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.

Downtown

The Old Market, located just minutes from Eppley Airport, is a multi-block conglomeration of renovated brick warehouses occupied by restaurants, shops, bars, apartments, condos and art galleries. Quaint, old-style lampposts, uneven brick streets, horse-drawn carriages and street side musicians make the area a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Enjoy an intimate dinner at V. Mertz, down a cold brew at Mr. Toad or shop for the latest fashions at Nouvelle Eve.

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 and the Civic Auditorium 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 WWII 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. The American Gramaphone recording label is also located here. Right around the corner is Cunningham Lake, a favorite boating and fishing spot.

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. 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.