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

Exploring Las Vegas with the Neon Museum Experience & Open-Top Bus Tour

A night tour of Las Vegas that combines the thrill of riding on an open-top double-decker bus with a visit to the Neon Museum is a fantastic way to see the city’s dazzling lights and learn a little about its colorful past. Priced at $84 per person and lasting about 3 hours, this tour offers a lively mix of sightseeing, photo opportunities, and cultural insights.

What we especially like is the stunning panoramic views of the Strip from the bus’s upper deck — especially as the city lights come alive at dusk. Plus, the Neon Boneyard is a treasure trove of vintage signs that tell the story of Vegas’s glitzy history. Another highlight? The photo stop at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, perfect for that iconic snapshot.

A possible downside? If you’re not particularly interested in neon signs or history, some reviews mention that the Neon Museum visit might feel a little short or not as engaging for all visitors. Still, for those who love a mix of scenery and stories, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience suits travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Vegas — whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip — especially if you enjoy stunning views, photo ops, and learning about the city’s colorful past in a fun, relaxed setting.

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Key Points

Ideal for night views: The open-top bus offers excellent panoramic views of the Strip as it lights up.
Rich history in signs: The Neon Boneyard hosts over 250 vintage signs that reveal Vegas’s glamorous and quirky past.
Photo opportunities: Snap that perfect shot at the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.
Expert audio guide: Learn about the city’s history and hidden stories while enjoying the sights from the bus.
Flexible timing at the museum: You can stay at the Neon Museum until midnight or finish earlier for other activities.
Designed for all: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for travelers with different needs.

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A Deep Dive into the Vegas Night Tour

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

The tour begins in the evening at the Treasure Island Hotel, a familiar landmark on the strip, where you’ll check in about 15 minutes early. From there, the journey kicks off with a ride along the Las Vegas Strip on an open-top double-decker bus. This mode of transport provides a fun, relaxed vantage point to see the neon glow and towering hotels that make Vegas famous. Plus, the open air allows for fantastic photo opportunities — just be prepared for the evening breeze.

The audio commentary plays throughout, offering insights into each landmark, the history behind the signs, and some fun stories you might not find in guidebooks. We found that the narration was both informative and engaging without being overwhelming — perfect for a casual but enriching experience.

The Neon Museum Visit

The highlight for many is the 45-minute visit to the Neon Boneyard. Here, over 250 vintage signs are displayed — some restored, others remnants of yesteryear. These signs tell stories of old casinos, motels, and neon glitz, offering a vintage glimpse into Vegas’s evolution.

One reviewer, Dawn from the UK, called this tour “an amazing way to capture the Las Vegas strip at night and visit the Neon Museum,” emphasizing how memorable it was to see signs from old casinos and showgirl venues. The signs are illuminated at night, which adds an extra layer of nostalgia and visual appeal.

However, some travelers, like Jeroen from Belgium, noted that “the Neon Museum had a lot of broken lights, which was a shame.” This points out that the signs may not always be in perfect condition, but even in their imperfect state, they’re still captivating.

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Photo Stop at the Las Vegas Sign

No trip to Vegas is complete without a photo in front of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The 15-minute stop gives you a chance to snap that classic shot, perfect for souvenirs or social media. From reviews, like the one from a traveler in the US, we learn that the stop is well-organized, and the small group size means shorter lines and more time for photos.

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Additional Activities and Flexibility

After the Neon Museum, the tour continues with a 30-minute bay time at the Atomic Golf driving range, where you can practice your swing or simply relax. The flexibility to stay at the museum until midnight or hop back onto the bus allows for customized experiences, especially if you want more time to explore or take photos.

The tour concludes back at Treasure Island, giving you a convenient point to continue your night in Las Vegas or head back to your hotel.

Transportation, Group Size, and Value

The open-top bus provides a relaxed, entertaining way to explore at night, with expert commentary enriching the experience. The small group size (as noted in some reviews) leads to more personalized attention and shorter waits at stops, making the most of your time.

At $84, the tour packs in a lot: a guided ride, photo stops, and museum visit. Compared to other Vegas activities, it offers good value — especially if you’re interested in Vegas’s history through its signs and want to avoid long lines or complicated logistics.

What’s Not Included

It’s worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included**, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point at Treasure Island. This is typical for many city tours but something to plan for.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour appeals most to travelers interested in Vegas’s visual culture and history. It’s perfect if you love taking photos, want a relaxed way to see the Strip at night, and enjoy stories behind iconic sights. It’s also suitable for those with mobility concerns, given the wheelchair accessibility.

If you prefer a quick, action-packed tour with a focus solely on modern casinos and nightlife, some reviews suggest the Neon Museum might seem a bit slow or less engaging. But for those who cherish vintage signs and storytelling, it’s an memorable addition.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a balanced and enjoyable experience. You get to see the bright lights of Las Vegas from a unique perspective, learn about the city’s history through its signs, and capture some of the most iconic images Vegas has to offer. The expert narration and flexible timing at the Neon Museum make it stand out.

The value is particularly good considering the combination of transportation, sightseeing, and museum access included. It’s a great choice for first-timers wanting a rundown or repeat visitors eager to see Vegas from a different angle.

While some might find the Neon Museum visit a bit brief or the signs somewhat worn, the overall experience remains engaging and memorable. If you’re looking for a fun, insightful, and visually appealing way to spend an evening in Vegas, this tour should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to arrive at the meeting point, Treasure Island Hotel, about 15 minutes early.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including the bus ride, stops, and museum visit.

Can I stay longer at the Neon Museum?
Yes, you can stay at the Neon Museum until midnight if you wish, giving you extra flexibility to explore and take photos.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of mobility needs.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $84 per person, which includes transportation, narration, and museum entry.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera or smartphone for photos, especially at the Vegas sign and Neon Boneyard. Dress comfortably for outdoor and evening conditions.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
No, the commentary is in English.

What are the reviews saying about the guide?
Reviews mention the guide as being well-informed and entertaining, making the experience more enjoyable.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made earlier give you flexibility to plan your trip.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Vegas veteran, this Neon Museum and Strip tour offers a memorable, photo-friendly way to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and history. Just be prepared for some cool evening air, and you’re set for an engaging adventure through the city’s luminous past and present.