Reno Arch and Truckee Riverwalk
The neon arch that calls Reno the Biggest Little City in the World, and the tree-lined Truckee River path that runs through downtown past parks, shops, and patios.
1-2 hoursDetails →
Nevada
Reno
Reno calls itself the Biggest Little City in the World, and the slogan holds up: a compact, walkable downtown of neon arches, casino towers, and a clear mountain river, set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada with Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and the high desert all within an easy drive.
This guide covers the best of the city and its surroundings, from the Riverwalk, the Nevada Museum of Art, and a September sky full of hot-air balloons to ghost tours, mural rides, falconry, rafting, and day trips to the lake. It then matches you to the right hotel, from downtown towers connected by skywalks to resort-style properties in south Reno and Sparks, because in a town that never really closes, where you sleep shapes the whole trip.
Don't miss
Reno Arch and Truckee Riverwalk
The neon arch that calls Reno the Biggest Little City in the World, and the tree-lined Truckee River path that runs through downtown past parks, shops, and patios.
Nevada Museum of Art
A black, angular landmark in downtown Reno with a strong collection of landscape, environmental, and contemporary art, plus a rooftop view of the skyline.
Great Reno Balloon Race
A September festival where dozens of hot-air balloons lift off at dawn from Rancho San Rafael Park in one of the largest balloon events in the country.
Reno Historic City Tour with Wild Horses
A small-group driving tour that combines Reno's downtown highlights and history with a search for Nevada's wild horses in the hills nearby.
Things to do in Reno
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Nevada Museum of Art
A black, angular landmark in downtown Reno with a strong collection of landscape, environmental, and contemporary art, plus a rooftop view of the skyline.
Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary
A nonprofit sanctuary north of Reno where rescued wolves, big cats, bears, and raptors live in large habitats you can watch from shaded pathways.
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
Reno's hands-on science and children's museum, with interactive exhibits on water, climate, and space across several floors near the river.
Great Reno Balloon Race
A September festival where dozens of hot-air balloons lift off at dawn from Rancho San Rafael Park in one of the largest balloon events in the country.
Half dayDetails →
Reno Historic City Tour with Wild Horses
A small-group driving tour that combines Reno's downtown highlights and history with a search for Nevada's wild horses in the hills nearby.
Downtown Reno Historical Walking Tour
A guided stroll through the oldest streets of the Biggest Little City, covering divorce-era hotels, railroad roots, casino history, and the Truckee River.
Reno Ghost Tour
An after-dark walking tour of downtown Reno's haunted past, from fires and floods to stories of ruin, revenge, and restless spirits.
Midtown Mural Pedicab Tour
A pedicab ride through Reno's Midtown arts district, stopping at large-scale murals, creative businesses, and the neighborhood's best photo corners.
Downtown Reno Distillery Tour and Tasting
A short guided visit to a downtown Reno distillery, covering how craft spirits are made and finishing with a tasting flight.
Magique at The Nugget
An illusion and stage magic show in Sparks, just east of Reno, performed inside the Nugget Casino Resort for audiences of all ages.
Raptors and Falconry Experience
A hands-on encounter with trained birds of prey near Reno, where a falconer explains the ancient sport and lets you see the birds at close range.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
South Virginia Street, south Reno
A large, family-run resort in south Reno with Tuscan-style towers, a full spa, multiple pools, many restaurants, and one of the city's best-known lounges.
Check rates →Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
South Virginia Street, south Reno
A south Reno resort with a tropical-leaning pool complex, a spa, a casino, and a range of dining, with a concierge tower for guests who want a quieter floor.
Check rates →Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
Near Reno-Tahoe International Airport
A very large resort near the airport with a huge casino, an entertainment venue, a big arcade, restaurants, pools, and room towers aimed at groups and families.
Check rates →Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW
Downtown Reno (THE ROW)
A family-founded downtown resort connected by skywalks to its neighbors, with a lively casino, many dining options, and an easy walk to the river and arch.
Check rates →Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Downtown Reno (THE ROW)
A downtown casino resort with a distinctive blue dome, a mining-themed casino floor, and skywalk links to neighboring properties on THE ROW.
Check rates →Nugget Casino Resort
Downtown Sparks
Sparks' flagship resort, a few miles east of downtown Reno, with a big casino, an event center, a spacious tower, restaurants, and a show theater.
Check rates →Circus Circus Reno
Downtown Reno (THE ROW)
A budget-friendly, family-oriented downtown casino hotel with a carnival midway, arcade games, and skywalk access to neighboring resorts.
Check rates →Whitney Peak Hotel Reno
Downtown Reno
A non-casino downtown hotel with a modern design, an outdoor-adventure theme, and a location a short walk from the arch and the Truckee River.
Check rates →Reno guides
A First-Timer's Guide to Reno
How to understand Reno on a first visit: where the city sits, which neighborhoods matter, what to book ahead, how the seasons work, and how to combine the river, the museums, and the mountains.
Reno in Three Days
A practical three-day Reno plan covering the arch and river, Midtown, a museum, wildlife, a river float, and an unhurried day trip toward Lake Tahoe, with notes on pacing and weather.
Where to Stay in Reno
How to choose a Reno hotel: downtown casino towers, south Reno resorts, Sparks, and non-casino options compared by walkability, noise, amenities, and who they suit.
Eating and Drinking in Reno
A guide to Reno's food and drink: Basque tradition, casino dining, Midtown cafes, craft spirits, local breweries, and how to eat well on any budget.
The Best Time to Visit Reno
A season-by-season guide to Reno: festivals, weather, crowds, skiing, wildfire smoke, and the best months for the river, the balloons, and the mountains.
Day Trips from Reno
The best day trips from Reno: Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Virginia City, Pyramid Lake, Truckee, and the foothills, with tips on routes, seasons, and tours.
