The lay of the land
Reno sits in a high desert valley at 4,500 feet, 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe and 30 minutes from the California line. Population 265,000, the airport (RNO) 15 minutes from downtown. The casino corridor along Virginia Street is compact — Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus are all connected via skyways, essentially a single mega-casino. Peppermill and Atlantis sit two miles south on South Virginia and are the two best hotels in the city. Midtown is the walkable food and bar district south of downtown; the Riverwalk along the Truckee River is genuinely pleasant.
What to do beyond gambling
The Nevada Museum of Art is $12 and one of the best regional museums in the West. National Automobile Museum is $15 and worth it even if you do not care about cars. Kayak the Truckee River whitewater park downtown — free, seriously. Great Basin Brewing and 10 Torr for local craft beer. Old Granite Street Eatery and Roundabout Grill for actual dining. Reno is the gateway to Tahoe, Pyramid Lake (45 minutes north, sacred Paiute tribal lands, $12 permit) and Virginia City. If you visit late August, do not accidentally book during Burning Man setup — hotel prices double.
Good to know
Reno or Vegas for a weekend?+
Vegas for spectacle, shows and pools. Reno for lower prices, easier logistics and access to Tahoe and mountains.
Is Reno safe to walk downtown?+
Virginia Street casino corridor and Riverwalk yes. A few blocks east of the tracks less so — improving but not there yet.