The Old Market Omaha – Where History Meets Food, Art & Shopping
Visit Old Market Omaha for historic charm, local boutiques, street performers, art galleries, and over 40 unique dining options—all in one walkable area.
Jul 12, 2025207 Shares7.9K Views
🏛️ Historic Background Of Old Market
The Old Market is a historic district located in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Once a bustling warehouse and produce market area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and commercial hub. The district features restored brick buildings that date back to the 1880s and early 1900s. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Placesin 1979 for its architectural and historical significance. The area was revived by local efforts, particularly by the Mercer family, who played a key role in preserving its original charm.
🛍️ Unique Shopping Experience
The Old Market is home to a wide variety of local boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, and specialty stores. Shoppers can explore places like Hollywood Candy, which sells nostalgic sweets, or Made in Omaha, a shop showcasing locally crafted products. The district also includes antique stores, handmade jewelry shops, and music record stores. Every store has a unique personality, often run by local business owners, making shopping here a one-of-a-kind experience.
🎨 Art Galleries & Creative Spaces
Art is a major part of the Old Market’s identity. The Bemis Center for Contemporary Artsand several independent galleries offer rotating exhibitions and art events. “First Friday” is a monthly art walk where galleries open late and local artists showcase their work. Public art, murals, and sculptures can also be seen throughout the neighborhood, adding a creative atmosphere to the streets.
🍽️ Dining & Nightlife
Old Market offers more than 40 places to eat, drink, and relax. Popular restaurants include Le Bouillonfor French cuisine, Twisted Forkfor American comfort food, and Plank Seafood Provisionsfor fresh seafood. Coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and bakeries are also scattered throughout the area. After dark, the district comes alive with music bars, breweries like Brickway, and craft cocktail lounges such as The Berry & Rye. Street musicians and live performers are common, especially on weekends.
🎡 Events & Things To Do
Throughout the year, Old Market hosts many community events. The Omaha Farmers Market, held from May through October, brings fresh produce, crafts, and live entertainment to the streets. Other seasonal activities include holiday light displays, carriage rides, art festivals, and live music events. The Old Market Passageway, a hidden alley filled with art and greenery, is a favorite photo spot for visitors.
🚶 Walkability & Urban Living
Old Market is designed for pedestrians, with cobblestone streets, covered walkways, and plenty of benches and outdoor seating. It’s easy to explore on foot, and public transportation is readily available. Many of the old warehouses have been converted into stylish loft apartments, making it a desirable neighborhood for downtown living. Nearby attractions like Gene Leahy Mall, The RiverFront, and Durham Museumare all within walking distance.
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