One of the Coolest Cities You’ve Never Been to: Omaha, Nebraska

If you’ve never been to Omaha, your only associations with the city might be steaks, Warren Buffett and Peyton Manning’s mysterious catchphrase. And sure, the steaks are delicious. But the “Gateway to the West,” as it’s known, has much more to offer. From its world-class zoo to delicious global cuisine, there are more places to go in Omaha than you might have imagined.

Get outside

You’ll forget you’re in Middle America at the Henry Doorly Zoo Jungle.

Longtime Omaha resident Bry Stamper loves all the outdoor activities available in her city. “The Gene Leahy Mall is like our Central Park,” she says. The ten-acre space in the middle of downtown has walking paths, waterfalls and Bry’s favorite feature—slides for both kids and adults. And if you’re looking for a great photo op, don’t miss the gorgeous lagoon in the center of the park.

Another of Bry’s top suggestions of what to do in Omaha is a visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which regularly ranks among the top five U.S. zoos and one of the best in the world. The zoo, which dates back to the 1890s, has more than 130 acres of exhibits and gardens, including the world’s largest indoor desert and the world’s largest indoor swamp—perfect for kids (and adults) who want to feel like explorers for the day.

Spend some time in Old Market

Find unique gifts, clothing and art in the Old Market neighborhood.

The downtown neighborhood of Old Market is a charming throwback to the days when horses and buggies ruled. Among its cobblestone streets, brick buildings, covered walkways and cozy alleys, you’ll feel transported back to the Omaha of the 1800s. Art lovers can browse galleries like Anderson O’Brien Fine Art, which often features exhibitions by regional artists, or visit the Artists’ Cooperative Fine Art Gallery, where the artists themselves staff the space. As you wander, don’t forget to build in time to enjoy some of the many street and sidewalk performers.

If you’re hungry after exploring, Old Market has plenty of options for grabbing a bite. Try Upstream Brewing Company for delicious pizza, salads and burgers that you can wash down with one of their signature beers, all brewed on-site. For those in search of something eclectic, Bry loves M’s Pub, which serves everything from crispy falafel to perfectly toasted tuna melts. And for those with a sweet tooth, stop by Dolci for soft-serve ice cream infused with creative flavors like green apple, as well as homemade cannoli and pizzelle.

Have a steak

Of course, when thinking about what to do in Omaha, you simply can’t leave without trying its signature dish: steak. Beef is a huge industry in Nebraska, and with the majority of the meat-packing taking place in Omaha, it only makes sense that restaurants here specialize in searing.

“Gorat’s is Warren Buffett’s favorite steakhouse in Omaha,” says Bry. “It’s where my parents always go when they’re in town.” The culinary institution, which first opened in 1944, prides itself on perfectly cooked steaks, as well as Italian specialties. For a dish truly unique to Omaha, visit The Drover for a whiskey-soaked steak; each one is marinated-to-order in whiskey and a secret combination of spices before being prepared to your exact specifications. And if you’d like a great glass of wine with your filet? Head to 801 Chophouse, which has an extensive list of bottles from Napa, Sonoma and beyond.

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