventures indeed!

The Luxor Hotel, with its pyramid shape and Egyptian theme, is a magnet for Las Vegas urban legends. Some believe the hotel's design is cursed. Construction accidents and mysterious deaths have fueled these stories. Guests have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing strange noises in the night. If you're into Sin City escapades, a stay at the Luxor might just give you the chills.

Offbeat Attractions: Beyond the Casinos

Las Vegas isn't just about the glitz and glam of the Strip. Dive into some of the city's most unique and outrageous Vegas events that you won't find in any casino. Ready for some unusual adventures? Let's go!

Dig This: Heavy Machinery Playground

Ever wanted to operate a bulldozer or an excavator? At Dig This, you can! This heavy machinery playground lets you live out your construction dreams. It's like a sandbox, but for grown-ups. Get ready to dig, push, and play in the dirt.

Pinball Hall of Fame: A Retro Wonderland

Step back in time at the Pinball Hall of Fame. This place is packed with vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games. Whether you're a pinball wizard or just looking for some nostalgic fun, this retro wonderland has got you covered.

Seven Magic Mountains: Desert Art Extravaganza

Just a short drive from the city, you'll find the Seven Magic Mountains. These towering, colorful rock formations are a sight to behold. It's a desert art extravaganza that makes for some seriously Instagram-worthy photos.

24/7 Oddities: The City That Never Sleeps

Las Vegas is a city that never hits the snooze button. Whether you're craving sushi at 2 a.m. or looking for some quirky late-night entertainment, Sin City has got you covered. Let's dive into some of the oddities that make this place a 24/7 wonderland.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Las Vegas isn't just about the glitz and glamour of the Strip. Beneath the neon lights and slot machines lies a treasure trove of hidden gems and quirky tales waiting to be discovered. From secret pizza joints to neon boneyards, Sin City is a playground for the curious and the adventurous. So next time you find yourself in Vegas, take a detour from the usual and dive into the weird and wonderful. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a story worth telling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Neon Boneyard?

The Neon Boneyard is part of the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, where old neon signs from casinos and other businesses are displayed.

How do I find Secret Pizza in Las Vegas?

Secret Pizza is hidden in a hallway at The Cosmopolitan. Look for the unmarked hallway with records on the walls.

What can I see at the Mob Museum?

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas showcases the history of organized crime, including artifacts like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre wall.

Where is the Laundry Room speakeasy?

The Laundry Room is located in Downtown Las Vegas, behind an unmarked door at the back of Commonwealth bar.

Are there any haunted places on the Las Vegas Strip?

Yes, places like the Flamingo and Bally's are rumored to be haunted by ghosts from the past.

What is Dig This in Las Vegas?

Dig This is a heavy machinery playground where visitors can operate construction equipment like bulldozers and excavators.