Things To Do
in Omaha
Omaha, located in the state of Nebraska, is known for its diverse economy with major industries including finance, telecommunications, and transportation. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, bustling cultural scenes, and a strong sense of community pride. Visitors can explore attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Old Market district, and the Joslyn Art Museum.
With its central location in the heartland of America, Omaha offers a mix of urban amenities and Midwestern charm.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $12 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a coffee at a local café in the Old Market district. Wander through the cobblestone streets and check out unique shops and art galleries.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant that features local cuisine. Afterward, visit the Omaha Children's Museum for some family-friendly fun.
Dine at a renowned steakhouse in the Old Market. Wrap up the day with a stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the sunset views.
Begin with a leisurely walk at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, especially the Desert Dome. This world-class zoo opens early and features breathtaking animal exhibits.
Have lunch at the zoo's café, then explore the nearby Lauritzen Gardens for a peaceful escape among beautiful flowers. Don't forget to check out the koi pond and seasonal exhibits.
Head to the Omaha Community Playhouse for an entertaining performance. After the show, enjoy dessert and drinks at a cozy bar nearby.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major cities.
- Strong job market with opportunities in various sectors.
- Rich cultural scene with a variety of museums, theaters, and music festivals.
- Family-friendly environment with numerous parks and recreational activities.
- Good educational institutions, including universities and colleges.
- Harsh winters with significant snowfall and cold temperatures.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Less diverse nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Potential for tornadoes and severe weather events.
- Some areas may experience higher crime rates.
Best Activities in Omaha
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit one of the best zoos in the United States, featuring a variety of animals and exhibits.
Explore the extensive art collection and beautiful outdoor sculpture garden.
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, take a boat ride, and admire the fountain and skyline views.
Take a walk or bike ride across the bridge, offering picturesque views of the Missouri River and downtown Omaha.
Tours
Uncover the best of Omaha with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Omaha
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of downtown Omaha and the Gene Leahy Mall from its large pedestrian bridge and lakefront areas. Great for photos of the city skyline and colorful fountains.
Provides a picturesque view of the Missouri River, downtown Omaha, and the Council Bluffs skyline. Features a popular spot for sunset photography.
Boasts panoramic views of the riverfront, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and the Omaha skyline. Ideal for capturing cityscapes and river scenes.
Food in Omaha
Omaha Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Nebraska classic, Runza is a savory yeast bread pocket filled with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and onions, reflecting the city's Eastern European heritage. Must-try at Runza restaurants or local diners.
Must-Try!
Omaha's take on the classic Reuben sandwich features corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, served on rye bread. Widely available at delis and pubs across the city.
Local restaurants offer bison burgers, a lean and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers, often served with creative toppings that showcase the region's culinary innovation.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Omaha better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Navigate through the Omaha Farmers Market to explore a vibrant array of locally grown produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat street food, showcasing the city's agricultural roots and community spirit.
For a diverse range of street food options, explore the Old Market District, where food trucks and vendors offer an eclectic mix of international flavors, from tacos and gourmet grilled cheese to fusion cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Omaha, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversation.
Politeness is highly valued in Omaha, so using phrases such as 'please' and 'thank you' is considered respectful in interactions with others.
Omaha is a culturally diverse city, so it's important to respect and appreciate individuals from different backgrounds and ethnicities.
Safety
Tipping in Omaha
Ensure a smooth experience
In Omaha, United States, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to tip servers at restaurants around 15-20% of the total bill. Additionally, it is customary to tip hotel staff, taxi drivers, and other service providers.
Payment practices in Omaha, United States are similar to those in other parts of the country. Cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options are widely accepted. NFC and contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular. Many businesses also accept digital wallets and online payment platforms.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Omaha, with pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and events like the Omaha Summer Arts Festival.
Summer is popular for visiting Omaha due to warm weather and various outdoor festivals, such as the Shakespeare on the Green and the Summer Arts Festival. It's also a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens.
Fall is another ideal time to visit Omaha, with beautiful foliage and mild temperatures. Visitors can enjoy events like Oktoberfest and the Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival.
Winter can be chilly in Omaha, but it's a great time to experience holiday events, such as the Omaha Holiday Lights Festival and ice skating at the outdoor rinks. The city also hosts winter markets and indoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Omaha at Night
Hiking in Omaha
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful nature preserve featuring over 1,400 acres of forest and trails, ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying scenic views of the Missouri River.
A multi-use trail system that runs along the Papillion Creek, ideal for walking and biking with several sections suitable for hiking.
Located in Honey Creek, IA, just across the border, this nature center features hiking trails with scenic overlooks of the Loess Hills and the Missouri River.
A recreation area with various trails for hiking, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring natural landscapes.
A community park in Omaha that offers pleasant hiking paths, picnic areas, and green spaces for light outdoor activities.
Aiports
How to reach Omaha by plane.
The main airport serving Omaha, providing domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, approximately 3 hours southeast of Omaha, it is a major international airport serving the region.
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, it serves as a regional hub, approximately 2 hours east of Omaha.
Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, about an hour southwest of Omaha, it offers regional flights.
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, about 4.5 hours southeast of Omaha, it is a major international gateway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Omaha, primarily composed of individuals of European descent.
A significant population group that represents a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.
Includes individuals of various backgrounds, primarily from Latin American countries.
Comprising various ethnic groups, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, and others.
A smaller demographic group representing the indigenous peoples of the United States.
Individuals who identify with more than one racial group.
Includes individuals from various Pacific Island nations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Omaha is home to the College World Series, which attracts college baseball teams from across the nation and is held annually at TD Ameritrade Park.
Football is popular at both the high school and college levels, with the University of Nebraska Omaha having a strong following.
Ice hockey has a dedicated fan base in Omaha, with the Omaha Lancers being a notable junior team and the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks competing at the NCAA level.
Basketball is widely played and followed, especially at the high school level, and the University of Nebraska Omaha has competitive programs.
Soccer is growing in popularity, with local clubs and teams as well as the presence of the USL team, Union Omaha.
Running events and marathons are popular in Omaha, with various races and community events held throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Omaha.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Omaha's dining scene has embraced vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, with many restaurants offering dedicated plant-based menus alongside creative vegetable-focused dishes.
For those with gluten intolerance, several eateries in Omaha provide gluten-free alternatives and are knowledgeable about safe food preparation practices, ensuring a worry-free dining experience.
Overall, Omaha's food establishments are accommodating and open to catering to diverse dietary needs, with chefs often willing to customize dishes to accommodate specific dietary restrictions or allergies.