Las Vegas: Neon Museum Experience & Vegas Open-Top Bus Tour

If you’re looking to get a taste of Las Vegas beyond the bright lights and crowded casinos, this combined tour of the Neon Museum and the Vegas Strip offers a fun, informative way to spend a few hours. We’ve seen many city tours, but what makes this one interesting is how it blends a classic bus ride with a visit to the city’s illuminated past. It’s a solid choice for those who want to see the iconic signs, learn some history, and enjoy the sights without spending the entire night on your feet.

Two things we particularly like about this tour: First, the open-top double-decker bus provides a fantastic perspective of the Strip, especially when the city lights up at night. Second, the Neon Museum offers a glimpse into Vegas’s history through its vintage signs, some of which are perfectly suited for memorable photos.

A potential downside? The Neon Museum visit can feel rushed, especially if you’re a photo enthusiast and want to linger over the signs. Also, since hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll need to arrive at the designated meeting point, which adds a layer of planning.

This experience fits best for travelers who want an engaging overview of Las Vegas with a mix of history, sightseeing, and photo opportunities. It’s especially appealing if you’re not keen on long walks or multiple separate bookings.

Key Points

• Great for visual learners with detailed commentary and stunning views from the bus.
• Includes a visit to the Neon Museum, showcasing over 250 vintage signs.
• Photo stops at the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.
• Flexible timing; you can stay at the Neon Museum until midnight or head back earlier.
• Affordable price point considering the combination of transportation, museum entry, and extras.
• Accessibility and wheelchair-friendly options are available, making it more inclusive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour: What to Expect

We’ll walk through what you can realistically expect from this three-hour experience, highlighting the pros and cons along the way.

The Bus Ride: Sightseeing from a Different Angle

The tour kicks off at the Treasure Island Hotel, right on the Strip. From there, you hop aboard a double-decker bus with an open top, which is a big part of the appeal. The top deck offers fantastic views of the neon-lit Strip, especially at dusk or after sunset. Imagine cruising along with the shimmering skyline stretching around you, all narrated by an expert audio guide.

The commentary is often praised for being informative and well-informed, adding context to the sights you see. Instead of simply gawking at neon signs, you’ll hear stories about Vegas’s evolution, the significance of certain landmarks, and behind-the-scenes tales.

The Iconic Vegas Sign: Perfect Photo Op

The first major stop is the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. It’s a 15-minute photo break, which is just enough time to snap some pictures and soak in the atmosphere. The sign is a must-see, and many travelers say it’s worth the visit. The reviews describe the experience as “cool” and “fun”, especially since the lighting is best just after sunset or at night.

The Neon Museum: A Walk Through Vegas’s Past

Next, you’ll head to the Neon Museum, often called the “Neon Boneyard.” It’s home to over 250 signs that once lit up the Vegas skyline. The museum offers a 45-minute visit, during which you can explore the signs up close and learn about their stories.

Most reviews indicate that the signs are photogenic and that the stories behind them are fascinating. One traveler mentioned that the museum had some signs with broken lights, which was a bit disappointing, but still worth the visit for the nostalgia and visuals.

While some found the museum “not very interesting” according to one review, others appreciated the chance to see Vegas’s history in a visual form. The Las Vegas Luminaries murals are a highlight, paying tribute to the city’s legendary performers, civil rights heroes, and showgirls.

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Flexibility in Timing

One of the nice features of this tour is that you can stay at the Neon Museum until midnight if you want to soak in the sights longer, or you can simply hop back on the bus after the museum visit. The tour’s design offers flexibility, which is handy if you’re tight on time or want to linger longer at certain spots.

Additional Stops and Viewpoints

The bus ride finishes with a stunning view of sights like the Bellagio fountains, the Stratosphere, and towering hotel casinos. These are some of the most photographed spots in Vegas, and being able to see them from the bus adds an extra layer to your experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package is priced at $84 per person, which, in Vegas terms, is quite reasonable. It includes:

• A 2.5-hour bus tour of the Strip
• A photo stop at the Vegas sign
• A 45-minute visit to the Neon Museum
• 30 minutes of bay time at the Atomic Golf driving range (which you can use anytime with your ticket)

However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at Treasure Island Hotel. Check-in is 15 minutes early, which is straightforward if you arrive on time.

The Real-World Experience: Pros and Cons

Based on reviews and our analysis, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Views and commentary: The open-top bus provides a unique perspective of Vegas at night, and the audio guide is generally appreciated for being informative and engaging.
• Significance of the Neon Museum: For those interested in Vegas history and vintage signs, this is a highlight. But if signs are not your thing, or if you’re expecting a traditional museum experience, you might find it a bit underwhelming.
• Timing flexibility: Being able to stay at the Neon Museum until midnight is a plus, especially if you’re keen on nighttime photography.
• Duration and pacing: Some travelers mentioned that the museum visit is a bit short, and stops may be shorter during busy times. If you love to take your time with photos, be prepared for limited time at each stop.
• Value for money: Considering the combination of transportation, museum entry, and extra activities, many find it a good deal. But compare it with other options if your main goal is just sightseeing or museum visits.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Vegas’s sights in a single outing. It’s also good if you’re interested in Las Vegas history and vintage signs.

Travelers who enjoy guided commentary and photo opportunities will likely get a lot out of it. However, if you’re after a longer museum tour or prefer more personalized sightseeing, you might want to look elsewhere or combine it with other activities.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a nice balance between sightseeing, history, and fun. The open-top bus makes a difference, offering great views and a different perspective of the city at night. The Neon Museum adds a layer of nostalgia, especially if you love vintage signs and Vegas’s glitzy past.

While the museum visit can feel somewhat rushed, the overall experience is good value and well-suited for those who want a quick, engaging overview of Las Vegas’s brightest lights and storied signs. The guides are praised for being knowledgeable, and the photos you’ll take are likely to be memorable.

If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and visually stunning way to explore Vegas, this tour hits many of those points. Just be sure to arrive on time, and plan your evening accordingly if you want to linger at the Neon Museum.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you’ll need to meet at the Treasure Island Hotel 15 minutes before the tour starts.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 3 hours, including the bus ride, museum visit, and photo stop.

Can I stay longer at the Neon Museum?
Yes, you can stay until midnight if you’d like, giving you extra time to explore or take photos.

What’s the experience like on the bus?
The open-top double-decker bus provides great views of the Strip, especially at night, with audio commentary to enhance the experience.

Is the Neon Museum worth visiting?
If you’re into signs, Vegas history, or photography, many reviews say yes. Some found it less interesting, but overall, it’s a visual treat.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for more travelers.

All in all, this Vegas tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of the city’s luminous past and present, perfect for those who want a blend of sightseeing, history, and memorable photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: