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

Las Vegas: Neon Museum Experience & Vegas Open-Top Bus Tour — A Detailed Review

First off, this tour promises an exciting way to see some of Las Vegas’ most iconic sights without rushing through a long day. It combines the energy of a nighttime open-top bus ride with a visit to the legendary Neon Museum, giving you a well-rounded snapshot of Vegas’s dazzling history and vibrant present.

What really draws us in are the stunning views of the Strip from above, the chance to walk among over 250 vintage neon signs at the Neon Boneyard, and the opportunity to snap that classic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” photo. The audio commentary adds a layer of storytelling that makes the sights come alive, and the flexibility of having time at the museum or the option to stay late for the full experience makes this tour quite adaptable.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the museum’s occasional signs with broken lights and the relatively short stops, especially if the tour gets busy. For those who love a quick, visually rich overview rather than a deep dive, this tour offers excellent value. It’s ideal for first-timers wanting a snapshot of Vegas’s neon past and present in a fun, comfortable way.

This experience is best suited for travelers seeking a combination of sightseeing, history, and photo opportunities with a relaxed, entertaining vibe. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small group, it offers a practical way to cover a lot of ground in just three hours.

Good To Know

• Unique perspective: Offers a top-down view of the Las Vegas Strip, making it easier to appreciate the scale and grandeur.
• Iconic highlights: Visit the Neon Boneyard and get a snapshot at the famous Vegas sign.
• Insightful commentary: Learn about Vegas’s history and stories behind the signs through engaging audio guides.
• Flexibility: You can stay at the Neon Museum until midnight if you want more time exploring.
• Value for money: At $84, it combines transport, admission, and guided commentary for a competitive price.
• Accessibility: It’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for most visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at the Treasure Island Hotel, a central location on the Strip, making it convenient for many travelers. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in at the loading zone on Mystere Dream Ave. The use of an open-top double-decker bus immediately sets a lively, laid-back tone. With the bus ride lasting about 2.5 hours, you’ll get a panoramic view of Vegas’s neon-lit skyline from the open air, perfect for sightseeing and photos.

The bus is equipped with audio commentary, which is in English, and is designed to provide entertaining and informative insights along the route. Many reviews praise the guides for being well-informed and engaging, with some mentioning the driver’s humor and local knowledge adding to the overall experience.

The Route and Key Stops

The bus ride takes you south along the Strip to the famous Vegas sign, where you’ll enjoy a dedicated 15-minute photo stop. This is a highlight for many, as it’s the classic Vegas photo opportunity and a must-see symbol of the city. One reviewer notes, “The Vegas sign was really cool,” emphasizing how memorable this stop is.

Afterward, the bus heads north to the Neon Museum, known locally as the Neon Boneyard. This part of the tour lasts about 45 minutes, giving you enough time to walk among the vintage signs and appreciate their craftsmanship and flamboyance. Many travelers, including one reviewer who called it “interesting,” appreciate the history behind each sign, although some note that some signs have broken lights, which can slightly diminish the visual impact. Still, the stories behind them, including the visionaries who created these luminous relics, make the visit worthwhile.

The Neon Museum Experience

The Neon Museum is a must-visit for those who love Vegas’s visual history. You’ll see signs from classic casinos and motels, many of which have been preserved or restored. The vibrant Las Vegas Luminaries murals add a contemporary tribute to the city’s legendary performers, civil rights figures, and showgirls—an unexpected highlight for many.

While the 45-minute visit provides a taste of Vegas’s neon past, some reviews mention that the signs, due to age or damage, sometimes look less impressive up close. However, the stories and the atmosphere of the outdoor yard more than compensate. You are free to stay longer at the museum until midnight, which is a nice option for those wanting extra time to explore or take additional photos.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Additional Activities and Flexibility

Included in the tour is a 30-minute bay time at the Atomic Golf driving range, which can be used at your convenience. This is a fun, low-pressure activity that adds a bit of variety to your evening. Some travelers found it to be a relaxing way to wind down after the busy sightseeing.

The tour concludes with the option to hop back on the bus and enjoy views of landmarks like the Bellagio fountains and the Stratosphere, or you can choose to stay longer at the Neon Museum on your own.

What We Loved

We appreciated the combination of structured sightseeing and free time, giving a good balance of guided tours and independent exploration. The stunning vistas from the open-top bus make it easy to capture the city’s lights in photos, and the insightful commentary made the sightseeing more meaningful. Several reviews praise the knowledgeable guides for making the experience both fun and educational.

What to Keep in Mind

Some reviewers have mentioned the short duration of stops at popular spots, which might limit photography or exploration time during busy periods. Also, the Neon Museum’s signs can sometimes be less than perfect visually, but their stories add depth. The price of $84 is reasonable considering the combination of transport, museum entry, and commentary, but always compare with other options if you’re looking for a more in-depth or specialized experience.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is excellent for first-time visitors wanting a quick, visually captivating overview of Vegas’s vibrant history. It’s ideal for those who love photo ops, as the bus ride offers fantastic views, especially at sunset or night. If you’re interested in Vegas’s neon heritage without dedicating an entire day, this tour strikes a good balance.

It’s also a good choice for small groups or couples who enjoy guided experiences and want to see a lot without much effort. The flexibility to stay longer at the Neon Museum makes it suitable for those who want to extend their visit or explore at a more leisurely pace.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

The Las Vegas Neon Museum Experience & Vegas Open-Top Bus Tour offers a lively, practical way to tour Vegas in a short amount of time. You’ll get a stunning view of the Strip from above, learn interesting tidbits about the city’s neon signs, and walk through a curated outdoor gallery of vintage signs that tell Vegas’s story.

For the value-conscious traveler, it combines transportation, entry, and commentary at a competitive price, making it a worthwhile addition to your Vegas itinerary. The guided aspect ensures you gain context and stories behind the sights, enhancing the visual experience.

While it might not satisfy those seeking an in-depth visit or a fully curated museum experience, it hits the right notes for a relaxed, fun, and photo-rich evening in the city of lights. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group, this tour provides a memorable snapshot of Vegas’s luminous legacy.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to arrive at the Treasure Island Hotel 15 minutes early.

How long is the total tour? The full experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including the bus ride, museum visit, and optional activities.

Can I stay longer at the Neon Museum? Yes, you are free to stay at the Neon Museum until midnight if you wish to explore more or take additional photos.

What is included in the tour price? The tour includes the 2.5-hour bus ride, entry to the Neon Museum, a photo stop at the Vegas sign, and 30 minutes at the Atomic Golf driving range.

Is the bus tour accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What language is the commentary in? The audio commentary is in English.

What should I wear? Since it’s an outdoor open-top bus, dress for the weather, especially if it’s hot or windy.

Are children allowed? The tour is suitable for most ages, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

How much does the tour cost? The price is $84 per person, which includes all listed activities and transportation.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, accessible way to see some of Vegas’s most iconic sights while learning about the city’s luminous past. It’s well-suited for those new to Vegas or anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic overview with plenty of photo opportunities. The knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and flexible options make it a solid choice for an evening activity in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

You can check if your dates are available here: