Best Things to Do in Omaha

The best and most popular spot for tanking. Tank Down the Elkhorn will provide everything you need (minus snacks and beverages), even a shuttle ride at the end of the four- or five-hour trip.

A perennial contender on “America’s Best Zoo” lists, it has 160 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the world’s largest indoor desert (Desert Dome) and one of world’s largest indoor rainforest exhibits (Lied Jungle). These exhibits offer a chance to walk through various climates and ecosystems firsthand. Be sure to also check out the zoo’s newer exhibits, like the Asian Highlands, Sea Lion Shores and African Grasslands. You can even feed the giraffes.

Recently revitalized, the Blackstone District is a hub for cool eateries and bars. Grab a bite at Stirnella, farm-to-cone ice cream at Coneflower Creamery and a nightcap at the Red Lion Lounge or Crescent Moon Ale House. Furthermore, nationally acclaimed coffee roaster Archetype can fuel your Omaha exploration. 

Before Blackstone earned the “up and coming” label, the renovated warehouses of the Old Market District were the place to be, and in a lot of ways, they still are. Among the area’s standouts culinary gems is V. Mertz, hidden inside the beautiful Old Market Passageway and with the state’s highest-ranking sommelier to boot. Other winners include Blue Sushi Sake Grill, with its great patio and even better happy hour, the healthy slow-food-fast goodness of Kitchen Table and the legendary burger at Block 16, chef Alton Brown’s favorite in the nation. Be sure to stop into the downtown record store, Homer’s, one of the best record stores in America. 

During the day, Benson’s got you for coffee, yoga and lunch options. Try the insta-worthy Dripped + Draped for a trendy, glittery way to satisfy your caffeine craving. After the sun sets, the nabe has some of the city’s best places to drink, like the rooftop at 1912, Krug Park and Benson Brewery. Hungry for James Beard Award-nominated grub? Stop into the greatness that is Au Courant, with its ever-changing tasting menu embracing the bounty of the heartland harvest. 

This Southside enclave has seen a slew of new businesses sprout up in the past two years, including plant goddess The Green House, the retro fabulous diner Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors and Tiny House, which is well…an upscale cocktail bar in a tiny house. Sustainable shopping is the name of the game in Little Bohemia, with female-owned shops like Noa Brides, Dusk Goods & Gifts, The Chute and New Wave Clothing leading the way. 

Don’t expect the extravagant trappings of a fancy steakhouse. This unassuming Waterloo restaurant eschews the bells and whistles in favor of simple steaks done right in the suburbs. 

Inside the Hotel Deco, you’ll find this upscale spot known for its dry-aged steaks and creative cocktails. Pay special attention to the epic and bold decor choices in this eatery. 

Settle in at Gorat’s and you might find your table next to Warren Buffett, who’s known to frequent this midtown Omaha mainstay. The Midwest-sourced steak prices are surprisingly reasonable, considering it’s a billionaire’s favorite restaurant. 

The atmosphere was inspired by Spanish monasteries and makes for an intimate, romantic steakhouse experience. Plus, they have an extensive wine list to deliver the perfect pairing for your filet or rib-eye. 

Many Omahans will likely list this longtime spot as their favorite, particularly for its most popular dish, the whiskey-marinated filet. Expect a dark and cave-like haunt that is somehow still super welcoming and cozy. 

A stylish eatery in the Old Market district featuring New American fare along with beer, wine and cocktails. A devastating winter 2016 fire hasn’t kept M’s down, as it’s back open and returned to its original charm and excellence.  

Here’s where the big names hang out. This industrial bar venue has seen touring acts from every genre, including Matt & Kim, Wiz Khalifa, Imagine Dragons and the Psychedelic Furs. 

This indie-rock venue is a venture of Saddle Creek Records and is surrounded by restaurants, shops and apartments in NoDo (North Downtown).  They often have shows three to four nights a week. 

For a warm, rustic vibe with local talent, head here. They typically host blues bands and singer-songwriter types but venture into other genres too. Plus, there’s no cover.

A vintage, laid-back bar founded by Omaha native musicians Philip Schaffart and Conor Oberst. Come for the indie music royalty and stay for the excellent craft cocktails. 

This is the city’s flagship luxury hotel, born out of the historic Aquila Court Building. Situated downtown, it’s near some of Omaha’s top attractions, like the (free to visit!) Joslyn Art Museum and the aforementioned Henry Doorly Zoo. The Magnolia serves three meals a day, has $3 craft beers for happy hour and even spoils guests with fresh, house-made cookies at 8 p.m. every evening. 

Also see:

Magnolia Hotel

A sophisticated boutique hotel near Old Market that’s not short on style. It walks the line between hip and historic and houses the swanky Monarch Prime & Bar. Wander just beyond the hotel’s grand entrance and you might just find the city’s first and still favorite speakeasy, the cozy Wicked Rabbit. 

The Civil Rights activist’s birth home isn’t standing anymore, but in its place are 10 acres of land owned by the Malcolm X Foundation, including a community garden. This location is part of the National Park Service’s travel series highlighting the places of the Civil Rights Movement, the aptly named We Shall Overcome Itinerary. 

It’s played host to the College World Series since 2011 (and will continue to host until 2035). And over the rest of the year, it’s home to Creighton’s Division I baseball team. 

This is one of the nation’s largest murals, coming in a total of 32,500 square feet. It traces Omaha’s history to the present day and beyond (and is right by the CWS stadium!) 

A striking mural adorning the historic J.F. Bloom Building, it depicts a baseball player and a laborer, a tribute to the city’s sports and industrial history, and is also located very near TD Ameritrade Park. 

Omaha-based multidisciplinary artist Watie White has a series of “100 People” murals sprinkled around the city. Look for Dr. Sofia Jawed-Wessel between Early Bird and Stirnella in the Blackstone District, playwright Beaufield Berry near 20th and Vinton Streets and Kabin Thomas near the Benson Theatre. All are inspiring members of the community, from artists to changemakers and beyond. 

Here’s Nebraska’s largest Jelly Belly assortment and 150+ flavors of soda. But the building contains more than just sweets. It’s actually four different shops — a candy store, a pinball arcade, a movie theater and a diner — each providing a retro entertainment experience. And just because Hollywood Candy is a blast from the past doesn’t mean they ignore current trends; check out their handmade hot cocoa bombs for a current treat obsession.