Downtown Reno

Reno

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum featuring signage
National Bowling Stadium which includes modern architecture
National Bowling Stadium showing interior views and heritage elements
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum featuring interior views
National Automobile Museum featuring heritage elements and interior views

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 RM225 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
RM225
RM413 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (5,064 reviews)
"close to events"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

J Resort
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 RM124 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
RM124
RM332 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (6,696 reviews)
Reno visits
"Room and location was excellent.. like self check in and check out was good to the long line and waiting Food was average quality.. no water bottles in room"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Circus Circus Hotel Casino Reno 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 RM166 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
RM166
RM380 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (2,849 reviews)
"I love this place other than the smoking. Restaurants plenty, staff has been great cost me $45 to check in early. I will come back to Reno it’s a nice small town Vegas is to chaotic."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Eldorado Resort Casino 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 RM200 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM200
RM418 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (5,361 reviews)
"Comfortable and up to date"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW
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 RM611 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
RM611
RM702 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Whitney Peak Hotel Reno, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Plaza Resort Club

Plaza Resort Club

3.5 out of 5
121 West Street, Reno, NV
The price is RM530 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
RM530
RM610 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Spacious rooms. I liked this hotel because it’s right by the river and it’s not a casino. The rooms are very dated, but nice and spacious. The bathroom was large with a separate bath and sink area. I also liked that the garage seemed very secure."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

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

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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 featuring marine life

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 Riverwalk District and Truckee River.

Old Southwest
Nevada Historical Society featuring a park

West University

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

West University
Nevada Historical Society featuring a park

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 Greater Nevada Field are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Reno

Downtown Reno