Downtown Reno

Reno

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum which includes signage
National Bowling Stadium
National Bowling Stadium
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
National Automobile Museum

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Reno

J Resort
J Resort
3.5 out of 5
345 N Arlington Ave, Reno, NV
The price is S$124 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$124
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Reno. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,499 reviews)
"The property was clean, up-to-date and I felt safe there. The staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

J Resort
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 S$158 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$158
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Reno. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,255 reviews)
"Place is like a ghost town already:("

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW
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 S$131 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
S$131
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Reno. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,796 reviews)
"Modern clean rooms with easy access to parking and other casinos."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$114 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$114
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly resort in Reno. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the family amenities ...
7.2/10 Good! (6,559 reviews)
Great price
"Would go again room had wireless charging and a steam shower"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Circus Circus Hotel Casino Reno at THE ROW
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 S$183 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$183
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Reno. Enjoy a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"The Hotel was quite a bit out dated but was very clean.When I checked in the lady was pretty rude and not very friendly.We didn’t use any of the amenities basically just slept and showered.The only reason we stayed there was because of the price."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Plaza Resort Club
Whitney Peak Hotel Reno, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Whitney Peak Hotel Reno, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
3.5 out of 5
255 N Virginia St, Reno, NV
The price is S$241 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
S$241
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Reno. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Good but expensive"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Whitney Peak Hotel Reno, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
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

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Cal Ave District

While there might not be top attractions in Cal Ave District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Peppermill and Grand Sierra Resort Casino.

Cal Ave District
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum

Midtown

Midtown might not have many top sights, but Peppermill and Grand Sierra Resort Casino 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 Nevada Museum of Art and Riverwalk District.

Old Southwest
Nevada Historical Society which includes a park

West University

If you're spending some time in West University, Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center and Lawlor Events Center are top sights worth seeing.

West University
Nevada Historical Society which includes a park

University District

If you're spending some time in University District, Lawlor Events Center and Mackay Stadium 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 Greater Nevada Field are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Reno

Downtown Reno