One of the cultural beacons of Omaha, the Old Market is a historic district that has been converted into an entertainment and shopping bubble. Myriad boutiques, restaurants and jazz clubs line the quaint cobbled streets in this busy nightlife hub. Stroll through this eclectic area for a glimpse into local traditions and culture.
Visit the array of independent stores, antique shops and bookstores dotted around this district. Enjoy lunch at a quirky café or an old-fashioned pub. Choose from more than 30 restaurants. Try dessert at one of the patisseries and bakeries and watch people go by outside. Enter the various galleries to view paintings, photography exhibits and other artistic displays. Consider an art purchase for a lifelong memory of your visit.
Amble along the cobblestone lanes and snap photos of the old buildings, many of which are converted and restored warehouses from the city’s industrial past. Musicians and other types of street performers add to the area’s charm. Try artisanal beers at trendy breweries. Attend a dramatic performance or concert at the historic Orpheum Theater, which first opened in 1927. It has a capacity for 2,600 visitors.
At the northern boundary of the district, explore the marvelous Gene Leahy Mall, with its own lagoon and scenic parkland. The eastern side of the Old Market is flanked by the stunning Heartland of America Park, where you’ll find a vast and picturesque lake.
Note that most stores open daily from morning until evening. Pubs and bars remain open beyond midnight. Some establishments close on Sundays. Check the Old Market website for information on special events and discounts at several shops.
The Old Market district is near the Missouri River, a little east of the Midtown area of Omaha. Take the train to the Omaha railway station and walk north for 10 minutes to get here. You can also ride a bus to one of the stops scattered throughout the district. See some of the nearby highlights, such as the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, the Joslyn Art Museum and the Omaha Children’s Museum.
