Start your cultural immersion by visiting the Neon Museum, which showcases the city's history through its iconic neon signs. Take a guided tour to learn about how Las Vegas evolved into the entertainment capital of the world. The outdoor Boneyard display features over 200 signs, including those from the Stardust, Moulin Rouge, and Desert Inn. Be sure to check out the restored La Concha motel lobby building, now serves as the visitor center.
After the Neon Museum, immerse yourself in Chinese culture at the Chinatown Plaza. The plaza is a bustling Asian-themed shopping area with traditional red Chinese lanterns and pagoda structures. Visit the shops and restaurants to experience a variety of authentic Asian cuisine and products. The popular 168 Market has a wide range of grocery and pantry items from different Asian countries. Be sure to try the famous Taiwanese bubble tea at ShareTea or try some dumplings from J Zhou Oriental Cuisine.
End your first day by visiting the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery often features artists from around the world, including those who produce works about other cultures. Current exhibitions for 2023 include "Shifting Gravity: Artistic Explorations of Migration," which showcases art as a response to displacement and movements across borders. The gallery is small, with typically two displays at any given time.
Start your second day at the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, also known as the "Mob Museum." The museum is housed in the former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office, which includes exhibits about organized crime throughout history. Exhibits allow for interactive experiences, including the chance to participate in a simulated police lineup to fingerprint analysis. The museum's exhibits also cover Las Vegas's relationship with the underworld, including prohibition and the city's early gambling history.
After your time at the Mob Museum, head south to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden in nearby Henderson. The facility, run by Mars Chocolate, offers free self-guided tours of the chocolate factory and a chocolate tasting room. In the cactus garden, visitors can observe over 300 different species of cacti on display. For a unique cultural experience, try the botanical cocktails from the on-site cactus garden bistro. This unique destination is also a perfect day trip option from the busy strip.
If you have more time, visit the Las Vegas Natural History Museum or Springs Preserve for more cultural experiences away from the strip. For those who are in Las Vegas for a shorter time, skip visiting the gallery of fine art or the chocolate factory if they do not interest you.