How To Have Fun In Omaha’s Old Market – From A Local!

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Do you want to visit a really cool, often overlooked mid-western city? Come to Omaha-The Big O! Omaha has a great many things to see and do. Visit Omaha in any season and you’ll find a reason to come back! My favorite spot to hang out is in downtown Omaha in the artsy entertainment district – the Old Market – Omaha.

In this article I’ll share what to see & do and where to eat in the Old Market – Omaha.

The Old Market in Omaha has something for everyone

 Nice any time of year is a walk around the Old Market.  Omaha’s Old Market is in the historic warehouse once known as Jobber’s Canyon. 

It’s 17 acres of prime real estate in the shape of cool old warehouses and other buildings renovated into some of the neatest shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries, and coffee shops around.

Pretty much everything you want to check out is within walking distance of everything else here. 

As a local, I’ve been to the Old Market more times than I can count.  I have my favorites but I always find somewhere new that I love.  The Old Market is an ever-changing hodge-podge of funky shops and some of the best restaurants &  bars in town. 

When to Visit The Old Market

 We have four distinct seasons in Omaha. That’s part of our charm. Fall is my favorite season and just the right time to break out the cozy sweaters.

Winter is cold with lots of beautiful, fluffy snow on the ground.

Spring is wet and chilly, so bring your raincoat.

Summer is usually hot and humid, but there’s always a nice place inside or by the water to cool off. 

No matter the season in Omaha, there’s always something going on, much of it at the Old Market.  So visit anytime. 

The Old Market is a happening spot every season.

Where Is The Old Market?

The Old Market in Omaha is roughly between 10th-13th Street from Farnam to Jackson Street. 

My favorite street in the Old Market is Howard Street.  This is the official area of the Old Market, but there are places you’ll want to see outside of these boundaries so don’t be confined by these streets!

These boundaries are loose because there are plenty of quaint coffee shops, good restaurants, bars, and hotels to check out nearby in downtown Omaha. 

Things to do in the old market

Omaha has a great indie music scene, lots of bars, and lots of entertainment districts. The Capital District, Blackstone, and Benson are all good bets for fun.

There are tons of really good restaurants and bars to explore in every part of town. 

Although I’ve had my share of good drinks, good food and good times in each area, my absolute favorite place to hang out in Omaha is the Old Market.

Maybe it’s the cobblestone streets and maybe it’s all the cool old buildings in this historic neighborhood – whatever it is – there is just something so appealing to the Old Market. 

Laden with unique shops, bars and restaurants, antique shops, and more, you will find something that appeals to you.  Downtown in general has a lot to offer no matter what you’re into.

If you’re here for a week or weekend, you must explore the Old Market – Omaha’s premier place to play.  

Gene Leahy Mall

Downtown Omaha has a brand new hip outdoor oasis teeming with recreation and relaxation areas. The Gene Leahy Mall is an urban wonderland in the middle of downtown just waiting for you to discover it. 

Walk The Bob 

Address:  705 Riverfront Drive.  Admission:  Free.  Check out the Bob Kerrey Bridge in downtown Omaha, just north of Old Market Omaha. It’s the first suspension bridge in the country that connects two neighboring states, Nebraska and Iowa.

There is no admission charge,  and this pedestrian bridge is even marked to let you know when you’re entering Iowa, so you can stand on the bridge with one foot in Omaha, NE and one foot in Council Bluffs, IA.  

Don’t forget to take a picture with one foot in each state!  At night the bridge is sparkling in all colors of the rainbow thanks to the multi-colored lights.  So check it out after the sun goes down.  How cool is that?

You can even rent a scooter and ride the bridge if that’s more your style (bring a helmet)! In the Summer months there are usually concerts at the bridge that are totally free.  Free is always good.

Heartland of America Park

Go for a walk around the lake at the park or even better, take a gondola ride through the water! This park, located right next to the Missouri River has lots of great spaces for lounging around the lake amid the flowers and landscaping. There’s also a cool overlook offering super river views!

Henry Doorly Zoo

Address:  3701 South 10th.  Admission $25.  Located just South of the Old Market,  The Henry Doorly Zoo has been voted the best zoo in the world (2014) and is consistently considered to be one of the top five zoos in the WORLD!!

It’s truly world-class.

There are tons of exhibits, both indoors and outdoors, so you can go year-round.

Outdoors you can see the big cats, elephants, giraffes, and gorillas.

Among my favorite indoor exhibits are the Lied Jungle, The Aquarium, The Desert Dome, Butterfly House, the new Sealion exhibit and Stingray Beach, and the super fun Skyfari. 

Honestly, the Henry Doorly Zoo deserves its own post. 

It’s that magnificent.  There’s no way you can go to this zoo and NOT have fun. 

 It’s a do-not-miss-no-matter-whatever-you-do type of thing.  You won’t be sorry.

Fun in the old market Omaha passageway

Address:  10th & Howard.  Admission:  Free.  Home to cool shops & restaurants, the passageway has been a staple of the Old Market since its inception. It’s absolutely beautiful so make sure you take some pics! 

Shop in Omaha’s old market

Address:  All over the Old Market.  Start at 10th & Howard Street and go from there.  Admission:  Free.  One of Omaha’s best attractions and my favorite place to hang out, is downtown at Omaha’s Old Market.

Known for its unique, local shops and restaurants, I’m willing to bet you’re going to like my favorite Omaha spot.

Here are some of the best shops in the Old Market

Tannenbaum

Be sure to stop in at Tannenbaum, the shop devoted to Christmas, 365 days a year.

Homer’s

 Homer’s is the best record store ever! Homer’s has new and used albums galore.  If you like vinyl, Homer’s is the place to go. 

It’s so cool to look through all the old rock albums and I always have to buy a few. 

I finally got a turntable and slowly building up my vinyl collection. 

Raygun

Raygun is one of my favorite shops down in the Old Market. You never know what crazy fun t-shirts they’ll have. 

And I just picked up a super cool Hotel California keychain – my beloved Eagles 🙂

Jackson Street Booksellers

If you like old bookstores in cool buildings, you’ll love Jackson Street Booksellers at 11th & Howard. Always great finds here.

Omaha Patio Ride

Address:  Various.  Call them at:  402-519-5225.  For some solid fun on the move, check out Omaha Patio Ride. Offering a 16 passenger pedal pub, you can get your exercise in while bending the elbow. It’s a win-win!

Art and culture in the old market

Film Streams

Address:  1340 Mike Fahey Street.   Admission:  Around $10.  Visit this independent, non-profit movie theatre to see your not-so-run-of-the-mill-pictures.

Film Steams is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural environment of the Omaha area through film.

I love, love, love going to  Film Streams to catch their interesting documentaries and indie movies. It’s a gem. 

Holland Performing Arts Center

Catch a performance at the theatre! Depending on what’s playing at the Holland, you could see an opera, a musical or other live music events at this state-of-the-art performance center known for it’s incredible acoustics. 

Joslyn Art Museum

Address:  2200 Dodge Street.  Admission:  Free.  Go to the premier fine arts museum in the state of Nebraska where you’ll see all kinds of art with a special emphasis on the arts of the Great Plains.

Thanks to a grant, admission to the spectacular Joslyn Art Museum is free!

**Joslyn is closed for a major remodel at this time, scheduled to reopen in 2024/2025.

The Kaneko

The unique art and creativity space in the Old Market. Visit Kaneko for something unusual. From art to performances to exhibitions, you never know what you’ll find here.

Food & Drink in the old market:  My favorite Old Market restaurants

All my favorite restaurants are in the Old Market.  There’s so many delicious restaurants in the Old Market.  I’ve been to quite a few actually most of them, nd I’m setting a goal to eventually hit every eatery in the Old Market. 

Better start my diet now!!

M’s Pub

The continental eatery & bar has been a staple in the Old Market since the 1970’s.  And it’s still a winner today.  M’s is not the most budget-friendly, but you can just share an appetizer to keep your budget in check. 

I like their amazing lavosh or the baked shrimp scampi.

La Buvette

An outstanding French-inspired wine bar & cafe, La Buvette serves small plates & appetizers among other things,  and of course a great selection of wine.   

They offer intriguing daily specials as well.  La Buvette hits it out of the park with the best patio in the Old Market. 

Get there early or be prepared to wait & hover for a coveted spot.

Great indoor and outdoor dining at LaBuvette. If you’re in a rush, head next door to the grocery where you can grab a quick sandwich or deli items. Try the curry chicken salad!!

Mr. Toad

Mr. Toad is cool place to hang out and feel like your in a British pub.   This special place has been around forever and they keep things rolling with live music on Wednesday and Sunday nights.  It’s a go-to for a relaxed setting to have a glass of wine and has one of the best patios in the Old Market.  (It appears I have a thing for patios!).

Laka Lona Rum Club

Are you in the mood for a fun tiki bar experience?  You’ll feel like you’re on vacation in the tropics at this super cool spot. Try a hurricane or a mai tai.  It’s a must do while in the Old Market. You can hit up their happy hour Monday thru Friday.

Other Favorite Restaurants in The Old Market

Super Casual & Cheap Restaurants to try in the Old Market. All local! 

• Billy Frogg’s – 1120 Howard St. Casual bar & grill with outdoor patio for people watching. Good bar food.
• Little King – 508 S 12th St. Sub sandwich spot & deli. Try the royal treat! No alcohol here. 
• Zio’s Pizza – 1109 Howard St. Super good NY style pizza. Can’t beat my favorite Thai chicken and a glass of wine!

Less Casual Local Spots To Try

• Jam’s – 1101 Harney. Lots of good food here. Everything from meatloaf to enchiladas. Try my fav salad – coconut chicken. Divine!
• Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire – 521 S 13th. Small Italian place with quiet, intimate patio and delicious Italian.
• Spaghetti Works – 502 S. 11th. Bring the whole crew here for the spaghetti. Boundless bowls that include salad bar will fill up even those hangry boys.
• Trini’s – Old Market Passageway. Trini’s Mexican food is a treat if for no other reason that their cool location. Plus the food is good!
• Twisted Fork – 1014 Howard St. A varied menu and lively patio make Twisted Fork a winner.
• Upstream – 514 S 11th.  Upstream’s mac & cheese is killer. Plus great soups, salads, burgers and of course brews made in house…it’s a brewery 🙂
• Via Farina – 1108 S 10th.  Great pizza. Cool atmosphere. Very small so call ahead for a table.

Fine Dining Spots in The Old Market Omaha

I’d love to give you my honest opinion on these fine dining establishments, but alas, I’ve never been! Oh wait yes I have. I’ve been to Omaha Prime for apps & drinks. And it was all good. But, as far as a full-fledged meal? 

These puppies are way out of my wheel-house.

Either because they’re way PRICEY (I”m looking at you, V. Mertz) OR because it’s just not my taste…

But if you want an extra nice meal, then by all means, check out these bad boys. They’ve all got tons of rave reviews so they must be doing something right!  

• Bouillon – 1017 Howard. French & Fancy. 
• Omaha Prime – 415 S. 11th. If you’re looking for Omaha beef, look no further. 
• V.Mertz-1022 Howard St. The location and atmosphere alone would win me over. And the food is supposed to be out of this world!! 

Omaha Farmer’s Market in the Old Market

The premier farmers market in town is down in the Old Market from May through September, and into early October. Its the granddaddy of Omaha farmer markets and this big Omaha Farmers Market downtown is one you won’t want to miss.

It’s in the heart of the Old Market every Saturday morning. There are over 75 vendors with everything from fresh vegetables, fresh flower arrangements and more. It’s also a great place for people watching. And it’s dog friendly so you can bring your furry friend!

Check out the Farmer’s Market while in Omaha. From May through September, and into early October, The Omaha Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday morning in the Old Market. 

Ice Cream In Omaha’s Old Market

You probably don’t know this, but Omaha has awesome, local ice cream shops that all make their own ice cream in house. It’s kind of a thing here. There are a few very good, local ice cream shops in town.

None are better than the Old Market’s Ted & Wallys.  These guys are just incredibly imaginative when it comes to ice cream flavors.  Who’s ever heard of Fish Fry or Chinese Five Spice Ice Cream?? 

They have!  And,  even because I’m not that adventurous so I’ll be sticking to the Mint Chocolate Chip Cake Ice Cream, believe me – it’s all good!  And, it’s very popular.  There’s probably a 95% chance you’ll have to wait.  But good things in life are worth waiting for!!

How to get to the old market

A lot of people think Omaha’s  location is perfect. We’re smack dab in the middle of the U.S., so we’re easy to get to from the East or West coasts. And we have a perfect little airport so you can fly right in, maybe even on a direct flight.

I love our airport, Eppley Airfield. It’s small and rarely are there long lines. We’re spoiled!

Where to stay in the old market Omaha area

It’s fun to stay in the Old Market because there’ are so many things to do within walking distance. It’s just a very walkable neighborhood. There are many hotels in the area, so you can take your pick of places to stay.

All are either in the Old Market or very near in downtown Omaha.  Even better, all are a great value.  If you want a huge score, check out my guide to see how to get free hotel stays!

residence Inn Downtown Old market

Downtown in the Old Market is the best place to stay for visiting Omaha.  You’ll be able to walk to many activities and you’ll enjoy the fresh air during your walks from Point A to Point B. 

I always like Marriott properties.   And the Residence Inn Downtown Old Market .is very nice.

 Magnolia Boutique Hotel

If you like boutique hotels, you’ll love the Magnolia.

It’s super cute and quaint and close to everything.

Hyatt Place Old Market

Another top pick for where to stay in the Old Market is the Hyatt Place. You can never go wrong with Hyatt and this location is excellent.  Hyatt Place Old Market is a top choice for staying in the Old Market.  

Both offer great locations and a moderate price point. You really can’t go wrong with either choice.

Omaha Marriott Capital District

Another great place to stay near a lot of the attractions is the area just North of the Old Market, is the Capital District. There are lots of bars & restaurants here.

All are very close to Ameritrade park. The place is hopping during the College World Series.  Really during the CWS it’s all one big crazy party down here. 

 Check out the Omaha Marriott Capital District for a super nice hotel that won’t break the bank.  

Wrap up For Old market Omaha

So there you have my most fun things to do in or near Old Market. Believe me, this is just the tip of the iceberg.  There’s lots to do in the Old Market.  Enjoy your visit!