Reno, Nevada, is a flash city of excess, neon and gambling, with glamorous ideas above its small station.

Dubbed "The Biggest Little City in the World", the city is a frothy, heady mix of the tacky and downright seedy. The poorer gambling cousin of Las Vegas is the third largest city in the desert state of Nevada, but still retains a small-town charm and friendliness.

The area that is now Reno was settled by a small group of pioneers and the first hotel and saloon opened in the 1850s. The mining boom provided Reno with the boost it needed and a passenger and freight depot of the Central Pacific Railroad was built, turning the town into a rough railroad settlement.

As the mining boom waned, Reno latched onto the twin vices of gambling and prostitution, with speakeasies springing up during prohibition and later a lucrative line in quickie divorces. The economy of Reno and the surrounding area has since diversified, with manufacturing plants and a small agricultural sector developing.

Gambling is the main reason for most people to visit Reno, with a host of gaudy casinos lining its main strip and a vast neon sign welcoming visitors. The best of the city's gambling centres includes Circus Circus, which has a floor dedicated to children's entertainment, with clowns, circus acts and games, while the busy Eldorado, sprawling Harrah's and Victorian-themed Silver Legacy are all worth a visit.

Away from the casinos, Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga's Nugget features an eclectic programme of nostalgic comedians and bands, The Great Basin Brewing Company features live bands and excellent food and the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts houses musicals and orchestral concerts.

The county seat of Washoe County, Reno has a permanent population of just over 180,000. The small city has a number of interesting museums and attractions, including the Fleischmann Planetarium at the 19th century University of Nevada, the National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, the Nevada Historical Society Museum and the local arboretum and botanical gardens.

The river that flows through the downtown district of the city is ideal for fishing and kayaking, there are a number of bowling alleys and balloon flights can be booked over the Nevada desert. The Downtown River Walk is becoming increasingly popular, with street performers, musicians, food and other attractions along the riverside.

Reno is located near Lake Tahoe, which spans the Nevada/California border and is a firm favourite with holidaymakers. The picturesque lake offers lively nightlife, watersports and relaxation, with some charming hotels and ski resorts dotted around its shores.

In Reno itself, hotels tend to be loud and flashy, with most of the larger casinos offering accommodation. Opportunities to eat and shop are plentiful in Reno, with hoards of stores and fast food outlets.

Generally sunny, Reno is warmest in July and August, with colder weather and some snow between October and April. The city is fairly easy to get to and is served by Reno/Tahoe International Airport, Greyhound buses and trains.