Omaha skyline and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge at sunset
Nebraska · City guide

Omaha

Steakhouses, a world-class zoo and a riverfront that finally grew up.

Omaha rewards a short trip. The walkable Old Market puts cobblestones, cocktail bars and galleries within a few blocks of downtown hotels; Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium anchors an entire family weekend on its own; and the rebuilt riverfront parks connect the two with a pedestrian bridge into Iowa. It is an easy drive from Kansas City, Des Moines, Lincoln and Sioux Falls, which makes it one of the best value weekend cities in the Midwest.

Best time to visit

Late April through June and September through October. Book early for the College World Series in June and for Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting weekend in early May, when downtown rooms sell out and rates spike.

Getting around

Eppley Airfield (OMA) is about 10 minutes from downtown. Downtown, Old Market and the riverfront are walkable; the zoo, Blackstone and Benson need a car or a rideshare of 10–20 minutes.

Local tips before you book

  • Stay in the Old Market if it's your first visit

    You'll walk to dinner, drinks and the riverfront and never move the car. Rates dip Sunday through Wednesday.

  • Do the zoo at opening

    Henry Doorly is huge. Arrive at open, hit the Desert Dome and Aquarium first, and be out before the afternoon crowd.

  • Parking is cheap, but not on event nights

    Downtown garages run a few dollars a day and jump on CHI Health Center event nights. Prepay when you can.

  • Cross the bridge into Iowa

    The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a free ten-minute walk and the best skyline photo in the city at golden hour.

Browse Omaha

Filter by price, neighborhood and vibe — or switch to the map.

Price watchBooking.com: Up to 15% off Omaha downtown stays this monthSee the deal

Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel

Blackstone$$$$from ~$239/night

4.7

The restored Blackstone landmark — the nicest room in the city and a destination lobby.

  • Upscale
  • Date Night
Booking.com: Up to 15% off Omaha downtown stays this month
Editor's pick

The Farnam, Autograph Collection

Downtown$$$from ~$189/night

4.6

Downtown design hotel with a jazz-era lobby bar, walkable to the Old Market and the arena.

  • Upscale
  • Walkable
  • Date Night
Booking.com: Up to 15% off Omaha downtown stays this month
Best for families

Residence Inn Omaha Aksarben Village

Aksarben Village$$from ~$139/night

4.4

Suites with kitchens 8 minutes from the zoo — the practical family basecamp.

  • Family
  • Budget
  • Low Key
Booking.com: Up to 15% off Omaha downtown stays this month

Hotel Deco

Downtown$$$from ~$169/night

4.5

Art-deco boutique in a 1930s tower — small, characterful rooms and a great bar.

  • Upscale
  • Date Night
  • Walkable
Booking.com: Up to 15% off Omaha downtown stays this month

Hilton Garden Inn Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs$from ~$109/night

4.2

Cross-river value play with free parking and a 10-minute drive downtown.

  • Budget
  • Family
  • Low Key
Booking.com: Up to 15% off Omaha downtown stays this month

See the full hotels & stays guide

Omaha guides

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