Omaha Adventure: A 5 Day Budget-Friendly Guide

Discover the heartland without breaking the bank in Omaha.

21 June 2023

Exploring Omaha on a limited budget is possible through various affordable accommodations, local transportation, and low-cost attractions. Budget-friendly options such as staying in a hostel or camping in a nearby park can save money on lodging. Visiting the Omaha Zoo, Joslyn Art Museum, and Lauritzen Gardens are just a few of the affordable activities the city has to offer.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Omaha Welcome

Check-in at the Hyatt Place, a perfect hotel centrally located in the heart of Omaha.
Grab a cup of coffee at Archetype coffee, a trendy café with a welcoming ambiance.
Explore the Old Market, a historic district with cobblestone streets, art galleries, and artisanal shops.
Visit the Durham Museum, housed in a renovated art deco train station with fascinating exhibits on Omaha's history.
Enjoy dinner at Block 16, a local favorite known for its gourmet burgers and vegan options.

Day 2

Art & Culture

Start the day with breakfast at Early Bird, a charming café with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients.
Visit the Joslyn Art Museum, with a diverse collection of art ranging from ancient to contemporary.
Wander around the Gene Leahy Mall, a picturesque park with a lagoon and spectacular views of the city skyline.
Catch a show at the Orpheum Theater, an iconic venue that hosts Broadway productions and other live performances.
Indulge in dinner at V. Mertz, an upscale restaurant with a farm-to-table approach and a rotating seasonal menu.

Day 3

Nature Escape

Take a day trip to Fontenelle Forest, a beautiful nature reserve with over 2,000 acres of hiking trails, wildlife, and scenic views.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at Heron Haven, a peaceful wetland sanctuary with birdwatching opportunities.
Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, one of the best zoos in the world with a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
Have dinner at Upstream Brewing Company, a casual spot with some of the best beer in town and tasty American cuisine.

Day 4

Sports & Entertainment

Grab breakfast at Dario's Brasserie, a cozy Belgian eatery with a delicious brunch menu.
Head to the TD Ameritrade Park, home of the College World Series and other major sporting events.
Check out the eclectic music scene at The Waiting Room Lounge, a popular venue for local and national acts.
Test your skills at Dave & Buster's, a fun-filled arcade and sports bar with classic and new games.
Enjoy dinner at La Mesa, a Mexican restaurant known for its flavorful dishes and margaritas.

Day 5

Final Explorations

Start the day with breakfast at Leo's Diner, a classic diner with generous portions and homestyle cooking.
Visit the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum for a trip back in time to aviation and space history.
Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs at the Nebraska Furniture Mart, the largest home furnishings store in North America.
Relax at the Aksarben Cinema, a cozy theater with comfortable seating and an excellent drink selection.
Have dinner at Dante Pizzeria, a top-rated restaurant with gourmet Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian specialties.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Omaha by plane is to fly into Eppley Airfield, which is the city's major airport. Several major airlines, including American Airlines and Delta, offer frequent flights to and from Eppley Airfield. From there, you can easily reach downtown Omaha by taxi or public transportation.

Car

If you have access to a car, driving to Omaha is a great option as the city is easily accessible from the surrounding states. Interstate 80 runs through Omaha, making it easy to reach from the east and west. From the north or south, you can take Interstate 29 or Interstate 35 which connect to 80. There are also several rental car companies, including Hertz and Enterprise, located at Eppley Airfield for those who need to rent a car.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Omaha. However, you can take Amtrak to nearby cities such as Lincoln or Omaha, and then take a bus or rent a car to get to Omaha. The Amtrak station in Lincoln is located at 201 North 7th Street, while the closest Amtrak station to Omaha is in Creston, Iowa.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no ports or harbors in Omaha, so it is not possible to get there by boat. The nearest major waterways are the Mississippi River and the Missouri River, but they are still quite far from Omaha. If you are looking for a scenic boat ride, you can consider taking a river cruise that stops in nearby cities such as Kansas City or St. Louis.

Bus

Taking a bus to Omaha is a convenient and affordable option, with several bus companies serving the city. The Greyhound bus station is located at 1601 Jackson Street in downtown Omaha, while the Megabus stop is at the Crossroads Mall on 72nd Street. You can also take a shuttle bus from Eppley Airfield to downtown Omaha, with several companies offering the service.