Walking distance to so many Omaha attractions
Where to Unwind Near the Joslyn Art Museum: A Short Walk Through Downtown Omaha
If you’re visiting downtown Omaha—whether you’re here for a conference, visiting Creighton, or just wandering with no set destination—you’ll quickly realize: this part of town is more walkable (and more layered) than you expect.
From century-old theaters to reimagined green spaces to moody, hidden bars—you’re never more than a few blocks from something worth slowing down for. Here’s a short guide to some of the downtown highlights—and a quiet place to end your day if you’re not quite ready to go back to your hotel.
The Joslyn Art Museum (2 blocks from Anna’s Place)
This pink-marble landmark has been part of Omaha’s cultural fabric since 1931. With its Art Deco design and impressive permanent collection—including works by Degas, Monet, Kehinde Wiley, and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith—it’s the kind of museum that lets you move at your own pace. Even the outdoor sculpture garden feels intentionally spacious, with pieces tucked among trees and winding paths.
After a long afternoon in the galleries, some guests wander downtown in search of something quiet—a drink, maybe, or just a darker room to let their thoughts settle. That’s where a place like Anna’s Place begins to make sense. (But we’ll get to that in a minute.)
The Orpheum Theater (4 blocks away)
Originally built in 1927 as a vaudeville house, the Orpheum is one of Omaha’s true architectural gems. Think red velvet, gold leaf, ornate chandeliers—the kind of space where the room itself is half the experience. From touring Broadway shows to symphony concerts, the energy here tends to spill out into the streets afterward.
Most folks rush across the street to the nearest bar, but those spots fill fast. Lines stretch. Tables disappear. If you’re up for a short walk, there are quieter options tucked just a few blocks north. Places where you can still hear yourself think after curtain call.
Gene Leahy Mall (7-minute walk)
Once known as the “downtown slide park,” the Gene Leahy Mall has been completely reimagined in recent years. It’s now home to curated gardens, a skate ribbon, food trucks, and some of the best people-watching in the city. Kids play. Couples picnic. Friends gather near glowing string lights and sculptures you can walk through.
It’s high energy—but in a thoughtful way. Still, after a few hours outdoors (especially in summer), you may find yourself craving shade, cool air, and a well-made drink that doesn’t involve a plastic lid.
A Quiet Stop to End the Night
Tucked behind the lobby of Hotel Indigo on Dodge Street, Anna’s Place isn’t marked by a velvet rope or neon arrows. The door is locked. Always. That’s part of the experience.
To enter, someone on staff lets you in—intentionally. Inside, there’s no standing-room buzz, no loud music, no screens glowing in every direction. Just soft light, carefully mixed cocktails, and a space built for conversation (or calm solitude, if that’s more your thing).
Whether you’re visiting the city for the weekend or just need a break from the usual downtown energy, it’s the kind of bar that doesn’t shout to get your attention. It waits for you to find it.
The City Feels Bigger Until You Start Walking
Downtown Omaha has layers. Between the performances and the galleries, the parks and the campuses, you’ll find unexpected moments—quiet places that don’t advertise, but stay with you long after.
If you’re looking for something just a few blocks beyond the obvious, you’re already headed in the right direction.
Anna’s Place | 1804 Dodge St., Omaha, NE