Omaha Travel Guide

What are the best things to do in Omaha, Nebraska?

Omaha offers a mix of historic attractions, museums, outdoor spaces, live entertainment, shopping, and a growing food scene. Start in the Old Market, explore Omaha’s riverfront, visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and discover the city’s art and history museums.

Once known for its stockyards and railroad industry, Omaha has developed into a vibrant Midwestern destination with attractions for families, food lovers, sports fans, and culture seekers.

Omaha Travel Guide: Key Takeaways

• Best for: History, families, food, arts and culture, sports, and outdoor activities
• Top attraction: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
• Best area to explore on foot: The Old Market
• Riverfront highlights: Gene Leahy Mall and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
• Arts and culture: Joslyn Art Museum, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and Omaha Community Playhouse
• Sports: Charles Schwab Field Omaha and CHI Health Center Omaha
• Getting around: Walking, biking, public transportation, rideshares, and rental cars

Top Downtown Omaha Attractions

Downtown Omaha combines historic architecture, public spaces, museums, restaurants, and entertainment. The Old Market is one of the city’s most popular areas for exploring on foot.

• Old Market: The Old Market is a historic downtown neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, local boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Its walkable streets make it a convenient starting point for exploring central Omaha.

• Gene Leahy Mall: Located downtown near the Missouri River, Gene Leahy Mall features green space, walking paths, public art, fountains, and areas for recreation and relaxation.

• Heartland of America Park: Heartland of America Park provides another scenic spot along Omaha’s riverfront, with walking areas, fountains, and space for outdoor events.

• The Durham Museum: Housed in Omaha’s restored Union Station, The Durham Museum explores the history of Omaha and the surrounding region. Exhibits cover transportation, immigration, local communities, and the city’s development.

• Omaha Arts and Culture: Omaha’s arts scene includes major museums, contemporary art spaces, live theater, and music venues.

• Joslyn Art Museum: Joslyn Art Museum features collections spanning European, American, and modern art. The museum’s architecture is also an attraction in its own right.

• Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts: The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts supports contemporary artists through exhibitions, residencies, and creative programming.

• Omaha Community Playhouse: The Omaha Community Playhouse is a long-running community theater known for a full schedule of theatrical productions and performances.

• The Waiting Room Lounge: For live music, The Waiting Room Lounge hosts regional and touring artists and is a popular destination for concerts in Omaha.

• Outdoor Things to Do in Omaha: Omaha offers several ways to enjoy the outdoors, from expansive zoo exhibits to gardens, parks, and trails.

• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the city’s signature attractions. Its exhibits include the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, and aquarium, making it a popular choice for families and animal lovers.

• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge crosses the Missouri River and connects Omaha with Council Bluffs, Iowa. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge while taking in views of the river and surrounding area.

• Lauritzen Gardens: Lauritzen Gardens is Omaha’s botanical garden, featuring landscaped gardens, seasonal plant displays, walking paths, and rotating exhibits.

Where to Eat in Omaha

Omaha is well known for its steaks, but the city’s food scene extends beyond traditional steakhouses. Visitors can find everything from burgers and ice cream to craft beer and creative cocktails.

• Steakhouses: Gorat’s Steakhouse and The Drover are longtime Omaha destinations for steak.
• Old Market dining: Restaurants throughout the Old Market offer everything from upscale dining to casual meals.
• Casual favorites: Block 16 is known for creative comfort food, while Ted & Wally’s offers small-batch ice cream.
• Breweries: Omaha’s craft beer scene includes breweries and taprooms throughout the city.

Sports and Shopping in Omaha

The Old Market is a popular destination for locally owned boutiques, specialty stores, galleries, and gift shops. Other Omaha neighborhoods also offer independent retailers and specialty shopping.

• CHI Health Center Omaha: CHI Health Center Omaha hosts concerts, sporting events, conventions, and other major events throughout the year.
• Charles Schwab Field Omaha: Charles Schwab Field Omaha is home to the NCAA Men’s College World Series and is a major destination for baseball fans visiting the city.

Getting Around Omaha

Omaha is relatively easy to navigate by car, but visitors can also walk, bike, and use public transportation depending on where they’re staying.

• Walking: Downtown areas such as the Old Market are convenient to explore on foot.
• Public transportation: Omaha’s ORBT rapid bus service connects important areas of the city.
• Biking: Omaha has trails and pedestrian-friendly routes for recreational cycling and short trips.
• Rideshares: Rideshare services are useful for getting between neighborhoods and attractions.
• Rental cars: A car can be helpful for visiting attractions outside downtown and exploring the surrounding area.

Best Omaha Attractions at a Glance

Why Visit Omaha?

Omaha is a versatile Midwest destination where history, culture, outdoor recreation, food, and entertainment come together. Whether you’re spending a weekend downtown, visiting the zoo with family, attending a sporting event, or exploring Omaha’s neighborhoods, there are plenty of ways to experience the city.

If you’re moving to Omaha, temporary storage can also make the transition easier. Public Storage offers storage options for belongings while you’re moving, renovating, downsizing, or getting settled in a new home.

FAQs

What is Omaha best known for?

Omaha is best known for its historic Old Market, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, railroad and livestock history, College World Series, and growing arts and food scenes.

What is the best area to stay in Omaha?

Downtown Omaha is a convenient choice for visitors who want easy access to the Old Market, riverfront attractions, museums, restaurants, and entertainment.

Is Omaha good for a weekend trip?

Yes. A weekend in Omaha can include the Old Market, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, downtown museums, riverfront parks, local restaurants, and entertainment.

Is Omaha walkable?

Parts of Omaha are very walkable, particularly downtown and the Old Market. A car or rideshare can be more convenient for attractions located farther from the city center.

What are the top things to do in Omaha with kids?

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a top family attraction. Families can also explore Lauritzen Gardens, downtown parks, and other museums and recreational areas.

What food is Omaha known for?

Omaha is particularly known for its steaks, but visitors can also find burgers, ice cream, craft beer, international cuisine, and other locally focused dining options.

Can you visit Omaha without a car?

Yes, especially if you stay downtown and focus on walkable attractions. Public transportation, rideshares, biking, and walking can help visitors get around, although a rental car provides more flexibility for attractions outside downtown.