A Culture Seekers Guide To Reno Tahoe

Few can deny that Reno is in the midst of a major cultural and economic revival, buoyed by new tech start-ups and an urban arts renaissance featuring colorful murals dotted throughout its downtown and Midtown districts. While largely known as an outdoor destination thanks to its proximity to the gorgeous Lake Tahoe and its high concentration of ski resorts, the Reno Tahoe region also doubles as a culture seeker’s paradise. Here’s a guide of things to do in the ‘Biggest Little City in the World’.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Visit the Nevada Museum of Art

is the only American Alliance of Museums-accredited museum in Nevada and one of the state’s oldest cultural institutions. The four-level, 70,000-square-foot (6,500-square-meter) museum – founded in 1931 and occupying its current space since 2003 – houses collections focusing on the intersection of art and the environment including landscape photography, contemporary art and pieces dedicated to the American West.

Explore the city on a public art tour

is now easily one of the coolest, most arts-centric neighborhoods in town. Packed with lively bars, chic restaurants and unique shops, it’s got an eye-popping assemblage of more than 80 large-scale murals. Explore them on your own or via volunteer-led tours every second Saturday – and make sure you stop to admire the Burning Man art at the Reno Playa Art Park along the main drag of Virginia Street. You can also hop aboard the Reno Brew Bike to navigate the city’s buzzing bar and craft beer scene via pedal power, or embark on a two-footed exploration of the culinarily rich downtown and Midtown districts with a Reno Food Tour.

Roll on over to the National Automobile Museum

Americans’ love for cars is firmly on display at Reno’s National Automobile Museum, widely regarded as one of the top automotive museums in the country. It may not exactly be considered high art by most, but historic cars once owned by celebrities like John F Kennedy and Frank Sinatra (both of whom were known to frequent the Reno Tahoe region during its 1950s-era heyday) offer a true taste of local culture.

Eat at Louis’ Basque Corner

One of the more surprising aspects of Reno to newcomers is its strong Basque influence, a derivative of the early days when Basque immigrants started coming to the area in search of fortune during the California Gold Rush era, but soon found a better life in raising sheep and selling the meat to the local mines. These days local Basque culture is alive and well at area restaurants like Louis’ Basque Corner, a popular spot for authentic Basque dishes served in a family-style setting. Don’t miss out on the famous Picon Punch cocktail – but beware, these babies are strong.

Perch on the patio in the Reno Riverwalk District

One of the best things to do in Reno is to stroll along the Truckee River Walk from City Plaza to Idlewild Park, taking in gorgeous park and waterfront views along the way. This experience is enhanced immeasurably by the large concentration of bars and restaurants in the Riverwalk District. You can enjoy waterfront dining at a wealth of local hotspots including Campo, Wild River Grille and The Shore Room inside Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel. Grab a coffee at Hub or keep the night going with drinks at an assortment of waterfront bars including Sierra Tap House, Old Bridge Pub and The Eddy.

Rock out to some live music

With a population of around 250,000, Reno punches well above its weight in the field of music with a thriving live-music scene rivaling those of many bigger cities. The newly renovated Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort boasts one of the largest stages in the world with plush seating and state-of-the-art sound, while the hipster-friendly music hall at The Saint is your go-to for live music paired with an expertly curated assortment of award-winning brews. Cargo Concert Hall at Whitney Peak Hotel unfurls a high-octane line-up of national and international touring acts, while late-night dance club 1up keeps the party going until 5am. (Click here for complete listings of upcoming concerts in Reno.)

Dive into Reno’s booming craft beer and distillery scene

With 19 breweries scattered throughout Reno and the surrounding area, you’re never far from a cold beverage in the Biggest Little City. The Reno brewery map will help you navigate between heavy hitters such as Great Basin Brewing (home to the popular “Icky” IPA and standout pub grub) or Brasserie Saint James, a more upscale outpost for craft-beer aficionados offering A-list ales often paired with dinner. Be sure to stop by the delightfully homey Brewer’s Cabinet for a Dirty Wookie imperial brown ale before investigating Reno’s budding craft distilling scene at popular hang-outs like The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery. Located in a historic train station, it’s Nevada’s first brewery/distillery. Round out your spirits sampling with stops at the Seven Troughs Speakeasy in The Basement for small-batches or local favorite Branded Hearts Distillery.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.