With over 40 million visitors flocking to Vegas annually, there’s a LOT of “weird” to see.
Sitting back and watching humanity mill past is easily one of my favorite free things to do in Vegas.
Vegas oddities on display include folks under the influence, street performers, and weirdos from around the country… and world!
Over the years, I’ve discovered some prime perches to watch the world pass by.
People Watching on the Strip
Beer Park at Paris: Found on the rooftop at Paris, getting a seat on Beer Park’s front railing will give you a great vantage point of the Strip below.
As a bonus, you’ll also have a great view of the Fountains of Bellagio across the street.
Mon Ami Gabi and Hexx at Paris: Both restaurants offer outdoor seating RIGHT along the Strip, and you’ll have the opportunity to see the throngs pass by as you dine and/or drink.
Stop into Alexxa’s for brunch and enjoy bottomless mimosas for a small upcharge.
LINQ Promenade: The outdoor seating areas at both Virgil’s Real BBQ and Chayo Mexican Kitchen along the LINQ Promenade is prime real estate.
ameriCAN also had a great outdoor seating area, but is moving to TI. Keep an eye out for the concept that moves into that space; it’ll be a good one, too.
Virgil’s also has a solid happy hour.
El Segundo Sol at the Fashion Show Mall: A recent discovery of mine, El Segundo Sol is a Mexican restaurant located in front of the Fashion Show Mall overlooking the Strip.
While most seats at the restaurant don’t offer good people-watching, a number of seats in the bar area do. Grab a table right along the railing.
Guy Fieri’s Patio at LINQ: Nestled between LINQ and Harrah’s, the walkway outside of Guy Fieri’s is among the busiest in Las Vegas.
In addition to throngs of people, there are usually street performers (of varying talent and costume quality) visible. Ensure you request outdoor seating, as you won’t have a view if stuck inside.
Re:Match at LINQ: Located on the front facade, Re:Match offers seating right on the Strip. You’ll be so close to the people you’re watching that you can reach out and touch ’em (not recommended).
I recently ordered a beer here, and a transient gentleman kept walking by, threatening to drop garbage he was carrying into my beer. That’s how close to the weird you’ll be, lol.
People Watching on Fremont Street
If you’re familiar with Vegas, you know Fremont Street cranks up the people-watching quality… It’s just a rougher crowd.
Whiskey Licker Up at Binion’s: This place wails, and has a rotating bar. The best people watching, though, is along the rail, looking down on the Fremont Experience Below.
Mickie Finnz & Hennessey’s Tavern: The neighboring bars both have outdoor patios, which put you steps away from the psychos milling past.
This is the view from Mickie Finnz, but it’s the same from both bars.
Outdoor Bars Along Fremont Street: Ground-level bars outdoors along Fremont Street like the Patio Bar at 4 Queens, Whiskey Licker at Binion’s, Stage Bar at Golden Nugget, and Cowgirl Up Catina at Binion’s all offer some of the best people watching in town.
The biggest knock on the outdoor bars is that they can be LOUD. Both the noise from the Fremont Street Experience’s speakers and the noise from street performers can make conversation difficult, if not impossible.
Carousel Bar at Plaza: A new bar located under Plaza’s dome, Carousel Bar allows you to take in the madness of Fremont Street with a cocktail in hand.
My favorite aspect of Plaza’s Carousel Bar is that the deafening noise present at other bars along Fremont Street isn’t present – You can actually have a conversation.
Hopefully, I was able to help you identify a spot to people watch in Las Vegas that works for you and your group! Grab a drink and enjoy the show!
Related: Looking for more itinerary inspiration? Check out the following:
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Lauren
Saturday 10th of June 2023
What’s the best place close to Aria?
Jake
Sunday 11th of June 2023
@Lauren, Beer Park at Paris or (my favorite) Flamingo’s outdoor bar!