Lincoln
The capital of Nebraska, known for its state capitol, a large university campus, live music and a network of bike and walking trails.
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Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska, in the Great Plains of the central United States, and the county seat of Lancaster County. With about 291,082 residents at the 2020 census, it is the state's second-largest city and the economic and cultural center of a metro area of roughly 345,000 people. The city began in 1856 as the village of Lancaster and took the name of President Abraham Lincoln when it was incorporated in 1869.
The Nebraska State Capitol, designed by Bertram G. Goodhue and finished in 1932, is the second-tallest capitol in the United States and Lincoln's tallest building, and it offers tours. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, founded in 1869, is the state's largest university, and its campus holds museums and a planetarium. Visitors come for museums, live music, parks and trails. Winters are cold and summers are hot and humid, so late spring and early fall suit outdoor time best.
Lincoln in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Lincoln
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
22
- Feels like
- 18°
- Humidity
- 77%
- Wind
- 31 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 71%
Lincoln
06:04 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today21°17°71%Monday: Rain. High 21°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 71%.
- Tue17°8°67%Tuesday: Rain. High 17°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Wed14°7°8%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Thu15°6°16%Thursday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Fri14°4°2%Friday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Sat17°7°5%Saturday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Sun12°6°7%Sunday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 7%.
Updated 03:40 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Lincoln
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Rules for Lincoln, checked
- Check U.S. entry rules, visa and ESTA eligibility on the State Department's travel.state.gov site before you fly, since they change.Source
- Carry a photo ID for the bars and clubs on O Street. The legal drinking age in Nebraska is 21.
- Sign up for local severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service at weather.gov during spring and summer storm season.Source
- Check StarTran fares and payment methods before you ride its buses. Prices and rules change, so confirm them on the StarTran site.
Plan around Lincoln
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideLincoln FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.