City of Las Vegas
Downtown Area
City of Las Vegas
Downtown Area
Just so you know, I actually live in Las Vegas for much of the year now and I can’t stay at the local hostels because of residency requirements. Hostels typically require you live outside the area to be eligible to stay. However, since my trip doesn’t start until June, I thought I’d share information about the neighborhood around the hostels here and what there is to see and do in the immediate area.
The Arts District is one of the funkiest places around with a serious small-town flavor. You should make it one of the places to visit while you’re in Vegas.
Walking though downtown, you’ll see fine examples of large contemporary architecture mingled in with smaller traditional Spanish-style architecture that predominated early Vegas buildings.
There are a lot of other places within walking distance from the hostels to check out including Container Park, Fremont Experience, and, if you want to wait in line, Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and Rick’s Pawn Plaza just down the street from the hostels.
Just so you know, I actually live in Las Vegas for much of the year now and I can’t stay at the local hostels because of residency requirements. Hostels typically require you live outside the area to be eligible to stay. However, since my trip doesn’t start until June, I thought I’d share information about the neighborhood around the hostels here and what there is to see and do in the immediate area.
The Arts District is one of the funkiest places around with a serious small-town flavor. You should make it one of the places to visit while you’re in Vegas.
Walking though downtown, you’ll see fine examples of large contemporary architecture mingled in with smaller traditional Spanish-style architecture that predominated early Vegas buildings.
There are a lot of other places within walking distance from the hostels to check out including Container Park, Fremont Experience, and, if you want to wait in line, Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and Rick’s Pawn Plaza just down the street from the hostels.
Las Vegas Hostels
According to Hostelworld.com*, there are two hostels currently operating in the Las Vegas area. They are both located on S. Las Vegas Blvd between the Strat (formerly the Stratosphere) and E. Charleston Ave in the City of Las Vegas.
Hostel Cat
The Hostel Cat Hostel is built like a compound. The inner part is protected by high walls and a gated entrance. Inside the compound, there is an inner area where people gather to meet, grill on the barbecue, and have a few cocktails.
Sin City
Built in 1947, the two-story building began life as an apartment complex for employees of the then Thunderbird Downs Racetrack. It has been serving as a hostel since 1987.
Outside the Hostels
The hostels are located on the section of Las Vegas Boulevard that serves as the main route using city streets to connect the City of Las Vegas and Fremont Street to the growing world famous Strip. It has been designated as a National Scenic By-Way and work is being done to restore the street, buildings and the neon-lights that once greeted visitors driving through the neighborhood. This is how the road looked in April, 2021.
Within walking distance of the hostels, the history of Las Vegas begins.
The Neighborhood
The neighborhood around the hostels was first developed around the time Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel convinced the mob to invest in the new casino he wanted to build. The Flamingo was eventually built. Siegel died shortly afterward when the mob got tired of waiting for a good return on their investment. During Siegel’s rise and fall, the North Main Street commercial district and surrounding residential neighborhoods were established. Over time, the area was abandoned as people left the city center for newer areas being built across the valley.
But, there’s been a change from the run-down condition that overtook the neighborhood.
Now, it’s been turned into a quaint area where you can browse through little shops offering wide selections to meet almost any taste, grab a craft coffee or beer, dine at small cafes, and listen to musicians playing on backyard stages. It’s a ghost of its former self from even a few years ago. Now, it’s become a “hip” area to hang out for the laid-back young and old crowd alike. The neighborhood houses the Arts District and a celebration called First Friday Festival.
And it’s about a five minute walk from the hostels.
Plus, it’s only a little over a mile to the start of
How to Prepare to Walk in the Desert
Most of the year you don’t need to take any special precautions walking around Vegas. But, once once the weather heats up, it’s important to remember you’re in the middle of the Mojave Desert. There are four things you need to stay healthy and safe when walking in HOT weather: a good pair of walking shoes, sun protection, light clothing, and water.
Let's Go Exploring!
(Click on a Link Below)
Outside the Hostels
The hostels are located on the section of Las Vegas Boulevard that serves as the main route using city streets to connect the City of Las Vegas and Fremont Street to the growing world famous Strip. It has been designated as a National Scenic By-Way and work is being done to restore the street, buildings and the neon-lights that once greeted visitors driving through the neighborhood. This is how the road looked in April, 2021.
Within walking distance of the hostels, the history of Las Vegas begins.
The Neighborhood
The neighborhood around the hostels was first developed around the time Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel convinced the mob to invest in the new casino he wanted to build. The Flamingo was eventually built. Siegel died shortly afterward when the mob got tired of waiting for a good return on their investment. During Siegel’s rise and fall, the North Main Street commercial district and surrounding residential neighborhoods were established. Over time, the area was abandoned as people left the city center for newer areas being built across the valley.
But, there’s been a change from the run-down condition that overtook the neighborhood.
Now, it’s been turned into a quaint area where you can browse through little shops offering wide selections to meet almost any taste, grab a craft coffee or beer, dine at small cafes, and listen to musicians playing on backyard stages. It’s a ghost of its former self from even a few years ago. Now, it’s become a “hip” area to hang out for the laid-back young and old crowd alike. The neighborhood houses the Arts District and a celebration called First Friday Festival.
And it’s about a five minute walk from the hostels.
Plus, it’s only a little over a mile to the start of
How to Prepare to Walk in the Desert
Most of the year you don’t need to take any special precautions walking around Vegas. But, once once the weather heats up, it’s important to remember you’re in the middle of the Mojave Desert. There are four things you need to stay healthy and safe when walking in HOT weather: a good pair of walking shoes, sun protection, light clothing, and water.
Let's Go Exploring!
(Click on a Link Below)
Getting Around
There are several ways to get around including Uber, Lyft, taxis, and public transportation. If you’re going to be using public transportation, you should download the RideRTC app on your smartphone. You can use the app to find out what buses are arriving and departing in your vicinity. There are 2-hour, 24-hour, and 3-day passes available. The 24-hour pass is only two dollars more than the 2-hour one. A special pass is needed for the “The Deuce“, the double-decker bus that goes up and down the Strip 24/7.
Getting Around
There are several ways to get around including Uber, Lyft, taxis, and public transportation. If you’re going to be using public transportation, you should download the RideRTC app on your smartphone. You can use the app to find out what buses are arriving and departing in your vicinity. There are 2-hour, 24-hour, and 3-day passes available. The 24-hour pass is only two dollars more than the 2-hour one. A special pass is needed for the “The Deuce“, the double-decker bus that goes up and down the Strip 24/7.