7 Fun Things to Do in Omaha, Nebraska: A Local’s Guide
The best things to do in Omaha include spending a day at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, exploring the Old Market, seeing art at the Joslyn and crossing the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge into Iowa. Add Benson’s bars and local diners for a weekend that goes beyond the headline attractions.
Written by Sarah from The Prosperous Blonde. The personal recommendations and first-person passages come from Sarah’s original contribution. Universal Traveller reviewed the planning information on October 4, 2026; this does not represent a new visit.
Omaha at a glance
Time: 2–3 days, including a full day for the zoo.
Base: Downtown or near the Old Market for convenient evenings.
Getting around: Walk downtown; use a bus, car or ride service for the zoo, Benson and other neighborhoods.
Planning: Joslyn is closed Mondays; restaurants and patios keep their own schedules.
Costs: Local prices quoted here are in US dollars; the booking widget may use another currency. Consider tax and gratuity separately. Visit durations are editorial estimates.
Omaha has a reputation for being a little town on the prairie, but that’s not us. Our city in Nebraska deserves its own stop on a trip through the USA, with local dining, an indie music scene and neighborhoods worth exploring.
Here are my recommendations for fun things to do in Omaha, Nebraska, from the main sights to the places I like to eat and spend time. Treat the restaurants within each section as choices, not a checklist of meals to fit into one day.
Book what fits your visit
Plan the zoo first: Main habitats and the aquarium are included in zoo admission; compare theater and ride extras separately. Joslyn’s general collection and the bridge walk do not require a paid sightseeing package.
Check zoo admission and ticket options
For an extra evening activity, consider an optional ghost-story walk. Compare the Omaha ghost walk on GetYourGuide.
Choose by interest
1. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
One of Omaha’s main draws is the Henry Doorly Zoo. It’s not your average quick zoo stop.
The zoo is BIG. You’ll want to spend a full day enjoying the exhibits, and even then you may not get through everything.
One of the best things about the zoo is that there are so many exhibits inside. If it’s cold, the Desert Dome and Lied Jungle offer indoor stops, although weather can still affect outdoor routes and rides.
If it’s hot, head over to the aquarium. The diving penguins will put a smile on your face.
A few of my favorite things at the zoo: the butterfly house, Skyfari, and watching a short movie. For today’s visit, look for the Lozier Giant Screen Theater and check the separate ride and theater charges before buying extras.
Plan your visit
Location: 3701 S. 10th Street, south of downtown.
Admission / costs: Published October–November admission: US$28.95 ages 12+, US$20.95 ages 3–11; children 2 and under free. Confirm the final checkout total and your visitor category. Aquarium and main habitats are included; rides and theater cost extra.
Hours / access: Published seasonal entry hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. through November 3; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. from November 4–March 31. Some habitats close earlier. Check Today at the Zoo for your date, weather and holiday changes.
Time needed: Allow 5–7 hours, with a lunch break. A shorter visit means choosing a few habitats.
Booking / transport: Parking is free. Buy admission directly from the zoo, then decide whether any ride or film adds enough value for your group.
Visitor information: Zoo, Today at the Zoo, Zoo planning.
2. Find the Beef: Omaha Steakhouses
While in Omaha, one of my recommendations is a great big Omaha steak. The city’s cattle-trading past is part of its food identity.
Omaha is still all about good beef. For a steak dinner, I like the local restaurants with their own history and character.
My original picks included Cascio’s, south of the Old Market at 1620 South 10th Street, and Gorat’s Steakhouse on Center Street. Gorat’s has current menus and reservations online; confirm Cascio’s current service directly before making a special trip.
Plan your visit
Location: Gorat’s: 4917 Center Street. Cascio’s is an original contributor recommendation whose current service still needs direct confirmation.
Admission / costs: Order from the current menu; steak cut, sides, drinks, tax and gratuity change the total.
Hours / access: Gorat’s is closed Monday. Dinner Tue–Thu 4–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 4–10 p.m., Sun 4–8 p.m.; check holiday changes.
Time needed: Allow 1.5–2 hours for dinner.
Booking / transport: Reserve a table at Gorat’s for a fixed evening plan. It is a separate trip from the Old Market, not a restaurant within that district.
Visitor information: Gorat’s.
3. Fun in Benson
Benson is a quirky little neighborhood in the heart of Omaha around 60th & Maple. The retail/drinking/dining area is situated on Maple Street, primarily from 58th to 65th.
This stretch of Maple Street is lined with plenty of shops, galleries, restaurants & bars to keep you more than occupied for an afternoon or a full day.
I used to poke around Found Vintage Market for furniture finds. Its owner announced the Benson store’s closure in February 2026, so don’t plan your shopping around that old recommendation.
Beercade is a fun arcade bar with classic games and pinball machines. Check its current age rules if visiting with children; the report of Found’s announced closure explains the change to Sarah’s old shopping recommendation.
There are also numerous small art galleries and a few second-hand stores that are always worth a look.
After shopping, you’ll be thirsty and hungry. Benson has plenty of bars where you can take a break.
Here are my two favorite places to have a drink in Benson:
1. Barchen Beer Garden – 6209 Maple Street
A German-inspired pub with an outdoor beer garden in the back. Dogs are welcome in the beer garden; anyplace that allows dogs is a winner in my book.
2. 1912 – 6201 Maple Street.
This is my go-to place for a drink after sundown on a nice summer night. The rooftop bar offers a view of Benson; allow time to wait for a table and check that the rooftop is open for your visit.
Plan your visit
Location: Maple Street around 60th Street. Beercade: 6104 Maple; Bärchen: 6209 Maple.
Admission / costs: No district admission. Budget separately for food, drinks, games and any ticketed performances.
Hours / access: Each business keeps its own hours. Choose daytime for browsing and early evening for food and bars; rooftop access depends on conditions.
Time needed: Allow 2–4 hours, longer for a show.
Booking / transport: Combine Virtuoso Pizza with Benson rather than making a second trip. Use Metro’s Maple Street route planner or arrange a ride if drinking.
Visitor information: Benson, Beercade, Bärchen, 1912, Metro.
4. Joslyn Art Museum
For a little culture after your breakfast, check out the Joslyn Art Museum. Galleries, gardens and a cafe make it an easy place to slow down between busier outings.
The original building, completed in 1931, is a work of art itself, with its Art Deco architecture. The museum’s expanded campus now includes the Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion, and general admission remains free, with fees for selected special exhibitions.
Plan your visit
Location: 2200 Dodge Street. Main entrance on the north side of the Hawks Pavilion.
Admission / costs: Free general admission. Selected temporary exhibitions charge visitors ages 13+; check the specific exhibition.
Hours / access: Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Thu until 8 p.m. Closed Monday and major holidays.
Time needed: Allow 1.5–3 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibitions.
Booking / transport: Free on-site parking is first come, first served. The 24th & Dodge ORBT stop is nearby; use the museum’s access information for mobility planning.
Visitor information: The Joslyn.
5. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Take a walk or bike ride across the Bob Kerrey Bridge in downtown Omaha. The bridge crosses the Missouri River between Omaha, NE, and Council Bluffs, IA.
In fact, the bridge is painted to show where the state of Nebraska ends and Iowa begins so that you can stand with one foot in each state while on the bridge.
It’s a fun photo opportunity, with a view of the Omaha skyline and the river. Pair it with The RiverFront parks; check the events calendar instead of assuming there will be a concert on the bridge.
Plan your visit
Location: Missouri River, between Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Omaha approach near 705 Riverfront Drive.
Admission / costs: Free to walk or cycle across; transport and parking are separate.
Hours / access: Outdoor access is subject to weather and any posted restrictions. There is no concert included in a bridge visit.
Time needed: Allow 30–60 minutes for an out-and-back walk and photos. The bridge is about 3,000 feet (915 m) long.
Booking / transport: NPS lists the bridge as wheelchair accessible. Allow extra time for the approach from your hotel, and check wind, ice or storm conditions before setting out.
Visitor information: National Park Service.
6. Omaha Restaurants: Burgers, Pizza and Breakfast
Omaha is home to so many good local restaurants, cafes and bakeries that it’s hard to say what I like best. It all depends on the mood, but these are some of my favorites.
Eat Local: Burgers, Pizza, and Massive Breakfasts
Louie M’s Burger Lust. 1718 Vinton Street.
Enjoy a burger at another one of my local favorites, Louie M’s Burger Lust. I really like the blue cheese burger.
They open early for breakfast, too. Have a seat at the counter or grab a table; the place gets busy, especially on weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
For breakfast, my favorite is the corned beef hash. And I have a soft spot for the toast made with bread from Orsi’s, a local bakery; it makes me throw my low-carb plan out the window.
Virtuoso Pizza – 6056 Maple Street.
A solid old-school pizza place where you can get a whole pizza or pizza by the slice. Indoor tables are limited, with patio seating in warmer weather; the pizzeria does not take reservations.
Breakfast at Lisa’s Radial Café. 817 North 40th.
Wake up with breakfast from one of my favorite old-school diners, Lisa’s Radial Café.
Everything I’ve had here has been generous, including the prime rib and eggs special I enjoyed on an earlier visit. That old roughly $10 price is not a current quote; check today’s specials before ordering.
It’s an indulgent amount of food for breakfast. Give yourself time to enjoy it rather than squeezing it in before a tight reservation.
Plan your visit
Location: Louie M’s: 1718 Vinton Street; Virtuoso: 6056 Maple Street; Lisa’s: 817 N. 40th Street. These are three separate neighborhoods.
Admission / costs: Use current menus. Louie M’s lists corned beef hash with eggs, toast and coffee at US$16.50; tax and gratuity are additional considerations. The old Lisa’s US$10 special is historical.
Hours / access: Louie M’s lists daily 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Virtuoso opens Wed–Fri 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat from 11 a.m. until sold out. Confirm Lisa’s current hours directly before a special trip.
Time needed: Allow 45–90 minutes for one meal, plus waiting and travel.
Booking / transport: Choose one breakfast stop. Virtuoso does not take reservations; order hot takeout by phone. For Lisa’s, confirm the current menu and payment options when calling.
Visitor information: Louie M’s menu, Louie M’s hours, Virtuoso, Lisa’s Radial Café.
7. Spend an Evening in the Old Market
My favorite place in the city is the area south of downtown known as the Old Market. This area is home to historic warehouses that have been converted into shops and restaurants.
You’ll find everything from antique stores to record stores. Be sure to check out Tannenbaum, a store specializing in Christmas decorations, gifts and souvenirs, at 1007 Howard Street.
After browsing the shops, stop into one of my all-time favorite restaurants, La Buvette. It calls itself a French wine bar, but it is also a grocery and a place to settle in over a meal.
They have an eclectic menu with changing dishes. The patio is one of my favorite places in Omaha to sit with a glass of wine.
Grab a glass or two, sit back and settle in for people-watching. For more ideas, see my Old Market guide.
Plan your visit
Location: Old Market around 12th & Howard. La Buvette: 511 S. 11th Street; Tannenbaum: 1007 Howard Street.
Admission / costs: Free to explore the district. Dining, shopping, parking and optional tours cost extra.
Hours / access: Shop hours vary. La Buvette serves food from 11:30 a.m. until one hour before closing; verify the day’s closing time.
Time needed: Allow 2–3 hours with a meal, or longer for browsing and an optional walk.
Booking / transport: La Buvette accepts walk-ins only, with no reservations. Be flexible about patio seating, and consider uneven street surfaces when planning mobility access.
Visitor information: Old Market, La Buvette, La Buvette address, Tannenbaum.
Optional guided evening walk. If local ghost stories appeal to you, the one-hour Omaha ghost tour can complement an Old Market evening. This English-language walk covers about one mile outdoors and does not include entry into private buildings.
Meet at The Arch, 1110 Farnam Street, 15 minutes early. Read recent reviews and conditions before booking: the review sample is small, and the provider lists the tour as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.
Where to stay in Omaha
Downtown and the Old Market: Downtown is a practical choice if you want restaurants, shops and riverfront walks nearby. It offers a mix of hotels, while the zoo and Benson still need separate journeys.
Blackstone and Midtown Crossing: Both are options west of downtown, but they are distinct areas. The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel is in Blackstone at 302 S. 36th Street; the existing Everyday Wanderer review of the Cottonwood offers a personal perspective on the stay.
Aksarben Village: Located near the University of Nebraska Omaha, this neighborhood suits travelers with plans nearby. It is less convenient than downtown if your evenings revolve around the Old Market.
West Omaha: Consider this more suburban setting for specific plans on the west side. The Omaha Children’s Museum at 500 South 20th Street is downtown, so it is not a reason to choose a hotel far out west.
Getting to and around Omaha
Eppley Airfield (OMA) is Omaha’s airport. Check its official pickup and ground-transportation information for rental cars, taxis and ride services; allow roughly 15–25 minutes driving to downtown as an editorial estimate, plus pickup time and delays.
The published regular Metro adult fare is US$1.25, with a US$0.25 transfer; express and other services have different fares. ORBT uses Umo payment; check the Metro route planner for actual stops, schedules and return journeys.
Downtown works well for walking between selected stops, but Benson, the zoo and the restaurant addresses are spread out. A walkable neighborhood does not make the entire itinerary a walking route.
Best time to visit Omaha
Late spring and early fall are our editorial picks for a trip mixing walks, patios and indoor attractions. Visit Omaha describes four distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold, snowy winters; pack layers and adjust outdoor plans to the forecast.
Check the events calendar before booking a hotel, particularly around major sports events and concerts. Museum opening days and your preferred restaurant evening matter more to this route than a blanket recommendation for any day of the week.
A realistic two-day Omaha itinerary
Day 1: Breakfast at Louie M’s, then a substantial zoo visit with a lunch break. Leave time to rest afterward and choose either a steak dinner or Benson for the evening; Virtuoso only fits on its published opening days.
Day 2: Breakfast at Lisa’s after confirming its hours, followed by 1.5–3 hours at the Joslyn. After a lunch break, travel to the riverfront, walk the bridge and return toward the Old Market for shopping, dinner and an optional ghost walk.
As a planning allowance, budget roughly 15–30 minutes for local car transfers between these stops, including parking; use actual schedules for buses. Allow about 30–40 minutes to walk from the bridge area toward the Old Market, depending on your starting point and pace; these are editorial estimates.
If your museum day falls on Monday, swap the days. With one day, choose the zoo or downtown; with three days, give Benson its own relaxed afternoon and evening.
Omaha as part of a longer US trip
If your itinerary includes other cities, use our guides to things to do in Chicago and things to do in Denver to plan separate stays. Both are additional travel legs, not quick day trips from Omaha.
Frequently asked questions about Omaha
What are the best things to do in Omaha for a first visit?
Start with Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Old Market, Joslyn Art Museum and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Add Benson if you enjoy neighborhood restaurants and bars. Choose between a full zoo day and a downtown-focused day when time is short, rather than rushing both.
How many days do you need in Omaha?
Two full days work for a zoo day and a day combining art, the riverfront and the Old Market. Three days leave more room for Benson, longer meals and other museums. These are suggested planning lengths, not a promise that every venue fits every day; the Joslyn closes on Mondays.
What can you do for free in Omaha?
General admission to Joslyn Art Museum is free, although selected temporary exhibitions charge extra. Walking the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and browsing the Old Market are also free activities. Food, shopping, parking and transport still need their own budget.
Do you need a car in Omaha?
A car is useful for combining the zoo, Benson and restaurants across different neighborhoods, but a downtown stay can work with walking, buses and occasional rides. Metro’s route planner is important because a convenient daytime journey does not guarantee a late-night return. Arrange transport before an evening of drinks.
What is included in Omaha zoo admission?
Daily admission covers the main animal habitats, including Scott Aquarium. The Lozier Giant Screen Theater and rides such as Skyfari require extra payment unless your membership or selected package specifically includes them. Compare the official options before adding extras, and check the day’s operating notices.
Is the Old Market good for an evening out?
The Old Market suits an evening of browsing, dinner and drinks among converted warehouses. Shop closing times differ from restaurant hours, so arrive earlier if shopping matters. La Buvette is walk-in only; an optional ghost-story walk adds a guided activity but does not include restaurant meals or private-building admission.
When is the best time to visit Omaha?
Late spring and early fall are useful starting points for a trip mixing outdoor walks and indoor attractions. Summer can be hot and winter brings cold and possible snow or ice. Check the forecast and event calendar for your dates; do not treat the whole April–October period as uniformly mild.
Where should you stay in Omaha for a weekend?
Downtown or near the Old Market is convenient for evening dining and riverfront plans. Blackstone suits a trip centered on neighborhood restaurants and the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel. Choose Aksarben or West Omaha for a specific nearby purpose, and account for extra travel to the downtown sights.
This selection combines Sarah’s personal recommendations with editorial planning updates. Prices and hours were checked against the linked sources; menus, weather, access and bookable dates can change.
- About the Author
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Pauline has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and is a professional content writer. She specializes in writing about travel and food. Pauline spent most of her career life in Dubai and is a Travel Expert for the United States and Costa Rica.
