Kings of Vegas: Mobsters and Casinos Highroller Speakeasy Crawl

If you’re curious about the darker, more mysterious side of Las Vegas, the Kings of Vegas: Mobsters and Casinos Highroller Speakeasy Crawl offers an intriguing glimpse into the city’s mafia ties, legendary characters, and ghost stories. This two-hour walking tour takes you through the heart of downtown Fremont, uncovering stories that often stay hidden behind bright lights and bustling casinos. While not a large tour—averaging just 7 travelers—it promises a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides, making history feel alive and authentic.

We really appreciate the tour’s focus on local stories about mob influence and legendary figures, giving a fresh perspective beyond the usual Las Vegas glitz. The stops at historic casinos and iconic neon signs serve as perfect photo opportunities and storytelling anchors. The inclusion of visits to a speakeasy and bars with old-school atmospheres adds a fun, immersive element. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews suggest the experience might feel a bit slow or less engaging if you’re expecting a party atmosphere or more interactive elements. Still, for those interested in history and a slightly spooky vibe, this tour hits many right notes.

This experience is best suited for history buffs, fans of true crime stories, or anyone wanting a different way to explore downtown Vegas. If you’re looking for a lively night out with lots of drinks and dancing, this might not be your ideal pick. But if you want a walk through Vegas’s secret past punctuated by insightful storytelling, this tour offers good value for the modest price of $27.

Good To Know

• Insightful stories about Las Vegas mob ties and key figures
• Authentic historic stops like old casinos and neon signs
• A mix of history and ghost stories for a spooky, intriguing vibe
• Small group size ensures a more personal experience
• Affordable price point offers good value for a two-hour tour
• Ideal for history lovers and those curious about Vegas’s shadowy past

The Kings of Vegas tour is set against the backdrop of Las Vegas’s historic Fremont District, where stories of mobsters, legendary gamblers, and early casinos still linger. The tour is designed as a walking journey that combines storytelling, history, and visits to significant landmarks, all within roughly two hours. It’s available with flexible start times, making it easier to fit into your Vegas itinerary.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Plaza Hotel & Casino

Your journey begins at this casino built in the early 1970s, during a peak period of mob activity. While the tour is brief—just 13 minutes—your guide shares tales of mobster spirits and shady dealings, which add a ghostly, mysterious layer to the location. The Plaza is a classic example of a Vegas casino with longstanding ties to the city’s underworld.

Stop 2: Vegas Vic Neon Sign

Next, you’ll visit the legendary Vegas Vic, the world’s largest mechanical neon sign. Standing tall since the mid-20th century, it’s a symbol of Vegas’s neon-lit glamour. The guide shares insights into how neon signs became part of Vegas’s identity and their role in attracting visitors.

Stop 3: Golden Gate Hotel Casino

The oldest casino on your route, dating back to 1905, the Golden Gate’s story is intertwined with Vegas’s early days. The tour reveals its colorful, sometimes adulterous past, illustrating the city’s rough-and-tumble beginnings. The 13-minute stop gives you a chance to soak in the historic vibe and snap some photos.

Stop 4: Hotel Apache

This storied casino boasts several “firsts” in Las Vegas history, but it’s perhaps more famous for its owner’s murderous reputation. The guide recounts the darker side of this casino’s past, making it a memorable stop for those interested in true crime tales.

Stop 5: The Mob Museum

A highlight for many, this museum serves as a deep dive into the world of organized crime. Though brief at 13 minutes, your guide shares researched stories about renowned mobsters, giving context to Vegas’s reputation as a city built on gambling and clandestine dealings.

Stop 6: El Cortez Hotel & Casino

As Vegas’s first major resort still in operation today, El Cortez is a piece of living history. It’s also the only hotel on the National Register of Historic Places that’s still functioning as a casino. Here, you’ll hear about Jackie Gaughan, a figure known for his honesty amid a sea of dishonesty.

Stops 7-9: Bars and Legendary Tales

The tour moves into the present with visits to Commonwealth, a bar built in 2012 but styled to evoke old Vegas speakeasies, and the Downtown Cocktail Room, known for its secret door and historical relevance to absinthe’s long history. The final stop is the Golden Nugget, where the story of Guy McAfee, who coined the term “Las Vegas Strip,” is told.

The Experience and Atmosphere

The tour’s small group size (max 20 travelers) ensures a cozy, intimate vibe—reviewers mention that it felt more like a private history lesson than a large tour. The guide, though unnamed in reviews, is described as “knowledgeable,” able to weave researched stories with ghostly tales and historical trivia. While some reviews point out that the tour can feel slow or lacking in interaction—especially if you’re traveling alone or in a small group—most appreciate the depth of storytelling.

The stops themselves are a mixture of outdoor walking and short visits to bars, which are chosen for their authentic ambiance. The inclusion of a speakeasy-style bar adds a fun, slightly clandestine feel, perfect for the mobster theme.

What we liked:

• The storytelling approach that makes history engaging
• Visits to legendary landmarks with visual appeal
• The informative, researched stories that go beyond surface-level facts
• The affordable price, offering solid value for such a focused experience

What could be improved:

• The short duration means you only get a quick glance at each location
• Some reviews mention a lack of interactive elements or lively atmosphere
• It might not satisfy those looking for a party vibe or extended exploration

Practical Details and Considerations

The price point of $27 is quite reasonable for a two-hour walking tour packed with stories and historic sites. Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, conveniently located near public transit.

The tour starts at 4:00 pm, perfect for an early evening activity. The mobile ticketing system makes check-in straightforward, and the tour ends back at the starting point, so you can easily hop into dinner plans or other activities afterward.

Physical fitness level: Moderate. You should be comfortable walking for about two hours, with some stops. The route covers outdoor city streets and involves standing at several locations.

Alcoholic beverages are not included, but the stops at bars mean you can choose to enjoy drinks if you wish.

The maximum group size of 20 ensures a personal experience but may mean booking in advance, especially during peak seasons since it’s booked about 31 days ahead on average.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a unique blend of history, legend, and local lore, making it an appealing choice for curious travelers wanting to escape the typical Vegas party scene. With knowledgeable guides, carefully chosen landmarks, and an authentic atmosphere, it provides a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s shadowy past.

While it might not satisfy those expecting a lively, party-focused experience, it excels as an educational walk through Vegas’s mobster era. The modest price makes it an accessible addition to your Vegas itinerary, especially if you have a keen interest in the city’s dark side.

Ideal for history lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a more authentic, story-driven tour, this experience is a worth-while step into Vegas’s secret past.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to get to the starting point at the Plaza Hotel & Casino on your own.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, located at 1 N Main St, Las Vegas.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately two hours, with each stop lasting about 13 minutes.

Are drinks or food included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included. However, the stops at bars allow you to purchase drinks if you wish.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
The tour is designed for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level and involves walking and standing, so it’s best suited for teens and adults.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and refunds are processed accordingly.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews praise the guide as “knowledgeable,” with well-researched stories, adding authenticity to the experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be outdoors for most of the tour.

To sum it up, the Kings of Vegas: Mobsters and Casinos Highroller Speakeasy Crawl is a solid choice for those wanting to learn about the hidden, sometimes eerie history of Las Vegas. Its affordable price, intimate setting, and focus on storytelling make it a compelling option for a different kind of Vegas experience—particularly suited for history buffs and curious explorers.