Downtown
When the first settlers set up camp on the western banks of the Missouri River, the city of Omaha was born. What was once the site of these early dirt roads and crude, makeshift buildings is now a bustling urban area. The downtown area has experienced resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with several billion dollars of new construction. The new developments include the Qwest Center Omaha arena/convention center complex, the Holland Performing Arts Center, the Gallup University campus, The River City Star riverboat landing, National Park Service Midwest Region headquarters, new high-rise headquarters towers for First National Bank of Omaha and Union Pacific Railroad and hundreds of condominium units. The First National Bank of Omaha tower is tallest building between Denver and Minneapolis, including its direct rival to the south, Kansas City, passing its tallest by 1ft.

Downtown is also a haven for the arts. The Joslyn Art Museum, the Orpheum Theater, the Durham Western Heritage Museum, the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, Jackson Art Works, the Civic Auditorium and more are all located here.

Central
This district hosts the city’s older, more established neighborhoods, including the Bemis, Gold Coast and Blackstone areas, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dundee, a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets, quaint homes and a small shopping district, is also popular. Here you can dine on contemporary Jamaican cuisine at Bomba Dia, stroll down to the Dundee Dell for fish and chips, or stop by Trovato’s for a hot plate of pasta. The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Elmwood Park, Memorial Park, the Omaha Community Playhouse and Crossroads Mall make Central Omaha a cornucopia overflowing with exciting things to do.

West Central
Known for big, expensive homes and abundant shopping centers, West Central Omaha is home to many of the city’s well-to-do residents. Shopping malls are everywhere, with One Pacific Place, Regency Court, Westroads Mall, Countryside Village Shopping Center and Rockbrook Village all located in this well traveled area. Sightseers shouldn’t miss visiting Girls and Boys Town, the world-renowned residential facility founded by Father Flanagan. Excellent restaurants are also plentiful. Enjoy a leisurely brunch at the Market Basket, master the art of the chopstick at the Imperial Palace or relish Tex-Mex food and ambiance at Stokes Grill and Bar.

North Omaha
Take a trip back in time in historic North Omaha. The Mormon Pioneer Cemetery is located on the site where the Mormons camped during their cross-country trek in the mid-1800s. Fort Omaha, originally built as a military post in 1878, is now the main campus for Metropolitan Community College. Straddling North Omaha and Downtown is Creighton University, a well-respected Jesuit university with medical, dental, law and liberal arts programs. Located along the river is Freedom Park, a naval/military museum with an impressive outdoor display of Second World War ships, submarines and military artifacts. N.P. Dodge Park offers picnicking, sports fields and a large Missouri River marina. Travel a bit west to the North Hills and you’ll find wide-open spaces, grazing horses and frolicking deer.

Northwest Omaha
Welcome to the fastest growing area in the city, the land of swing-sets and minivans, where housing developments and shopping malls occupy every corner. Catch the latest flick at the 20 Grand Theatre or linger over dinner at Vincenzo’s. If Thai food is your passion, try Thai Spice. Golfers, meanwhile, will find the Champions Club, Eagle Run Golf Course, Benson Golf Course and Indian Creek Golf Course in the area. Tranquility Soccer Complex, where the term “soccer mom” surely originated, boasts a spectacular park and state-of-the-art indoor ice-skating rinks. For a day in the sun, try Standing Bear Lake.

South Omaha/Bellevue
If Omaha has a melting pot of ethnicity and culture, this is it. The city’s Polish, Italian, Hispanic and Czech populations have thrived here for generations. The neighborhood was considered its own city until the early 1900s. Many South Omaha residents settled here because of its proximity to the meatpacking plants, the area’s main source of business. Most of these plants are long gone, having been replaced by bustling shopping centers and business parks. Some of the city’s most popular attractions are located in South Omaha, including Henry Doorly Zoo, Rosenblatt Stadium, Sokol Auditorium and Hitchcock Ice Rink. If Mexican food is what you’re looking for, be sure to try the enchiladas and margaritas at El Alamo. Bellevue, Nebraska’s third largest city, is located just south of South Omaha. Originally a riverside fur trading post, Bellevue now boasts a thriving residential community and business district. The United States Strategic Air Command, located at Offutt Air Force Base, brings military families from all over the world to the area. Tucked in the rolling hills is Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, a lush nature reserve filled with hiking trails.

Southwest
Homes, homes and more homes: that’s what Southwest Omaha is all about. Housing developments, shopping centers, Cineplex’s, restaurants and other conveniences can be found around every corner. Businesses thrive as well, with many major corporations— including Lucent Technologies, Oriental Trading Company and Omaha Steaks—operating here. Shoppers find Oak View Mall, the city’s newest shopping mall, irresistible. For some much needed R&R, try some hiking, fishing and boating at Zorinsky Lake. If you love seafood, but aren’t interested in catching it yourself, try Charlie’s on the Lake.