Date night is an opportunity to shake up the routine of daily life and reconnect, recharge, and remember why that special person matters the most. Omaha offers a variety of date night options ranging from intimate and romantic to adventurous and exciting. Each experience makes for a unique and memorable night out.
Browse below for ideas to spice up your night – or head here for spicy flavors suggestions. Sign up for our monthly enewsletter and request our travel guide to start planning your perfect Omaha date night.
1. Night in Dundee
Omaha’s historic Dundee neighborhood offers a picturesque backdrop for a romantic evening. Enjoy dinner at one of several local favorites, each serving cuisine with a unique culinary flair. Pitch Pizzeria is known for rustic décor, low lighting, craft cocktails, and mouthwatering coal-fired pizza. Avoli Osteria serves up Northern Italian specialties in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob offers fast casual kebab or falafel sandwiches stuffed with crunchy vegetables and topped with freshly made house sauces. Goldbergs in Dundee is a cozy neighborhood pub with deep booths great for snuggling. After dinner, satisfy your sweet tooth with eCreamery, a local ice cream parlor known for mixing up customized concoctions that even Oprah can’t resist. Follow up the feasting with a flick at the historic Film Streams at the Dundee Theater, Omaha's arthouse cinema featuring new American independents, foreign films, and documentaries. End the evening with a nightcap at the Dundee Dell, known for having one of the nation’s largest Scotch whisky collections.
2. The Old Market and Bob
Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District is a mini romantic getaway for couples. Strolling cobblestone streets together while stopping into boutiques, friendly pubs, sweet shops, and galleries will inspire some flirting and maybe a kiss or two. Share sweets with your sweetie at the Old Market Candy Shop, the home of the Mud Ball, a chocolate-coated cookie and cream cheese truffle (impossible to eat one!). Recapture the spark at Laka Lona Rub Club, an over-the-top Tiki bar. A short walk from the Old Market you’ll meet Bob, A 3,000-foot-long pedestrian bridge connecting Nebraska and Iowa (and couples with selfie gold). Bob is built for long walks and offers a gentle sway. Best part, he’s on Twitter and Instagram so your selfie could be shared by a bridge.
3. The Great Outdoors
When nature calls, Omaha is the place to answer with hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, comfortable lakeside campsites, and picturesque outdoor attractions. With nearly 20 miles of trails, Fontenelle Forest boasts thousands of acres of forests, oak savanna, prairie, wetlands and more than 600 different species to view. It’s the perfect opportunity for bonding over a hike or snowshoeing the winter woods.
4. Craft Brew Penny Pack
Nothing says I love you (or I like you a lot…we aren’t judging) like craft brew. In Omaha, we believe craft beer is best served in pairs. So request the Omaha Craft Brew Penny Pack and receive buy one, get one for a penny beer at 12 local breweries. You and your sweetie can enjoy a customized tour and stop by the Omaha Visitors Center for a free commemorative flight glass (you can use it to collect pennies for the next visit!).
5. For the Love of Art
Couples searching for unique art experiences find a cultural oasis in Omaha. Dynamic public art pieces and murals pepper the city like colorful monuments to creativity. Omaha’s art ranges from quirky to classic. The Joslyn Art Museum is a free attraction filled with more than 11,000 works of art from heavy hitters such as Chihuly, Rembrandt, Renoir and Monet. The ultra-hip Hot Shops Art Center is 92,000 square feet of glass blowing, pottery making, bronze casting, blacksmithing and more. This art-in-creation house is home to more than 80 artists who open their studios for public viewing. Take home one-of-a-kind artwork and memorable souvenirs.
6. Bounce Around Benson
The Benson neighborhood is a not-so-mild mannered entertainment district with live music pouring out of the nationally known venue, The Waiting Room. The Benson “strip” is lined with laid-back bars, cool breweries and even an adult arcade. Beercade is wall-to-wall games such as Skeeball, Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat (what couple doesn’t love a little friendly competition?)
7. Live Music
Sing and dance the night away together at one of Omaha’s popular live music venues. Known for its Indie music scene, Omaha is a hub for underground artists and nationally known acts. Whether you’re interested in rock, folk, blues, or jazz, there’s a live music venue to enjoy it. Top-rated venues include Steelhouse Omaha, The Slowdown, The Waiting Room, Reverb Lounge and more.
8. A Classic “Day Date”
Dates shouldn’t be limited to evening hours. A coffee and brunch date is a relaxing and energizing way to reconnect. A number of Omaha cafes roast and bag their own coffees. Coffee drink styles include savory, sweet and even vegan. Check out Omaha’s coffee shops and create your own caffeine-fueled tour. Follow up the tour with a hearty brunch. As one of Omaha’s favorite meals, brunch offers memorable, Instagram-worthy dishes. Check out Kitchen Table, Railcar Modern Kitchen, Sofra Kitchen and other local eateries.
9. Love at First Bite
Spend the day or evening exploring Omaha's diverse food scene. Delicious menus are available in every corner of the city. Use the restaurants page to craft a dining tour that's perfect for your palate.
10. Get a Little Wild…
at the zoo, of course. More than just a zoo, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a biological park with world-renowned attractions around each corner. Take an international expedition through the world’s largest desert dome while exploring desert life from across the globe. Just a few steps away, the nation’s largest indoor rainforest is home to 90 species surrounded by the relaxing whoosh of waterfalls. The Asian Highlands and African Grasslands each offer unique animals to visit while experiencing their native habitats. A stroll through the world’s best zoo will inspire in-depth conversations and make many memories.