Omaha, NE

Travel Guide

A cityscape at night with a calm river reflecting buildings.
A cityscape with modern buildings, a river, and a park with people walking.
A spacious lobby with a checkered floor, large windows, and a Swanson Gallery.
A cityscape with modern buildings, including a prominent glass skyscraper and a building with a 'MARKET' sign.
A lush indoor garden with various tropical plants, a concrete pathway, and a glass ceiling.

Nebraska’s largest city rises from the picturesque plains, its skyline encompassing modern landmarks, sprawling gardens and a lively riverfront precinct.

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 & AquariumOpens in a new window, 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

Find the best Omaha areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Omaha
Learn more about Omaha

Old Market

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.

Downtown Omaha

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Omaha is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Holland Performing Arts Center and CHI Health Center Omaha.

Blackstone District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Blackstone District and surrounding area, you can visit Joslyn Castle and Joslyn Art Museum.

Benson

Travelers enjoy Benson for its live music and golf courses. Consider checking out Fontenelle Park Golf Course while you're in the area.

Aksarben - Elmwood Park

While Aksarben - Elmwood Park isn't home to many top sights, Baxter Arena and Memorial Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

4.5 out of 5
1615 Howard St Omaha NE
$97 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$114 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,128 reviews)
"Jack was so kind and helpful at checkin! He is very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. Kattie at the restaurant was so sweet and a great server. The room and property were just gorgeous. The free milk and cookies were tasty and such a fun treat! Dinner at Olive and Ira’s was delicious and ..."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026

Magnolia Hotel Omaha
Days Inn by Wyndham Omaha NE

Days Inn by Wyndham Omaha NE

2 out of 5
11610 W Dodge Rd Omaha NE
$70 nightly
The price is $82 total per night from Oct 7 to Oct 8
$82 total
Oct 7 - Oct 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Omaha. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
Days Inn by Wyndham Omaha NE
DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest

DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest

4 out of 5
3650 S. 72nd Street Omaha NE
$100 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$117 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,122 reviews)
"That the side door didn’t work to get in"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3-bedroom whole home sleeps 6-8 2 min to zoo,wifi,free parking,grill,ac,1bath

3-bedroom whole home sleeps 6-8 2 min to zoo,wifi,free parking,grill,ac,1bath

Omaha NE
Stay at this vacation home in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and CHI Health Center Omaha are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"The house was very clean! So close to the zoo, which was so handy after a long day of walking. The host was very easy to work with and made planning our family trip a breeze!"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2026

3-bedroom whole home sleeps 6-8 2 min to zoo,wifi,free parking,grill,ac,1bath
Luxury, Family friendly house. Heated pool hot tub

Luxury, Family friendly house. Heated pool hot tub

Omaha NE
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Father Flanagan Historic House ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"This place is fantastic. We are still here but came up for the weekend to go to the zoo. Perfect location, space and quality. This place has such GREAT kids accommodations. The gated stairs, SOOO many toys and of course the extra HUGE hot tub. I couldn’t be any more happy with a VRBO.We have stayed ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

Luxury, Family friendly house. Heated pool hot tub
Midtown Dundee Castle across the street from Warren Buffett!

Midtown Dundee Castle across the street from Warren Buffett!

Omaha NE
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
"This home is my favorite place to stay when we visit Omaha. I believe few things in life are perfect, but as far as rentals go, this place is pretty darn perfect!"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

Midtown Dundee Castle across the street from Warren Buffett!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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 TransportationOpens in a new window website.Browse Omaha rental cars.

Stay near popular Omaha attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Omaha worth visiting?
Omaha is worth visiting for its major venues, including Charles Schwab Field Omaha and CHI Health Center Omaha, which host a variety of events. Travelers can explore distinct areas like Downtown Omaha and Southeast Omaha. The city also offers diverse North American and Latin American dining, with options ranging from classic steaks to flavorful tacos.
When is the best time to visit Omaha?
The best time to visit Omaha is from May through September, when the climate is generally warm and inviting for exploring the city. For fewer crowds and better value, consider the quieter months of November through February. These cooler months offer a different perspective and a more relaxed pace for travelers.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Omaha?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Omaha depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown Omaha features major venues like CHI Health Center Omaha and Charles Schwab Field Omaha, plus the Holland Performing Arts Center.
  • Southeast Omaha offers cultural experiences at the Durham Museum and Joslyn Art Museum.
  • West Omaha provides outdoor recreation at Zorinsky Lake Park, sports at Miracle Hill Golf & Tennis Center, and the Father Flanagan Historic House.
  • Central Omaha includes Memorial Park, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and the Omaha Community Playhouse.
  • North Omaha is home to golf courses such as Miller Park Golf Course, Benson Park Golf Course, and Fontenelle Park Golf Course.

What is a good itinerary length for Omaha?
A good itinerary length for Omaha is two to three days to explore Downtown Omaha, visit Charles Schwab Field, and take an Omaha Downtown Historic Self Guided Walking Tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to discover Southeast Omaha and West Omaha, or enjoy activities like A Spectacular Scavenger Hunt in Omaha. See Omaha Activities.
How do you get around Omaha?
To get around Omaha, renting a car is often the most practical choice, with options available in Downtown Omaha, West Omaha, and Southeast Omaha. While Omaha Station serves train travelers, rideshare services offer another convenient way to explore the city.
What are the top things to do in and around Omaha?
Omaha offers a mix of sports, entertainment, and unique local tours for travelers to enjoy:


How do I plan a trip to Omaha?
To plan your Omaha trip, book flights and hotels in advance. Explore areas like Downtown Omaha, Southeast Omaha, or West Omaha. Consider booking activities such as a Spectacular Scavenger Hunt or an Omaha Downtown Historic Self Guided Walking Tour. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor options for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Omaha?
In Omaha you can find Mexican cuisine, with popular dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Travelers also have many other choices, including North American favorites like Tex-Mex and Southern Soul Food, plus Italian, various Asian dishes such as Chinese and Japanese, and European options like Mediterranean.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Omaha?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Omaha by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Omaha with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Omaha trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Omaha?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Omaha can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Omaha trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Omaha trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Omaha trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Omaha trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Omaha?
If it's your first trip to Omaha, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Omaha hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Omaha hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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