{"id":37083,"date":"2018-09-12T05:00:28","date_gmt":"2018-09-12T05:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.npdodge.com\/blog\/?p=37083"},"modified":"2018-09-12T05:00:28","modified_gmt":"2018-09-12T05:00:28","slug":"guide-spending-full-day-downtown-omaha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npdodge.blog\/2018\/09\/guide-spending-full-day-downtown-omaha\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Spending a Full Day in Downtown Omaha"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re new to Omaha or you have lived here your entire life, there is no denying that the entertainment options in downtown have major draw! The heart of the city features an abundance of delicious restaurants, theaters, shops, museums and more. Of course, there\u2019s too much to experience all in one day, but we came up with a guide to help you plan a full day. If you follow this schedule, you\u2019ll get a little taste of everything.<\/p>\n

Bonus: downtown Omaha has a wonderful walk score,<\/a> so these attractions are all within easy reach of each other. Enjoy your day!<\/p>\n

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9 am – But First, Coffee<\/h3>\n

\"Coffeeshops<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re like us (and most of the population \u2014 let\u2019s be honest), the morning isn\u2019t complete without a great cup of coffee. Luckily there are several incredible options conveniently located in the heart of downtown, some of which even made the list of our favorite shops in Omaha<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hardy Coffee Co.<\/a> is a great option if you\u2019re looking for a great cup of coffee \u2014 and they occasionally have breakfast calzones!<\/p>\n

Another great option in the area is 13th Street Coffee and Tea<\/a>, an old school coffee house with quality espresso classic creations housed in the heart of Omaha\u2019s Old Market neighborhood<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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10 am – Learn Something New<\/h3>\n

\"Durham<\/p>\n

The Durham Museum<\/a> is housed in Omaha\u2019s former Union Station and now serves as a popular event venue and historical treasure. The museum has ties with the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, the National Archives and the Field Museum in Chicago, so whether the exhibit is cultural or historic, you can bet that it will be interesting!<\/p>\n

Children and adults alike will enjoy the delights of the Omaha Children\u2019s Museum<\/a>! This award-winning museum is filled with thrilling, educational exhibits like the Charlie Campbell Science Center<\/a>, the Tinker Lab<\/a> and Fantastic Future Me<\/a>, but there is usually a rotating exhibit worth checking out as well. Bring your little ones and let their imaginations run wild.<\/p>\n

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12 pm – Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch<\/h3>\n

\"Kitchen<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of\u00a0The Kitchen Table<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need some sustenance after all that exploring. Thankfully, there are plenty of wonderful lunch destinations in the area. So many, in fact, it can be tough to decide where to go! Depending on what you\u2019re craving, you could grab a locally sourced sandwich at The Kitchen Table<\/a>, enjoy the lunch special at Blue Sushi Sake Grill<\/a>, dig into the famed Croque Garcon Burger at Block 16<\/a>, or stop in at Omaha Tap House<\/a> for pub grub and craft beer. You can\u2019t go wrong!<\/p>\n

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1 pm – Lounge in Heartland of America Park<\/h3>\n

Take some time post-lunch to lounge in a park and simply take in the views. Heartland of America Park<\/a>, conveniently located between Omaha\u2019s Old Market and the Missouri River, is a great place to do this. The park surrounds the scenic Conagra Lake, which features geese, ducks and striking fountains.<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re there, make sure to take a stroll across the Missouri River on The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge<\/a> (more fondly known as Bob the Bridge). This gigantic, 3,000-foot structure connects Omaha to Council Bluffs and showcases skyline views from the center. Venture to the center and find the state line \u2014 you can claim to be in two places at once!<\/p>\n

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2 pm – \u00a0Explore the Joslyn Art Museum<\/h3>\n

\"Joslyn<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of the\u00a0Joslyn Art Museum<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The eclectic collection of works at the Joslyn Art Museum<\/a> span from ancient Greek pottery to pivotal 21st-century paintings, and includes more than 11,000 pieces! It\u2019s easy to get lost amongst the exhibits \u2014 but in our opinion, that\u2019s the best part.<\/p>\n

The museum was donated to the city of Omaha by public figure Sarah Joslyn in memory of her late husband, George, in 1931. Of course, the museum has come a long way since its humble beginnings, but the public can still enjoy free admission on any day of the week. It\u2019s a must-visit destination in downtown Omaha and also one of the city\u2019s most beloved landmarks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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4 pm – Take a Few Photos at Pioneer Courage Park<\/h3>\n

Omaha\u2019s Pioneer Courage Park<\/a> pays homage to the first Nebraska settlers with larger-than-life bronze sculptures illustrating the American experience. Visitors are meant to interact with the sculptures, posing for photos and imagining what life must have been like around the time of Omaha\u2019s founding. It is one of the largest bronze sculpture parks in the world and is certainly a sight to behold!<\/p>\n

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5 pm – Stop in For Happy Hour at The Capitol District<\/h3>\n

The Capitol District is Omaha\u2019s newest entertainment district! \u00a0It opened to the public in fall of 2017, but is already changing the landscape of downtown. There are plenty of options here for shopping, nightlife and fine dining, and also serves as a great destination for happy hour! Our favorites include Burdock + Bitters<\/a> (a swanky whiskey bar with craft cocktails and flights), Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge<\/a> (which boasts an extensive wine list), and Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen<\/a> (an excellent place for a refreshing craft beer)!<\/p>\n

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6:30 pm – Sit Down for Dinner in the Old Market<\/h3>\n

\"Le<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of Le Bouillon<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The Old Market<\/a> is the heart of downtown Omaha<\/a>, featuring brick-paved roads, unique shops and boutiques, fine dining, plenty of art galleries, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the streets. If you haven\u2019t made it to this part of downtown in your exploring, you have to at least stop by for dinner! Our favorite dinner spots in the Old Market include:<\/p>\n