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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.

LiveHappening this weekend

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.

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Missouri River
  • Stays
BlackstoneStays

Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel

4.7from ~$239/night

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

  • Upscale
  • Date Night
Check availability

Pins are schematic and show relative position across Omaha's neighborhoods.

See the full hotels & stays guide

Omaha guides

Couple walking past a mural in Omaha at golden hour

Top 10 Things to Do in Omaha This Weekend

A tight, walkable 48 hours built around the Old Market, the riverfront and one very good zoo.

8 min read
Family watching fish in an aquarium tunnel

Best Family Hotels Near Henry Doorly Zoo

Where to stay with kids in Omaha: drive times, suite options, pools, and what parking actually costs.

7 min read
Upscale steakhouse dining room with warm lighting

The Omaha Bleisure Guide: Boutique Stays & Upscale Dining

In town for a convention? Here's how to turn two work days into a very good extra 36 hours.

6 min read
Old Market cobblestone street at dusk with string lights

The Omaha Date Night Guide

Cocktails, cobblestones and low-lit rooms — a locals' shortlist by neighborhood.

5 min read
Brick warehouse hotel facade in Omaha's Old Market district

Where to Stay in Omaha: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide

Old Market, Downtown, Blackstone, Aksarben or Council Bluffs — which one fits your trip, and what you'll pay.

9 min read
Family walking through the Desert Dome at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Omaha With Kids: A Family Weekend That Actually Works

The zoo, the children's museum, the riverfront slide and a food plan that survives a four-year-old.

8 min read
String lights over a restaurant patio in Omaha's Old Market

The Omaha Food Guide: Steaks, Reubens and the Blackstone Block

What to eat in a beef town that quietly got very good at everything else.

7 min read
Visitors walking under the Desert Dome at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Omaha Tickets & Tours: What to Book Ahead (and What to Walk Up To)

Zoo entry, food walks, game days and airport transfers — what actually sells out, what it costs, and where to book it.

7 min read
Intimate steakhouse dining room with warm lighting in Omaha

Omaha Couples Weekend: Date Night, Hotels & Brunch

A full 48-hour Omaha itinerary for two: rooftop drinks, a proper steak, a boutique room and a slow Sunday morning.

7 min read
Couple walking past a mural in Omaha at golden hour

Free Things to Do in Omaha

The best no-cost stops in Omaha — parks, museums, markets and skyline views — plus where to spend if you want to upgrade.

6 min read
Harrah's casino and hotel on the riverfront in Council Bluffs, Iowa, across from Omaha

Omaha Casinos Compared: Harrah's, Horseshoe, Ameristar, Prairie Flower & WarHorse

Five casinos, two states, ten minutes apart — which one to pick for tables, slots, a hotel room or a late dinner.

9 min read
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