Things to Do in Omaha
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Ranked “World’s #1 Zoo” in 2014 by TripAdvisor, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium features the largest cat complex in North America; “Kingdoms of the Night,” the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp; Lied Jungle, the world’s largest indoor rainforests; and the Desert Dome, the world’s largest indoor desert and world’s largest glazed geodesic dome (larger than Montreal’s Biosphere or Epcot’s Spaceship Earth). They also just welcomed a baby elephant, born on March 2nd, 2023.
The Old Market
Omaha’s “downtown” area and easily walkable from Hotel Deco. Lots of cool shops, restaurants, and bars. Make sure to check out The Old Market Passageway at 1020 Howard Street, which is a beautiful and unique space for restaurants, shops and art galleries.
Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront
Omaha Children's Museum
Truly a fan favorite! Even now I would have fun at the children’s museum.
Lauritzen Gardens/Kenefick Park
100-acre botanical gardens offering exhibits that change with the seasons, plus a cafe & gift shop.
The Durham Museum
Learn about Omaha and Nebraska’s history, explore old trains, and visit one of the many exhibits they have on site.
Joslyn Castle
In 1903, George and Sarah Joslyn completed one of Nebraska’s greatest homes—a 35-room Scottish Baronial mansion atop a hill on Omaha’s outskirts. The four-story house was completed at a cost of $250,000—about $7 million in 21st century dollars. The Castle includes a reception hall, music room, ballroom, a library and gold drawing room. The basement at one time housed a bowling alley. With the addition of a music room in 1906, the house totaled 19,360 square feet.
Hollywood Candy
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store carrying a large selection of retro candy, bulk candy, homemade chocolates and PEZ. The soda shoppe also features over 200 varieties of soda pop.
Wicked Rabbit
Speak easy located on the back side of Hotel Deco. Look for a small “liquor shop” called Through the Looking Glass. This speak easy continues the Alice in Wonderland theme you’ll see throughout Hotel Deco.
Beercade2
Arcade offering a variety of new and old games, beer on tap, and full bar. Another favorite of Drew and Tiana!
Ted & Wally's Ultra-Premium Ice Cream
An Omaha staple! Handmade ice cream with rotating flavors daily.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Another one of Drew and Tiana’s favorite spots. Local to Omaha, they’ve now expanded into multiple other states. Sake Bombers Lounge is also located upstairs of Blue Sushi.
Gather in Omaha
Gather is home to Omaha’s first and only urban vertical farm: Gather Urban Farm. Get a completely unique Omaha restaurant experience by seeing a variety of hyperlocal farm-to-table greens – from arugula to watercress – being grown and used throughout the menu.
Trini's Mexican Restaurant
Located in The Old Market Passageways, Trini's is an Omaha staple with a romantic, intimate ambiance with candle-lit tables and low lighting. Favorites include tacos, enchiladas, and burritos as well as a number of appetizers and desserts.
Jams Old Market
An American Grill that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties of food dishes. One of our favorite date night spots when we lived in Omaha!
Plank Seafood Provisions
“Eat Well, Travel Often” Plank is a coastally-inspired oyster bar and seafood grill located in the heart of the Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska
M's Pub
One of Omaha’s most well-known local restaurants. For over 40 years, M’s has been the industry leader for excellence in chef driven food and a creative wine list. This locally owned spot has an historic setting with a cozy atmosphere.
Hiro 88
Another fan favorite sushi restaurant.