travel guide for omaha

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10 Things To Do In Omaha: Complete Guide To Nebraska's Largest City

Omaha, Nebraska is the highlight of the state, with quirky and unique things to; the ultimate travel guide shows the way.

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Nebraska's Largest City: The Ultimate Guide To Omaha & Things To Do There

Omaha is the biggest city in Nebraska and the state's commerce and industrial hub. Located near the Missouri and Platte Rivers juncture, Omaha was once popularly known as the " Gateway to the West ," a key stopover point for travelers and expeditions heading to the coast. But the city has evolved to become a legitimate destination for all kinds of tourists.

Today, Omaha hosts several Fortune 500 companies, with Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway among them. Its attractions relate to everything from sports and history to culture and outdoor experiences. For instance, The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the largest zoos in America , while the Durham Museum chronicles Omaha's rich history.

Summarily, there's a lot going on for this great city on the eastern side of Nebraska. Prepare for new experiences, chance encounters, and fun adventures in this delightful city. Here is the ultimate guide to visiting Omaha and the best things to do there to get visitors started.

UPDATE: 2023/07/20 16:12 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Travelers will find even more things to do in Ohama, Nebraska in this updated travel guide. More attractions, more information, and images will make Omaha an even more attractive travel destination.

Top Things To Do In Omaha

Omaha offers tourists a long list of top Nebraska attractions , enough to fill anyone's itinerary for their entire stay. Whether a history buff, animal lover, or sports fanatic, these are the best ways to spend quality time in the city.

1 Roam The Old Market Historic District Streets

The Old Market is where all the action happens in Omaha. Located in the city's center, this lively corridor is defined by shopping venues, restaurants, art galleries, and other businesses that draw crowds.

The brick-paved streets and old buildings reflect its historical significance in the city, while horse-drawn carriages provide exciting tours tailored to newcomers.

Related: Nebraska's New Tourism Campaign: Honest And Quirky

Whereas the Old Market attracts people all year round, summer brings the largest numbers, and the streets are full of street performers on almost every corner.

Saturday mornings offer guests a chance to experience the largest farmers' market in the area.

The oldest district is also home to other sites, such as the Omaha Children's Home and Joslyn Art Museum, which are must-visits.

Since the Old Market is such a popular attraction in Omaha, visitors should look for parking near the Durham Museum and explore the rest of the area on foot. The cobblestone streets are too bumpy to drive on, and the parking is hard to come by.

2 Check Out The Animals At Henry Doorly Zoo

A trip to Omaha is not complete without visiting the world-class Henry Doorly Zoo. Spanning at least 160 acres, it is arguably the best zoo in America and draws some of the largest crowds in the state.

The zoo boasts several record-breaking feats of biodiversity, including a Dome Desert and the Lied Jungle, the largest indoor desert and forest in North America, respectively. Other attractions include the Kingdoms of the Night Exhibit, a 70-foot shark tunnel, and a gorilla valley.

Tourists get a rare chance to get up close and personal with wildlife from around the world and can stop by the facility's Glacier Bay Landing for a meal whenever they feel hungry.

• Tickets: Adults $25.95, kids (ages 3-11) $18.95, seniors (65 and over) $24.95, Kids 2 or under) free.
• Operation hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily

While at the zoo, take the kids to the Lozier IMAX Theater, which shows engrossing documentaries that will surely be a hit for the whole family.

3 Explore The Town's History At The Durham Museum

The Durham Museum chronicles the city's history and was once among the busiest train stations in America. In 1995, the building underwent an urban renewal project that delivered terrific results.

Today, visitors will find exhibits like the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall, which showcases the renovated main hall and features intimate Art Deco architecture.

The museum also has Steam Locomotive Stations with hands-on displays of how the revolutionary technology worked.

Located a short distance from the Old Market, the museum is excellent for indoor lovers who prefer laid-back activities.

• Tickets: Adults $13, Seniors (62+) $10, Military/Veteran: $10, Kids ages 3 – 12 $7
• Operation hours: Sunday (12 pm – 4 pm), Tuesday – Saturday (10 am – 4 pm), Monday and major holidays (closed)

After scoping out enough of the museum's exhibits, stop by the soda bar for a refreshing milkshake; the kids will definitely love this part.

4 Catch A Baseball Game At The College World Series

The College World Series is a pulsating sports extravaganza held annually in Omaha. For two weeks in June, the NCAA men's college baseball tournament brings the city to a standstill as fans and college students from all over the country converge to support their favorite teams.

From the loud cheers and ever-flowing beers to the pumping adrenaline on the field, it all culminates into a festive atmosphere that engulfs the whole city.

Whether a baseball fan or not, this is one of the most anticipated events in Omaha and a must-do for visitors in Nebraska .

The College World Series is held at the Charles Schwab Field, which also doubles up as the official home stadium for the Creighton University Bluejays. Besides baseball games, the venue hosts some of the biggest music concerts in the city.

5 Get Up Close With Nature At Lauritzen Gardens

Also known as Omaha's Botanical Center, these beautiful gardens in the riverfront hill neighborhood span 100 acres and offer the perfect setting for an evening stroll. These have greenery, roses, peonies, and herbs, resulting in beautiful biodiversity.

The gardens also adopt themes like Nebraskan Prairies, Victorian, and English, making them unique and interesting to explore.

Over three miles of trails within the garden allow guests to explore conveniently. Otherwise, an hour-long tram tour with informatory commentary will be a handy alternative.

• Tickets: Ages 13+ $15, Children ages 3 to 12 $9, Children 2 and under free
• Tours cost: $3 per person
• Operation hours: Open daily, 9 am – 5 pm

6 Spend A Day With The Kids At The Omaha Children's Museum

Situated in the attraction-laden Old Market district, the Omaha Children's Museum is the perfect place for kids to discover their love for the arts. The magnificent facility boasts a Creative Arts Center, which promises to get their creative juices flowing with captivating "make-and-take" projects.

The museum balances work and play with an Imagination Playground, which caters to the young one's play needs.

This features a firehouse, farm, and market ideal for all age groups. The museum also hosts educational programs and interactive exhibits to get the young ones started in their creative journey.

• Admission : $12 for adults and kids over 2, $11 for seniors, and free for under 2s
• Hours : Monday to Friday (10 am - 4 pm), Saturday (9 am - 5 pm), Sunday (11 am - 5 pm)

During summer, kids can escape the scorching heat at the venue's outdoor water park, an excellent place to splash and cool off.

7 Chill Out At The Heartland Of America Park

Spanning about 31 acres, the Heartland of America Park is a charming outdoor spot where people go to unwind and enjoy downtown Omaha's open spaces. It was opened in 1990 and offers guests scenic views of the city's skyline and Missouri River.

Most visitors are drawn to the park's central feature, an attractive fountain that shoots a jet of water 320 feet into the air.

The lush greenery throughout the park results in a laid-back atmosphere with clean air, a needed respite from the urban hustle. Additionally, fun gondola rides and historical monuments spread around the park will keep vacationers busy.

For couples visiting Omaha, the park offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway at night thanks to colorful lighting and dramatic lake views.

8 Step Into The World Of Fantasy At The Joslyn Castle

The Joslyn Castle, which sits in the heart of Omaha's midtown, was once the abode of George and Sarah Joslyn. Today, the venue allows guests to cross into a fairy-tale-like realm thanks to its unique design.

Built in the early 1900s, the mansion features wrought iron, mosaic tiles, wood, and stained-glass in its construction.

The 35-room mansion is an excellent example of Scottish Baronial-style architecture, which always leaves visitors in awe. It was listed as an Omaha Landmark Historic Structure in 1979, making it a must-see for those interested in the city's past.

• Admission : $12 per adult
• Hours : Monday to Friday (9 am - 4:30 pm), Sunday (12:30 pm - 2:30 pm)

The Joslyn Castle is surrounded by well-manicured gardens that form part of the Nebraska State Arboretum, which hosts tours and other special events like weddings.

9 Visit Historic Fort Omaha

Fort Omaha is a vital landmark in the city that offers a glimpse into Omaha's history, serving as a balloon school and prison at different times. Initially constructed by the U.S. Army as an Indian-War military institution, the fort currently houses the Metropolitan Community College.

However, it still maintains some old-era relics, including six 19th-century buildings on campus. The highlight of Fort Omaha has to be General Crook House, an 1879 historic home that was converted into a museum run by the Douglas County Historical Society.

• Hours : Open daily, 24/7

10 Walk Across The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is an impressive engineering achievement across the Missouri River that links the city of Omaha, Nebraska to Iowa. The bridge is a popular spot for tourists and locals, thanks to the feeling of weightlessness experienced when walking along it.

It also offers panoramic views of the Omaha skyline and the Missouri River below, serving as the perfect spot to snap a photo. There is also a riverfront park near the bridge with a visitor center, splash fountains, and a huge amphitheater that hosts live music shows every Friday during the summer.

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is an excellent place for walkers, joggers, and runners as it connects to over 150 miles of nature trails.

11 What To Know Before Visiting Omaha

Omaha is Nebraska's largest city, with a population of just under 500,000. It lies along the great Missouri River and on the border of Nebraska and Iowa; a road trip to neighboring Iowa City takes about 4 hours by car.

Don't expect any problems finding directions to the hottest spots in town, whether for food, accommodation, or fun.

When exploring the city, look out for a chance encounter with its most famous resident and chair of Berkshire Hathaway, billionaire Warren Buffett.

Related: Here's Why Grand Island, Nebraska Is A Great Alternative To Lincoln Or Omaha

The city experiences a typical Midwestern climate with four seasons. Summers are hot and humid, but winters are bone-chilling. In fact, the Weather Channel ranks Omaha among the coldest major cities in the United States .

Hotels are relatively affordable here, even for the fancy ones in the city, and discounts are often available in the off-season.

Overall, Omaha is a great place to visit and offers a plethora of attractions, with the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and The Durham Museum topping the list. Nebraska is clearly not only corn fields !

12 Best Time To Visit Omaha

The best time to visit Omaha is between September and November because of the generally conducive weather conditions, fewer crowds, and cheaper flight and accommodation rates.

Peak tourism season in the city falls in summer (May to September), and the hot and muggy conditions draw warm-weather travelers to explore the sights and outdoor attractions. The hottest month is July, with temperatures of up to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is also the best time for sightseeing as the sun stays up the longest of the year. On the flip side, summers experience significant precipitation, so remember to pack an umbrella not to get wet.

The worst time to visit Omaha is between January and February. Winters can be brutal in the city, with temperatures well below freezing point recorded. It snows, and outside is the last place tourists want to be. But if they have to, it is recommended to take all precautions to stay safe during bad weather conditions .

This also means that some attractions close shop because of the weather conditions and dwindling visitor numbers.

Omaha is in Tornado Alley, and severe weather like high winds, hail, and tornadoes may occur between April and August.

13 Best Ways To Get Around Omaha

Tourists will enjoy getting around the city with multiple transportation options, including rental cars, bus services, taxis, and shuttle services. However, driving a car offers the best way to move from point A to B.

The city roads are generally well-marked with sufficient signs, while the streets are free from gridlock, providing the perfect conditions for drivers. Two major highways, I-29 and I-80 pass through the city, divided by Dodge Street into north and south.

Several rental car companies in the region come in handy for guests who prefer to drive themselves when exploring the spread-out attractions of the city.

• Rental car rates start from $40 for a compact vehicle with a 4-passenger capacity.

Those who don't fancy driving can turn to public transportation. The Metro Area Transit bus service follows 28 routes that go through the major sites in the downtown area, making for a convenient alternative in a relatively small city like Omaha.

• Fares: $1.25 for single rides with 25-cent transfers, $55 for a 30-day pass, Kids under 12 ride free

Guests can also access Lyft & Uber services and public taxis running up and down the city. zTrip is one of the largest taxi companies in Omaha, where passengers can easily book a ride via a phone app.

Lastly, Omaha has a developed trail system, aptly dubbed the Paths of Discovery, that bikers, walkers, and skaters can take advantage of. These twist and turn through different sites in the city, and feature over 85 miles of paved paths, making Omaha one of the bike-friendliest cities in the region.

14 Where To Stay In And Around Omaha

Omaha is a city on the up and up, rapidly transforming into a cultural, historical, sporting, and culinary hub. There are countless attractions spread across various quaint neighborhoods where tourists can choose to stay.

With almost 15,000 hotel rooms in the city, there is no shortage of nice places to sleep. The best part is that accommodation is relatively cheap in Omaha.

Downtown Omaha

Downtown Omaha is the bloodline of the city, blending intimate historical sites with a contemporary city vibe to offer the best of both worlds. Tourists get spoilt with everything from world-class museums, sports arenas, and lush green parks to top-class restaurants.

The Missouri Riverfront boardwalks are a great place for nature lovers looking for a leisurely stroll while soaking in the sights and sounds. The downtown district is also home to the city's vibrant nightlife, with various businesses spread around the Old Market neighborhood.

The once old and beat-up industrial district was developed into a cultural hub comprising art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and street performances to entertain visitors.

The Heartland of America Park is also within walking distance, serving as a secluded escape with walkways and cycling paths where people go to enjoy gondola rides and revel in the tranquil atmosphere.

For luxury: Omaha Marriott Downtown

• Address: 222 North 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68102, United States
• Cost per night : $192 for 2 guests
• Amenities: 24-hour business center, concierge services, airport transfers, laundry service, outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, valet parking, fitness center, room service

Mid-range option: Residence Inn Marriott

• Address: 106 South 15th Street, Omaha, NE 68102, United States
• Cost per night: $110 for 2 guests
• Amenities: Coffee machine, cable/satellite, dry cleaning, meeting center, 24-hour reception, fitness center, kitchenette

Budget option: Even Hotel Omaha Downtown

• Address: 2220 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, United States
• Cost per night: $94 for 2 guests
• Amenities: onsite restaurant, personal fitness area, free airport shuttle, indoor pool, business center, bar/lounge, coffee machine

Council Bluffs

This neighborhood is about 4 miles across the river and east of Downtown Omaha. It is an excellent choice for guests visiting on a budget, and while it's technically part of Iowa, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge ensures an easy crossover to Omaha.

The accommodation options in Council Bluffs are relatively budget-friendly and offer easy access to the CBD.

Guests can also explore museums, shopping centers, restaurants, and park spaces in the area, which are great for afternoon walks. Some nearby attractions include Lincoln Monument, Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino, and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Mid-range option: Courtyard by Marriott Omaha Downtown

• Address: 101 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68102, United States
• Cost per night : $116 for 2 guests
• Amenities: Free airport shuttle, business center, bar/lounge, 24-hour fitness gym

Related: 10 Small Towns In Nebraska For A Fun-Filled Weekend

Budget option: Holiday Inn Omaha

• Address: 1420 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68102, United States
• Cost per night: $95 for 2 guests
• Amenities: 24-hour business center, complimentary airport shuttle, fitness center, hot tub, splash pad, leisure pool, restaurant, coffee shop, room service

There are no luxury options in this neighborhood.

The University of Nebraska Area

Located 4 miles from the downtown region, the University of Nebraska is the largest higher learning institution in the state. As expected, the young core of residents around the area makes it one of the liveliest scenes in Omaha, highlighted by several watering holes and dining spots.

The charming Elmwood Park Grotto is a stone-throw away in Aksarben Village, and tourists can sample the different stores, art galleries, and cafés in the neighborhood.

However, the area comes to life at nighttime, with buzzing joints around the university calling for a night of bar hopping.

Luxury option: Kimpton Cottonwood

• Address: 302 South 36th Street, Omaha, NE 68131, United States
• Cost per night: $127 for 2 guests
• Amenities: Fitness center, bar/lounge, valet parking, restaurant, outdoor pool, free toiletries, banquet facilities

Mid-range option: Aloft Omaha Aksarben Village

• Address: 6201 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68106, United States
• Cost per night: $115 for 2 guests
• Amenities: Indoor pool, bar and lounge, business center, meeting facilities, free parking, fitness center, pets allowed (charges may apply)

Airbnb option: Little Grey Getaway

• Cost per night: $98
• Amenities: Air conditioning, washer, dedicated workspace, free parking, kitchen, patio or balcony, security cameras

15 Where To Eat In Omaha

Omaha is a pioneer city in the farm-to-fork movement thanks to the many farms that surround the city. There are plenty of fresh ingredients to supply the different eateries and restaurants in the region.

Also, Omaha boasts a few restaurants on the Good Food 100 List, including Kitchen Table and Dante, which only speaks to the city's growing dining scene.

Tourists can look forward to an awesome culinary adventure filled with tantalizing treats and good vibes.

For breakfast:

Saddle Creek Breakfast Club

This breakfast joint in midtown Omaha is the perfect spot for the day's first meal. From its modest beginnings as a car repair shop, the restaurant has grown wildly popular and serves delicious treats like banana cakes, kimchi omelets, biscuits, and gravy.

• Address: 1540 N Saddle Creek Rd, Omaha, NE 68104-5065
• Business hours: Tuesday – Sunday (10 am – 2 pm)

For lunch and dinner:

Kitchen Table

Kitchen Table is one of the best the city has to offer. This casual but cute restaurant serves delicious comfort foods like seared chicken breast, meatloaf sandwiches, and bourbon pulled pork.

The best part is that everything is sourced locally, fresh from the farm, and straight to the kitchen.

• Address: 1415 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102-2202
• Business hours: Tuesday – Thursday (11 am – 5 pm), Friday (11 am – 6 pm), Saturday & Sunday (9 am – 3 pm)

Dante is the go-to spot in Omaha when searching for authentic Italian cuisine. This popping joint in West Omaha has a reputation for serving delicious Neapolitan pizza and a wide variety of homemade pasta.

The lasagna is another signature dish in the restaurant that guests shouldn't miss out on.

• Address : 16901 Wright Plz Suite 173, Omaha, NE 68130-2411
• Business hours : Tuesday – Thursday (11:30 am – 9 pm), Friday (11:30 am – 9:30 pm), Saturday (10 am – 9:30 pm), Sunday (10 am – 9 pm)

For drinks:

Brickway Brewery & Distillery

Situated in the Old Market Neighborhood, this multi-room brewery serves refreshing craft beers and a range of spirits, including whiskey, vodka, gin, and moonshine.

It also has a whiskey barrel room that guests use for private parties.

Brickway Brewery & Distillery is an excellent option to link up with friends for a casual pint and sample some snacks from its on-site restaurant.

• Address: 1116 Jackson St, Omaha, NE 68102
• Business hours: Monday – Thursday (1 pm – 11 pm), Friday (1 pm – 12 am), Saturday (11 am – 12 am), Sunday (11 am – 11 pm)

16 Spending The Perfect Day In Omaha

There is no blueprint for spending the perfect day in Omaha; however, the following itinerary is the closest visitors can get to it:

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Saddle Creek Breakfast Club before heading to Durham Museum for a taste of Omaha's history. Head to the Henry Doorly Zoo to admire the diverse habitats and interact with some of the over 900 animal species in the facility.

For lunch, head to Kitchen Table for some luscious meatloaf sandwiches to restore energy reserves and in preparation for the afternoon activities. A trip to the Joslyn Art Museum is a relaxed activity perfect for after lunch to interact with intimate art pieces and admire the mastery behind them.

Take a leisurely stroll to the busy Old Market district to explore the available stores. This will be a good opportunity to shop in the boutiques and check out the fresh produce at the farmers' market. While at it, don't forget to hitch a ride on the horse-drawn carriages for an authentic feel of the old days.

To close out the day, hop into the Brickway Brewery & Distillery to catch up with fellow visitors and locals while enjoying a taste of Omaha's lively night scene.

Q: Is Omaha a fun place to live in?

Omaha offers some of the most fun things to do in Nebraska ! The Henry Doorly Zoo is the largest zoo in America, and the College World Series is among the most anticipated events in the state. There are also a lot of attractions worth exploring, including museums, art galleries, bars, and restaurants that improve the quality of life in Omaha.

Q: What are Nebraska's famous foods?

Cornhusker State is renowned for its corn and beef, but there's a lot more iconic foods in Nebraska worth sampling. With a lively dining scene and high-profile chefs, the state has produced popular meals like The Reuben Sandwich, Raisin Pie, and BBQ Ribs.

Q: Does Omaha Nebraska get snow?

Omaha, Nebraska does get snow in the winter, getting up to ten inches at times. However, many of Nebraska's attractions are accessible in winter and year-round.

Home » Travel Guides » 25 Best Things to do in Omaha (Nebraska)

25 Best Things to do in Omaha (Nebraska)

Omaha is often overlooked by tourists and commonly planned into an itinerary as a quick stop off point. These opinions and plans soon change however when visitors set foot in the historic Old Market area of the cit, stroll along the riverfront or walk in the Dundee neighborhood and get a whiff of what’s cooking.

In the past Omaha was an important hub for transport but now it is one of the top ten cities in America with the most billionaires per capita. They are catered for well with great food and culture but all that can be enjoyed by us with less money to burn anyway.

Here is our list of the 25 best things to do in Omaha !

1. Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Omaha’s zoo boasts not only one of the worlds largest indoor deserts but also North America’s largest indoor rainforest.

That’s not all; there is also over 7 acres of indoor exhibits, thousands of animals and underground caves covering a total of 130 acres! Plus the zoo is open all year making it great for rainy days too!

2. Sample beer at the Omaha Craft Brewery Tour

Stopping at nine breweries the Omaha craft brewery tour is the best way to sample the tastiest beer you are ever likely to find. All the featured beers are produced by dedicated locals who have made beer their entire lives.

Request a free explorer journal and you will receive all the information you need plus coupons for nine free beers, cheers!

3. Explore the historic Dundee Neighborhood

The Dundee Neighborhood offers a true culinary adventure making it one of the best places in Omaha to find top notch flavors. You will find a mix of garlic filled pasta, juicy burgers, tender pork belly and to finish; the sweetest,  saltiest desserts.

The streets are filled with tempting scents thanks to hard working chef based restaurants who source all their ingredients locally. Not hungry? Then head on down to Dundee Dell where you will find the nations largest collection of Scotch whiskey.

4. Ride a Historical train at The Durham Museum

Found in the stunning 1931 art deco union station, The Durham Museum offers numerous exhibits including an extensive range of refurbished trains, 1940’s shops, an array of artifacts featuring some of the worlds rarest coins and documents.

Be sure to visit the soda fountain for an authentic phosphate or perhaps a malt.

5. Potter around at The Old Market

The Old Market stretches across several blocks and is jam packed with charming buildings hosting obscure shops, art galleries, restaurants and flea markets. Winning itself a certificate of excellence on Tripadvisor the market is bursting with life day and night.

For breakfast why not head on down to the traditional diner on the corner of 12th st. and after a stroll choose from a variety of restaurants welcoming you in with a daily specials menu. Locals boast about the fun, friendly vibe no matter the time of day making it a great stop off for families of all ages and sizes.

The Old Market is large enough to keep yourself busy but small enough to feel like you have conquered it in a day. Be sure to sit and soak up the atmosphere and while you’re at it why not indulge in a craft beer whilst listening to some of the top rated street musicians in Omaha.

6. Relax at the Lauritzen Gardens

A truly unique museum offering an all year round plant display, the Lauritzen Gardens is a hidden oasis in the heart of the busy city. Wonder the 100 acres of breathtaking beautiful displays featuring themed gardens such as the Victorian garden of the brand new Marjorie K. Daugherty conservatory.

Be sure to hop on a tram for a tour, its the best way to get a feel for the calming atmosphere the garden provide. Its a great day out for all the family, Kids will love the model railroad and children garden!

After a mornings exploration why not take a long relaxing lunch in beautiful surroundings at the Lauritzen garden cafe, and don’t forget to visit the great little get shop offering a range of novelty fun gift for children and an extensive botanical book collection.

7. Learn about Nebraska’s wildlife at the Wildlife safari park

With a petting zoo and a very hands on approach children are sure to have a great day out at The Wildlife Safari Park. stretching across four miles the park is a drive-through adventure, customers boast about their close encounters with animals such as sandhill cranes and bald eagles.

Why not make a day of it and take picnic in the dedicated picnic area located at the wolf woods parking lot or stop off at the visitors center which offers a wide range of refreshing drinks and snacks.

The park is host to an amazing variety of beasts from Elk to bison and wolfs to eagles. don’t forget to visit the gift shop on your way out where you will find animal themes quality merchandise including stuffed toys, sweatshirts and more.

8. Stroll across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

This artsy 3,000 ft pathway crosses the Missouri river offering an on foot tour of Omaha’s beautiful skyline. Relish in the 3 acre plaza where you will find a whole host of entertainments from an interactive water fountain to the River Critters Environmental play area.

Connecting over 150 miles of outdoor trails and walks the Bob Kerrey Bridge offers a whole host of activities whether you visit by bike or on foot you are sure to have a great day!

If you are visiting in May or June why not pop down on a friday and catch some live music in the Plaza area which is surrounded by an amphitheater style grassy meadow. take a few blankets and chairs for a great day of music and adventure!

9. Visit the Joslyn Castle

Joslyn castle officially named “lyndhurst” is a 1903 mansion located on 3902 Davenport st (the Gold Coast historical district of Omaha). George and Sarah Joslyn were among the elite in Nebraska earning their fortune in the ready-print news industry, between them they built a home that mirrored their success in the business world.

The grounds are rich with a rare and exotic botanical collection from all over the globe. The plan for the property was designed by John McDonald and involved a carriage house, large green house, lily pond and more.

10. See a submarine at the Freedom Park Navy Museum

Located on the banks of the Missouri river and far off the beaten trail Freedom Park is an outdoor museum better suited to warm dry days. On display you will find a whole host of exciting historical military artifacts and many including the thrilling cold war era training submarine which has a dedicated tour.

The submarine is the only target a training USN submarine still around today. There is plenty more to see, freedom park is home to a large collection of aircraft including a helicopter, jets, a captains gig, lots of rocket launchers and more.

11. Hit the shops

Hosting a wide range of specialty shops Omaha is a great place to bag a quirky gift. One shop which rouses particular interest is the Tannebaum Christmas Shop rammed with everything jingly and wintery to get you in the festive spirit.

Jackson street booksellers offer a great selection of literature and art books, with a friendly cozy atmosphere and a special area for children, this little bookshop shop is well worth a visit. Sample the cities favorite fudge at the Old Market Candy Shop described on Tripadvisor as “Fun inside and in your tummy”

• 12.  See a concert

The CHI Health Center, situated in the North Downtown area of Omaha, is one of the city’s top venues for seeing a concert, game of sports or even visiting a convention. The modern appearance of the building is striking and hosts a variety of performances such as concerts and stand up comedy.

The conventions that take place at the Center include award ceremonies, work events and motivational speakers.

13. See the iconic fountain at the Heartland of America Park

The star of the show at the Heartland of America Park is its water fountain which springs from the ground to a towering height of 320 feet. The accompanying light show is also worth seeing and regularly attracts large crowds.

The park also has a World War 2 memorial and gondola rides courtesy of Heartland Gondolas.

14. Visit Boys town

Boys Town is the name of the National Historic Landmark District home to the Hall of History and Father Flanagan House. Annually, over 100,000 visitors from around the United States visit the town where Father Flanagan’s vision for a better America was founded.

Children were saved from lives of misery in the village and they begin new lives with better opportunities and hope.

15. Witness history at Florence Mill

The Florence Mill, in the Northeast of Omaha, is another of the city’s landmarks that has found its way onto the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a Nebraska State Historic Sight.

The mill is believed to have been built in 1846 and operated well into the mid 20th Century. The area of Florence is believed to have been inhabited by European settlers long before Nebraska existed. The settlers in the area made their livelihood from trading fur.

16. Pop round to General Crook House

The former, now restored, home of General George Crook is situated at Fort Omaha and is a top example of a 19th Century American home. The building has won awards in the past and is authentically restored to fit the period of General Crook’s residence.

The garden is also somewhat of a draw for visitors and has 110 different species of prized flowers and plants within. Entry to the house costs a reasonable $7 and it is open seven days of the week.

17. Visit the birthplace of a former president

President Gerald R Ford, the 38th President of the United States, was born in the city of Omaha and is honored by this tactful memorial on Woolworth Avenue. Information about the memorial, and the president’s birth site, are housed in a building based on the design of the original house’s turret.

The memorial also features a rose garden which is modeled on the White House’s own. Entrance to the memorial is free.

18. Visit the birthplace of Malcolm X

Another famous birthplace within the city of Omaha is the birthplace of Malcolm X which was built, and continues, to pay respect to the Omaha native.

The memorial spans 14 acres and has an official marker which allows guests to pay their respects to the human rights activist. Nearby, and also worth visiting, is the Afroamerican bookstore.

19. Walk the Mormon Trail

The Mormon Trail is located at the Historic Winter Quarters in Omaha. The trail and Trail Center explore the history of 90,000 migrating Mormons on their way to the Rocky Mountains.

Displays in the Trail Center include a full sized log cabin that Mormons would have inhabited at the time as well as handcarts, oxen and wagons that would have also been part of the mass migration.

20. Admire some contemporary art

The best place to see contemporary art in the city of Omaha is without a doubt the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art. The center is an artist in residence program and is located in the Old Market area of the city.

Artists from all over the world live, work and showcase their talent in the studios on the second floor of the building. Entrance is free but donations are welcomed.

21. Admire some Jewish art

An art gallery with a difference, the Jewish Community Art Gallery is home to some of world’s leading art from the Jewish community. The gallery is also a great place to learn about Judaism in general and regularly hosts educational and historical exhibits to complement the artwork collections.

The gallery changes it exhibits on a monthly basis so there are always fresh and interesting things to see here.

22. Experience the country

A trip to Omaha wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Nebraskan countryside. The Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch offers tourists the perfect chance to do just that.

The ranch allows visitors the chance to pick their own berries and pumpkins as well as seeing the livestock of the ranch up close and personal.

The children’s play areas at the ranch allow kid’s to experience what it was like at a play area 50 – 100 years ago. Other activities include hay rides through the woods and tree houses.

23. Watch Herons

Heron Haven is, as you would expect from the name, a great place to see herons. The sanctuary is spring fed and is one of the last Oxbow wetlands in the Big Papillion Creek.

The area is a great place to chill out during your time in Omaha and the birds are beautiful. The area is within Omaha city limits.

24. Watch the Missouri River go by

Lewis and Clark Landing provides 23 acres worth of space to relax, sit back and admire the views of the Missouri River passing by.

The landing also plays host to a number of concerts and events throughout the year. There is also a firefighter memorial monument and the largest labor monument in the United States. The riverfront walk here is a great way to access the Bob bridge.

25. Ponder some fine art

The Anderson O Brien Fine Art Gallery has been the go to venue for the art community in Omaha for over 30 years now.

The gallery is regularly changing its exhibits which feature some of the best fine art from local artists in the Midwest region. Works on display here range from painting to sculpture.

25 Best Things to do in Omaha (Nebraska):

• Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
• Sample beer at the Omaha Craft Brewery Tour
• Explore the historic Dundee Neighborhood
• Ride a Historical train at The Durham Museum
• Potter around at The Old Market
• Relax at the Lauritzen Gardens
• Learn about Nebraska’s wildlife at the Wildlife safari park
• Stroll across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
• Visit the Joslyn Castle
• See a submarine at the Freedom Park Navy Museum
• Hit the shops
• See the iconic fountain at the Heartland of America Park
• Visit Boys town
• Witness history at Florence Mill
• Pop round to General Crook House
• Visit the birthplace of a former president
• Visit the birthplace of Malcolm X
• Walk the Mormon Trail
• Admire some contemporary art
• Admire some Jewish art
• Experience the country
• Watch Herons
• Watch the Missouri River go by
• Ponder some fine art

Things to Do in Omaha, NE - Omaha Attractions

Things to do in omaha, explore popular experiences, ways to tour omaha.

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Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Omaha by Wacky Walks

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Outstanding Omaha Scavenger Hunt

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Omaha

Other Top Attractions around Omaha

What travelers are saying

• Henry Doorly Zoo
• The Durham Museum
• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
• Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center
• First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park
• Heartland of America Park
• Gene Leahy Mall
• Charles Schwab Field Omaha
• Joslyn Art Museum

Omaha travel guide

Omaha tourism | omaha guide, you're going to love omaha.

Omaha may be in central Nebraska, but that doesn't mean it's an isolated outpost that's only interested in agriculture. In fact, this city of over 400,000 people is a gourmet dining, family entertainment and music center to match almost anywhere else in the USA.

If all you want is a sporting spectacle, be in Omaha in June for the NCAA Baseball World Series. Or head over for Taste of Omaha, when artisan food producers from all over Nebraska seek to wow the taste buds of thousands of food lovers.

Any time of year, steak restaurants like Gorat's will redefine what you think a good steak should taste like. Indie venues like Slowdown host the latest bands all year-round, while the vintage stores and boutiques of the Old Market offer a cornucopia of items to satisfy any fashionista or bargain hunter.

When you couple all of that with family attractions like Omaha Zoo, it's not so hard to understand why Omaha is becoming such a popular getaway destination, and you can join the flow by booking a trip today.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Omaha

The best beef in the usa.

Omaha has more steakhouses per capita than any other American city. That's due to the superb beef that is raised in the Nebraska countryside. Dine on prime steak at local institutions like Gorat's or Spencer's to find out what real corn-fed steak tastes like.

College Sports

Every June, Omaha hosts the NCAA Baseball World Series, the most important event in the college baseball calendar. If you can't make it to the World Series, the Omaha Mavericks play high-level hockey and the Creighton Bluejays have one of the best college soccer teams in the USA.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Omaha is a wonderful place for families to visit. The city zoo is one of the best-run and most accessible zoos in the country, with its desert dome, aquarium and much, much more. There's also the captivating model railway in Lauritzen Gardens and tubing and boating on the Elkhorn River, so there's something for all ages to enjoy.

Indie Music Performances

Omaha's Saddle Creek record label has been responsible for some of indie rock's brightest talents, with alumni like Rilo Kiley, the Thermals, Bright Eyes and Cursive. See the latest crop of talent at venues like Slowdown or the Waiting Room.

Wonderful Shopping Experiences

Omaha is packed with opportunities to shop for antiques, vintage clothes and jewelry. The Old Market is the number one place to go, hosting the huge vintage collection at Flying Worm, the Old Market Artists Gallery and apparel boutiques like Curbside Clothing.

What to do in Omaha

1. henry doorly zoo and aquarium: the world's best zoo.

Considered by many the world's finest zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium attracts millions of visitors each year. Highly-regarded for its animal conservation and research, the site was established in 1894 and features spectacular exhibits, including the largest wild cat compound in North America, the largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp in the world, the Lied Jungle, a breath-taking indoor rainforest, and the Desert Dome- a sprawling indoor desert.

2. The Durham Museum: Relive the Industrial Revolution

Located within Omaha's spectacular Art Deco Union Station, the Durham Museum explores the history of the region and showcases a wide-ranging display of science and industry exhibits, as well as restored train cars, mid-century storefronts, regional artifacts, and the Byron Reed collection, which features rare coins and historic documents. Guests are also encouraged to visit the antique soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.

3. Joslyn Art Museum: A Timeless Collection

Built by Sarah Joslyn in memory of her husband, George, the Joslyn Art Museum, one of the country's most exquisite examples of Art Deco architecture, includes a sprawling concert hall, a fountain court, an educational technology gallery, a lecture hall, a café and a gift shop. The museum houses an outstanding collection of Greek ceramics and works by European masters, including Titian, Rembrandt, El Greco, Degas, Monet and Renoir. Featured American artists include Winslow Homer, Jackson Pollock, William Merritt Chase, and Tom Wesselmann.

4. First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park: A Sculptural Treasure Trove

An homage to the American pioneers, Omaha's First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park celebrates the courage and conviction of the early settlers. Its impressive sculpture park enables visitors to experience the journey of these brave men and women through one of the world's largest exhibits of bronze and stainless steel works. Sculptors include Edward Fraughton, Blair Buswell, and Kent Ullberg, who have meticulously recreated wagon trains, bison stampedes, and flocks of Canadian geese.

5. Lauritzen Gardens: Flowers for All Seasons

With its breath-taking display of seasonal plant varieties, Lauritzen Gardens, a living museum, is an oasis in the heart of Omaha along the Missouri River. This botanical garden and an arboretum showcases- among others highlights- a festival garden, with vibrant annual plantings and open lawns, a Victorian garden featuring the exquisiteness of both English and Victorian gardens, a reproduction of Nebraska's vast wildflower-filled prairie lands which is charmingly named The Song of the Lark Meadow, and a bird sanctuary providing a natural habitat for a variety of Midwestern birds. Visitors can also enjoy hikes along woodland trails and waterfalls.

6. Iowa State Capitol: A Graceful Political Center

Opened in 1886, Iowa's State Capitol is probably the city's most recognizable and elegant building. Famous for its five domes, including a central dome that is covered in gold. Towering some 275 feet above the ground, the pinnacle of the dome can be accessed through a spiral stairway, and it's worth the effort - the views are superb. And when you get back down, take a tour and see quirky exhibits like the scale model of the USS Iowa and porcelain figures of every one of the state's First Ladies.

Activities & attractions in Omaha

Art & Performing Arts

Other activities

Where to Eat in Omaha

Omaha is a superb dining city and many of the best establishments center their menus around Nebraska's exceptional corn-fed beef. The best steaks in town are to be found at Gorat's Steak House, but book ahead as tables are in demand. The ribeye from Spencer's for Steaks and Chops is another local legend, while there are also great Italian restaurants like Piccolo Pete's, Japanese options like Hiro Sushi and exotic alternatives like Ahmad's Persian Cuisine. So take your pick, Omaha's got it covered. Expect to pay less than $20 for a high-quality meal and $30 or more for the finest steaks at places like Gorat's.

When to visit Omaha

Omaha has a fairly extreme climate, with blazing hot summers and bitter winters, which makes the shoulder seasons easily the most attractive times to visit. Between April and June, the city is warm and welcoming (but June offers more attractions with the NCAA World Series and Taste of Omaha). Halloween is another great time to go. The city opens a number of "haunted houses", there are seasonal attractions at Vala's Pumpkin Patch and family fun at the Carnival of Terror.

How to Get to Omaha

Omaha's Eppley Airfield Airport is just a few minutes from Downtown Omaha and is served by major airlines like American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest and Express Jet. There are no public buses from the airport, but shuttle bus services run from the lower level of the terminal. Taxis are also available at the terminal and should cost between $25 and $35 to reach your hotel. Another option is vehicle rental, and outlets like Alamo, Dollar and Avis are present at Eppley Airfield.

Omaha's small Amtrak station can be found at 1003 S 9th St and is a stop on the California Zephyr route, which connects the city to San Francisco and Chicago.

Those driving to Omaha can reach the city easily via the interstate highway network. I-80 links the city to Chicago and the east, along with San Francisco. Take I-29 from cities to the north or south, such as Kansas City.

Omaha's Greyhound terminal is located at 1601 Jackson St, and the company is a good way to travel their cheaply, with connections to cities like St Louis, Kansas City, Chicago and Minneapolis. Megabus also stop in Omaha, and $1 fares from cities like Chicago and Des Moines are regularly available if you book in advance.

Airports near Omaha

Airlines serving omaha, where to stay in omaha.

Central Omaha is the best neighborhood to base yourself, and there are plenty of comfortable family hotels in the area. Some of the most popular include the Hilton Omaha on Cass Street, the Magnolia Hotel and the Holiday Inn, all of which are close to city center shopping and attractions. Alternatives include the Comfort Inn at the Zoo, which is handy for one of the city's leading attractions, and B&Bs like the Cornerstone Mansion in southern Omaha, which provides high-quality accommodation in an elegant 1890s property.

Popular Neighborhoods in Omaha

Downtown Omaha – Omaha is a prosperous commercial center, so much of the Downtown area is dominated by offices, but it still has plenty of charm for tourists. It is home to the city's major performing arts centers like the Orpheum Theater, the Omaha Children's Museum and the CenturyLink Center, Omaha's sporting hub.

Bemis Park – Omaha's most beautiful residential area, Bemis Park was mainly built in the 1890s and 1900s, and these days it can feel a bit like a time capsule. The area is a treat to walk around, but there's more to do than look. You can dine with the locals at the Crescent Moon Ale House or relax in the serene surroundings of Bemis Park itself, with its biking trails and children's playgrounds.

The Blackstone District – Omaha's culinary and craft ale center, the Blackstone District is ideal for bar hoppers and gourmet food fans. Grab a Reuben sandwich covered in swiss cheese and corned beef in the neighborhood that invented it, or try out Omaha's newest craft ale pubs like Huber Haus or Farnam House. It's always a fun place to spend time.

Where to stay in popular areas of Omaha

Most booked hotels in omaha, how to get around omaha, public transportation.

Omaha's buses are generally reliable and affordably priced at just $1.25 per journey. If you fancy being a little more active, there's also an electric bike rental scheme called QuikByke, which runs on weekends during the summer.

Taxis in Omaha are a good way to get around the city. Rates are $2.95 for the meter drop, then $2.30 per mile after that (although discounts are available for senior citizens, so don't miss out). Uber is a cheaper option, charging a meter drop of $0.40 and $0.90 per mile (with a minimum fare of $5.05).

Renting a car is a cost effective and enjoyable option for getting around Omaha. There are plenty of on-street parking spaces in the center of town, and rates vary depending on how much demand there is for spaces. The best way to pay is by downloading the Park Omaha app, which leads you through every step.

Best car rental deals in Omaha

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

The Cost of Living in Omaha

Shopping streets.

There's no shortage of places to shop in Omaha, with everything from mega-malls to exclusive boutiques. At the highest end of the scale, jewelry fans should definitely visit Borsheim's. Owned by famous investor Warren Buffet, it has a massive catalog of pieces that will take your breath away. For general shopping, Crossroads Mall features stores like Sears and Target while Oak View Mall is the place to head for apparel, with J.C. Penney and Kohls outlets in the complex. Another charming upscale location is the Old Market, where you can dine at small restaurants and shop at small-scale independent stores like Flying Worm Vintage and the Imaginarium.

Groceries and Other

Omaha is an easy place for self-catering visitors to find the groceries they need. Independent grocery stores are all over town, including Patricks Market on Howard and Jacobo's Deli which specializes in Mexican products. There are also standard supermarkets in most neighborhoods, including Walmart and Baker's. Prices are usually very affordable, with a gallon of milk costing $3 and a pound of apples $1.75.

The Top 11 Things to Do in Omaha

Since its founding in 1854, Nebraska's largest city has never been content to merely rest on its laurels. With a name that means “those going against the wind or current,” Omaha proudly embraces its strong Native American roots, with echoes of the pioneers, railroad workers, and meat packers who’ve settled here also contributing their own valuable pages to the diverse local heritage and history.

The CHI Health Center Omaha convention center, lots of public art, museums, festivals, sporting events, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and other community projects provide plenty of incentives to pay Omaha a visit. If you go, here are just a few of the stops you’ll want to consider adding to your Omaha itinerary:

See the World's Largest Indoor Desert Habitat

Courtesy of Nebraska Tourism

With a strong focus on conservation, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium consistently ranks among the best facilities of its kind in the country. Established in the late 1800s and renamed in 1963 to honor local philanthropist and businessman Henry Doorly, this zoo has enjoyed many updates and refurbishments through the years to become one of Omaha’s crown jewels. It’s easy to spend an entire day discovering the animals of the Asian Highlands, Lied Jungle, African Grasslands, and Expedition Madagascar, but the true centerpiece is the landmark geodesic dome that contains the world’s largest indoor desert habitat. Underneath the structure, check out the bat caves and indoor swamps of the Eugene T. Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night.

Keep the animal experience going with a leisurely cruise through the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari. Along the 4-mile driving loop, you’ll (safely) encounter bears, wolves, bison, elk, deer, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles. The Hollis and Helen Baright Foundation Visitor’s Center holds more birds and small mammals to observe, along with a gift shop.

Shop Eclectic Boutiques in a Historic Neighborhood

Nebraska Tourism

The Old Market neighborhood is actually Omaha’s most vibrant arts and entertainment district, full of funky art galleries and studios, diverse dining options, charming local shops, trendy boutiques, and residential properties set amid a storied backdrop. At one time, Old Market was the beating heart of the city’s late 19th-century railroad community and these buildings and structures live and breathe Omaha’s true character and culture. While away a few pleasant hours just strolling these cobbled streets and soaking up the colorful atmosphere accented by street performers, pubs, patios and a seasonal farmers’ market. If you'd like to learn more about the neighborhood's history, sign up for a historic Old Market walking tour.

Stand in Two States at Once

Rick Neibel / Nebraska Tourism

Stretching 3,000 feet across the Missouri River to link Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, the showy Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge—“the Bob” or “the footbridge” if you want to sound like a local—offers some of the best skyline views in town. Take a breather at the riverfront Omaha Plaza on the Nebraska side of the $22 million pedestrian walkway, where you can cool down with live music and an interactive jet fountain through the summer months. If you’re in the mood for a more active workout, the cable-stayed bridge also connects to more than 150 miles of nature trails for running, hiking and biking expeditions. Keep an eye out for Omar, the blue troll who lives in a cottage beneath one of the pillars near the National Park Service building.

Learn About Omaha History

Right at home in Omaha’s stately Art Deco-style Union Station train terminal (a designated National Historic Landmark), the Smithsonian-affiliated Durham Museum takes guests on a deep dive into regional Nebraska history through its fascinating permanent and traveling exhibits. Highlights of the experience include the homes of Native Americans and workers’ cottages and in the Baright Home and Family Gallery, depictions of how local landmarks took shape in the Bishop Clarkson Community Gallery, rare coin holdings in the Byron Reed collection, STEAM-based displays for kids at the Platform, and an O-scale model trains in keeping with the setting.

Enjoy Blooms All Year at Lauritzen Gardens

Lauritzen Gardens bloom all through the year with four seasons worth of gorgeous plants, flowers, and foliage. The verdant grounds showcase a number of distinctive garden styles and plantings, from herbs, roses, and peonies to English perennial borders, a Victorian garden, and a dedicated children’s green space. The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory houses temperate tropical palm trees and lush greenery to drink in, no matter what the weather outside might be doing, and the model railroad garden fascinates and delights visitors of all ages with working G-scale trains that run through intricate miniaturized vignettes.

Cheer on the Home Team

In addition to serving as the home field of the Creighton University Bluejays baseball program, the 24,000-seat TD Ameritrade Park has hosted the College World Series every year since it opened in 2011, as well as concerts, fireworks, and community events. Buy a box of Cracker Jack, a cold drink, and a hot dog, then sit back and settle in for an afternoon or evening of all-American fun.

Gawk at the Incredible Architecture of Saint Cecilia Cathedral

Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

You don’t have to be Catholic to duck into the beautiful Spanish Renaissance Revival-style Cathedral of Saint Cecilia and admire the breathtaking architecture and Charles Connick stained glass windows. It’s impossible not to be awed by the soaring 80-foot vaulted ceiling and the stunning white Carrera marble altar that holds the “Victorious Christ.” Groundbreaking on the cathedral took place in 1905, with construction lasting more than 50 years before the building was finally consecrated in 1959. The site also includes an art gallery, history museum, and gift shop to round out your visit.

Appreciate Fine Art

The Joslyn Art Museum makes a strong first impression even before you enter thanks to its 1930s Art Deco exterior and colorful Dale Chihuly glasswork visible through the atrium windows. Further inside, the series of galleries offer a window into the museum’s encyclopedic collection of European, American, Asian, Native American, Latin American, and contemporary art. If the kids start to get antsy, take them outside and let them run through the Discovery Garden while you explore the outdoor sculptures or make a beeline to the Mind’s Eye Gallery where they can see original pieces from familiar children’s book illustrators.

Immerse Yourself in Czech and Slovak Culture

Quentin Farley / Nebraska Tourism

Eastern Nebraska is home to a large Czech and Slovak community thanks to an influx of immigrants who journeyed to America in search of a new life and decided to settle in this Midwestern part of the country. An educational center and cultural museum celebrates this ethnic heritage through costumes on display, books, artifacts, polka music, traditional glass beads, ornaments, and Easter eggs. Make sure to sample a delicious kolache pastry or three in the on-site cafe. If you can time your visit to attend, Omaha also hosts an annual Czech-Slovak Folklore Festival each spring.

Honor Father Flanagan's Mission at Boys Town

It takes a village to raise a child, and that’s exactly what Irish priest Father Edward Joseph Flanagan had in mind when he established Boys Town in 1917. The operation has since grown from a single boys-only boarding house into a multi-location, co-ed residential village system that aims to improve the lives of troubled youth through compassionate care, education, and social opportunities. Guests are welcome to explore the Boys Town campus through guided tours that lead off from the visitor center and include coverage of the Hall of History, Dowd Chapel, the Garden of the Bible and the historic Father Flanagan House to give a sense of the noble work that continues to be performed here.

Follow in the Footsteps of American Adventurers

Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Starting from Washington D.C., Meriwether Lewis and William Clark blazed a 4,600-mile trail across America in the early 1800s with the task of discovering the great American west. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center now commemorate the explorers' Nebraska portion of their journey through interpretive exhibits, hands-on activities, outdoor sculptures and park ranger consultations for those who want to retrace their path.

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By shuttle
• 3.1 Districts
• 3.4 By taxi
• 4.2 Museums
• 4.3 Landmarks
• 5.3 Events and festivals
• 5.4 Theater
• 5.6 Activities
• 8.1 Grocery store
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.2 Coffee shops
• 12 Stay safe
• 13.1 Consulates

Omaha is the largest city in the US state of Nebraska , with about 486,000 residents in 2020. It is on the Missouri River border with Iowa , along Interstates 29 and 80. Tourist attractions in Omaha include history, sports, outdoors and cultural experiences. Its principal tourist attractions are the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Men's College World Series. The Old Market in Downtown Omaha is another major attraction and is important to the city's retail economy.

Understand [ edit ]

Omaha has some unusual traits, as it has the most millionaires per capita in the nation, and is also home to billionaire Warren Buffett, one of the world's richest and most famous investors. Conversely, it also has one of the highest rates of African Americans living under the poverty line. It is still quite racially divided, with the affluent west side and Midtown being predominantly white, the south side Latino, and the northeast side African American.

Residents are friendly and polite, and Omaha has a well-deserved reputation for hospitality.

• 41.25741 -95.92945 1 Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau , 1001 Farnam Street ( in Downtown Omaha near the Old Market, at the southwest corner of 10th and Farnam Streets ), ☏ +1 402-444-7762 . The official resource for events, attractions, hotels, restaurants, transportation, meetings and conventions and the film office. Pick up a copy of the Omaha Visitors Guide.  

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by train [ edit ].

Amtrak serves Omaha with the California Zephyr , which runs daily between Emeryville (in the San Francisco Bay Area ) and Chicago . It has several stops along the way, with connections throughout America. Omaha once had a grand Union Station like Chicago, but it is now retired as a museum. The current 41.249749 -95.927185 7 Omaha Amtrak station is on 1003 South 9th Street.

By bus [ edit ]

The 41.25435 -95.93762 8 Intercity/Interline Bus Station for Burlington Trailways and Jefferson Lines south of downtown at 1601 S Jackson St while Express Arrow serves the airport. Check schedules & websites. (Some of these companies also have (additional) stops in other parts of the city.) From here buses typically come from Denver to the west on I-80/76; and from Chicago to the east along I-80/88. There are other bus services going north & south between Sioux City , IA and Kansas City , MO as well:

• Burlington Trailways ( Jackson & S 16th St ), toll-free: +1-800-992-4680 . Travels along I-76 and 80 between Denver and Omaha via Ogalalla, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island and Lincoln in Nebraska. Another route along I-80 from Chicago, across Iowa via Davanport, Iowa City and Des Moines; to Omaha. ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Express Arrow ( Black Hills Stage Lines ) ( Jackson & S 16th St ), ☏ +1 402 341-1906 , toll-free: +1-877-779-2999 . Travels along I-76 and 80 between Denver and Omaha via Ogalalla, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island and Lincoln in Nebraska on one route. There's another route along US-Hwy 81 & 30 from Norfolk via Madison, Humphrey, Columbus, North Bend & Fremont to Omaha. They have additional (local) stops at Omaha Eppley (Airport) and at Sappo Brothers at 4620 N Broad in Fremont for the route going out towards Norfolk. ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Greyhound Lines , ☏ +1 402-341-1906 , toll-free: +1-800-231-2222 . Greyhound no longer serve Omaha or anywhere in Nebraska but they do serve as a booking agent for Burlington Trailways, Express Arrow, and Jefferson Lines,. ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Jefferson Lines ( Jackson & S 16th St ), ☏ +1 402-341-1906 , toll-free: +1-800-451-5333 . Travels primarily on Interstate 29 between Kansas City, Omaha, Sioux City and Sioux Falls. A variation of the route detours from St Joseph, MO up to Maryvile, MO and Clarinda, IA along US Hwy 71 and over towarads I-29 via Shenandoah, IA along SR-2 ( updated Jul 2015 )

There are additional companies offering intrastate transportation out of the airport (see 'By shuttle' in below).

By shuttle [ edit ]

• Navigator Airport Express , ☏ +1 308-234-6066 , [email protected] . Formerly Eppley Express. Provides limited shuttle service between Omaha and several Nebraska cities including Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln and York. Two pick-up/drop-off locations are available in Omaha: Eppley Airfield and Holiday Inn at 72nd & Grover just north of I-80. Service is limited to specific days and times depending upon your destination. Reservations available on-line.  
• Omalink , ☏ +1 402-475-5465 . Provides limited shuttle service between Omaha and Lincoln including their respective airports.  

Get around [ edit ]

Districts [ edit ]

Neighbourhoods of Omaha are generally ill-defined and rarely used. When describing a location, Omahans are more likely to give an intersection. For example "39th & Davenport" for Joslyn Castle or "156th & Center" for Zorinsky lake. Roughly speaking: Downtown is between I-480 and the Missouri River, Midtown is between I-480 and I-680, and West Omaha is west of I-680.

By car [ edit ]

By far the easiest and most convenient way of getting around. The city is a grid and easily navigable, numbered streets run north-south and increase in number as you go west. Parking is plentiful and often free outside of downtown, and traffic jams are rare. All major rental car companies operate in Omaha.

The Omaha Metro has regular bus services serving around Omaha. Fares are $1.25-1.50 for adults, $1 for students, and $.60 for seniors.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxi service is available, but there is much less than in major cities. Taxis are always available at the airport and train and bus stations, but you won't be able to hail a cab downtown; you must call and arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies. Ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft are also present.

• zTrip ( Happy Cab ), ☏ +1 402-292-2222 .  

See [ edit ]

Zoo [ edit ].

• The Zoo also runs a drive-through 41.0097 -96.30255 2 Wildlife Safari Park near the city of Ashland that has elk, wolves, eagles, buffalo, and other native animals.

Museums [ edit ]

Omaha has quite a few museums and art galleries:

• Various other Old Market and Benson galleries. Omaha has a "First Friday" gallery crawl through both neighborhoods every first Friday of each month.
• 41.251462 -95.928379 6 Durham Western Heritage Museum , 801 S 10th St , ☏ +1 402-444-5071 . Summer: Su 1-5PM; M W-Sa 10AM-5PM; Tu 10AM-8PM . A renovated art deco-style train station, it is believed to be the best example of art deco in the country with exhibits such as the Byron Reed Coin and Document Collection, the Trans-Mississippi Exposition Gallery, restored train cars, a teepee, an earth lodge, and more. Adults $9, seniors $7, children $6 .  
• 41.264913 -95.924136 9 Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters , 601 Riverfront Dr , ☏ +1 402-661-1804 . Summer M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM; Winter M-F 8AM-4:30PM . The National Park Service regional headquarters contains a small free visitor center about Lewis & Clark on its first floor. free .  
• 41.258938 -95.931294 10 Museum of Shadows , 1110 Douglas St , ☏ +1 402-885-7557 . W-Su 2-10PM . A place for those who are a fan of the spooky, paranormal, or just plain creepy. Contains a collection of haunted artifacts from around the world. As a result, the building itself is now considered haunted. While there is no age limit, the owners state their museum deals with dark and mature themes and is not recommended for young children. $15 per person . ( updated Apr 2021 )

Landmarks [ edit ]

Omaha has many unique landmarks.

Do [ edit ]

Parks [ edit ].

Many parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Omaha.

• 41.26237 -96.00211 3 Memorial Park ( in the Dundee-Happy Hollow area ). A playground, a baseball field, paths, trails, and plenty of open space. The park is unique because of its floral displays and historical monuments. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 41.25451 -96.00528 4 Elmwood Park . Adjacent to Memorial Park. Has an 18-hole golf course, two baseball fields, a swimming pool, and many other things. ( updated Mar 2019 )

Sports [ edit ]

• 41.26695 -95.93136 6 NCAA Men's College World Series . Every June, the best college baseball teams from around the nation gather in Omaha for the Men's College World Series (MCWS, or just the CWS). The series is always a sellout event, so be sure to plan ahead. The MCWS is held at Charles Schwab Field Omaha in NoDo (North Downtown). ( updated Jun 2022 )
• If you can't make it to the MCWS but still want to see quality baseball, take a short drive to the southern suburb of Papillion to catch an Omaha Storm Chasers game at 41.15184 -96.10623 7 Werner Park . The Storm Chasers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, one step down from Major League Baseball.
• Each September, the River City Roundup takes place. The event includes a festival of events, a professional rodeo, stage shows, expositions, parades, kiddie rides and more.
• During hockey season, the Omaha Lancers take the ice in the 41.20707 -96.0268 8 Ralston Arena in the southern suburb of Ralston.
• The Omaha Beef is Omaha's indoor football team, which also plays at the Ralston Arena .
• Union Omaha is Omaha's professional men's soccer team, playing in the third-level USL League One and sharing Werner Park with the Storm Chasers.
• The Creighton Bluejays , the sports teams of Creighton University, are also a big part of Omaha life. Jays men's basketball especially, played at the CHI Health Center (formerly Qwest Center and CenturyLink Center), is a big draw for students and residents alike. Creighton also has a great soccer team that plays in one of the best soccer stadiums in the country, Morrison Stadium, located right on campus.
• The Omaha Mavericks , representing the University of Nebraska Omaha, have a Division I hockey team that is usually a top 20 team. The Mavericks hockey team plays in the on-campus Baxter Arena , also home to Mavericks men's and women's basketball.
• For a taste of subculture sports, check out the Omaha Roller Girls [dead link] , Omaha's one-and-only flat track roller derby team.
• Omaha has been home to four editions (2008, 2012, 2016, 2021) of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials at the venue now known as CHI Health Center. Heats and finals usually begin the last week of the Men's College World Series and tickets are open to the public.

Events and festivals [ edit ]

Omaha hosts many festivals throughout the year.

• Every Thursday night throughout the summer, you can take part in Jazz on the Green where local and regional musicians present programs ranging from reggae to swing at this annual concert series sponsored by the Joslyn Art Museum. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner, beverages and your dancing shoes!
• Another summer event is Shakespeare on the Green is an offering of Shakespearean works, a drama and a comedy running in repertory and draws more than 35,000 playgoers during its annual three-week run.
• Every summer, the Omaha Farmers Market takes place in the downtown Old Market area and is open Saturday mornings.
• The Taste of Omaha festival is usually held between the Lewis & Clark Landing & Heartland of America Park downtown. Held in early June, this is a great way to sample food from various local vendors. There is also live music and other fun events.
• In the winter months, the Holiday Lights Festival takes place in Downtown Omaha. Lights are put up on many buildings and trees, and different activities take place throughout the festival, including ice skating, singing performances, and fireworks.
• The West-Omaha Neighbourhood of Millard hosts Millard Days , usually the last week in August. Great for families, events include a parade, carnival, and horseshoes tournament.
• Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting . The so-called "Woodstock for capitalists", annually on the first Saturday of May, where investors all over the world come to listen to Warren Buffett. It might hold little interest to non business minded travelers, but just as important is that if you are not interested, better stay clear off Omaha during this period as the business crowd drives transportation and accommodation prices through the roof. Free tickets for Berkshire Hathaway shareholders . ( updated Mar 2024 )

Theater [ edit ]

• 41.25981 -95.98964 10 Dundee Theater , 4952 Dodge St . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.26601 -95.93427 11 Ruth Sokolof Theater , 1340 Mike Fahey St . ( updated Jan 2023 )

Music [ edit ]

• You can also check out what bands are playing at the 41.26427 -95.92801 17 CHI Health Center which hosts national acts.

Activities [ edit ]

• A trip to Omaha is not complete without a trip to the Old Market . The area still retains its brick streets and covered sidewalks, and rides on horse-drawn carriages are available. It is a good area to take a stroll and do some window shopping at the eccentric shops and upscale boutiques found throughout the area. Common sights include street performers, musicians, artists, and other vendors. In the summer, it is home to the Omaha Farmers Market.
• 41.16989 -96.09936 20 Lucky Bucket Brewery , 11941 Centennial Road, Suite 1 ( La Vista ), ☏ +1 402-763-8868 . Offers tours of the brewery and a tasting room.   ,
• 41.218 -96.1208 22 Sky Zone Omaha .  
• Craft Axe Throwing ( Axe, Hatchet or Tomahawk Throwing ), 2562 Leavenworth St #100 , ☏ +1 402 313-8240 , [email protected] . A destination for axe-throwing, tomahawk, and hatchet enthusiasts. Craft beverages are available. Groups and parties welcome. Experts will guide you through axe-throwing, ensuring a safe and entertaining experience for all skill levels. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Learn [ edit ]

There are three major universites present in Omaha: University of Nebraska Omaha, Creighton University, and University of Nebraska Medical Center.

• 41.15056 -95.91824 3 Bellevue University , 1000 Galvin Rd S ( Bellevue ), ☏ +1 402-293-2000 , toll-free: +1 800-756-7920 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.25899 -95.97809 4 Clarkson College , 101 S 42nd St , ☏ +1 402-552-3100 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.23996 -96.02208 5 College of St. Mary , 7000 Mercy Rd , ☏ +1 402 399-2400 , toll-free: +1 800 926-5534 . The only all women's Catholic college in the region. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.26559 -95.94644 6 Creighton University , 2500 California Plaza , ☏ +1 402-280-2700 . Jesuit Catholic university. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• Metropolitan Community College ( Multiple campuses throughout Omaha metro area ), ☏ +1 531-622-2400 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.26353 -96.0484 7 Nebraska Methodist College , 720 N 87th St , ☏ +1 402-354-7000 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.25491 -95.97598 8 University of Nebraska Medical Center , 42nd and Emile , ☏ +1 402-559-4000 . ( updated Jan 2023 )

Work [ edit ]

Omaha has a thriving employment market in finance, healthcare, and IT.

Despite its relatively small population, Omaha is home to the headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies: 41.257361 -95.965389 9 Berkshire Hathaway , 41.25926 -95.93509 10 Union Pacific , Kiewit Corporation , and Mutual of Omaha Insurance .

Other major employers in the area include Charles Schwab , First National Bank of Omaha , 41.24063 -96.01691 11 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska , and the University of Nebraska Medical Center .

Buy [ edit ]

• 41.2608 -96.1822 4 Village Pointe . An upscale, open-air lifestyle center near 168th & West Dodge Road. Scheels, Best Buy, Brix, an Apple store, and other specialty stores and restaurants are found here.  

Grocery store [ edit ]

Supermarkets are ubiquitous and multiple brands are available. Big-box stores Walmart and Target are also present.

• Hy-Vee . Ubiquitous and good value, loved by Omahans. Most locations also offer postal services, a pharmacy, dry cleaning, and an ATM. Some also have an attached bank and gas station. ( updated May 2020 )
• Baker's . Local brand of Kroger. Sign up for a free Baker's plus card to get sale prices. ( updated May 2020 )

Eat [ edit ]

It's said that Omaha has more restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. Omaha and much of Nebraska are known for high quality corn-fed beef. Smoking is illegal inside all restaurants in Nebraska. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, but rare. Below are a selection of locations to eat in Omaha.

Budget [ edit ]

• 41.264786 -95.961449 1 California Tacos and More , 3235 California St ( from US-6/Dodge St, head north on 33rd St ), ☏ +1 402-342-0212 . M-Sa 11AM-9PM, closed Su . Specializing in fried "puffy-shell" tacos, this small taco place offers filling Mexican food, quick and cheap. Tables get scarce in the afternoon. Happy hour is 4PM-5PM. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.308625 -96.075457 2 Chopsticks House , 5522 N 103rd Street , ☏ +1 402-965-3333 . 11AM-9PM . A small, family-run Chinese restaurant. Serves some more exotic dishes alongside the usual fare of Chinese food. Very friendly staff. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.257629 -95.972931 3 Coneflower , 3921 Farnam Street ( from US-6/Dodge St, turn south onto 42nd St, then left onto Farnam ), ☏ +1 402-913-2399 . Tu-Sa noon-10PM, Su 11AM-8PM . Local artisanal ice cream. Offers both traditional and experimental flavors. ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 41.236726 -95.954612 4 Dinker's Bar , 2368 S 29th St , ☏ +1 402-342-9742 . M-Sa 11AM-1AM . Since 1965, this bar and grill has been serving up high class burgers and beer. A great place to relax after a long day. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.26593 -96.08975 5 Miracle Hills Square , 743 N 114 St , ☏ +1 402-504-4976 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.2591 -95.973 6 Midtown , 119 S 40th St , ☏ +1 402-558-5623 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.278623 -96.09927 7 Jade Garden , 2068 N 117th Ave , ☏ +1 402-498-8833 . M-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-10:30PM, Su noon-9:30PM . Chinese restaurant serving up a variety of traditional dishes. As of Apr 2021, take-out only. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• King Kong ( Multiple locations ). Serves Greek food and is the home of the Triple-Kong burger. Free drinks with a student ID.  
• 41.227001 -95.991783 8 El Pollo Tote , 5007 Grover St ( take exit 451 off I-80 and head north on 42nd St, turn west on Grover St ), ☏ +1 402-913-8146 . M-W 8AM-9PM, Th 8AM-10PM, F Sa 8AM-11PM, Su 8AM-8PM . Offering breakfast and specializing in roasted chicken. An authentic Mexican experience. ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 41.234326 -95.933887 9 Los Portales , 2614 S 13th St , ☏ +1 402-991-1190 . M-Th 8:30AM-11PM, F 8:30AM-2:30AM, Sa 7:30AM-2:30PM, Su 9:30AM-11PM . Authentic Mexican that caters to the more adventurous diners. Examples include steak served with cactus, quail, and tongue burritos. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.25531 -95.9309 10 502 S 11th St , ☏ +1 402 422-0770 . Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.20298 -96.0438 11 8416 Park Dr ( Ralston ), ☏ +1 402 592-1444 . Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.25468 -95.93161 12 1120 Jackson St , ☏ +1 402-341-5827 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 41.28475 -96.00567 13 6023 Maple St , ☏ +1 402-551-4420 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• Valentino's ( Multiple locations ). Great pizza and pasta for take-out or delivery. Many locations also have great buffets!  
• Zio's Pizza ( Multiple locations ). Uses natural ingredients and has huge calzones and great pizza.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 41.26465 -95.99108 14 Avoli Osteria , 5013 Underwood Ave . A Northern Italian restaurant, located in the historic Omaha neighborhood of Dundee.  
• 41.25993 -95.98477 15 Ahmad's Persian Cuisine , 4646 Dodge St , ☏ +1 402-341-9616 . Great, authentic Persian food. All meals are prepared by the restaurant's owner, Ahmad, an Iranian immigrant. Located in the Old Market.  
• 41.21837 -96.1395 16 Charlie's on the Lake , 4150 S 144th St . A lively atmosphere with some of Omaha's finest martinis, including the Pelini Martini named after Huskers coaching legend, Bo Pelini. Lush patio environment features breathtaking lakeside view and easy access to live duck sanctuary where restaurant owner Yves Menard gavages the stock. During summer months, patrons can select a duck and enjoy some of the finest foie gras and wine pairings in the Midwest.  
• 41.29089 -96.11494 17 Hiro 88 , 3655 N 129th St , ☏ +1 402-933-0091 . Great Japanese restaurant that serves some of Omaha's freshest sushi and sashimi.  
• 41.23286 -96.08389 18 The Jaipur , 10922 Elm St ( take Exit 1 off I-680 and head east of W Center Rd ), ☏ +1 402-392-7331 . Sa-W 4-9PM; Th F 11AM-2PM, 4PM-9PM . One of the few East Indian restaurants in the city. A modern take on Indian classics. ( updated Jul 2021 )
• 41.28818 -96.13944 19 Blue Sushi Sake Grill , 14450 Eagle Run Dr., Ste. 210 ( flagship of multiple locations in Omaha ), ☏ +1 402-445 2583 . Modern sushi with an energetic vibe, offers an extensive menu of raw, non raw, and vegan sushi, all paired with a collection of premium sake. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 41.257449 -95.93788 20 Block 16 , 1611 Farnam Street , ☏ +1 402-342-1220 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11AM-3PM, Th-Sa 5-9PM . Nationally recognized street food. A large menus featuring juicy burgers, fried chicken, and poutine. Alcoholic drinks available as well. ( updated Apr 2021 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 41.25351 -95.93102 21 The Boiler Room , 1110 Jones St , ☏ +1 402-916-9274 . The Boiler Room is a hidden gem in the south side of the Old Market tucked in the gutted boiler room of an old warehouse. The food is usually sourced locally and has a heavy emphasis on gourmet French-style cooking, especially meat. Try the boar's head or scorpionfish. The menu changes daily.  
• 41.265403 -96.12908 23 Mahogany Prime Steakhouse , 13665 California St , ☏ +1 402-445-4380 . M-Th 5-9PM, F Sa 5-10PM, closed Su . A great restaurant where you can get your fill on prime-grade steaks, Australian lobster, and Alaskan king crab legs. The food is amazing and they have a great wine list to complement whatever you order. Chain Restaurant. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.255567 -95.930126 24 V. Mertz , 1022 Howard St , ☏ +1 402-345-8980 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 5:30-9PM, M closed . An intimate and romantic ambiance residing in the Old Market. The menu, which changes weekly, is continental but also offers some innovative culinary creations from a range of cuisine types. Great for special dinners. Famous clientele have included Bono of U2, Warren Buffet, and Bruce Springsteen. Reservations only. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.259417 -95.929745 25 Spencer's for Steaks and Chops , 102 S 10th St ( inside the Hilton Garden Inn, on the corner of 10th and Dodge St. ), ☏ +1 402-280-8888 , [email protected] . Su-Th 5-9PM, F Sa 5-10PM, bar opens at 4PM . Aged, hand cut and seared meats. Featuring USDA prime beef from Stockyards Beef of Chicago, Spencer’s restaurant offers sizzling hot porterhouses, juicy filet mignon and the bone-in ribeye for which Spencer’s is named. Validated parking in the Hilton Garden Inn Garage. Reservations preferred. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.257155 -95.936897 26 801 Chophouse , 1403 Farnam Street ( on the south side of the Paxton building ), ☏ +1 402-341-1222 , [email protected] . M-Sa 4PM-10PM, Su 4-9PM . A white cloth dining establishment in downtown Omaha. Offers lobster, American Waygu, and single malt scotch. Reservations only. Chain Restaurant. ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 41.25465 -95.9338 27 Hiro 88 , 1308 Jackson Street ( multiple locations, including two uptown and one in Lincoln ), ☏ +1 402-933 5168 . Hiro 88 is an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant group. With the help of renowned architects like Japan’s Nakamura-san, restaurateur Milton Yin has created distinct atmospheres at each location, each inspired by its surrounding neighborhood. Serving Chinese cuisine and some of Omaha’s best sushi. ( updated Nov 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

All restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Omaha are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, though rather uncommon. All bars in Omaha must close by 2AM. Beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased in grocery stores. Hard liquor cannot be served or sold before noon on Sunday.

Bars [ edit ]

• 41.257961 -95.966389 1 The Crescent Moon , 3578 Farnam St , ☏ +1 402-345-1708 . Tu-Th 11AM-1AM, F Sa 11AM-2AM, Su M 11AM-11PM . A large pub with a German Bier Hall down below. Checkout Max and Joe's tasting room next door. If you find a drink you like, stop in Beertopia to grab a six-pack of it, or any other craft beer you'd like, both owned by the same people. A must visit for all lovers of beer. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.273604 -95.988694 2 The Homy Inn , 1510 N Saddle Creek Rd , ☏ +1 402-554-5815 . 1PM-2AM . Champagne on tap. This cozy bar is decorated with collectibles and memorabilia from yesteryear. Friendly atmosphere and a relaxed place to kick back. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 41.25417 -95.93549 3 The Max , 1417 Jackson St , ☏ +1 402-346-4110 . Daily 4PM-2AM . Ostensibly the region's largest dance club and gay bar. Two dance floors (electronica on one, hip-hop on the other), three bars, and a huge courtyard. On the weekends it's mostly straight people and expect a $5 cover.  
• 41.25251 -95.96478 4 The Down Under Lounge , 3530 Leavenworth St . Eclectic bar with unique, quality cocktails. Be prepared to wait a few minutes while the bartenders mix them. Free live music W-Sa. Diverse and agreeable crowd. Before 9PM, order take-out from Mother India just a block west.  
• 41.25474 -95.93076 5 Upstream Brewery , 514 S 11th St , ☏ +1 402-344-0200 , fax : +1 402-344-0451 . In the Old Market. Has pool tables and on Wednesday nights $7 pizzas and $2 microbrews are served. Also has a full menu and great food at a reasonable price. Try the sample platter of microbrews and get your favorite in a growler to go.  

Other fun bars include the 41.2547 -95.92946 6 Old Market Tavern , the 41.25627 -95.93226 7 Dubliner , 41.25564 -95.93146 8 Billy Frogs , and 41.25562 -95.92946 9 Barry O's , all within a few blocks of each other in the Old Market District.

Coffee shops [ edit ]

• 41.26531 -95.98972 10 Blue Line Coffee , 4924 Underwood Ave. . Resides in a walkable area of Omaha, the Dundee neighborhood. Stop in and get "Green Beret", then walk down the block to 'Great Harvest' for a free slice of bread of your choice. Alternatively, walk west to the Bread Oven, a French bakery featuring traditional French breads.  
• 41.2547 -95.93304 11 13th Street Coffee Company , 519 S 13th St . In Downtown, it serves a variety of coffee-based drinks. Desserts and sandwiches are also served. Occasionally there is live music on Fridays. Free wi-fi.  
• Scooters ( Multiple locations ). This fast-growing regional chain seems to have drive-up kiosks on every other corner, a testament to its popularity. Locations with seating offer free wi-fi. Original location is in Bellevue.  

Sleep [ edit ]

• 41.21165 -96.08237 1 Best Western Plus Midwest Inn , 4706 South 108th St , ☏ +1 402-339-7400 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: Noon . Beautifully remodeled award-winning hotel with spacious sleeping rooms that include free high-speed internet, microwaves, refrigerators, 37' flat screen TV, free local calls, iron/ironing boards, hairdryers, indoor water playland, exercise room, meeting space and Perkins Restaurant. Pets are welcome.  
• 41.26592 -96.08645 2 Old Mill Inn , 650 North 109th Ct , ☏ +1 402-431-1246 .  
• 41.26579 -96.08209 3 Wyndham Omaha/West Dodge , 655 North 108th Ave , ☏ +1 402-496-0850 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM .  
• 41.26038 -95.93796 4 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown , 1616 Dodge St , ☏ +1 402-346-7600 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: Noon .  
• 41.25958 -95.96061 5 Element Omaha Midtown Crossing , 3253 Dodge St , ☏ +1 402-614-8080 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: Noon .  
• 41.25461 -95.92957 6 Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market , 555 South 10th St , ☏ +1 402-346-9000 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM .  
• 41.26065 -96.07287 8 Omaha Marriott , 10220 Regency Circle , ☏ +1 402-399-9000 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: Noon .  
• 41.2611 -96.02021 9 Sonesta ES Suites Omaha , 6990 Dodge St , ☏ +1 402-553-8898 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM .  
• 41.25942 -95.92949 10 Hilton Garden Inn Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area , 1005 Dodge St , ☏ +1 402-341-4400 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: Noon . Great location in downtown Omaha within walking distance to the Old Market Area with great shopping and dining. Grab breakfast at the Great American Grill and dinner at Spencer's. Guests can enjoy free hi-speed Internet access, business center, meeting/banquet facilities, indoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and an Unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.  
• 41.26833 -95.93268 11 Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Downtown , 1212 Cuming St , ☏ +1 402-345-5500 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM . Great location in downtown Omaha within walking distance to Qwest Center and the airport with free shuttle service. Enjoy an On The House Hot breakfast, free hi-speed Internet, business center, indoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and 100% Hampton Guarantee.  
• 41.26313 -95.9304 12 Hilton Omaha , 1001 Cass St , ☏ +1 402-998-3400 . Closest Hilton to TD Ameritrade Park, offers a full service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and 4 dining options.  
• 41.260962 -96.07293 13 Omaha Marriott , 10220 Regency Circle , ☏ +1 402-399-9000 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . Close to CenturyLink Center and TD Ameritrade Park. Free local shuttle service within a 5 mi (8.0 km) radius and complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel. ( updated Mar 2015 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Omaha is generally a safe city, but still use common sense. Simply using caution and avoiding any situation in which you are uncomfortable will basically keep you out of trouble. The vast majority of violent crime occurs in North Omaha, roughly defined as the area North of Cuming St, between 24th and 72nd St. Exercise a bit of additional caution when in this area, especially after dark.

Omaha is in Tornado Alley, so severe weather can erupt between the months of April and August with the main threats being hail, high winds and street flooding, but tornadoes can sometimes be a threat. Tornado alert sirens are located throughout the city. At 11AM on the first Wednesday of the month, the sirens are tested. If in doubt, ask a resident. Local stations KETV Channel 7 (ABC), WOWT Channel 6(NBC) and KMTV Channel 3 (CBS) break into programming if a severe weather event is in progress. Radio services 1110 AM and 590 AM also provide severe weather coverage. Omaha is in Douglas County in the state of Nebraska, as meteorologists often point out warnings this way.

During winter months, Omaha often sees cold temperatures as well as snow or ice events. There are steep hills in the city, and precaution should be taken during slick driving conditions. Blizzards are often possible, the entire city normally shuts down during one of these.

Cope [ edit ]

• The Omaha World-Herald ; the city's largest newspaper.
• Nebraska Examiner ; local non-profit online newspaper, mainly focused on investigative journalism.
• The Omaha Star ; Newspaper published in North Omaha, primarily covering the black community.
• Silicon Prairie News ; covers the midwestern tech industry

Consulates [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

• Council Bluffs , Iowa is just across the Missouri River. Gambling is illegal in Nebraska, so Omaha residents visit Council Bluffs for its casinos. There are also some interesting historic sites here.
• The nearby cities of Bellevue , La Vista , Papillion and Ralston have various shopping areas. See Eastern Nebraska for details.
• Visit Lincoln (50 mi (80 km) west on I-80) to explore various museums and shopping there. Or catch a University of Nebraska football game, where every home game has been sold out for over 50 years.
• Nebraska City - Has orchards and vineyards (Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard or Arbor Day Farm) about an hour drive from Omaha.

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Visit Omaha

Find exciting attractions for the whole family amid the modern architecture and scenic green spaces of Omaha, a dynamic city in Eastern Nebraska. Whatever the weather, you can discover the fascinating heritage of this city and its surrounding region, check out the state’s premier art galleries, visit a nationally acclaimed zoo, catch a local game and indulge yourself in Omaha’s excellent shopping and dining precincts.

Familiarize yourself with Omaha’s skyline by strolling around the downtown riverfront park, Gene Leahy Mall. Find the heart of the city in the Old Markets, where heritage brick storefronts enclose boutique shops and the city’s summertime farmers’ market. You might also see street performers, artists and other local vendors here.

Get to know the city’s culture and history at a selection of downtown museums and art galleries. Joslyn Art Museum and Benis Center for Contemporary Arts showcase extensive collections of artworks, while the Durham Western Heritage Museum features fascinating local history exhibits in a renovated art deco train station.

Kids will love learning about the arts and sciences at the Omaha Children’s Museum. Let them go wild at the indoor water park at the Coco Key Water Resort. Another highlight is the nationally renowned Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium , an exciting facility with desert and rainforest exhibits. Experience the thrill of a local college baseball or basketball game.

Omaha is surrounded by charming smaller cities, including La Vista, Papillion and Ralston. Bellevue dates back to the 1830s and is situated nearby the leafy trails of the Fontenelle Forest. See the Malcolm X Birthsite in North Omaha. Venture into the city’s surrounding scenery to visit Wehrspann Lake and the Chalco Hills Recreation Area.

Sample some of the region’s finest produce at the Taste of Omaha Festival, held in early June near the Lewis and Clark Landing and the Heartland of America Park.

Omaha can be reached by air to Eppley Airfield, the city’s international airport. The city is served by Amtrak and interstate bus lines. Severe weather can occur in Omaha, so keep updated on weather reports. Stay in downtown accommodation or comfortable motels.

Where to stay in Omaha

Downtown Omaha

Explore the historic core of Omaha, where you'll find the Old Market Historic District, offering boutique shops, dining, and cultural activities. Don't miss the Orpheum Theater and Omaha Children's Museum nearby.

You'll enjoy the golf courses and sporting events in West Omaha. You might want to make time for a stop at Boys Town Visitors Center or Village Pointe Shopping Center.

Old Market is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, a top place to visit in the area.

Southeast Omaha

If you're spending some time in Southeast Omaha, Omaha Children's Museum and The Durham Museum are top sights worth seeing.

South Central Omaha

While visiting South Central Omaha, you might make a stop by sights like Ralston Arena and Baxter Arena.

Central Omaha

Travelers come to Central Omaha for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Westroads Mall and Omaha Community Playhouse while you're in town.

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Getting around omaha.

Omaha’s main public transit system is the Omaha Metro, a bus network with routes serving the city center and outlying suburbs. The most convenient way to explore Omaha and the surrounding area is by renting a car, as you will be able to get to places not served by bus routes. Taxis are available, but it’s often not possible to hail one in the city center; you have to call for one from your hotel instead. Visit the Nebraska Department of Transportation website.Browse Omaha rental cars .

Best time to visit

Omaha has a comparatively extreme climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures in January are only around 33 F (0.8 C), while in July they reach the high 80s F (low 30s C). As such, many people find spring and fall the best times to visit, when temperatures are milder and there are fewer other tourists. Hotel prices can also be cheaper in these shoulder seasons than in the summer.

Popular places to visit

• Henry Doorly Zoo

Journey through the world’s biggest indoor desert, spot magnificent creatures in the aquarium and explore indoor rainforests and swamps in Nebraska’s premier zoo.

• Omaha Children's Museum

Bring the little ones to this exciting museum to role play as doctors, make art with light and run through a fountain.

• CHI Health Center Omaha

Catch an event at CHI Health Center Omaha during your trip to Omaha. Discover the area's great live music and shops.

• Charles Schwab Field Omaha

Catch an event at Charles Schwab Field Omaha during your trip to Omaha. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's shops.

• Creighton University

Explore the campus of Creighton University, during your trip to Omaha. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

• Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino during your time in Council Bluffs? Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Reviews of Omaha

5/5 - excellent.

Appears to be reasonably safe. Good midwestern travel stop.

More traffic than we expected. Just did our business, visited with family and left.

I've been a number of times to visit family and it's always been pleasant. I appreciate the summertime heat & sun. The people have always been very nice and welcoming. They always have a smile to spare and I appreciate that.

I love Omaha and actually live here was really blown away how bad the hotel was considering what part of the city it is in

Easy city to get around

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Council Bluffs

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The Omaha, Nebraska Travel Guide

Omaha was founded as initially as a vital stop along the historic pioneer trails like the Oregon Trail and later as a major railroad center and hum for the burgeoning Midwest in the 1800's, earning it the moniker "Gateway to the West." 

Omaha had always been a place I've had pinned in my mind and wanted to visit, because in the 2000's the city became the surprising center of the country's indie music scene, due to Saddle Creek Records . When I was in High School, all of the bands I loved were coming out of Omaha and it was known as this unexpected center of all things underground, new and cool. But Omaha's musical history dates back decades, including an influential jazz legacy, with many jazz legends starting out in the city. 

And the city did not disappoint! We found downtown Omaha to be shockingly walkable, very friendly, and with an amazing amount of new development - the investment in building and adding to the city right now is very evident, with so many unique places and experiences opening up for locals and visitors alike. 

While traveling with Marriott Bonvoy , We paired our weekend in Omaha with a visit to nearby Kansas City, Missouri (only a 2.5 hour drive away) which is a great way to see parts of America we had never visited before and were truly surprised by! 

Where to Stay: Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District

Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District 222 North 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68102

We stayed at the Marriott in Downtown and found the location to be absolutely perfect - we were able to walk to everywhere, from the newly build Riverside Park and Luminarium, to the historic Old Market area, and the hotel is directly across the street from the brand new concert hall The Steel House. 

With a rooftop pool (including poolside restaurant and bar), on-site Jazz club, The Jewell , spacious rooms, and a fantastic lobby bar and restaurant, we had absolutely everything we needed here! 

Omaha Marriott Downtown is ranked #1 on Tripadvisor, and it is easy to see why! 

Shop Travel Essentials:

Where to eat in omaha.

Full rack of ribs at Burdock and Bitters

Warm morning light at Cafe Postale

Cafe Postale

The best and most unique restaurants to explore around downtown Omaha:

• Burdock and Bitters Located on the lobby floor of the Downtown Marriott, Burdock and Bitters is a killer spot, known for its artisanal cocktails and a menu filled with a mix of BBQ, classic American, and exciting new dishes - the blackened tuna appetizer and the classic baby back ribs both blew our minds. The bar also has a really impressive beer selection - including, my favorite, sours!
• Plank Seafood Provisions Emphasizing fresh seafood, Plank is a coastally-inspired oyster bar and seafood grill, and one of the top ranked restaurants in Omaha. Right in the center of the Old Market district, this one is a hot spot with a great city feel and a cozy outdoor patio in the warmer months. 
• Café Postale A simple cafe in a stunning and expansive space, Cafe Postale is a must stop for breakfast or just coffee. Open in the day for easy breakfast and lunch and great coffee, the Cafe spends many of its evenings as a gorgeous wedding and event space in a beautiful, historic building 
• Le Bouillon An often recommended local favorite, Bouillon is a  cozy French-inspired brasserie offering classic and innovative French dishes, such as cassoulet and beef bourguignon, with a charming ambiance and a European feel.
• Block 16 Block 16 describes themself as "farm to table street food", and the burgers in particular are very recommended by downtown Omaha locats. Their menu also features duck confit french fries, buttermilk fried chicken, and vegan options. 

Omaha Style Picks:

What to do in omaha: the best city sites, 1. play at the kiewit luminarium.

The closest category to put the Keiwit Luminarium in would be Science Museum, but in reality it falls somewhere between museum and playground. Newly built and opened in the past year, it is a giant funhouse of light, sound, and color with endless hands-on exhibits illustrating different science concepts and illuminating how our world works - from sound funnel phenomena to color mixing with lights to a "geometry playground". 

We weren't sure what to expect from the Keiwit Luminarium , and we were so surprised with how much fun we had here, and how much longer we wish we could have stayed! While there are a lot of activities for children, but this is definitely not just a children's museum. We had so much fun partaking in the science experiments ourselves, going through all the difference exhibits, and getting our hands on everything (I love a museum you can touch!)

On some Thursday nights, the Luminarium stays open late for adults-only hours, including a bar!

2. Catch a Show at Omaha Steel House

Brand new in summer 2023, Omaha Steelhouse is a concert and performing arts venue that will become a long standing city staple in Downtown Omaha. We caught a show here during our trip, and even in the first couple months of Steelhouse being open, you could see how popular the venue is! With a capacity of 3000, multiple bars, and brand new sound, light, and visual equipment, definitely check out the upcoming events for your dates in Omaha and get some tickets for a show here! 

3. Drive Just Out of Town To Fontenelle Forest 

Just a 15 minute drive from downtown Omaha, the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is a complete change of scenery. This expansive natural area spans across 2,100 acres and features an array of trails winding through lush forests, rich wetlands, and scenic riverbanks. The forest is an incredibly peaceful place where you can walk for as many miles as your feet can stand, and is also popular for birdwatching.

The forest also hosts the Raptor Woodland Refuge, a sanctuary for injured birds of prey, where you see them up close. On site there is a giant high-ropes course at Treerush Adventures that looks like so much fun, I wish we had time to stay and do the entire thing!

4. Visit The Durham Museum

I have recently become obsessed with all of the beautiful midwest train stations - from Denver to Kansas City , to now Omaha, every one we've been to is so expansive, ornate, and just stunning. But this historic train station is even better because it has been turned into a museum! 

The Durham Museum was once the city's historic Union Station, and is an immersive journey into the region's vibrant past - and a definite must for any train or car enthusiasts. The museum hosts a range of permanent exhibits including early 20th century cars, full historic trains you can step on and walk through, and tons of details about the history of midwest transit and Omaha. We loved it here!

5. Walk The Riverfront Park

Omaha's Riverfront Revitalization Project has transformed the city's riverbanks into a scenic and vibrant 31 acres of green space known as The Riverfront . Like so much of downtown Omaha, this picturesque park in brand new and is a great urban oasis along the Missouri River. With a variety of landscaped green spaces, walking trails, playgrounds, ducks, and tons of seasonal events like holiday light shows, winter ice skating, and summer concerts. 

6. Explore the Old Market Neighborhood

The historic city center reminded me a bit of a tiny Brooklyn. Known as "Omaha's most historic, most entertaining neighborhood", Old Market has cobblestone streets, boutique and vintage shops, old factories turned into expansive loft apartments, plenty of bars and restaurants, and lots of outdoor sidewalk seating in the warmer months. Just a 10 minute walk from downtown, this area is incredibly walkable, full of life, and a fun place for dinner, drinks, shopping, or checking out an art gallery. 

7. Visit The Famous Omaha Zoo

The one place we didn't have a chance to go! The Omaha Zoo is famous - every time we mentioned traveling to the city we were asked if we were going to make a stop here. The Omaha Zoo is one of the largest and most renowned in the United States and is known for its aquarium, desert sundome, and exhibits from continents across the globe. 

This blog post was made possible in partnership with Marriott Bonvoy , but as always, all opinions are my own.

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Nebraska steamfitter running for U.S. Senate against GOP incumbent is gaining traction

In Nebraska’s U.S. Senate race, something extraordinary is happening—Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate, is gaining traction at the polls, attracting national media attention , and, most importantly, securing cross-over voters.

A former union president who led a 77-day strike at Kellogg’s in 2021, Osborn was fired from the company last year and is currently an apprentice for a local steamfitter’s union in Omaha. Now, the 48-year-old father of three is spending all of his free time outside his 40-hour workweek campaigning against incumbent GOP Sen. Deb Fischer.

Sitting in a cozy Irish bar in a strip mall on the outskirts of Omaha, Osborn, a formerly registered Democrat, went over his campaign platform with USA Today—a mix of conservative and liberal ideologies, including the legalization of medical cannabis, support for the Second Amendment, expansion of reproductive rights and making it easier for unions to organize.

Coming straight from a union meeting earlier that evening, the independent candidate explained over the chatter of a group of regulars at the bar that many Nebraskans want to see a person like them in Congress.

“There’s nobody like me in the United States Senate, somebody who goes to work every day, gets dirt underneath my fingernails, comes from the working class, who’s done it for over twenty years,” Osborn said holding a Tito’s and soda while Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” played in the background. “I want to be a voice for people like me that work for a living.”

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Last month, Oborn’s grassroots campaign collected the 4,000 signatures needed to get on the November ballot as a nonpartisan candidate. According to the latest fundraising reports, the campaign raised $456,000 in the last fiscal quarter, which puts him at $609,00 in funds—more money than any independent candidate has ever raised in the state.

A December poll conducted by a liberal research firm, Change Research, gave the blue-collar worker-turned-politician 40% of the vote compared to Fischer’s 38%, which has received skepticism from political analysts.

But he still has a long way to go.

Fischer, a two-term incumbent with a nearly $3.3 million war chest, won both 2012 and 2018 elections by a wide margin, becoming the state’s second-only female senator. Before heading to Capitol Hill, Fischer gained local political experience serving in the Nebraska Legislature and on the state school board for the Valentine Community Schools.

More: Nebraska governor pushes special session to pass Trump-backed winner-take-all legislation

But Osborn, who has never been in politics, says his experience as a union leader has prepared him for office and is what inspired him to run in the first place.

“I loved the controlled chaos. I loved being the person that people counted on. And then I loved coming through for them, too,” Osborn said. “I want to do the same thing for the people of Nebraska.”

The Nebraska State AFL-CIO endorsed Osborn last month, and president and treasurer-secretary Sue Martin said Osborn is different from any other politician and can relate to the challenges Nebraskan workers face.

“Non-political ties are attractive to voters who are facing partisan fatigue,” Martin said. “He understands working people. Too often, we see corporations’ limitless funds come in. It’s time that workers have a chance.”

Fischer has also racked up multiple union endorsements too, most recently from the Omaha Police Officers Association.

Unlike Fischer, Osborn faces a fundraising challenge with no official party backing or PAC funds, and the state parties don’t quite know what to do with him as issues in his platform range from traditionally liberal to conservative.

Along with supporting both Second Amendment rights and abortion access, Osborn also supports further securing the border while also creating more pathways to citizenship in the U.S.

In an ideal world, Osborn said that he would like to see endorsements from both Republican and Democratic county parties. As a nonpartisan, he is getting invited to and attending both GOP and Democratic county party meetings, even attending the Sarpy County Libertarian convention last month.

His campaign team comprises registered Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians and nonpartisans, many of whom are tired of the political divides.

“I’ve got everybody on my campaign because we all understand that there need to be a change, there’s too much divide. At the end of the day, we’re all Americans.” Osborn said. “A lot of people are fed up with fighting with each other.”

Osborn will likely await Fischer on the ballot this November as the senator will face another Republican candidate, Arron Kowalski, in the state’s May 14 primary. Until November, Osborn says he’ll continue to raise money, mobilize voters, and travel across the state to talk to as many Nebraskans as possible.

“There’s certainly a lot of people that didn’t believe it could happen, but I enjoy proving them wrong every day,” Osborn said. “We’re getting momentum every day. So far, we haven’t had any wind taken out of our sails.”

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Severe weather can cause widespread power outages.

When outages occur, your area power district will work to restore power as soon as possible . The Omaha Public Power District has a few tips for what to do if you lose power.

• Report your outage: For OPPD, call 1-800-554-6773, or you can report online or on the OPPDconnect app.
• Turn off most lights and unplug appliances and electronic equipment.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to help preserve food: The fridge will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A fully loaded freezer may keep food frozen for up to two days, half full about one day. If any food in the fridge or freezer is warmer than 40 degrees, throw it out.
• Treat every power line you see as though it is live: Don't go near any downed lines.
• Be careful during cleanup: Watch out for any power lines on the ground or overhead. Check to make sure there aren't any downed lines tangled in fallen tree limbs or debris.

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You should also charge your cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information.

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See the Omaha Public Power District outage map here . More information on MidAmerican Energy outages is available here .

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The Very Best Kitchen Shears

In this article

Best overall kitchen shears, best less-expensive kitchen shears, best kitchen shears for herbs, best rubber-grip kitchen shears, best kitchen shears for large hands, best kitchen shears for small hands, best lightweight kitchen shears.

Kitchen shears are about as essential and versatile a tool in your knife collection as a chef’s knife. I reach for mine to have the utmost control in breaking down a chicken, removing fins from a fish, snipping herbs, or powering through cutting a pile of vegetables. And while they might look similar to the scissors you keep in your junk drawer, they’re actually quite different: Kitchen shears are ambidextrous. Their finger holes are the same size, so they can be used comfortably whether you’re right- or left-handed, and their balanced shape makes it easier to take on tougher tasks than what your usual scissors can handle.

Treated with the same respect as your favorite chef’s knife, a good pair of kitchen shears can easily last your lifetime (and beyond). That said, you want a pair that can take wear and tear — so for this assignment, I put a dozen pairs through the usual kitchen prep and tasks far beyond the conventional. I used them to garden, snipping dead twigs and cutting open plastic planter pots containing evergreen trees. I cut through flat-iron steaks and spatchcock chickens, and also used them to cut thick fabric, because why not? And, of course, I ran most of them through the dishwasher many times.

To round out the list, I polled chefs from all over the country, asking them to open up their knife kits and tell me about the scissors that they bring with them wherever they go. Chef Jeremy Umansky of Cleveland’s Larder has an heirloom pair that has likely been prepping vegetables since before he was born. “I’ve got a pair from Le Cordon Bleu, from their school kit! They look like something a surgeon in the Civil War would have used,” he told me. My favorite pair, perfect for small hands, travels with me between my home kitchen and professional kitchens. Like my toothbrush, they’re sort of like my “don’t leave home without it” item, except they definitely won’t make it through a TSA checkpoint.

Here, you’ll find all of these shears and more. And if you’re looking for more ways to best slice, dice, and chop your food, check out our guides to chef’s knives , knife sets , and food processors .

What we’re looking for

Kitchen shears are generally made of stainless steel, since they are often exposed to moisture and would otherwise rust. Handles are sometimes coated with plastic or rubber for cushioning fingers — and for pairs that have a handle covering, I’ve indicated which kind. Fully stainless-steel shears can last longer than those with rubber- or plastic-covered handles, but might require a bit more dexterity.

Kitchen shears come in two styles: with fixed blades or blades that pull apart. Handles fall into two categories, as well: D-shaped and oval. Which style you choose will depend on how you intend to use them. If you know you’ll be cutting through piles of firm vegetables like asparagus stems, a fixed blade would be best, and if you prefer to run your shears through the dishwasher after cutting meats, you’ll want to look for a pull-apart blade for ease of cleaning and sanitizing.

The length of the scissors can determine the task they’re best suited for. Generally, lengths range from six to nine inches. If you plan on cutting delicate herbs, you’ll want shorter shears, and if you are breaking down poultry, you’ll likely want longer shears.

Material: Stainless Steel / Style: D-shaped, pull-apart / Length: 8.5”

WÜSTHOF is a legendary brand that’s famous for its knives — not to mention the brand that makes our best knife set overall . And so it’s no surprise that WÜSTHOF’s brushed stainless-steel kitchen shears are favored by many professional chefs and unanimously received the most mentions. When I tested them, I loved how easy they were to pull apart and clean, and that they never separated in my hands during the toughest kitchen tasks. They also have a satisfying tension when you’re snipping with them, which gives your fingers more control.

Don’t just take it from me. According to chef Jeremiah Langhorne of the Dabney and Petite Cerise in D.C., the shears are “very high quality, keep their sharpness well, can be sharpened, and are very versatile.” Chef Diana Widjojo of Philadelphia’s Rice & Sambal also reaches for this pair constantly, using them to cut through everything from snow-crab legs to spatchcock chickens. “I’ve had them for years and I use them weekly for cutting herbs, mostly, but also for nontraditional things,” she told me, adding that she even uses them to pull fish bones out if she can’t find her tweezers. The fact that you can take them apart and thoroughly sanitize them is a big plus in her book too.

Chef Chris Morgan of Joon in Vienna, Virginia, is also a fan, and owns a couple of pairs of WÜSTHOF shears. “I don’t usually lean German with my kitchen tools, but I found these are really durable,” he says. “They’ve lasted me a really long time. I use them for poultry and meats, larger fish with thick fins, and any backbone work.” Langhorne, Widjojo, and Morgan are just a few of the chefs I polled who reach for their WÜSTHOF shears. Other chefs told me that they use them to strip stems off flowers and even cut tarts. Overall, this pair was hands down the most well made, easy to use, and versatile — earning them our crown of best overall.

Material : Stainless steel, plastic handles / Style : D-shaped, fixed blades / Length : 6.5”

If you’re looking to spend less, take note from Langhorne, who told me that while he usually goes for his WÜSTHOF stainless-steel shears, “for a more affordable option I really like Joyce Chen’s scissors.” (Langhorne’s one caveat about the pair is that the plastic handles don’t last as long as uncoated stainless-steel handles.) Melissa Pellegrino of Heavy Metal Sausage Co. is also a fan of the shears. “Joyce Chen’s are our daily drivers in the shop. We use them mostly for cutting sausage ropes into individual links, but they are so versatile. They can be used for cutting delicate things like herbs up to cutting through small fish or chicken-rib bones. They are more durable than you would expect for a small scissor and their size makes them easy to keep close by. They are also just really comfortable to use.” My husband, who is also a professional chef, keeps a pair of Joyce Chen’s shears in his knife kit primarily for cutting twine for meats and kitchen tape for labels. When you’re labeling quart containers a hundred times a day, having this lightweight pair on standby to cut kitchen tape is helpful and makes neat labeling less of a chore.

Material: Carbon steel / Style: Traditional Japanese, no finger holes, does not pull apart / Length: 4”

Yes, these are technically sewing scissors, but when it comes to cutting delicate flowers and herbs in the kitchen, nothing else is faster. Rather than slipping my fingers through holes, I just pinch these shears’ pincer handles, allowing for delicate, rapid motions. Though these come in a couple different formats (with or without threads), mine are wrapped in white-and-red thread for grip. Just don’t put these in the dishwasher — I recommend washing with a soft sponge and letting them air-dry.

“I use sewing shears to clean all my herbs,” says chef and culinary consultant Christine Lau . “These make it super, super fast to pick and cut herbs.” Lau told me she first discovered hers at a center for textiles in Hong Kong, but that they’re now available everywhere. “I like them because they stay super sharp — and you can sharpen them,” she says. “They have a small, pointy tip so you can get to the base of the herb where you want to pick quickly and accurately.” She adds that the U-shape of these lets you focus on cutting the herbs using just your thumb and forefinger.

Material: Steel, plastic handles / Style: D-shaped, pull-apart / Length: 9”

I spent a week with these Cangshan shears and used them to trim hedges in my backyard and cut plastic planters of four newly purchased evergreen trees in half. Then, after thoroughly sanitizing them, I used them to trim the fins off a side of salmon I was breaking down for dinner. For all of these tasks, I found that this pair performed beautifully and didn’t hurt my hands, thanks to the no-slip rubber grips. And while my hands are on the small side, these are comfortable for all sizes. My husband, a chef whose hands are larger than mine, tried them, too, and told me, “I feel like I can do anything with these.” Indeed, this pair is built to do just about anything: They have a nut or crab-leg cracker serration in between the handles and a hollowed-out notch in one blade for opening jars or bottles.

Material: Stainless steel / Style: Round, pull-apart / Length: 8”

For years, I used a cheap KitchenAid pair of kitchen shears, and they were generally fine, but using them for long periods of time caused my hands to ache — which I thought was normal. That is, until trying these from Ciselier. They are handmade by Fennek, a Premanese scissor-maker founded in 1895. They feel remarkably hard and durable, like I can use them to cut up any chicken (and I have), and they pull apart easily for cleaning. They’re lightweight without feeling flimsy and they’ve stayed sharp through two years of constant, heavy-duty use in both professional and home kitchens. There are built-in serrated notches to crack nuts and a smooth circle in the middle of the design to open bottles. And, most importantly, they don’t hurt my small hands after hours of use.

Note: Ciselier’s Fennek shears consistently sell out and are currently available for preorder, shipping in May 2024.

Material: Stainless steel, antibacterial plastic handles / Style: D-shaped, pull-apart / Length: 8.66”

“I like Silkies because they are a bit more sturdy, and they fit into my hands best,” says chef Brandon Dienger of two-Michelin-starred Jônt in Washington, D.C., who stands at six-foot-three and has large hands to match his height. “They also keep their sharpness.” The pair is a go-to for chef Yun Fuentes of Philadelphia’s Bolo , as well. “They have proven sharp enough to trim herbs as well as tough enough to handle fish bone,” he says. “These particular scissors are compact and contour to your hand, making them a great and useful tool when attention to detail is essential.”

Material: stainless steel, rubber handles / Style: D-shaped, pull-apart / Length: 10”

These Hammer Stahl shears are surprisingly lightweight, which will come in handy for anyone using shears for long periods of time (or who has joint pain in their hands). They’re on the longer side — which makes them appropriate for bigger tasks like breaking down poultry or trimming sides of salmon — with excellent no-slip grips and uniquely sharp and pointy tips.

I made my husband use them for a few kitchen services, and we determined that they comfortably accommodate both my tiny hands and his larger ones. While I may not have the same dexterity with them as he might, they still get the job done. Plus, I liked how versatile these are. You can pull them apart, and a single blade can be flipped around and used to scale fish. The other blade has a notch to open bottles and jars. The notches between the handles can be used as a nutcracker.

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A guide to LGBTQ+ travel in Latin America

With museums, culture, nightlife, family outings and safe spaces to  relax in, Latin America has much to offer LGBTQ+ travellers. 

Latin America is a vast region of over 656 million inhabitants. Stretching across two continents, it’s a storied location where people and cultures from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere mixed and settled. Spanish and Portuguese, vestiges of two rival superpowers, are the dominant languages. The ancient empires, Aztec, Incan, Mayan and others, still make their presence known — from the archaeological highlights of museums to the living spectacles of carnivals, parades and religious celebrations, like the macabre Day of the Dead and the continued worship of goddesses like Yemanjá brought from the West African coast.

The region’s powerhouse cities are where LGBTQ+ nightlife, culture and political progress are most visible, from the Beaux-Arts streets of Buenos Aires to the sun-kissed Rio de Janeiro, with its spectacular natural setting of mountains and beaches. Indeed, it’s these sandy stretches many tourists come to Latin America for, whether they’re seeking the golden shores of the Caribbean coast or the dramatic, mountainous landscapes that butt against the Pacific, creating conditions that every surfer dreams of.

One of the most thrilling of all Latin American destinations, glamorous Buenos Aires should be the starting point of every Argentine adventure. It’s also one of the world’s leading countries on LGBTQ+ human rights issues — it passed a national same-sex marriage equality law in 2010, five years before the US and three before the UK. Peppered with French Beaux-Arts architecture, Buenos Aires is crisscrossed by grand boulevards and marble-embellished monuments. Visitors will find hundreds of bookshops to explore, the most famous of which, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, is housed in a former theatre. There are cafes, museums and a glittering opera house. To walk along any street, especially the Nueve de Julio, is a dizzying experience.

Where to go at night in Argentina? Buenos Aires is home to some of the best LGBTQ+ nightlife on the continent, and it’s not for the faint hearted. Things don’t get going until past midnight, with locals out long after sunrise. Club Amerika in the Almagro neighbourhood is the city’s largest nightclub and a centre point of LGBTQ+ nightlife. El Lugar Gay is a small, men-only budget hotel located in the historic San Telmo neighbourhood, an area known for its Sunday antiques fair and tango performances.

Where to see Argentinian culture? Though a controversial figure in Argentina, former First Lady Eva Perón, better known as Evita, remains one of the country’s most well-known figures — a Dior-clad gay icon to many LGBTQ+ locals, with stars like Madonna, Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige having portrayed her. Her myth, mystery, legend and wardrobe are explored at Museo Evita in the elegant Palermo neighbourhood.

Where to go with family in Argentina? This nightlife-oriented city has plenty for queer family gaycations, from watching the famous ‘cat ladies’ take care of felines in Recoleta Cemetery to the Abasto neighbourhood’s Museo de los Niños , with educational science activities for children. Argentina’s Patagonian region makes an excellent option for skiing or hiking trips in Bariloche. Those of drinking age will enjoy Mendoza, an important wine region, where the Malbec grape reigns supreme.

Few places in Latin America rival the powerhouse experience that is Brazil. One of the largest countries in the world, this South American nation pulsates with a landscape as diverse as its people, with thousands of miles of beachfront, metropolitan cities, mountains and the Amazon rainforest, to name just a few points of interest. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to choose what to start with first in Brazil, and many LGBTQ+ travellers make repeat visits.

Where to go at night in Brazil? Rio is an effervescent metropolis and former capital where neighbourhoods jostle between mountains and beaches, the giant art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain rising above it all. The highlight of the year is Carnival — the largest such celebration in the world — in February or March, depending on the Easter calendar. It’s all about the beaches here and two are main centres of LGBTQ+ life — Ipanema, especially its Rua Farme de Amoedo gay beach, and the densely urban Copacabana beach, where locals and visitors alike pose for sunset photos with the curvaceous Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. A Brazilian cultural highlight is in Rio’s Flamengo Park, which is home to the Carmen Miranda Museum , celebrating the actress whose oversized fruit-covered headdresses inspired many a drag queen.  

Where to explore in Brazil? Visitors will find urban charm in São Paulo, with its contrasting wealthy and impoverished neighbourhoods operating within walking distance of each other. Every May, it hosts a massive gay pride parade with millions of spectators lining Avenida Paulista. Salvador, in the northeastern state of Bahia, is a hotspot for Afro-Brazilian culture. Statues of Yemanjá, mother of orishas (divine spirits) in the Yoruba religion, are everywhere — a nod to the area’s past. A visit to Pelourinho is a highlight for many, its cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings stretching to stunning vistas.

Where to go with family in Brazil? For LGBTQ+ family travellers with kids, no trip to Brazil is complete without visiting Iguazú Falls, a series of waterfalls in the country’s south where it edges against Argentina and Paraguay. Several times larger than their North American counterpart, legend says Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!” upon seeing them.

Visitors to Mexico should start in its glorious capital, filled wih museums and cultural venues like Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its Beaux Arts facade and art deco interior, or the fascinating National Anthropology Museum. Once the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the city is centred around the massive Zócalo, a square where Spanish buildings were constructed over ancient temples and pyramids.

Where to see the best of Mexican nightlife? Only in Zona Rosa — literally the Pink Zone — can travellers find such a dense concentration of LGBTQ+ nightlife. Near the Angel of Independence monument along Avenida de la Reforma, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues popular with LGBTQ+ tourists and locals abound, along with some of the city’s best hotels.

Where to see Mexican culture? The Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the bohemian Colonia del Carmen neighbourhood. Known as the Casa Azul, this tribute to the bisexual artist has been open to the public since the late 1950s.

Where to explore nature in Mexico? Mexico’s coastlines offer a wide array of beaches to explore. Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Yucatán peninsula are among its jewels and the source of much of the country’s income from tourism. Storied Puerto Vallarta, one of Latin America’s most popular LGBTQ+ beach destinations, overlooks the Pacific.

Peru is geographically diverse, with beaches, mountains and the western stretches of the Amazon jungle, making it a must-visit spot for nature-seeking travellers.

Where to see the best of Peruvian nightlife? Peru’s capital, Lima, is a gastronomic paradise, with native cuisine like ceviche, a raw fish and citrus dish, and drinks such as the pisco sour a popular choice. The country’s large and influential Japanese population has also impacted the culture and the cuisine. The main LGBTQ+ area is garden-like district Miraflores, the name of which means ‘look at the flowers’. Sadly, two prominent gay nightlife spots, Lola Bar and Discoteca Legendaris, have recently closed; luckily, a number of new joints are in the works. However, ValeTodo DownTown , a bar central to the strong gay residential presence here, remains open and thriving.

Where to go on an outdoor adventure in Peru? One of the reasons many visitors come to Peru is to trace the country’s ancient Incan roots. Two of the world’s most coveted bucket-list destinations are in Peru: the ancient Andean temple complex Machu Picchu with its stunning views, and Cusco, which was a capital of the Incan Empire. Visitors will come across colonial buildings representing the Spanish conquest built on top of ancient temples, the periods of architecture instantly recognisable via differing stonework. A rickety train traverses a stunning mountain pass to connect Cusco and Machu Pichu, allowing for day trips. More adventurous travellers can hike the various Inca Trails over several days, finding lesser-known historic ruins along the way.

While certain parts of Latin America might be known for a degree of brashness, travellers will   find a more reserved destination when they visit Chile. Santiago, the capital, stretches along the city’s main thoroughfare, Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, and sits either side of the Mapocho River.

What to do at nighttime in Chile? The gay heart of Santiago is in the quaint district Barrio Bellavista, much of which dates to the 1920s. Chile is a former Spanish colony, and these influences can be seen in much of the area’s architecture, from the terracotta shingles to the white stucco walls. At night, the district comes alive with music and partying, as locals and visitors head to clubs, restaurants and bars, many with live music. The neighbourhood is dominated by San Cristóbal Hill and its statue of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of the city, connected by a not-always-functioning funicular.

Where to see Chilean culture? Argentina’s Mendoza on the other side of the Andes might be South America’s better known wine region, but Chile has one of the continent’s largest. What makes it even more ideal for visitors to the capital is that there’s no need to fly to a second destination. The wine region surrounds Santiago, most of it within an hour-and-a half drive by car or organised tour to Casablanca Valley, the Maipo region or the Central Valley, where wineries like Concha y Toro create magical elixirs from Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes.

Related Topics

• LGBT-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
• FAIRS AND CARNIVALS
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• FAMILY TRAVEL

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