Reno, known as "The Biggest Little City in the World," thrives with a unique spirit that blends classic casino excitement, vibrant arts culture, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Situated near the scenic Truckee River and shadowed by the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno stands out for its dynamic urban scene, lively festivals, and proximity to Lake Tahoe. It's a popular getaway for those seeking both energetic nightlife and natural beauty without the overwhelming crowds of larger cities.
Major attractions in Reno include its historic downtown casinos like the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus, offering gaming, entertainment, and diverse dining. The midtown district pulses with quirky shops, street art, and a growing food scene, while the National Automobile Museum captivates auto enthusiasts with a world-class collection. The city hosts notable events such as Hot August Nights, a classic car festival, and the vibrant Reno River Festival that brings paddle sports and music to the Truckee River waterfront.
Culture and creativity flourish throughout Reno. The Nevada Museum of Art showcases bold exhibitions, while public murals and sculptures pepper the cityscape. Visitors may catch an event at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts or explore the innovative local craft beer scene. The friendly, laid-back atmosphere makes exploring Reno enjoyable whether you're strolling along the riverwalk or chatting with locals at a farmers’ market.
Getting around Reno is simple, with rideshares, rental bikes, and an accessible bus system. Hotels range from resort-style casino properties to modern boutique accommodations in Midtown. Dining is diverse, from high-end steakhouses to cozy brunch spots and international cuisines. Reno serves as a year-round base for exploring both city sights and surrounding nature, with easy drives to Lake Tahoe, ski resorts, and endless hiking trails.
For the best experience, consider visiting in late spring or early fall when event calendars are packed and the weather beckons for both urban exploring and outdoor adventures. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, and some casino deals can be found off-peak. If you're into local culture, check the city’s bustling festival schedule and plan your trip to catch one of the major events.
Major attractions in Reno include its historic downtown casinos like the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus, offering gaming, entertainment, and diverse dining. The midtown district pulses with quirky shops, street art, and a growing food scene, while the National Automobile Museum captivates auto enthusiasts with a world-class collection. The city hosts notable events such as Hot August Nights, a classic car festival, and the vibrant Reno River Festival that brings paddle sports and music to the Truckee River waterfront.
Culture and creativity flourish throughout Reno. The Nevada Museum of Art showcases bold exhibitions, while public murals and sculptures pepper the cityscape. Visitors may catch an event at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts or explore the innovative local craft beer scene. The friendly, laid-back atmosphere makes exploring Reno enjoyable whether you're strolling along the riverwalk or chatting with locals at a farmers’ market.
Getting around Reno is simple, with rideshares, rental bikes, and an accessible bus system. Hotels range from resort-style casino properties to modern boutique accommodations in Midtown. Dining is diverse, from high-end steakhouses to cozy brunch spots and international cuisines. Reno serves as a year-round base for exploring both city sights and surrounding nature, with easy drives to Lake Tahoe, ski resorts, and endless hiking trails.
For the best experience, consider visiting in late spring or early fall when event calendars are packed and the weather beckons for both urban exploring and outdoor adventures. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, and some casino deals can be found off-peak. If you're into local culture, check the city’s bustling festival schedule and plan your trip to catch one of the major events.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800-$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Try your luck at downtown casinos
- Stroll the Reno Riverwalk District
- Explore the midtown art murals and boutiques
- Visit the Nevada Museum of Art
- Attend the Hot August Nights car festival
- Relax at Idlewild Park
- Go mountain biking on nearby trails
- Experience the Reno Aces baseball game
Notable Sites
- National Automobile Museum
- Reno Arch
- Truckee Riverwalk
- Nevada Museum of Art
- Idlewild Park
- The Discovery - Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
- Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
- Midtown District
General Advice
Combine Reno's energetic urban offerings with day trips to the surrounding Sierra Nevada or Lake Tahoe for a memorable, varied stay. The city is very walkable in the downtown and midtown areas, making it easy to hop between restaurants, galleries, and casinos. Reno hosts frequent events, so check local listings before your visit; major festivals or tournaments can make the city lively but more crowded and drive up accommodation prices. It's a fun escape for solo travelers, families, or groups seeking both city attractions and outdoor adventure.
Security & Safety
Reno is generally a safe city to visit, especially in popular areas like downtown and midtown, but use standard precautions. Keep an eye on personal belongings in busy locations, especially inside crowded casinos and during festivals. Avoid poorly lit or deserted streets late at night, and don't leave valuables visible in your car if parking off the main areas. If exploring the nearby outdoors, tell someone your plans and stay hydrated during warmer months.
Travel Tips
- Book rooms ahead for major festivals or summer weekends, as prices rise quickly.
- Use the RTC bus or rental bikes to get around if you’re staying downtown or midtown.
- Pack layers—weather can shift quickly, especially if you’re visiting the mountains.
- Try local breweries and regional cuisine for a taste of Reno’s evolving food scene.
- If you plan to visit Lake Tahoe, factor in about a 45-minute drive each way.
- Bring sunscreen—Reno sits at a high altitude and sun exposure can be intense.
- Casinos are smoke-friendly, but many now have non-smoking sections for families.
- Check the schedule at the Pioneer Center or Reno Aces Ballpark for special events.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in March 2024
I came to Reno with friends for a weekend getaway, and it totally exceeded my expectations. We loved the casino energy but spent just as much time checking out the art murals in Midtown and catching a show at the Pioneer Center. Only downside was that parking could get tricky on Saturday night.
Traveled here in July 2023
Reno during Hot August Nights is a blast if you're into cars and retro vibes. The city gets super lively and there's a fun crowd everywhere. Hotels filled up fast though, so plan ahead if you want a good rate.
Stayed in November 2023
I spent a week in Reno for business and really enjoyed exploring after hours. The Nevada Museum of Art is surprisingly impressive, and the restaurants in Midtown had great vegetarian options. The riverwalk in fall colors was beautiful.
Visited in October 2023
Our family used Reno as a base for hiking trips, but we ended up loving the city itself. The Discovery Museum was a hit with our kids. Sometimes the casino crowds were a bit much, but we found quieter spots along the river.
Traveled here in May 2024
I'm a baseball fan, so catching a Reno Aces game was a highlight. The stadium is clean and affordable, and the food trucks outside were great. I wish I’d had more time to tour the National Automobile Museum.
Stayed in January 2024
Reno was a fun winter break for us. We combined afternoons in the city with day trips for snowshoeing. The local breweries were awesome and people were super welcoming. Bring a jacket—it got pretty chilly after dark!
Visited in April 2024
The casinos are exciting but didn't really appeal to my taste—I preferred wandering Midtown and checking the coffee shops. Had a great burger at a food truck. Wish there were more museums, but overall a cool place for a short visit.
Traveled here in September 2023
We came for a wedding and extended our stay to explore. Loved the riverwalk and morning runs by the Truckee River. Would definitely return, maybe next time for the car festival everyone talked about.
Visited in February 2024
Reno was perfect as a base for a ski trip with friends. We rented a car for Tahoe but ended up spending more time in downtown than we planned—there’s a lot of live music and quirky bars.
Stayed in August 2023
Loved the spontaneous feeling of Reno. We stumbled into live street performances and funky art everywhere. Weekends get a bit rowdy, but that added to the charm for us.
Traveled here in June 2024
Reno was fun, but a bit noisy near our downtown hotel at night. On the plus side, we could walk everywhere—especially nice during the river festival. The food scene is growing, but some places were quite pricey.
Visited in May 2023
I brought my teenage son for a quick trip. He loved the National Automobile Museum and didn't want to leave. Public transport was ok but sometimes we just used ride shares to move between districts.
Traveled here in December 2023
I chose Reno as a stopover before heading to California and ended up exploring much more than planned. The Christmas light displays downtown were lovely, and the casino buffets are a fun indulgence.
Stayed in March 2024
We had our family reunion in Reno and found activities for all ages. Idlewild Park was great for picnics, and the younger kids had a blast at the Discovery Museum. It was easy to find gluten-free dining options too.
Visited in October 2023
I came here solo for a photography project. The mix of neon signs, old architecture, and mural art made for incredible shots. Locals were friendly and pointed me to hidden alleys full of street art.
Traveled here in April 2024
Midtown is my favorite part of Reno—awesome brunch spots and lots of vintage shops to browse. Some parts of downtown felt dated, but the artsy areas feel really fresh and youthful.
Visited in June 2023
Our anniversary trip in Reno was just what we wanted—nice mix of relaxing days by the river and some high-energy nights at the casino shows. Found great live jazz at a small venue off the beaten path.
Traveled here in May 2024
I was here for a convention and was impressed with how much there was to do outside the meetings. Walking trails by the river, interesting museums, and endless dinner options downtown.
Stayed in December 2023
Visited Reno for the first time over the holidays. The city was festive, and we had fun ice skating by City Plaza. The casino vibe isn’t my favorite, but I appreciated the variety of entertainment.
Visited in August 2023
I came during a big festival, and the city was buzzing—lots of music and food stalls. Used the city buses and didn't need a car. Next time, I'll set aside a day for hiking in the mountains.
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