Downtown Reno Travel Guide

Reno
National Bowling Stadium
The casino-filled core of the city, Reno’s buzzing downtown is in the midst of regeneration and features an attractive Riverwalk area.

Though often touted as “the poor man’s Vegas,” the city of Reno has a distinct identity all its own. Nowhere is that more evident than in the brightly lit and lively district of Downtown Reno. Test your luck at some of the town’s biggest casino complexes, discover the newly regenerated riverfront area and photograph the iconic illuminated arch that welcomes visitors to “the biggest little city in the world.”

Originally a river crossing point for prospectors heading to California, Reno was officially founded in 1868, coinciding with the arrival of the transcontinental railway. The University of Nevada was founded in 1874 and helped give the city its youthful vibe. In 1931, the state of Nevada legalized gambling. Visit today’s Downtown Reno to find a hub of hotels and casinos.

Stroll down the central Virginia Street, where many of Reno’s casinos are located. Play poker, blackjack or roulette in venues including the Eldorado, the Caesars-owned Harrah's Reno, Circus Circus and the Silver Legacy Resort and Casino.

Head toward Commercial Row to photograph the famous Reno Arch, which spans Virginia Street and welcomes those who pass under it to “the biggest little city in the world.” Erected in 1926 to celebrate the 1927 Nevada Transcontinental Highway Exposition, the arch has been altered and replaced several times, with the current structure dating back to 1987.

In recent years, Downtown Reno has been subject to regeneration efforts. The most notable revitalization project completed so far is the Riverwalk. Amble along this waterside promenade, pausing to explore galleries, coffee shops and brewpubs. This area also features a movie theater and the Truckee River Whitewater Park, which offers rafting, kayaking and other water-based activities.

To get here, ride the California Zephyr train or fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, located about 4 miles (6 kilometers) southeast of Downtown Reno. The downtown area is walkable. If you plan on exploring farther, rent a car or make use of the RTC RIDE bus network.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Downtown Reno

Circus Circus Hotel Casino Reno at THE ROW
Circus Circus Hotel Casino Reno at THE ROW
4 out of 5
500 N Sierra St, Reno, NV
The price is ₹3,094 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹3,094
per night
12 May - 13 May
Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in their reviews.
7.2/10 Good! (6,154 reviews)
"Staff at front desk sleepy lazy boring unhelpful untalktive"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Circus Circus Hotel Casino Reno at THE ROW
Silver Legacy Resort  Casino at THE ROW
Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW
4 out of 5
407 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV
The price is ₹4,681 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹4,681
per night
12 May - 13 May
Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,418 reviews)
"Great stay thanknyou"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW
J Resort
J Resort
3.5 out of 5
345 N Arlington Ave, Reno, NV
Fully refundable
The price is ₹4,927 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹4,927
per night
12 May - 13 May
Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,099 reviews)
"👍"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

J Resort
Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW
Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW
4 out of 5
345 N Virginia St, Reno, NV
The price is ₹4,681 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹4,681
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
7.8/10 Good! (2,783 reviews)
"The room was good. Comfortable bed, frig, hdtv, excellent WiFi, clean and operable bathroom, good size, and nice mountain view. The casino was as expected — garish and noisy."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW
Reno Suites
Reno Suites
2.5 out of 5
175 E 2nd St, Reno, NV
The price is ₹4,610 per night from 22 May to 23 May
₹4,610
per night
22 May - 23 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
7.8/10 Good! (2,385 reviews)
"I stayed for 3 nights. The room itself is very clean and is very quiet. Except providing one conditioned shampoo and one bar soap upon arriving, no amenities and no house keeping at all for all 3 days. bed, bathroom and trash stayed the way you left all three days . Key card were not working all ..."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Reno Suites
Plaza Resort Club
Plaza Resort Club
3.5 out of 5
121 West Street, Reno, NV
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹10,773 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹10,773
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy a fitness centre, a 24-hour business centre and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"I loved the wall of windows in our unit, the view was nice and in brought in lots of light. The room was spacious and comfortable but could use some updating. I liked the location because it was close to the river walk, which I love, however I didn't feel safe going out alone at night."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Plaza Resort Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Reno

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum

Midtown

Midtown might not have many top sights, but National Automobile Museum and Riverwalk District are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Midtown
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Old Southwest

While visiting Old Southwest, you might make a stop by sights like Riverwalk District and Truckee River.

Old Southwest
Nevada Historical Society which includes a park

West University

If you're spending some time in West University, Rancho San Rafael Park and Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center are top sights worth seeing.

West University
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University District

If you're spending some time in University District, Mackay Stadium and Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center are top sights worth seeing.

University District
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Northeast Reno

If you're spending some time in Northeast Reno, Reno Livestock Events Center and Reno Aces Ballpark are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Reno
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Northwest Reno

If you're spending some time in Northwest Reno, Rancho San Rafael Park and East Keystone Trailhead are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest Reno

Downtown Reno Travel Guide