Reno, NevadaNeighbourhoods of Reno, Nevada
- Downtown & RiverwalkCompact, walkable casino and Riverwalk area, good base for first-time visitors wanting museums by day and nightlife.
Dining: Diverse Nightlife: Lively Shopping: Boutiques Stays: Mid-Range- Reno Arch: Gateway sign marking downtown, visit to see an iconic landmark.
- National Automobile Museum: Museum of classic cars, visit for its standout collection.
- Truckee Riverwalk: Scenic riverside promenade with restaurants, good for riverside walks and dining.
- MidtownRelaxed, slightly hipper area with cafés, art spaces and breweries, suited to locals and boutique dining fans.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Casual Shopping: Boutiques Stays: Mixed- Midtown District: Independent shops, craft breweries and cafés, visit for local shopping and drinks.
- Nevada Museum of Art: Art museum with permanent and rotating contemporary exhibits, visit to see them.
- Local breweries: Cluster of brewpubs popular with locals, visit for craft beer.
- Parks & OutskirtsResidential outskirts giving easy access to parks, gardens and viewpoints, suited to families and outdoor-minded visitors.
Dining: Casual Nightlife: None Shopping: Limited Stays: Budget- Rancho San Rafael Park: Large park with trails and a garden, good for outdoor family time.
- Wilbur D. May Center: Museum and botanical garden inside the park, visit for exhibits and plants.
- Scenic overlooks: Quick drives to viewpoints over the city, for scenic views.
Reno, Nevada at a Glance
Costs: Moderate daily costs - expect $90-180 daily; cheaper outside casino areas and during shoulder seasons.
Safety: Relatively safe, typical urban risks - downtown and casino zones are well policed; watch vehicle break-ins and nightlife-related incidents.
Best Time: May-October, winter for skiing - visit May-October for hiking and Tahoe; winter for nearby skiing and snow sports.
Reno, the “Biggest Little City,” mixes casino nightlife with mountain access and a lively arts scene. Travelers visit for gaming, craft dining, outdoor adventures and easy routes to Lake Tahoe.
Getting around: Downtown Reno’s Riverwalk District is very walkable; use RTC buses for cross-town trips. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) and driving work best for Lake Tahoe access.
Infrastructure & convenience: Reliable cell coverage, free or validated casino parking downtown, and 24/7 convenience stores. Winters bring snow-expect icy sidewalks in Old Southwest and Midtown.
Local tips: Locals value outdoor recreation-pack layers for sudden mountain weather. Tip service workers 15-20%. Be aware many downtown casinos still allow indoor smoking.
Dining: Sample Basque family-style dining in Reno’s Basque Block; Midtown offers craft breweries and farm‑to‑table bistros. Try trout, lamb stews, and local microbrews.
Why Visit Reno, Nevada?
Reno pairs classic casino energy with outdoor access to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe, making it appealing for both nightlife and nature lovers. Midtown’s boutiques and breweries sit alongside the National Automobile Museum and the Truckee River Walk, while easy drives lead to mountain trails and ski resorts. The city’s calendar also connects travelers to regional events like Burning Man in the nearby Black Rock Desert. Expect a mix of gaming, craft food and gateway scenery.
Who's Reno, Nevada For?
Adventure Seekers
Reno is a strong base for outdoor adventure: quick access to Lake Tahoe, Mount Rose and the Sierra for skiing, mountain biking and kayaking. Local outfitters in Midtown and South Reno run guided trips year-round.
Party Animals
Casinos and downtown nightlife around Virginia Street provide late-night entertainment, concerts and DJ sets. Smaller bars and breweries in Midtown keep the scene lively without the Vegas scale.
Couples
Walkable riverfront dining, boutique hotels in Midtown and lake escapes make Reno a solid romantic option. Affordable mid-range hotels and seasonal packages pair well with spa days and Tahoe day trips.
Nature Buffs
The Truckee River, nearby high-country trails and quick drives to Lake Tahoe give nature lovers many options for hiking, fishing and scenic drives. Day-trip diversity is a major draw.
Digital Nomads
Reno’s lower living costs than California, reliable internet and coworking spaces in downtown and Midtown suit remote work stints. Monthly rentals and cafés keep expenses competitive compared with the Bay Area.
Business
The city supports conventions and corporate travel with the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and good air links via RNO. Tech and logistics sectors have grown here, making short business trips easy to arrange.
Plan Your Visit to Reno, Nevada
Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada Bucket List
Don't Miss
National Automobile Museum - World-class collection of over 200 historic automobiles highlighting American automotive history and design.
Reno Arch - Iconic downtown arch reading ‘The Biggest Little City in the World’ lights up at night.
Reno Riverwalk District - Pleasant riverside streets with restaurants, art galleries, and summer festivals right in downtown Reno.
Nevada Museum of Art - Regional art collection focusing on land, environment, and contemporary Western artists and exhibitions.
Wilbur D. May Museum and Arboretum - Eclectic natural history and world cultural artifacts beside an expansive arboretum and rose garden.
Hidden Gems
The Holland Project - Artist-run performance space hosting experimental theater, concerts, and community arts happenings in Midtown.
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum - Interactive science exhibits for kids and adults, perfect for rainy or family days.
Truckee River Whitewater Park - River-engineered waves and channels used by kayakers, tubers, and spectators downtown.
Virginia Lake Park - Quiet loop trail with ducks, gardens, and seasonal festivals close to Midtown.
Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs - Longtime breakfast diner serving hearty American breakfasts and friendly, no-frills service.
Day Trips
Emerald Bay State Park - Iconic Lake Tahoe bay with Vikingsholm mansion, hiking trails, and panoramic water views.
Sand Harbor State Park - Granite coves and clear water ideal for swimming, kayaking, and shoreline strolls.
Virginia City, Nevada - Preserved 19th-century mining town with wooden boardwalks, saloons, and historic mine tours.
Pyramid Lake - Remote desert lake known for dramatic tufa formations, Paiute cultural sites, and birdwatching.
Donner Memorial State Park - History-rich site with pioneer cemetery, museum, and trails around cold Donner Lake.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Reno, Nevada
Visit Reno from late spring through early fall for warm, dry weather, outdoor events and easy access to Lake Tahoe. Winters are colder with snow - great for skiing, but expect occasional storms and icy conditions.
Winter
Cold, often snowy days with crisp air; nearby Lake Tahoe lights up for skiing and snowplay, but expect icy roads and occasional short daylight.
Spring & Fall
Mild, changeable weather perfect for hiking, biking, and Reno’s festivals - mornings can be cool, afternoons pleasantly warm, and crowds are smaller than mid-summer.
Summer
Hot, dry afternoons and cool nights: ideal for outdoor concerts, river activities and exploring nearby high country, but bring sun protection and expect occasional heat spikes.
Reno, Nevada's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -6°C to 33°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -6° - 8° | -2° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| February | Good | -4° - 11° | 1° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.6h |
| March | Good | -2° - 14° | 3° | 27 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 0° - 17° | 7° | 12 mm | some cloud | 65% | 3.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 4° - 22° | 13° | 17 mm | some cloud | 57% | 3.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.2h |
| June | Ideal | 8° - 28° | 18° | 14 mm | mostly sunny | 44% | 3.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.7h |
| July | Ideal | 11° - 33° | 22° | 7 mm | clear | 32% | 3.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.5h |
| August | Ideal | 10° - 32° | 21° | 8 mm | clear | 29% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.5h |
| September | Ideal | 6° - 28° | 17° | 12 mm | clear | 34% | 2.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 1° - 21° | 11° | 14 mm | mostly sunny | 47% | 2.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | -3° - 13° | 3° | 27 mm | some cloud | 62% | 2.5 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
| December | Acceptable | -6° - 8° | -2° | 27 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.3h |
How to Get to Reno, Nevada
Reno is served primarily by Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and by Amtrak’s California Zephyr at the downtown Reno station. The airport is a short drive from the central casinos and downtown; for regional or lower-cost flight options travelers sometimes use Sacramento (SMF) and continue by car, shuttle, or bus.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO): RNO is the main airport serving Reno, about 3 miles (5 km) south of downtown. Taxi rides to downtown typically take 10-15 minutes and cost roughly $20-35; rideshares (Uber/Lyft) usually run about $10-25 depending on demand and take about the same time. Several shared-shuttle companies and hotel shuttles operate between the terminal and major casinos; expect $10-20 and 15-25 minutes depending on stops.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF): SMF is an alternative for some international or lower-fare flights and is about 120 miles (193 km) west of Reno. Driving time is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes-2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic; airport shuttles and private buses to Reno cost roughly $30-60 (one way) and take about 2-3 hours.
Train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops at Reno Amtrak Station (downtown Reno). Service is typically once daily in each direction between Emeryville/San Francisco and Chicago; travel times and fares vary widely by route and date (tickets commonly range from about $40-150+). The station is within a short taxi or rideshare ride of most downtown hotels (5-15 minutes).
Intercity Bus: Greyhound and other intercity carriers serve Reno with routes to Sacramento, Sparks, Carson City and points farther afield. Typical fares to nearby cities (e.g., Sacramento) are often in the $15-40 range and travel times are 2-3 hours depending on the route. For local/regional connections, the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) operates scheduled bus services linking Reno and Sparks; local fares are economical and useful for shorter trips.
How to Get Around Reno, Nevada
Downtown Reno is compact and easy to navigate on foot, by rideshare, or using short RTC bus hops; for most visitors a combination of walking and rideshare/taxi works best. If you plan day trips to Lake Tahoe or to explore the surrounding desert and mountains, rent a car - public transit outside the metro area is limited.
- Car rental (USD 35-80/day) - Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Reno and the Lake Tahoe region, especially outside the city. Expect daily rental rates to start around $35-80 depending on season and vehicle type; budget extra for parking at some downtown casinos and for winter tire/snow chain requirements if you head into the mountains. Driving distances are short in the city, but a car is highly recommended for day trips.
- Rideshare & Taxi (USD 8-35) - Uber and Lyft operate throughout Reno and are the quickest way to get between the airport, downtown casinos, and neighborhoods at most hours. Typical short downtown trips cost $8-20; airport rides from RNO are commonly $10-25. Taxis are available at the airport and downtown and cost slightly more on meter for the same short runs.
- RTC buses (local) (USD 2 per ride) - RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) runs local bus routes across Reno and Sparks; fares are inexpensive (around $2 per ride for local routes). Buses are reliable for getting between neighborhoods and downtown but can be slower than rideshare for point-to-point trips; schedules are useful for planning if you don’t have a car. Some routes serve the airport and major transit hubs.
- Amtrak (California Zephyr) (USD 40-150+) - Amtrak’s California Zephyr provides long-distance rail service through Reno with one train per day in each direction between the Bay Area and Chicago. It’s a scenic but slower option; fares vary widely by route and booking date. The Amtrak station is near downtown and reachable by a short taxi, rideshare or local bus.
- Intercity bus (Greyhound, regional carriers) (USD 15-60) - Greyhound and regional bus companies connect Reno with Sacramento, Carson City, Las Vegas and other cities. Fares are typically economical (roughly $15-60 depending on distance) and travel times depend on route and stops; buses are a budget alternative to driving or flying. Book ahead for the best fares on longer hops.
- Biking & e-scooters (USD 1-5 (short trips)) - Reno is relatively bike-friendly in many neighborhoods with designated bike lanes and paths along the Truckee River. E-scooter providers operate seasonally in the downtown area; short trips are cheap and convenient but watch for local rules and parking zones. Biking is a good option for short downtown trips and riverfront paths.
- Walking - Downtown Reno and the casino corridor are compact and walkable; you can easily move between many hotels, restaurants and attractions on foot in 5-20 minutes. Walking is the best way to experience the riverwalk and downtown nightlife, but distances to nearby suburbs and Lake Tahoe are too far on foot.
Where to Stay in Reno, Nevada
Budget
Downtown / Virginia Street - $50-110/night
Budget motels and smaller hotels line Virginia Street and the outskirts. Expect compact rooms, limited services, and proximity to main casinos.
Budget rooms and motels around Reno - Economical options near Virginia Street
Low-cost inns and motels (Reno) - Basic stays with central locations
Mid-Range
Downtown / Riverwalk - $120-220/night
Comfortable full-service hotels with good dining and pools. Situated near downtown and the river, they balance value with convenient amenities.
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Comfortable rooms and good amenities
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino - Resort-style mid-range property
Luxury
Downtown / Casino Strip - $180-400/night
Reno’s top hotels offer spacious rooms, spas, and multiple dining options on the casino strip. Book early for weekends and event dates.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino - Upscale rooms, spa, and fine dining
Silver Legacy Resort Casino - Central luxury on the casino strip
Best for First-Timers
Downtown / Casino Strip - $120-300/night
Stay on or near the casino strip for easy access to downtown attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Walkable areas make first-time visits simple and fun.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino - Central for dining and nightlife
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Good base for exploring downtown
Best for Families
Near Reno Events Center / River - $130-260/night
Choose resorts with pools and attached restaurants near family-friendly attractions. Plenty of daytime activities and easy access to outdoor day trips.
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino - Family-friendly rooms and pools
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Pools and family dining options
Best for Digital Nomads
Downtown / Near Riverwalk - $100-250/night
Many hotels offer dependable wifi and business centers; quieter weekdays are best for remote work. Consider longer stays at resorts with kitchenette suites.
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reliable wifi and business center
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino - Workspaces and long-stay amenities
Where to Eat in Reno, Nevada
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Reno, Nevada’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Reno, Nevada
Reno still spends its nights under casino lights: the downtown casino corridor (Peppermill, Atlantis, Eldorado, Silver Legacy) is where most after‑dark action happens, with late‑night gaming, bars and shows. Don’t miss the improving MidTown district for craft breweries and more relaxed bar hopping. Practical tips: casinos are open 24/7, table minimums vary, and midweek live‑music nights in MidTown are the best bet for locals.
Best Bets
- Peppermill Reno - Classic late‑night casino with notable cocktail lounges.
- Atlantis Casino Resort - Resort nightlife, dining and late gaming.
- Eldorado Resort Casino - Corner of the casino corridor with bars and shows.
- Silver Legacy Resort Casino - Central downtown hub for gaming and live entertainment.
- Grand Sierra Resort - Resort nightlife with clubs, bars and pool parties.
- MidTown Reno - Craft breweries, bars and a younger local crowd.
Shopping in Reno, Nevada
Reno’s shopping mixes outdoor-adjacent boutiques and conventional malls. Downtown Riverwalk has independent stores, galleries and specialty food shops, while Midtown offers a relaxed scene of vintage stores and cafes. For big-box and mall shopping, Meadowood and South Reno centres serve the suburbs. Expect easy parking and a friendly bargaining climate in small second‑hand and antique shops.
Best Bets
- Reno Riverwalk District - Chain and independent boutiques beside the Truckee River.
- Midtown District - Eclectic vintage shops, craft stores and local designers.
- Meadowood Mall - Regional mall with anchor stores and seasonal promotions.
- The Summit Reno (shopping area) - Cluster of national retailers and restaurants in south Reno.
- Local antique & thrift stores - Good spots for vintage finds and collectibles.
- Nearby outlet clusters (Sparks/Reno area) - Outlet and discount centers for brand bargains.
Digital Nomads in Reno, Nevada
Reno is attractive for remote workers seeking lower cost than the Bay Area while retaining a lively local tech scene and outdoor weekends in the Sierras. There’s no U.S. digital-nomad visa; use ESTA (90 days) or a B1/B2 tourist visa for longer visits, and ensure lawful work authorization for employment. Budget expectations: one-bedroom rent generally $1,000-1,800 depending on neighborhood, utilities and groceries $350-600, and coworking or café costs $50-200. Broadband and cable providers in Reno typically offer 100-300 Mbps in-built areas, with mobile 5G increasingly reliable. The nomad/remote community is growing, anchored by Startup Reno, UNR events, and meetups.
- The Generator (Reno coworking) - startup-friendly, event programming available
- Nevada Small Business Development Center - workspaces, mentorship, resource hub
- Reno Public Library - quiet, reliable Wi‑Fi, central location
- Downtown coffee shops - casual work spots, many open late
- NV Energy / local ISPs - multiple ISPs, cable/fibre where built
- Suddenlink / Spectrum alternatives - cable plans commonly available in city
- Verizon / T‑Mobile mobile networks - good coverage, usable 5G in many areas
- Library & coworking Wi‑Fi - stable for remote meetings and uploads
- Startup Reno events - regular meetups, pitch nights, workshops
- Reno Tech Meetups - monthly gatherings, developer communities
- University of Nevada, Reno events - lectures, entrepreneurship programming, networking
- Downtown bars and meetup nights - evening networking, casual connections
Demographics