Omaha holidays
Baseball fans flock to Omaha for its annual College World Series, but there’s so much more to this Midwestern city to discover. Nationally recognised arts and music and an emerging restaurant scene round out a holiday to Omaha. Throw in easy access to nature and wonderfully walkable historic neighbourhoods, and you’ve got all the ingredients for the perfect Midwestern getaway.
Omaha holiday highlights
Courtesy of Visit Omaha
World-class attractions
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is ranked one of the top zoos in North America for good reason. Everything about it is big, from the sprawling acreage of its exhibits to the world’s largest indoor desert, which in turn is located in the world’s biggest geodesic dome. A large variety of habitats are represented, including an indoor rainforest you’ve got to see to believe.
Historic districts
Take some time out of your holiday to Omaha to wander its many distinct historic districts. Most holidays begin in Downtown Omaha, then head further afield. The Country Club historic district shows off revival architectural styles, while Indian Hills showcases mid-century modern architecture. Florence is Omaha’s oldest neighbourhood, with more historic buildings and markers than anywhere in the state.
Where to stay
One of Omaha’s best neighbourhoods for lodging is The Old Market, a brick-paved, walkable district just west of the RiverFront park. Downtown Northeast is also convenient and populated with plenty of places to eat and shop. Visiting Creighton University? Stay in student-friendly Jefferson Square just west of Downtown.
Omaha: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
June – July
Low season
January – February
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Omaha
Omaha
Visit Omaha
Places to eat
Omaha is famous for steak, and locals know to order it medium rare. But the city embraces all cuisines, and its best chefs are gaining national attention. Many classic, long-standing restaurants are in the Old Market, while Little Bohemia hosts hip cafes and cosy cocktail bars. Stop by the historic Blackstone Hotel for an authentic Reuben sandwich, an Omaha original.
Take in the culture
Get a taste of Omaha’s railroad roots by visiting its historic art deco Union Station, home to the impressive Durham Museum. There’s a Union Pacific Railroad Museum too, just across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Fine art fans should plan to visit the newly refreshed Joslyn Art Museum, with its rotation of visiting exhibitions and massive permanent collection.
Shopping
Omaha is home to department stores, countless fashion boutiques and many notable gallery shops and speciality stores. But what the city does best is antiques. You’ll find dozens of antique shops and warehouses around town and across the river in Council Bluffs. Feeling fancy? Make a stop at Borsheims, the country’s largest independent jewellery store.
FAQs about Omaha holidays
English is commonly used across the city. From everyday greetings to unique local expressions, you'll probably add a few new words to your vocabulary during your city break in Omaha.
With temperatures hitting highs of 32ºC (90ºF), July is the warmest month in Omaha.
January brings the coolest conditions. Organise your Omaha trip then and you can expect lows of -12ºC (10ºF).
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for payments throughout your trip to Omaha. Pay with a card when you can, but have some cash handy for businesses that don't accept cards.
A weekend is the ideal amount of time for a holiday in Omaha. Consider booking restaurant reservations in advance, especially if you’re hoping to dine at one of the city’s famous steakhouses.
The rainiest month is June, which receives an average rainfall of 17 cm. But don't let that take the shine off your Omaha trip — there's still loads to do indoors like shopping, exploring museums, or hanging out in cosy cafes.
Omaha is generally a safe place to visit on a holiday. This is especially true if you’re staying in a pedestrian-heavy part of town like Old Market or Downtown. You may notice a few roaming police officers and security guards on your holiday to Omaha.
Holidays here are relatively affordable compared to larger cities in the US. Flights and hotels to Omaha are typically more expensive when there’s a major sporting event in town. Heading to the zoo? Look for hotels that offer lodging deals with admission.
No two days are the same with all the things to do in Omaha. From Old Market to Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and more, this city has all the makings of a great escape.
May is when airfares are at their lowest, so search for Omaha flights and hotels during that month. Use the savings to upgrade to a more luxurious hotel stay or even book a rental car to make getting around easier.
