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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Omaha
Omaha
Omaha has long been saddled with a reputation as a flyover city,
that is, a place those living in more happening areas are content
to see merely from the air when hopping from one coast to the
other. But over the past 20 years, the city has slowly been
transforming itself, edging out middle American blandness while
retaining the friendly, down-to-earth manner of the Midwest.
The heart of the city, from which this new pulse emanates, is
its arts and entertainment district, the Old Market. The area is
made up of block after block of renovated industrial and warehouse
buildings from the 1800s, which now house a variety of unique
shops, boutiques, bookstores, galleries and some of Omaha's finest
restaurants. Homer's Music is an Old Market institution and, in
addition to hosting live events itself, can provide the latest
information on Omaha's thriving indie rock scene. Not one to ignore
any form of artistic expression, the city also has a burgeoning
film industry, with Omaha native Alexander Payne having chosen it
as the setting for
Electionand
About Schmidt(depicting, perhaps, that less vibey side of
Omaha).
When pounding Old Market's charmingly uneven pavements becomes
tiring, the Heartland of America Park next door is perfect for
leisurely strolls along the mighty Missouri. Work on a pedestrian
bridge spanning the river is currently underway; when completed in
2008, it will be one of the world's longest. But Omaha, some may be
surprised to hear, already has experience with world renown. Here
visitors can explore the largest indoor rain forest in the world at
the famous Henry Doorly Zoo; historic aircraft and missiles at the
Strategic Air and Space Command, the foremost museum of its kind;
and perhaps catch a glimpse of America's second-richest man and
lifelong Omaha resident, Warren Buffett, dining at Gorat's, his
favourite local steakhouse.
Information & Facts
Climate
Omaha's seasonal weather variations can be drastic at times. As
in many other areas of the Midwest, summer can bring severe
thunderstorms, hailstorms and tornadoes. When not stormy, summer
days are hot and humid. Winters are cold, and the city gets snow,
although very heavy snowfall is uncommon. Spring and autumn are
pleasant times to visit.
Getting Around
Omaha is a midwestern city and is therefore no stranger to
sprawl. A rental car is the most convenient option for getting
around, although a bus service is provided through Metro Area
Transit. In the central downtown area, walking is a pleasant option
when shopping and dining in the Old Market area; attractions like
the riverfront and the Qwest Convention Center and Arena can also
be reached on foot. However, taxi availability can be erratic, and
for sightseeing outside this immediate area, a car is best.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.