About Omaha
Omaha is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nebraska. It is located in the Midwestern United States along the Missouri River, about 10 mi (15 km) north of the mouth of the Platte River. Omaha had a population of 486,051 at the 2020 census, and with a 2025 population estimate of 488,797, it is the 42nd-most populous U.S. city. The eight-county Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area extending into Iowa has approximately 1 million residents, the 55th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. It is the county seat of Douglas County.
Places to visit in Omaha
-
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Zoo · 2 mi from centreA highly regarded zoo with an indoor desert under a glass dome, a nocturnal swamp exhibit, an aquarium tunnel and a large indoor rainforest; plan a full day.
-
Old Market
NeighborhoodBrick-paved streets of converted warehouses packed with restaurants, galleries, bars and boutiques, the liveliest part of downtown for strolling and evening dining. Horse-drawn carriage rides and street musicians add to the atmosphere on weekend evenings.
-
Joslyn Art Museum
MuseumAn Art Deco marble building holding art from antiquity to the present, notable for its watercolors and prints documenting the American West and its Indigenous peoples.
-
The Durham Museum
MuseumInside the grand Art Deco Union Station, this history museum features restored railcars, regional history exhibits and a working old-fashioned soda fountain. The grand waiting hall alone is worth seeing.
-
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
ViewpointA curving footbridge across the Missouri River linking Nebraska and Iowa, where visitors like to stand with one foot in each state while enjoying riverfront views.
-
Lauritzen Gardens
Park · 2 mi from centreA botanical garden overlooking the river valley with rose, herb and woodland gardens, a model railroad garden and a conservatory with seasonal displays. Seasonal flower shows make repeat visits rewarding.
-
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum
Museum · 26 mi from centreBetween Omaha and Lincoln near Ashland, this museum displays Cold War bombers, missiles and aircraft in large hangars, appealing to aviation and history enthusiasts. Combine it with nearby state parks along the Platte River.
Where to stay in Omaha
Popular hotels in Omaha, out of 103 properties you can book.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown
From $141 per night
Cambria Hotel Omaha Downtown
From $96 per night
Hilton Omaha
From $1,120 per night
Home2 Suites By Hilton Omaha/West
From $103 per night
Omaha Marriott
From $160 per night
Hyatt Place Omaha Downtown Old Mrkt
From $111 per night
Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market
From $178 per night
The Magnolia Omaha
From $97 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Omaha-Downtown
From $100 per night
Staybridge Suites Omaha 80th & Dodge
From $144 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha-Downtown
From $89 per night
Home2 Suites by Hilton Omaha I-80 at 72nd Street
From $144 per night
Best time to visit Omaha
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Omaha is September to October, when average daytime highs are around 71–80°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Omaha weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 75° 49° 5%
- Thu 22 Oct 75° 56° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 78° 60° 2%
- Sat 24 Oct 73° 61° 25%
- Sun 25 Oct 64° 49° 24%
- Mon 26 Oct 49° 42° 18%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Omaha
These are the airports closest to central Omaha. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- OMA Eppley Airfield4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
- MIQ Millard Airport10 mi (16 km) from the city centre
Getting around Omaha
Neighbourhoods of Omaha are generally ill-defined and rarely used. When describing a location, Omahans are more likely to give an intersection. For example "39th & Davenport" for Joslyn Castle or "156th & Center" for Zorinsky lake. Roughly speaking: Downtown is between I-480 and the Missouri River, Midtown is between I-480 and I-680, and West Omaha is west of I-680.
By car
By far the easiest and most convenient way of getting around. The city is a grid and easily navigable, numbered streets run north-south and increase in number as you go west. Parking is plentiful and often free outside of downtown, and traffic jams are rare. All major rental car companies operate in Omaha.
By bus
The Omaha Metro has regular bus services serving around Omaha. Fares are $1.25-1.50 for adults, $1 for students, and $.60 for seniors. There is a bus rapid transit (BRT) line, ORBT, and there is also a streetcar line under construction as of 2026.
By taxi
Taxi service is available, but there is much less than in major cities. Taxis are always available at the airport and train and bus stations, but you won't be able to hail a cab downtown; you must call and arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies. Ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft are also present.
Omaha travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Omaha?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Omaha is September to October, when average daytime highs are around 71–80°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Omaha?
July is usually the warmest month in Omaha, with average highs of 87°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 14°F (-10°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 145 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Omaha?
Eppley Airfield (OMA) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Omaha. Other nearby airports include Millard Airport (MIQ, 10 mi).
What time zone is Omaha in?
Omaha uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Omaha?
Neighbourhoods of Omaha are generally ill-defined and rarely used. When describing a location, Omahans are more likely to give an intersection. For example "39th & Davenport" for Joslyn Castle or "156th & Center" for Zorinsky lake.
What are the best places to visit in Omaha?
Top sights in Omaha include Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Old Market, Joslyn Art Museum and The Durham Museum. A highly regarded zoo with an indoor desert under a glass dome, a nocturnal swamp exhibit, an aquarium tunnel and a large indoor rainforest; plan a full day.
Where should I stay in Omaha?
Popular areas for hotels in Omaha include Downtown and Bellevue. Well-reviewed options include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown and Cambria Hotel Omaha Downtown.
How many hotels can I book in Omaha?
Destina Holidays currently lists 103 properties in and around Omaha, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
