I have visited Las Vegas quite a few times over the last several years, and one of the most asked questions I received is whether people should stay on the Strip or Downtown. After I tell them they will enjoy their vacation in Las Vegas no matter where they stay, I tell them the differences between Downtown and the Strip.
Downtown (Old School Vegas)
Downtown is for the budget minded and the serious gambler who do not like all the glitz, glamour, of the strip. All of the casinos downtown are close together and you can easily walk to all of them. Table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and others also have lower bet minimums than the Strip. Slot machines, and video poker are everywhere and you can always find nickel machines. Free cocktails are always available when you gambling downtown.
The rooms downtown are comfortable, clean, and less expensive than their Strip counterparts. The Golden Nugget is the most opulent casino downtown. Outside of the Downtown casinos step outside at night and look up and see a light show called the Freemont Street experience, which connects most of the casinos. If you like a laid back, block party atmosphere then downtown...