Location: Omaha
Top Things to do in Omaha
What to do and see in Omaha, Nebraska (NE): The Best Things to do
Omaha is home to the world’s largest indoor desert under the world’s largest geodesic dome above the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit next to one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests! Climb aboard history at The Durham Museum, explore 100 acres at Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center and discover priceless works of art at the Joslyn Art Museum. Explore the Old Market, Omaha’s historic entertainment district, where boutiques, antique stores and restaurants line cobblestone streets.
Restaurants in Omaha
1. Old Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,531 reviews
Omaha preserves its historic place in time in this historic section of town where visitors can stroll along the cobbled streets and explore the many preserved buildings.
Reviewed By BoloBunch - Jacksonville, United States
This quaint old factory town with cobblestone streets, horse carriages, and cinderella rides, has some fun and delicious restaurants packed in the renovated factory buildings. Extremely walkable area for all restaurants in Old Market. On nice weather days/nights, the many outdoor terraces are chock full of people enjoying their time outside. There's a famous bar bike called The Patio Ride which meanders (lively) through the streets of Old Market. With the many parks and trails around the Old Market, walking it off never seemed so good. From microbrew beer to consignment stores to interesting shops, restaurants aren't the only thing that dot Old Market. Its a pretty cool place and one that pleasantly surprises most visitors.
2. St. Cecilia's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Guided tours are available through this Spanish Renaissance-style cathedral, which contains stained-glass windows from the 16th century.
Reviewed By KameradOwO - Sheridan, United States
The museum and gift shop was lovely, and the lady working it was very genuine and kind. Unfortunately the cathedral had a wake happening when I visited so I didn’t go past the first set of pews.
3. Henry Doorly Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,840 reviews
This world-class zoo is famous for its involvement with breeding endangered species from around the world.
Reviewed By StephanieMRS - Omaha, United States
I have been to a couple of Zoos, but Henry Doorly is truly something special. A good place to visit at all times of year (since they have indoor exhibits too), their IMAX is great and has plently of educational options for those interested in learning more about animals or nature through documentaries. Don't forget that the dome has an underground exhibit as well! They allow you to bring food and water to be sure to save money on that front!
4. Omaha Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 490 reviews
Omaha Children's Museum is a hands-on museum that provides an ever-changing series of interactive traveling and permanent exhibits, science shows, and special events. It's Nebraska most-visited museum, and serves families with children primarily ages 8 and younger. Permanent exhibits include the Imagination Playground, a science center, Arts Smart Center, Zooland, Susie's Station, and the Grass Patch. Omaha Children's Museum is a member of the Association of Science -Technology Centers. Parking is free in the two lots south of the museum building. Parking on the weekends is free at the elementary school across St. Mary Avenue. There is also meter parking along the street.
5. Joslyn Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 895 reviews
Reviewed By DeanS208 - Manila, Philippines
Beautiful art deco building, a pleasant well designed sculpture garden in front, and the Chihuly glass sculptures in the main entrance are well presented. The collection is solid, with some excellent Native American and western art as the showpieces, but not the only attraction. When visiting on a morning in the middle of the week it was a joy to move around in such an uncrowded space, although it makes you worry about its financial viability. No charge for the permanent collection. And the café is a real added bonus. If in downtown Omaha would consider going here just for the food in a pleasant setting.
6. Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
Reviewed By TaraMcConkeytravels - Shawnee, United States
Try to come here before May 9th, as they have a really cool Folklore exhibit, as Folklore inspired by nature. They created art using plants and found objects to represent different folklore creatures and it was awesome. That being said, the year round gardens are great too. They have a great children's garden, tropics house, and we always love the bird garden. Reasonable price as well. We take 3-4 hours with 2 kids.
7. Heartland of America Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
This 31-acre park runs through the heart of Omaha along the Missouri River.
Reviewed By mhawrysko - New Lenox, United States
Nice park to sit down and relax in. Our favorite spot was the bench with the large fountain in front of us. There are many ducks and geese there who are used to being fed by people. They will come close to you, but won't bother you. The surrounding area is under construction as the city is building a huge new river walk, but the area around the pond is still nice to visit.
8. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,429 reviews
Reviewed By sheris542
A great, easy walk from one state to another with a great photo opportunity at the state line. We were looking for something to do to kill time before heading to the airport and this was perfect. The museum had interesting artifacts and the people were friendly. Definitely a great spot to enjoy seeing the river.
9. The Durham Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,174 reviews
Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at the historic Durham Museum. Opened in 1931, Union Station was built by Union Pacific Railroad as the showpiece to the city of its headquarters. Considered one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, and now an official National Historic Landmark, the station is one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the country. The Durham Museum offers unique, hands-on learning for people of all ages. Enjoy an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940’s storefronts, HO Model trains, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. During your stay be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.
Reviewed By 857beckyw - Grimes, United States
We happened to visit the Durham when they were running a $5 admission special for a weekday evening. Being a former railroad station, the main area was massive, beautiful, and very Art Deco. It also included a little diner/cafe that was closed/closing for the night while we were there. The lower level includes decommissioned train cars you can tour, as well as plenty of historical displays, exhibits, and even a small theater that screened short documentaries. We also happened to visit a temporary exhibit that enabled patrons to “role-play” as early settlers and attempt to survive by completing tasks as they negotiated a maze representing the first year of the settlement, which the kids/teens with us found the most entertaining part. One of the teens with us kept “dying” and would go through again, determined to “survive.” In all, it was an enjoyable stop on our vacation, especially for the price.
10. TD Ameritrade Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By 121marcf - Lincoln, United States
The College Worlds Series is such a great event to attend at this great ballpark! I love coming here year after year to see great baseball played. In addition, there is an abundance of great food choices while you watch the games!
