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Omaha is the largest city in the US state of Nebraska. It is on the Missouri River border with Iowa, along US Interstates 29 and 80.

Understand

Omaha at Night

Omaha is a unique city, as it has the highest number of 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 universally friendly and polite, and Omaha has a well-deserved reputation for hospitality.

The Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official resource for events, attractions, hotels, restaurants, transportation, meetings and conventions and the film office. The Omaha Visitor Center is located in Downtown Omaha near the Old Market, at the southwest corner of 10th and Farnam Streets. The address is 1001 Farnam Street. Phone: +1 402-444-7762. Find information on all events, attractions, etc. and pick up a copy of the Omaha Visitors Guide.

Get in

By plane

Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA  IATA). Eppley Airfield is a medium-sized airport 5 mi NE of downtown Omaha and is less than five minutes from downtown by car. The airport has no scheduled direct international service, but is staffed by a sole Customs officer who serves cargo and charter flights only. The terminal has on-site rental car services at the baggage claims, free high-speed wireless internet access, and is currently served by main line and feeder services for multiple airlines including:

The airport is also served by two FBOs for General Aviation services, at least two charter operations, and a local air freight operator besides UPS and FedEx.

Secondary airports serving the area are Millard Airport (MLE) in West Omaha, Plattsmouth Municipal Airport (PMV) south, North Omaha Airport(3NO), and Fremont Municipal Airport(FET), and Council Bluffs, Iowa Municipal Airport (CBF IATA) across the Missouri River east.

By train

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 1 Omaha Amtrak station is located on 1003 South 9th Street.

By bus

By shuttle

  • Navigator Airport Express, ☏ +1 308 234-6066, . 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

By bus

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

By taxi

Taxi service is available, but on a much reduced scale as compared to 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; it is necessary to call and arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies.

See

Museums

Greek Pottery, Joslyn Art Museum

Omaha has quite a few museums and art galleries:

  • 1 Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St, ☏ +1 402-342-3300. T-W,F-Su 10:00-16:00; Th 10:00-20:00. Has works by El Greco, Degas, Monet and Renoir and an extensive ancient Greek pottery display. The Joslyn also has a glass sclupture by the famed Dale Chihuly hanging in the atrium. free. 
  • Various other Old Market and Benson galleries. Omaha has a "First Friday" gallery crawl through both neighborhoods every first Friday of each month.
  • 2 Durham Western Heritage Museum, 801 S 10th St, ☏ +1 402-444-5071. Summer: Su 13:00-17:00; M,W-Sa 10:00-17:00; Tu 10:00-20:00. Is a renovated art deco-style train station and 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. 
  • 3 Union Pacific Museum, 200 Pearl St, ☏ +1 712-329-8307. T-Sa 10AM-4PM. Details the beginnings of the Union Pacific Railroad and the role it played in westward expansion and has artifacts dating back to the 1860s. 
  • El Museo Latino, 4701 S 25th St, ☏ +1 402 731-1137, . MWF 10AM-5PM, T/Th 1PM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM. Is a Latino art, history, and cultural museum. It is the first in the Midwest and one of eleven Latino museums in America. $5/adult, $4/student, $3.50/concession, military free. 
  • Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St, ☏ +1 402 733-8401. 10AM-4PM longer hrs in summer. Award winning zoo with the largest dessert exhibit, the Dessert Dome, with several dessert habitats, popup domes in the gorilla habitat, and the world's largest nocturnal exhibit. $13.50/adult, $12.50/concession, $9/child. 

Landmarks

Omaha has many unique landmarks.

  • Malcolm X Birthsite, North Omaha. His home no longer exists, but a marker stands on his former address. 
  • Joslyn Castle, 3902 Davenport St, ☏ +1 402 595-2199, . It is the Scottish-Baronial style home of two of Omaha's most respected citizens and boasts four stories and 35 rooms. Tours are available to the public. $6/adult, $5/concession. 
  • Mormon Trail Center, 3215 State St. It has various monuments, including part of the route the Mormons took. The site known as the Winter Quarters marks the pioneers' winter camp of 1846, and 359 Mormons are buried in a nearby cemetery. 
  • Gerald R. Ford Birth Site and Gardens, 3212 Woolworth Ave (near Hamscom Park and I-480). It pays homage to the late U.S. president. Twice destroyed by fire, the gardens stand where his house was. 
  • Boys Town. has a small museum and you can drive through it for free. 

Do

Parks

Gene Leahy Mall

Many parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Omaha. The Gene Leahy Mall is nestled in downtown Omaha and features walking paths through grassy knolls, slides, a sandy playground, and a horseshoe pit. Not far from there is the Heartland of America Park, which runs along the riverfront and has two fountains. The Heartland of America fountain shoots water 300 feet into the air and has a colorful nighttime show. There are also boat rides for a quarter per person. Memorial Park, located in the Dundee-Happy Hollow area, contains a playground, a baseball field, paths, trails, and plenty of open space. The park is unique because of its floral displays and historical monuments. Adjacent to Memorial Park is Elmwood Park, which has an 18-hole golf course, two baseball fields, a swimming pool, and many other things. The Lauritzen Gardens, (also known as the Omaha Botanical Gardens) have an admission fee, but it's worth the visit. The site features the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden, an arboretum and an herb garden with plans for a Japanese garden.

Sports

Omaha is home to the NCAA College World Series. Every June, the best college baseball teams from around the nation gather for the College World Series (CWS). The series is always a sellout event, so be sure to plan ahead. As of 2011, the CWS is held at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in NoDo (North Downtown). If you can't make it to the CWS 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 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 recently opened (2012) Ralston Arena in the southern suburb of Ralston. The Omaha Beef is Omaha's indoor football team, which also plays at the Ralston Arena.

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 CenturyLink Center (formerly Qwest 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.

Also, 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 also played at CenturyLink Center through the 2014–15 season, but the school is preparing to open its new on-campus Baxter Arena in October 2015. The new facility will not only be used for Mavericks hockey, but also for men's and women's basketball.

For a taste of subculture sports, check out the Omaha Roller Girls, Omaha's one-and-only flat track roller derby team. [1]

On April 15, 2010, the United Football League (UFL) announced that Omaha would be the latest city to host a team in the growing franchise. The team, ultimately named the Omaha Nighthawks, played its inaugural 2010 season at Rosenblatt Stadium and then moved to TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. On October 20, 2012 the UFL suspended the remainder of the season until the Spring of 2013. As this is the second time in two years that the UFL has suspended play in the middle of a season, speculation is that the UFL will not return.

For the last few years, Omaha has been home to the Olympic Swim Trials at the Century Link Center. Heats and finals usually begin the last week of the College World Series and tickets are open to the public.

Events and Festivals

Omaha hosts many festivals throughout the year. Every Thursday night throughout the summer, one 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. The Taste of West Omaha or Westfest is similar to Taste of Omaha, only it is held on the western edge of Omaha, 168th & Center St. 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.

Qwest Center, Omaha

Theater

  • Orpheum Theater. Which received a top-to-bottom renovation in the 1970's, is home to Opera Omaha, the Omaha Symphony, Broadway touring productions and music concerts. In addition, other performing arts shows can be seen at the Holland Performing Arts Center. 
  • Film Streams. Is an indie movie theater located in the Slowdown complex in North Downtown. Film Streams screens classics, obscure, and foreign movies. 
  • Dundee Theater. Is a single-screen indie movie theater on 50th and Dodge that shows classic favorites and cult classics on weekend midnight movie screenings. 
  • Omaha Community Playhouse. Has a long and storied history as the nation's largest community theater. Marlon Brando's mother gave Henry Fonda his stage debut in the 1925-26 season. Community members and local professionals perform regularly in plays and musicals. 

Music

  • Omaha is home to the Saddle Creek record label, which carries bands such as Bright Eyes, The Faint, and Cursive. These bands are part of the "Omaha Sound" and frequently play in Omaha. Check out venues such as Sokol Auditorium, Slowdown, and the Waiting Room to see if they, or any other bands of your liking, are playing.
  • You can also check out what bands are playing at the CenturyLink Center which hosts national acts.
  • The Omaha Civic Auditorium was closed in 2014, temporarily leaving the city without a mid-sized indoor venue. Its market niche will be filled by Baxter Arena, which will open on the UNO campus in October 2015.

Activities

  • During the day, visit the nationally renowned Henry Doorly Zoo. The Zoo is Nebraska's number one paid attraction and a few of its features are an expansive and recently renovated aquarium, "Kingdoms of the Night" (world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp), the Lied Jungle (world's largest indoor rainforest), and the "Desert Dome" (world's largest indoor desert.)
  • The Zoo also runs a drive-through Wildlife Safari Park west of Omaha that has elk, wolves, eagles, buffalo, and other native animals.
  • 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.
  • Taco Ride. Billed as the world's largest weekly group bicycle ride. Every Thursday night in the summer, hundreds of cyclists ride the Wabash Trace through Iowa to a restaruant in Mineola, Iowa to consume thousands of tacos and margaritas. The trail begins in the parking lot of Lewis and Clark High School in nearby Council Bluffs. 
  • Lucky Bucket Brewery. Offers tours of the brewery and a tasting room. 

Learn

Work

Omaha has a thriving employment market in finance, healthcare, and IT. Omaha is home to the headquarters of no fewer than five Fortune 500 companies:

  • Berkshire Hathaway
  • Union Pacific
  • ConAgra Foods
  • Peter Kiewit & Sons
  • Mutual of Omaha Insurance

Other major employers in the area include TD Ameritrade, First National Bank of Omaha, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Buy

Old Market historic district
  • Borsheims. Owned by famed investor Warren Buffet. It is the largest independent jewelry and gift shop in the United States with an inventory of products that makes the Tiffany's catalog look small. 
  • Crossroads Mall. Located on 72nd & Dodge Street. Remaining anchor stores are Target, Sears, and Barnes & Noble. After several years of declining sales due to competition from other malls and new lifestyle centers, most major retailers have left thus leaving the future of Crossroads Mall in question. Target did recently remodel their store in 2012 to include fresh groceries and expanded assortments in other departments. 
  • Nebraska Furniture Mart. The largest furniture store in the country, with over 420,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Primarily contained in two adjoining buildings, it features a vast array of furniture, electronics, appliances, and home decor. 
  • Oak View Mall. An extensive complex near 144th & West Center Road with many stores including a Dick's Sporting Goods, Kohls, Sears, JCPenney, Dillards and Yonkers. A megaplex theater is also nearby. 
  • Old Market. Has many restaurants and upscale shopping. 
  • Village Point. A newer, upscale, open-air lifestyle center located near 168th & West Dodge Road. Scheels, Best Buy, Brix, an Apple store, and other specialty stores and restaurants are found here. 
  • Westroads Mall. Located at 100th & Dodge Streets. Largest mall in Nebraska. The mall itself contains Dick's Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Von Maur, Younkers, and a Rave movie theatre. 
  • Midtown Crossing, 31st and Farnam St. The result of a decade-long urban renewal effort in midtown Omaha. This development provides shopping space, dining, contemporary condominiums and apartments in a single location. 

Eat

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. All restaurants in Omaha are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, but rather uncommon. Below are a selection of locations to eat in Omaha.

Budget

  • Azteca, 9429 S 142nd St. An excellent, yet authentic Mexican establishment. Sandwiched conveniently (nay, conspicuously) next to some of the region's finest interstate-side budgetels. Never mind the petrol fumes, this is one gem that can't be missed. 
  • California Tacos, 3235 California St. Infamous midtown taqueria featuring "puffy-shell" tacos. Served by rotating shifts of neighborhood deziens, uniformed cops, and snobby bros from nearby Creighton University, it makes for a cheap place to take in some culture. Tables get scarce in the afternoon--4PM-5PM is half-off happy hour. 
  • Chopsticks House (Chopsticks House), 5522 North 103rd Street Omaha., ☏ +1 402-965-3333. $4 to $8 entrees. Tasty Chinese dishes. 
  • Dinker's Bar (Dinker's Bar), 2368 S 29th St, ☏ +1 402-342-9742. $5 to $7 burgers. Billed as the best burger in Omaha.. 
  • Dundee Dell (The Dell), 5007 Underwood Ave. (Near 50th and Underwood, which is six blocks north of Dodge St.), ☏ +1 402-553-9501, fax: +1 402-553-4010, . $6 to $14 entrees. See Bar section below for drink prices. Note: while the Dell is a restaurant, it is a very popular bar as well, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If in doubt about the atmosphere, there are some other good restaurants nearby. It can also get busy on these nights. 
  • Katie's, 119 S 40th St. Serves home-style Greek food. 
  • King Kong. Multiple locations. Serves Greek food and is the home of the Triple-Kong burger. Free drinks with a student ID. 
  • Jade Garden (Jade Garden), 2068 North 117th., ☏ +1 402-498-8833. $4 to $8 entrees. Delicious Chinese food and take-out. 
  • Los Portales, 2614 S 13th St. Authentic Mexican that caters to the more adventurous diners. Examples include steak served with cactus, quail, and tongue burritos. 
  • 1 Petrow's, 5914 Center St (Located at northeast corner of 60th and Center St. Take 60th Street exit off I-80 and go north to Center St.), ☏ +1 402-551-0552, . Monday thru Sa 6AM-9:30PM Closed on Sunday. A locally owned American restaurant, serving old time favorites and homemade ice cream. Great burgers and sandwiches, in addition to anything with ice cream. $6 to $12. Most entrees below $8. 
  • Pudgy's Pizzeria. South West corner of 168th and Harrison. The only Pizzeria in Omaha specializing in authentic Chicago style Deep Dish pizza. Also offers thin and original crusts and a few Chicago sandwiches. Family Friendly, and on the weekends offers homemade cheesecake. 
  • Qdoba. (chain), Multiple locations. A Mexican grill chain with burritos voted the best of Omaha. 
  • Smoke Pit BBQ & Lounge, 230 S 25th St. A BBQ shack that serves ribs among other things and is open until 3AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Reasonable prices and variety of sides. 
  • Spaghetti Works. Two Omaha-area locations (Old Market, and 84th St in Ralston). All-you-can-eat spaghetti dinners, including garlic bread and salad bar, for under $10. Many choices of sauces and pastas. Full bar. 
  • Ted & Wally's, 1120 Jackson St. Homemade ice cream with many unique flavors such as French Toast, Trix, Chai Tea, Dirt, and even Guinness. The ice cream flavors are always changing. Voted best ice cream in Omaha. 
  • 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

  • Agave, 5013 Underwood Ave. Located at the former location of Trovato's. Excellent Mexican and Central American cuisine. Their signature dish, pork carnitas, has already received accolades from the Omaha dining press. Extremely potent margaritas! Open till 12AM. 
  • Ahmad's Persian Cuisine, 1006 Howard St. Great, authentic Persian food. All meals are prepared by the restaurant's owner, Ahmad, an Iranian immigrant. Located in the Old Market. 
  • Blue Sushi Sake Grill, 14450 Eagle Run Dr. Rated Omaha's best sushi bar. Serves Americanized sushi. Try the "Thai Lai" or "Cloud Nine" rolls. 
  • Bohemian Cafe, 1406 S 13th St. An Omaha classic. Has been serving authentic, affordable, fresh Czech and European food since 1924. Over 5 million served. 
  • 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. 
  • Cheeseburger in Paradise. (chain), 17304 Davenport Street Suite 100. The Jimmy Buffet chain with some great food and a laid back, island atmosphere. Although known for their hamburgers, the Island salad and the Chocolate Nachos are what you are after here. If that's not your flavor, then anything with "Island" or "Caribbean" in the menu name is a hit. 
  • Five Guys, Burgers and Fries(chain), 697 s 132 st., ☏ +1 402-496-5366. Serves classic burgers 
  • Hiro Sushi, 3655 129th St. Great Japanese restaurant that serves some of Omaha's freshest sushi and sashimi. 
  • Jaipur, 10922 Elm St. In Rockbrook Village. The City's best East Indian food. Also a unique brewery, try the jalapeno beer. 
  • Piccolo Pete's, 2202 S 20th St. Family owned for over 70 years, Piccolo's has been serving Omaha since 1933. Menu items include steaks, fish & chicken dishes, and also a few Italian specialties. Like Gorat's, it is one of Warren Buffett's favorite places to eat. Friendly service and an excellent family atmosphere. 
  • Venice Inn, 6920 Pacific St. Offers Italian food in a kind of surreal atmosphere. 

Splurge

  • The Boiler Room, 1110 Jones St. A relative newcomer to Omaha's fine restaurant scene, 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. 
  • The Flatiron Cafe, 1722 Saint Marys Ave. Fine new American cuisine located in Downtown Omaha. The Flatiron Cafe's staff has been happily serving the theater crowd, business travelers and those celebrating special occasions since 1995. 
  • Gorat's Steak House, 4917 Center St. Believes that they are serving The Finest Steaks in the World. Honestly, they are considered some of the best in America. Favored by Warren Buffett, a dear friend of the family and a valued customer. 
  • Mahogany Prime Steakhouse. (chain). 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. Mahogany is year after year awarded with a "Best of Omaha Award" in the steakhouse category despite the abundance of better local, non-chain establishments. 
  • Mark's Bistro, 4916 Underwood Ave. Mark's unique environment combines casual dining with a neighborhood feel. A relaxed, casual place with exquisite food, Mark's has a hefty wine list and an eclectic menu. 
  • V Mertz, 1022 Howard St. Intimate and romantic ambiance. The menu, which changes weekly, is continental but also offers some innovative culinary creations from a range of cuisine types. Great for special dinners. Located in the Old Market. Famous clientele have included: Bono of U2, local plutocrat Warren Buffet, and Bruce "the Boss" Springsteen. After several tumultuous quarters riddled by declining quality, V Mertz received new management as of July 2009 and has already regained its crown as Omaha's gastronomic powerhouse. 
  • Spencer's for Steaks and Chops, 102 S. 10th St, ☏ +1 402-280-8888. Aged, hand cut and seared to perfection. Spencer's for Steaks and Chops of Omaha is the ultimate steakhouse restaurant. Featuring USDA prime beef from Stockyards Beef of Chicago, Spencer’s restaurant offers sizzling hot porterhouses, juicy filet mignons and the bone-in ribeye for which Spencer’s is named. 

Drink

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

Bars

  • 1 Brass Monkey, 5611 So. 36th St (1/4 mile south on 36th and Q St), ☏ +1 402-991-4920. Mon - Tue: 3PM - 2AM; Wed - Sun: 12PM - 2AM. Home of the beer citizens not the beer hipsters. Brass Monkey serves 39 craft and import beers on tap (2 beer engines) in a laid-back South Omaha setting (old skool corner bar). Live Music or DJ on weekends. Cozy beer garden open all year around. A sponsor of Make a Wish and other charities. 
  • The Crescent Moon, 3578 Farnam St. Large pub and German bier-hall. Hundreds of micros and import beers on tap, and a great selection of German beer. Sometimes a polka band in the bier hall or karaoke on Saturday nights. Check out the beer boutique next door for bottles and cans to take home. 
  • Dundee Dell (The Dell), 5007 Underwood Ave. (Near 50th and Underwood, which is six blocks north of Dodge St.), ☏ +1 402-553-9501, fax: +1 402-553-4010, . $2.75 to $5.75 draft pints. $7 to $12 for pitchers. $2.25 to $25 bottles (huge selection, certainly one of the largest, if not the largest, in Omaha.) Very large scotch selection. Also has full restaurant. See website for full food and drink menu. 
  • Homy Inn, 1510 N Saddle Creek Rd. A fun bar with champagne on tap. 
  • Lemon Drop, 5423 S 36th St. Offers pool tables and live music. 
  • The Max, 1417 Jackson St. 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. 
  • Myth, 1105 Howard St. In the Old Market. Pricey but good martinis. 
  • Rehab, 2615 south 120th St, ☏ +1 402-951-9393, . 9PM - 2AM. Touted by management as "the safest, cleanest, and most enjoyable dance venue this side of Omaha." Ladies free every day. (updated Apr 2015)
  • Saddle Creek Bar, 1410 N Saddle Creek Rd. Has pinball, pool, and darts. Live music and daily drink specials. 
  • The Side Door, 3530 Leavenworth St. Eclectic bar with unique, quality cocktails. Be prepared to wait a few minutes while the bartenders mix them. Free live music Wed-Sat. Diverse and agreeable crowd. Before 9:00, order take-out from Mother India just a block west. 
  • Upstream Brewery, 514 S 11th St. 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. 
  • Starsky's Lounge, 4020 S 13th St. Across from Rosenblatt Stadium. Great bar to hang out at after catching a game at the College World Series or a Royals game. 

The Bluejay bar is Creighton students favorite Wednesday night destination. A $5 cover gets you %1 shots and beers all night.

Farrel's Sports Bar, located downtown off 9th and Dodge, has a great Thursday night line up, with karaoke, $3 cover, and 50 cent busch or pbr.

Other fun bars include the Old Market Tavern, the Dubliner, Billy Frogs, and Barry O's, all located within a few blocks of each other in the Old Market District.

Coffee Shops

  • Aromas, 1033 Jones St, ☏ +1 402-614-7009. European style coffee shop right down the street from Upstream and under the old market lofts. It’s the most versatile shop in Omaha, when it comes to brewing methods and selection. The crowd consists of dedicated college regulars, loft residents and local baristas. Definitely a place to check out if you're looking for sophisticated, yet cozy shop. 
  • Blue Line Coffee (50th & Underwood Streets). 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. 
  • Caffeine Dreams, 4524 Farnam St. Popular meeting spot for many clubs / meetings. Near hospitals and colleges. Local art & photography grace the walls, eclectic music plays over the speakers. Decent priced coffee, cool atmosphere. Free wi-fi. 
  • Espresso Yourself, 118 N 50th St. Just one block off of Dodge Street, the only drive through coffee house in Dundee. Muffins, donuts and bagels offered daily. Outdoor seating. Free wi-fi 
  • 13th Street Coffee Company, 519 S 13th St. Located in Downtown, 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

  • Hilton Garden Inn Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area, 1005 Dodge St, ☏ +1 402-341-4400. 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. 
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Downtown, 1212 Cuming St, ☏ +1 402-345-5500. 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. 
  • 1 Comfort Inn at the Zoo, 2920 S. 13th Ct (take the 13th Street exit (#454), then right on 13th Street, left on 13th Court to hotel), ☏ +1-402-342-8000. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Nice hotel with a decent free hot breakfast. Courtyard rooms give nice access to a space to enjoy some fresh air and picnic tables. Ground-level rooms on east side of hotel feature common windows with the zoo's Hubbard Gorilla Valley exhibit, for close encounters with nature itself! 
  • 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. 
  • 2 Omaha Marriott, 10220 Regency Circle, ☏ +1-402-399-9000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 12PM. Close to CenturyLink Center and TD Ameritrade Park. Free local shuttle service within a five mile radius and complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel. (updated Mar 2015)

Stay safe

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 Lake St, between 24th and 72nd St. Exercise a bit of additional caution when in this area 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 1110AM and 590AM also provide severe weather coverage. Be aware that Omaha is within 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. Also, be aware that steep hills do exist within 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

Consulates

  • Mexico Mexico, 7444 Farnam St. 

Go next

Although gambling is not allowed in the state, go across the Missouri River into Iowa to visit Council Bluffs to gamble at several casinos including Harrah's, Ameristar, and Horseshoe.

Visit Lincoln (50 miles west on I-80) to explore various museums and shopping there. Or catch a University of Nebraska football game, with a mean streak of sold out home games that stretches more than 50 years.

The nearby cities of Bellevue, La Vista, Papillion and Ralston also have various shopping areas.

There are also orchards and vineyards in Nebraska City (Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard or Arbor Day Farm) about an hour drive from Omaha.

Routes through Omaha
Denver ← Lincoln ←  W  E  → Osceola → Chicago
North Platte ← Ashland ←  W  E  → Council Bluffs → Des Moines
Lincoln ← Ashland ←  W  E  → Council Bluffs → Des Moines
Luverne ← Sioux City ←  N  S  → Bellevue → Topeka



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