Chapters:
Need help with your trip?
Our support team is available 24/7. Request a callback or call us directly at (833) 619-0908
Reno trips often begin with the airport, a hotel near the casinos, and one or two headline stops, then skip the neighborhoods that shape the city after dark. Travelers also miss how quickly the map changes once they leave the riverfront.
That habit leaves people covering short distances in long loops, where Midtown, downtown, and South Reno each ask for a different pace. It also creates crowding in the same museum and casino blocks while the parks and smaller streets stay underused.
This guide organizes Reno by area, transit, and timing, so each day has a clear focus and fewer cross-town backtracks.
Useful things to know
Main language(s): English
Currency: The local currency is the US dollar (USD, $).
Cash and cards: Cards and contactless are widely accepted; carry about $20 to $40 in cash for tips and small purchases.
Tipping: Tip 15-20% in restaurants and bar tabs; round up for taxis.
Traditional food: Basque lamb chops, shrimp cocktail, prime rib, steak and eggs
Water and coffee costs: Water about $2 ($2), bar espresso about $4 ($4.50).
Taxis and ride apps: Uber and Lyft operate here; check airport pickup zones before ordering.
Plug and voltage: Type A/B socket, 120V
Dining and shop opening hours: Breakfast runs about 07:00-10:00, lunch 11:30-14:00, and dinner 17:00-21:00. Many kitchens close earlier on Sundays.
Emergency number: 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Where to stay in Reno
Reno’s central core puts you near the Truckee River, casino resorts, the riverwalk, and the main cluster of restaurants and bars. It suits travelers who want the city’s most walkable base and easy access to events, gaming, and transit.
Best for: Nightlife, casino access, riverwalk strolls, and car-light trips
What to expect: Busy sidewalks, casino foot traffic, and late-night activity near the main hotels and entertainment blocks.
Hotel prices: Usually about $130 to $240 per night for well-rated stays
Distance to major sights: 5 to 15 minutes on foot to the Truckee River Walk and Reno Arch
Quietness: Lively day and evening, with more noise near casinos and late venues after dark.
Main trade-off: You pay more for central convenience, and street noise can carry late into the evening.
Good to know: Choose a room above the street if you plan to sleep early, since some blocks stay active until well past midnight.
Midtown sits just south of downtown and centers on independent cafes, bars, galleries, and local shops along a compact corridor. It matters for visitors who want a more neighborhood-minded stay with dining choices that feel different from the casino zone.
Best for: Dining, local bars, boutique browsing, and travelers who prefer a neighborhood base
What to expect: Dense restaurant blocks, steady evening traffic, and a mix of locals and visitors moving between bars and shops.
Hotel prices: Usually about $140 to $260 per night for well-rated stays
Distance to major sights: About 20 minutes on foot to the Reno Arch, about 10 minutes by rideshare to downtown
Quietness: Moderate by day, livelier at night near the main bar and dining strips.
Main trade-off: You trade direct casino proximity for a smaller hotel pool and more limited on-site amenities.
Good to know: Parking can be tighter than in the downtown hotel district, so confirm garage or lot arrangements before you book.
South Reno stretches toward the airport side of the city and includes newer hotels, shopping centers, and residential streets near major roads. It works for travelers who want easier parking, newer properties, and quick highway access without staying in the busiest core.
Best for: Road trips, business travel, airport access, and newer hotel inventory
What to expect: Car-oriented streets, shopping plazas, and quieter evenings than downtown, with most activity concentrated around retail nodes.
Hotel prices: Usually about $120 to $220 per night for well-rated stays
Distance to major sights: About 15 to 20 minutes by car to downtown Reno and the Truckee River Walk
Quietness: Calmer in the evening, with daytime traffic around shopping corridors and arterials.
Main trade-off: You will depend on a car or rideshare for most meals and sightseeing, since this area is spread out.
Good to know: If you have an early flight from Reno (RNO), this side of town shortens the airport run and avoids the late-night downtown parking scene.
The university district around the University of Nevada, Reno has student housing, budget motels, and easy access to campus landmarks and the eastern edge of downtown. It suits visitors who want lower rates and a simple link between the university, midtown, and the core.
Best for: Budget stays, campus visits, and travelers who do not need full resort amenities
What to expect: Student traffic, casual cafes, and a younger street presence, with busy periods tied to class times and events.
Hotel prices: Usually about $95 to $180 per night for well-rated stays
Distance to major sights: About 15 to 25 minutes on foot to downtown and the Reno Arch
Quietness: Quieter late at night on side streets, with more activity during school hours and game days.
Main trade-off: Rates can be lower, but the hotel stock is simpler and some blocks feel more utilitarian than central Reno.
Good to know: Check event calendars before booking, since football weekends and graduation periods can push demand and parking pressure higher.
Travelers usually avoid staying in North Valleys, Spanish Springs, and Hidden Valley, since they sit far from downtown Reno, the riverfront, and the airport, with limited visitor amenities and longer evening drives. Areas well away from the Truckee River corridor and Midtown are less convenient for visitors who plan to walk between restaurants, casinos, and museums.
Hotel deals
How to get around Reno efficiently
Reno has no metro, so most visitors move between downtown, Midtown, and the airport with RTC Ride buses, taxis, rideshare, and short walks.
Metro
for longer distances
Reno has no subway or metro system, so visitors rely on RTC buses and taxis rather than rail transit. The closest equivalent is the local bus network, which links downtown Reno, Midtown, the university area, and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport area.
Bus and tram
for convenience
RTC Ride runs the main bus network in Reno, with key corridors serving downtown, Midtown, the university district, and connections toward Sparks. Single rides typically cost $2 ($2), and day passes are about $5 ($5), with fares valid for one boarding or the service period shown on the pass. Expect frequent use of Route 1 and other trunk lines for airport-area and central-city trips; longer cross-town journeys can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and transfers.
Taxi
for convenience or late hours
Licensed taxis in Reno use metered fares rather than set flat rates, and a trip from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to downtown usually costs about $20 to $30, before tip. Cabs queue at the airport taxi stand and at major hotels, and most accept credit cards, though it is smart to confirm payment before you depart. For longer rides, the meter can reach roughly $40 to $60 across the city, depending on distance, waiting time, and traffic.
*Prices are based on rates updated as of June 2026 and may change at the time of travel.
Use buses for low-cost cross-town links, taxis or rideshare for airport trips and late returns, and walking when you are staying near the Truckee River or the Midtown dining strips.
Iconic landmarks
National Automobile Museum
More than 200 vehicles trace the American car story from early runabouts to movie stars and race winners. The collection includes presidential limousines, one-off customs, and rare classics arranged in detailed period settings.
Time needed: About 2 to 3 hours
Entry: Admission costs $14.50 ($14.50) for children, $19.50 ($19.50) for seniors, and $22.50 ($22.50) for adults. Visit the official site for details.
Tip: Visit late morning, when the galleries are quieter and the cars are easier to photograph.
Nevada Museum of Art
This downtown museum focuses on the desert Southwest, land use, and contemporary work shaped by the region. The building also supports rotating exhibitions and a rooftop terrace with broad views over Reno.
Time needed: About 2 to 3 hours
Entry: General admission costs $12 ($12) for youth, $15 ($15) for seniors, and $16 ($16) for adults. Visit the official site for details.
Tip: Go in the afternoon, then finish on the terrace when the light softens over the city.
Virginia Lake Park
This south Reno park circles a small lake with a paved path, lawns, and cottonwoods that draw walkers and birdwatchers. It gives an easy outdoor break close to Midtown and the southern neighborhoods.
Time needed: About 1 to 2 hours
Entry: Free to access.
Tip: Come near sunset for calmer water, softer light, and better views across the lake.
Overlooked sites worth visiting
Nevada Museum of Art
Reno’s only accredited art museum pairs rotating exhibitions with the center’s Black Rock Desert-inspired design. Its rooftop garden gives a rare downtown view without the casino strip.
Time needed: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Entry: Adult admission is $15 ($15); seniors, students, active military, and youth usually pay $12 ($12). Children under 5 enter free. Special exhibitions may add a separate charge, and discounts can change for select days or member previews. Visit the official site for details.
Tip: Go midafternoon for quieter galleries and brighter rooftop views.
Idlewild Park
This west-side park follows the Truckee River with mature trees, a pond, and long walking paths. It suits a slower visit, with room for picnics, birdwatching, and a short detour to the rose garden.
Time needed: About 1 to 2 hours
Entry: Free to access year-round. The park has no general admission fee, though nearby activities such as the miniature train, seasonal events, or reserved picnic areas can carry separate charges depending on the day and operator.
Tip: Visit near sunset for softer light along the river path.
Traditional food
Reno’s table leans on Basque kitchens, casino-era classics, and hearty plates built for long days. Expect lamb chops, shrimp cocktail, prime rib, and steak and eggs, served in dining rooms that still favor generous portions and direct flavors.
Basque lamb chops
Tender, simply seasoned lamb chops are one of Reno’s most recognizable Basque dishes. Louis’ Basque Corner serves them in a room that fits the city’s long-standing communal dining tradition.
Shrimp cocktail
Cold shrimp with sharp cocktail sauce remains a classic Reno starter, especially in the casino district. The Steak House at Western Village has a long local reputation for the dish.
Prime rib
Slow-roasted prime rib suits Reno’s old-school steakhouse side, with generous slices and simple sides. Atlantis Steakhouse is a canonical place to order it in Reno.
Steak and eggs
This diner and casino staple appears across Reno breakfast rooms, usually as a large plate built for an early start. Squeeze In on Wells Avenue is a dependable local stop for it.
Best time to visit Reno
Reno shifts with the seasons, from bright dry summers to cold winter mornings, so the best month depends on whether you want river walks, museum time, or clearer mountain views.
Best for: River walks, patio meals, and museum days
What you get: About 55 to 75°F (13 to 24°C), with lighter crowds before summer travel builds
Trade-offs: Wind and unsettled weather can interrupt outdoor plans
Best for: Long evenings, lake outings, and outdoor dining
What you get: About 80 to 95°F (27 to 35°C), with the busiest hotel and event periods
Trade-offs: Afternoons can run hot and shade matters on exposed walks
Best for: Balanced sightseeing and clearer air
What you get: About 50 to 80°F (10 to 27°C), with moderate crowds after summer peaks
Trade-offs: Shorter days reduce the time for late outdoor stops
Best for: Lower room rates and indoor-heavy trips
What you get: About 25 to 50°F (-4 to 10°C), with lighter city-center crowds and occasional snow
Trade-offs: Cold mornings can make early walks less comfortable
A realistic 5-day plan in Reno
The five-day plan keeps the center of gravity in downtown, Midtown, and South Reno, so you can move by foot, bus, or a short rideshare instead of crisscrossing the city. It starts with easy settling time, then adds museums, parks, and one final downtown reset.
Land at Reno (RNO), then take a rideshare or taxi to downtown Reno in about 10 to 15 minutes for roughly $15 to $25. If you are staying in Midtown, the same ride usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs about $18 to $28. Check into a hotel near the Truckee River or in Downtown Reno, then keep the first evening low-key with water, a short walk by the river, and an early dinner in Midtown at one of the neighborhood’s cafes or bars. If you want a quieter sleep, book a room away from the main casino blocks, since late-night activity can carry well past midnight.
Start with the Nevada Museum of Art in downtown Reno, about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the core hotel strip. Plan roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours there, then walk about 10 minutes to the Truckee River Walk for a lunch break and an easy riverside stroll. In the afternoon, continue about 15 minutes on foot to the National Automobile Museum, which works well late morning or early afternoon with about 2 to 3 hours for the galleries. Finish back downtown for dinner near the casino district, where you can stay on foot for the evening instead of arranging another ride.
A south Reno day fits neatly around Virginia Lake Park and Midtown. Begin with a relaxed loop at Virginia Lake Park, then drive or rideshare about 10 to 15 minutes north to Midtown for coffee or lunch among the independent cafes and bars. After that, return to Idlewild Park, about 10 minutes by car from Midtown, for a second outdoor stretch along the Truckee River, with time for the rose garden and shaded paths. End the day with dinner in Midtown, where the restaurant blocks are easy to reach on foot once you park or get dropped off.
Set aside most of the day for the National Automobile Museum if you want a deeper look at Reno’s car collection, then pair it with a downtown art stop. Begin at the museum in the morning, spend about 2 to 3 hours inside, and walk about 10 minutes to the Nevada Museum of Art for the afternoon. The two stops sit close enough that you can break for lunch downtown without losing time to transit. If you still have energy afterward, add a short riverwalk loop, about 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the museum area, before dinner in Downtown Reno.
For a last day that stays close to your hotel, start with a final museum visit or a slow return to the Nevada Museum of Art if you want one more look at the rooftop terrace and the rotating exhibitions. After that, spend time in Midtown for last-minute browsing at local shops and a café stop, or keep it all downtown if you prefer to stay near the river and casino blocks. Before heading to Reno (RNO), leave enough time for a relaxed meal and one final walk along the Truckee River Walk, then allow about 10 to 15 minutes for the ride to the airport from downtown, or about 15 to 20 minutes from Midtown.
Business-class flights from the US to Reno
Reno sees one-stop business itineraries from both coasts, with familiar hub cities shaping the fare and timing. The exact connection matters as much as the airline list, since some routings save hours even when the price difference is modest.
From New York, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and JetBlue sell itineraries that usually take about 5.5 to 6.5 hours nonstop, while one-stop options via DFW, DEN, ORD, SLC, or PHX often stretch to about 7 to 11 hours. Round-trip fares usually start at $650 and can reach $1,400, with nonstop itineraries sitting at the top end.
Los Angeles has the shorter hop, at roughly 1.5 hours nonstop on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, or United Airlines. If you connect instead, the common hubs are PHX, SLC, DEN, LAX, and LAS, and total travel time usually lands in the 3 to 6 hour range. Round-trip fares are usually $280 to $700.
Reno feels different when you slow down
A good Reno stay ties downtown, Midtown, and South Reno together with short hops, not long transfers. You can spend one day at the Nevada Museum of Art, another at the National Automobile Museum, then slow the pace at Virginia Lake Park or along the Truckee River Walk before dinner in Midtown. If that is the trip you want, the AranGrant experts can help you line up the right flights and hotel base in Reno
