Kansas City   Travel Guide

travel kansas city

Why Go To Kansas City

Kansas City is a friendly place, filled with salt-of-the-earth Midwesterners who smile at strangers as they pass them on the streets. But KC is also cool: The Power & Light District brims with trendy bars and restaurants and equally trendy 20- and 30-somethings. The city's cultural, too, with some surprisingly great museums like the Nelson-Atkins . Plus, the city's history – as a trading post in 1821 and an important stopover on the Oregon Trail in the early 1800s – gives it an interesting narrative. You can view parts of this history at the National World War I and Arabia Steamboat museums. The city's jazz and barbecue are just about unparalleled, but Kansas City has also successfully delved into other types of music and food (more on that in the dining section). And just so you won't be confused, Kansas City straddles both the Show-Me State of Missouri and the Sunflower State of Kansas. If you're a tourist, you'll probably be spending most of your time on the Missouri side since that's where most of the city's top attractions can be found.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

  • # 14 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

Best of Kansas City

Best hotels in kansas city.

  • # 1 in The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
  • # 2 in Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection
  • # 3 in Hotel Kansas City, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection

Best Things to Do in Kansas City

  • # 1 in Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • # 2 in Arabia Steamboat Museum
  • # 3 in Boulevard Brewing Company

travel kansas city

Popular Tours

Distillery Tour

Distillery Tour

(149 reviews)

from $ 20.00

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium Admission Ticket

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium Admission Ticket

(113 reviews)

from $ 24.18

90 Minute Walking Tour in Kauffman Stadium

90 Minute Walking Tour in Kauffman Stadium

(8 reviews)

from $ 25.00

Kansas City Travel Tips

What You Need to Know

  • Barbecue rules Kansas City's signature barbecue style is a slow-smoked, dry-rubbed meat and its sauces are typically tomato- or molasses-based with tangy, spicy and sweet flavor notes. You've got to sample some signature KC barbecue when you're in town.
  • Bring comfy shoes The Power & Light District, Westport and Country Club Plaza areas of the city were made for walking. Pencil in some time to stroll around and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Keep an eye on the weather Kansas City sees everything from extreme heat to tornadoes to vicious thunderstorms. Check the weather before your trip and plan accordingly.

How to Save Money in Kansas City

  • Trade four wheels for two Kansas City offers a bike-share program, B-cycle, which is a good option for getting around to see the top attractions and exploring the neighborhoods. The first 30 minutes of usage are free, then it's $2 per half hour after. Multiday options are also available.
  • Collect coupons The city's tourism board website offers coupons with deals on everything from hotel stays to family-friendly attractions. Local blog Kansas City on the Cheap is another great resource to check for discounts and deals on activities, meals and more.
  • Find free things to do Many of Kansas City's popular attractions are free. Wander around Westport, check out interesting outdoor art or hop on a free brewery tour.

What to Eat

Kansas City is home to some tasty cuisine, including its signature barbecue. In Kansas City, expect everything and anything to be barbecued: basically, no meat is off-limits (chicken, pork, ribs, beef brisket, ham, turkey, sausage and so on). Typically, the meat gets a spice rub treatment and then is slow-roasted over aromatic wood like hickory. Sauces vary by establishment but are usually thick, sweet, spicy and tangy all at the same time. Kansas City natives and travelers say some of the best spots to go are Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ , Arthur Bryant's Barbeque , Jack Stack Barbecue and Char Bar .

Once you tire of finger lickin' good barbecue, head to one of KC's casual eateries or upscale dining options. The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen receive praise for their affordable prices and farm-to-table fare while Novel and Bluestem restaurants earn rounds of applause for their decadent multicourse prix-fixe meals.

And don't forget about beverages. Kansas City boasts a growing craft beer scene and its hometown brewery, Boulevard Brewing Company, is one of the top brewpub operations in the Midwest . Locals say you should sample the "Thundercloud" – its version of a black and tan with the brewery's dry stout and wheat beers. Julep Cocktail Club , Ca Va and Green Lady Lounge are also lauded for their drink options and sophisticated atmospheres, plus Green Lady is a jazz bar with live performances nightly. 

Kansas City is home to shopping, sports teams, intriguing museums and more.

Explore More of Kansas City

Arabia Steamboat Museum

Things To Do

Best hotels.

World Map

You might also like

Memphis

# 9 in  Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Nashville

# 3 in  Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

St. Louis

# 13 in  Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

travel kansas city

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

travel kansas city

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

travel kansas city

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

travel kansas city

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

travel kansas city

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

travel kansas city

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

travel kansas city

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

travel kansas city

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

travel kansas city

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

travel kansas city

March Basketball in Kansas City

March Basketball in Kansas City

Kc goes all out every march, hosting dozens of basketball games and teams from across the country.

COLLEGE HOOPS IN KC

Book Hotel Now

Or Call 1-800-313-7952

  • Attractions

This Weekend in Kansas City

travel kansas city

Discover Kansas City

through distinct neighborhoods and exciting KC Landmarks.

#FromTheHeart

Photos by KC lovers like you. Tag us by using @VisitKC

Your Guide to Spring Break in Kansas City

Springtime thrills await in kc.

Whether you’re making a road trip to KC or looking to explore locally with the entire family, spring break in the Heart of America is certain to deliver. Browse a few of the highlights and plan an exciting start to the warmer season.

Season 8 of the Kansas City Tap Tour

Your pass to kansas city's craft beer culture.

From new experiences at recently opened hotspots to tried-and-true favorites that have been filling flights since the beginning, the Kansas City Tap Tour is back with exclusive discounts and rewards.

Kansas City International Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation

48 Hours in KC: Itinerary

The Best Kansas City Tours

Day Trips From Kansas City

Kansas City's Top Attractions

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Skiing Near KC

Live Music in Kansas City

Kansas City's Best BBQ

Top Restaurants in KC

Kansas City's Best Bars

Top Kansas City Breweries

Your Trip to Kansas City: The Complete Guide

Sean Pavone/Getty Images 

travel kansas city

For those unfamiliar with Kansas City, the mention of its name doesn’t quite conjure up clear images of what to expect like New Orleans or Miami does. And a conversation about Kansas City typically starts with the question, “What state is that in? Kansas? Or Missouri?” For the record, we’re talking about Kansas City, Missouri. And if you don’t have a picture of the city, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Spanish-inspired architecture, more than 200 fountains (in fact, Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains   ), lush gardens and parks, and world-class dining, are spread across distinctive neighborhoods that make up Kansas City's diverse landscape.

This comprehensive guide will help you plan your visit to the “Paris of the Plains.” 

Planning Your Trip 

Best Time to Visit: Thanks to the many parks and outdoor attractions in Kansas City, the best time to visit is in the warmer months. Summer, in particular, is a fun time due to live music and festivals like Boulevardia . Or head there during the holidays for ice skating at Crown Center and the annual Plaza Lighting on Country Club Plaza   , which has been a tradition for nearly 100 years.

Getting Around: Kansas City has reliable public transportation , and the RideKC app or website makes it easy to plan your routes and purchase your fares. Downtown, the Kansas City Streetcar is free to ride, and the route is two miles long, running from Crown Center to River Market . Or consider renting a car or use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.

Travel Tip: The beauty of Kansas City lies within its neighborhoods, each with their own distinct architecture and character. When planning, try to pick attractions and activities in as many different ones as possible in order to get a feel for the city.

Things to Do

Kansas City is closely associated with jazz and barbecue , but the city doesn’t box itself into being known for just one thing. Home to rich history, beautiful parks, fine art, and popular sports teams, the city has grown remarkably over the past several years. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, there is no shortage of things to do in Kansas City .

Music: Kansas City might historically be known for jazz, but you can find live music in almost every neighborhood from indoor venues to outdoor amphitheaters in every genre. See a musical at Starlight Theater, watch a production of a Shakespeare play in Southmoreland Park, or get a bite to eat while watching a show at Crossroads KC.

Art: The Nelson-Atkins Museum and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art house some of the finest art in the world with frequently rotating exhibits. Best of all, they’re free year-round.

History: Learn more about World War I, fashion, jazz, and baseball at the National World War I Museum and Memorial , Kansas City Garment District Museum , American Jazz Museum , and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum . 

Sports: Watch a game at Truman Sports Complex, home to Kansas City’s baseball and football teams, the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs (the two stadiums are located adjacent to one another). Or cheer on soccer team Sporting Kansas City, which plays at Children’s Mercy Park in nearby Kansas City, Kansas. For basketball, visit the recently-revived HyVee Arena in the West Bottoms, where minor league team The Kansas City Tornadoes plays. In the spring, the NCAA Big 12 Tournament teams compete in Sprint Center downtown.

What to Eat and Drink

Kansas City’s food and dining scene can be summarized in three distinct categories; barbecue, spirits, and craft beer. There are a lot of opinions on which restaurants make the best barbecue but the most well-known are Gates BBQ , Arthur Bryant’s , Joe’s KC , and Jack Stack , all of which have been established for decades. But beyond barbecue, Kansas City’s dining scene is more diverse than one might expect with German, Scandinavian, Ethiopian, Spanish, Thai, and Caribbean restaurants throughout the metro area.

When it comes to drinks, Kansas City has a rich prohibition history, due to the fact that the city essentially ignored the 18th amendment and continued to operate speakeasies and produce alcohol during the 1940s   . Tom’s Town Distilling Company named for prohibition-era political boss Tom Pendergast, and J. Rieger & Co. which was founded in 1887 and revived in 2014, both distill vodka, gin, whiskey, and bourbon. Tom’s Town and J. Rieger spirits are used on a majority of craft cocktail menus at restaurants and bars in the area.

Craft beer is also a huge part of Kansas City’s alcohol landscape, with breweries of all sizes throughout the city. The centerpiece of craft brewing is Boulevard Brewing Company , which was established in the 1980s, and its beer is available in cities across the United States.

Where to Stay

The best places to stay in Kansas City are downtown, on Country Club Plaza, or in the Crossroads Arts District. The largest concentration of hotels are downtown and on Country Club Plaza, however, including well-known chains and historic boutique hotels. In the Crossroads Arts District, art-centric hotels with built-in galleries and frequent exhibits are popular. For those looking for a more homey stay, Airbnb is also a good option where frequent listings include artsy lofts and condominiums in various neighborhoods. Explore and learn more about Kansas City’s different neighborhoods and choose the vibe that works best for you.

Getting There

The best way to get to Kansas City is by flying directly into the Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Once at the airport, order an Uber or Lyft, book a shuttle, or take a public bus directly into downtown, approximately a 30-minute drive. Use our guide to the Kansas City airport to plan your trip and learn more.

Culture and Customs

Though you’re sure to find certain places that stay open after 1 a.m. like a nightclub or bar, Kansas City has a tendency to turn in early with a great majority of restaurants, bars, and nightlife closing around midnight. It is also important to know that many businesses including spas, salons, clothing stores and some restaurants are open through the weekend but are regularly closed on Mondays. If there is a particular place you’re interested in going be sure to check the hours ahead of your trip.

If you’re unsure of something, you can feel comfortable asking a passerby. Locals are notoriously friendly and willing to help point you in the right direction. 

Money Saving Tips

  • Many of Kansas City’s museums have no admission fees.
  • Kansas City is full of parks, gardens, and trails that are free, including Loose Park, Theis Park, the Kauffman Memorial Gardens, and the Trolley Trail, all of which are easily accessible and picturesque.
  • Take a self-led sightseeing tour via the Kansas City streetcar, which is free to ride and allows you to hop on and off at your leisure.
  • Discover more free things to do .

Visit K.C. "Everything You Need to Know About Fountains in Kansas City."

Visit K.C. "Kansas City Plaza Lights 2019."

Visit K.C. "A Brief History of Brewing and Distilling in Kansas City." February 4, 2019

Every Kansas City Neighborhood You Need to Know

15 Top Things to Do in Kansas City

The Most Underrated Cities in America for Gay Travelers

48 Hours in Kansas City: The Perfect Itinerary

The Best Time to Visit Kansas City, Missouri

The Best Staycation in Every State

The 12 Best Free Things to Do in Kansas City, Missouri

The Best Small Town in Every State

Your Trip to Columbus: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Philadelphia: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to St. Louis: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Atlanta: The Complete Guide

The 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

Cincinnati Guide: Planning Your Trip

Top 5 Kansas City Barbecue Joints

Top Destination Cities in the Midwest

travel kansas city

15 Best Things to Do in Kansas City (Essential Experiences)

15 Best Things to Do in Kansas City, MO

Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, Kansas City, Missouri, is a city that draws in travelers for its unique blend of Midwestern charm, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene. This was my first trip to Kansas City, also known as the City of Fountains, where I had three days to explore the city.

I discovered an exciting city full of culture, food, history, and art. The city’s barbecue joints are legendary, each with its secret sauce and smoking techniques. Kansas City’s heritage is deeply rooted in music, with a pivotal role in the evolution of jazz.

Kansas City’s downtown area has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years and you’ll find chic hotels and award-winning restaurants. The Power & Light District, with its buzzing nightlife and dining options, has become a total hot spot. For art enthusiasts, there are extensive collections of both contemporary and historic art.

These are just a few of the things to enjoy while visiting Kansas City. And if you’re considering visiting — do. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how this city shines. Here are the best things to do in Kansas City, the essential experiences for a memorable trip.

*This post is done in partnership with Visit Missouri, as always, all opinions are own.

Planning a Trip to Kansas City? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Kansas City:

  • Hotel Kansas City , for the best modern hotel
  • Loews Kansas City Hotel , for the best luxury hotel
  • The Truitt , for the best neighborhood stay

15 Best Things to Do in Kansas City, MO

1. stay at hotel kansas city.

When it comes to picking where to stay in Kansas City, don’t look past the chic Hotel Kansas City . It’s part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and one of my favorite Hyatt stays yet. It’s design-forward, moody, and tips its hat to Kansas City’s rich history. Established as a social club in 1882, Hotel Kansas City has been transformed into a luxurious retreat for travelers. And beyond its intentional design and charm, you’re set in one of the best locations to explore. Book the best rates here .

2. Try Local BBQ at Jack Stack Barbecue

After asking a few locals about where to get barbecue, it became quite clear that everyone had a favorite. But the one that kept coming up was the local Jack Stack Barbecue . If I may suggest, come in very hungry and order one of their share platters. KC BBQ is a must-try food while visiting Kansas City, so the more the merrier.

3. Explore the Museums

One of the most surprising parts of my visit to Kansas City was the sheer number of museums to visit. I learned later on that it’s a major destination for artists and art enthusiasts. Some of the museums are even free to enter like the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the iconic Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art . There are several other museums to visit as well like the National World War I Museum and Memorial , the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum , and the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures .

4. Enjoy the Historic Union Station

Kansas City’s iconic Union Station is a grand architectural masterpiece that once was a bustling railway hub. Today, it stands as a world-class historical landmark and cultural center, housing fascinating museums, interactive exhibits, and a majestic Grand Hall that transports visitors back in time to the golden age of train travel. It’s well worth visiting, even for a stroll through to take in the architecture.

5. Dine Supper Club Style at Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room

Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room is a restaurant that combines innovative cuisine with a sophisticated dining experience. With its inventive tasting menus and craft cocktails, its head chef was named a James Beard Foundation Best Chef, Midwest 2023 Semifinalist. The restaurant was also listed as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s Most Exciting Restaurant Openings. The inside is chic and moody, and each plate is artistically presented. *Reservations recommended

6. Sip Local Spirits at a Distillery

Kansas City is becoming a hub for craft distilleries, offering unique spirits and tasting experiences. Among the best distilleries in the area, Tom’s Town Distilling Co. is worth a visit. Named after the city’s infamous political boss, Tom Pendergast, this distillery crafts award-winning spirits, including bourbon and gin, all while immersing visitors in the history of the Prohibition era. Another gem is J. Rieger & Co. , a revival of a pre-prohibition distillery that has been resurrected to produce exceptional whiskey, gin, and other spirits. J. Rieger has a full restaurant, and don’t forget to slide down their slide!

7. Explore the West Bottoms Neighborhood

One of my favorite experiences in Kansas City was strolling the industrial West Bottoms neighborhood. Once an industrial heartland, the West Bottoms was home to warehouses, stockyards, and factories that played a pivotal role in the city’s growth during the 19th and 20th centuries. The district is now a haven for artists and creatives, with converted warehouses and industrial spaces serving as galleries and studios. It’s also home to several antique shops (mostly open weekends only), a handful of eateries, and local shops.

8. Enjoy the River Market and Shop the City Market

Wander through the bustling City Market in River Market, one of the largest farmers’ markets in the Midwest, where you can sample fresh local foods and dine at a number of restaurants. I went for a stroll along the market stalls and ended up sitting down to one of the best meals of the trip. Habashi House is a Middle Eastern restaurant, and their gyros were phenomenal. Afterward, go next door to shop for their spices and other delicacies.

9. Have a Nightcap at Nighthawk

Downstairs in the basement of Hotel Kansas City is one of those ideal spots to end the day. A full cocktail menu, live music, and all that you need to end an adventure in Kansas City.

10. Shop and Stroll at Country Club Plaza

Often referred to simply as “ The Plaza ,” this iconic district in Kansas City is a blend of Spanish-inspired architecture, upscale shopping, and a popular dining scene. Designed in the 1920s as the nation’s first suburban shopping district, it is now the place to go to shop and eat out.

11. Have Breakfast at Messenger Coffee + Ibis Bakery

One of my favorite spots for breakfast out in Kansas City was Messenger Coffee + Ibis Bakery . It’s a three-story cafe with several nooks to get cozy in and even a rooftop with an outdoor fire pit. The food and coffee here were amazing. I loved their avocado toast and seasonal latte.

12. Do a Factory Tour at The Roasterie Coffee Company

If you want to dive more into the process of sourcing, roasting, and brewing artisanal coffee, head to The Roasterie Coffee Company Factory . This location offers a chance to do an informative tour that shares the entire process of making coffee. I loved learning more about this and getting a better understanding of what goes into making a bag of coffee. Afterward, be sure to enjoy a fresh cup in their cafe!

13. Spot the City’s Murals

Kansas City’s vibrant art scene extends well beyond its galleries and museums — there are murals everywhere to enjoy in the city. One of the most renowned mural collections in Kansas City is the “Kansas City Masterpiece,” a series of murals created by local artists that depict the city’s history and spirit. You can find these colorful works of art on buildings throughout the Crossroads Arts District . The West Bottoms area of Kansas City is another hotspot for murals.

14. Catch a Free Show at The Blue Room Jazz Club

In the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District of Kansas City, The Blue Room Jazz Club is a cherished institution that pays homage to the city’s rich jazz heritage. You don’t want to miss the free Thursday shows at noon, where artists perform live jazz during their “Jam Sessions.” It’s well worth making the time to catch a show, and don’t forget the American Jazz Museum just next door. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about jazz and its roots.

15. Dine at The Stilwell for Amazing Local Cuisine

If you’re looking for one of the best meals in town, head to the Loews Kansas City Hotel for their restaurant, The Stilwell . The downtown views of Kansas City are wonderful (time your visit with sunset!), and the open restaurant looks into the kitchen. The food here is American, yet elevated, with homage to Kansas City classics. I’d recommend booking a table here!

Other Things to Do

  • The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
  • Boulevard Brewing Company
  • Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
  • Mill Creek Park
  • Crown Center

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest

Ps — are you booking a trip soon use my booking checklist.

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

  • World Nomads (best for all-around)
  • Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

Related Posts

17 Unmissable Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

17 Unmissable Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Fornalutx, Mallorca

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Fornalutx, Mallorca

First-Timer's Guide to Carmel, California

The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominican Republic
  • Puerto Rico
  • South Dakota
  • Washington DC
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • French Polynesia
  • Travel Tips
  • Family Travel
  • Accommodations
  • Packing Lists
  • Photography Tips
  • Northern California Guide
  • San Francisco
  • Lightroom Presets
  • Fine Art Prints
  • Rent Our Home For Photoshoots
  • California Map

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

PlanetWare.com

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas City, MO

Written by Lura Seavey Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

This double city in the Midwest, straddling the border between Kansas and Missouri, lies at the junction of the Kansas River with the Missouri River, extending along the high banks, known as the Bluffs, of both rivers. World-famous for its steaks and barbecue, it is sometimes called the "Barbecue Capital."

The city's legacy in jazz history can be explored in the Historic Jazz District, which was once filled with the sounds of jazz icons like Charlie "Bird" Parker and Big Joe Turner. Another historic area is the Westport Neighborhood, which is full of things to do, including antique shopping and river cruises. Kansas City is also home to several good museums, including the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, and the Toy and Miniature Museum.

Plan the best places to visit in this world-famous city with our list of top attractions in Kansas City, Missouri.

See also: Where to Stay in Kansas City

1. National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

2. nelson-atkins museum of art, 3. legoland, 4. arabia steamboat museum, 5. kansas city zoo, 6. science city, 7. national museum of toys and miniatures, 8. kemper museum of contemporary art, 9. hallmark visitors center, 10. american jazz museum, 11. westport neighborhood, 12. airline history museum, 13. sea life kansas city, 14. union station, 15. ewing and muriel kauffman memorial garden, 16. money museum, where to stay in kansas city for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in kansas city, mo, kansas city, ks - climate chart.

National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

Kansas City's National World War I Museum sits at the feet of the Liberty Memorial , an impressive Egyptian Revival-style monument erected in 1928 in honor of the men and women who served and died in the war. The museum's collections include a wide variety of artifacts, letters, films, and other pieces of historical significance that were gathered between 1920 and today.

The collections and exhibits present a rounded view of the war's global impact, including exhibits like a re-creation of the crater left behind after a French farmhouse is struck by a howitzer shell. Visitors can walk through the crater and can also experience what it looked and sounded like inside the trenches with six reproduced scenes.

Other exhibits share compelling stories from those who experienced the war, both on the front lines and at home. Other items on display include a Renault FT-17 tank with damage from a German shell, weapons, uniforms, and personal objects that soldiers brought into battle. In total, the collection is one of the world's largest, with more than 75,000 items.

Address: 100 W 26th Street, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.theworldwar.org

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has impressive collections, which represent North American, European, Asian, and African cultures. The antiquities collection includes Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern pieces from as far back as the 2nd millennium BC, including its newest Egyptian addition, the ornate inner coffin of Meret-it-es.

The collection of African art represents 2,500 years of craftsmanship, containing more than 400 works in a wide variety of media from wood to ivory. Native American artifacts include basket work, pottery, and ornate quill and beadwork. The museum's European art collection spans from medieval times through the 1800s, with emphasis on 19th-century Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings and 17th-century Italian Baroque art.

Additional galleries focus on Chinese, Japanese, and American art, and there are other exhibits dedicated to both contemporary and modern art. One does not need to be an art enthusiast to appreciate the lovely grounds and the sculpture park, where it's possible to go for a walk, play some sports, enjoy a picnic, or take a guided audio tour.

Address: 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.nelson-atkins.org

LEGOLAND in Kansas City

Located within Kansas City's Crown Center, LEGOLAND is one of the city's top family attractions for the young and young-at-heart. Here, you will find a complete replica of the city, built with more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks.

The models include all the city's major landmarks like Arrowhead Stadium, Union Station, Country Club Plaza, the World War I Memorial, and even the Crown Center. Aspiring builders of all ages are also able to talk to master builders and attend workshops for all skill and age levels, and kids can catch photo-ops with their favorite LEGO characters.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of shows throughout the day at the 4D Cinema where a full sensory experience accompanies each show. There are also interactive rides, including Kingdom Quest where riders "zap" the scoundrels who have captured the princess, the Merlin's Apprentice ride where kids take flight, and a virtual reality experience that races through the world. Kids who need to burn off energy will love the Ninjago "training camp," a laser maze with lots of physical challenges.

Address: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/kansas-city

Arabia Steamboat Museum

On September 5, 1856, a steamboat carrying 400,000 pounds of supplies destined for general stores in the Midwest sank in the Missouri River, just six miles before reaching Kansas City. The Arabia was lost for more than 130 years before an amateur archaeologist discovered it buried 45 feet beneath a cornfield.

As erosion caused the course of the great river to change, the boat's remains and cargo were encased in soil and preserved as if in a giant time capsule. The result is a massive collection of pre-Civil War artifacts, all examples of the objects and food that were part of daily life for the pioneers. The number of artifacts found was so great, in fact, that museum staff continue to clean the objects today.

Museum visitors can watch this process, and items are continuously being added to the exhibits as they are restored. Collections include a wide range of everyday items, like toys, tools, cookware, and even China sets. The museum also has exhibits about the glory days of steamboats on the Mighty Missouri, a river which claimed hundreds of steamboats beneath its waters.

Address: 400 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: http://1856.com/

Cheetah at the Kansas City Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo has become one of the area's top family attractions thanks to major renovations and improvements in recent years. It is filled with wildlife representing over 200 species from all over the world, with a great deal of attention focused on each animal's habitat and quality of life.

Among its 1,700-plus residents are African elephants; rhinos; leopards; giraffes; wallabies; and several species of primate, including Bornean orangutans, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, and more. The zoo is also home to ocean-dwellers, including part-time swimmers like penguins and sea lions, as well as jellyfish, stingrays, and other aquatic life.

One of the zoo's most popular exhibits is the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, an impressive living space formed out of ice and stone that closely resembles their native habitat. Visitors can watch the lively birds slide, swim, and play on the ice, in the water, and in fresh snow that falls from the sky of their habitat. Savvy spectators can also spot eight camouflaged nesting boxes within the rocks where the residents raise their young.

The Kansas City Zoo has also invested a great deal into its primate habitats, and continues to add to the facilities to enrich the lives of their residents. "Orangutan University" is a newer space that provides the orangutans with exercise and educational opportunities. In addition to giving visitors the opportunity to watch them play and learn, specialized computers allow interaction between the primates and their human relatives.

Other top exhibits include a 1,300-gallon jellyfish tank and Stingray Bay, a 20,000-gallon touch-tank home to southern and cownose stingrays, as well as whitespotted bamboo sharks. The zoo also offers special animal encounters with Aldabra tortoises, giraffes, camels, penguins, and rhinos.

Address: 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.kansascityzoo.org

Science on a Sphere at Science City

Science City, located in Union Station , is a top attraction for families visiting Kansas City. Exhibits focus on various aspects of science and are all interactive, so that visitors can learn through hands-on experience.

One of its most popular permanent exhibits is Force and Motion, a space where you can test and explore the properties of physics. Similarly, the Every Last Drop exhibit explores the unique properties of water, from its movement and power to the many ways we depend on it, as well as the need for conservation.

Younger kids will really dig the Dino Lab, where they can learn about paleontology by unearthing their own discoveries, and the whole family will be fascinated by the genetics lab. Other interactive exhibits include daily activities in the Demo Area, a test kitchen where kids can explore the properties of food, and a puzzling maze park. The museum also has a planetarium, nature center, and hosts special events.

Address: 30 W Pershing Road, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.unionstation.org/sciencecity

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Located on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures contains more than 72,000 examples of antique toys and scaled miniatures. The museum originated in 1982 from the personal collections of Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Marshall, and since then has grown to occupy 33,000 square feet.

Tourists will find an impressive collection of antique toys that includes dolls, figures, games, model trains, and more. Some of the most nostalgic examples are Ovaltine's 1938 Telematic Radio Orphan Annie Pin, agate marbles, and a set of lead soldiers complete with mold.

The museum's collection of fine-scale miniatures is the largest in the world , featuring perfectly scaled reproductions of actual art and artifacts. Among the most remarkable pieces are a 1955 Singer sewing machine miniature and a tiny ornate chest in 1:12 scale crafted from ebony and gold. The museum also hosts special events that allow adults to revisit childhood, like marble tournaments or Saturday morning cartoons, complete with a big bowl of cereal.

Address: 5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

The permanent collection at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art began with the Bebe and Crosby Kemper Collection, which includes works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Robert Mapplethorpe, and William Wegman. It now includes a broad range of works, including painting; sculpture; installations; prints; and works on paper, photography, and time-based media.

Groups of 10 or more can arrange to have a free docent-led tour, and there are free drop-in tours each Saturday that are open to the public without reservation. The museum also hosts programs and workshops tailored to engage various groups, including youth, teens, adults, and the whole family.

Address: 4420 Warwick Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.kemperart.org

Hallmark Visitors Center

Located in the Crown Center complex, the Hallmark Visitors Center displays the history of the greeting card industry. It tells the rags-to-riches story of how Joyce Hall created an international institution based on caring. The center's exhibits explore the company's history and includes interactive stations, as well as a film. It is also home to Kaleidoscope , a children's creativity center that allows kids to use various materials to create their own art. The sessions last 50 minutes and are free of charge, led by Hallmark's own creative staff.

Location: Crown Center Complex, Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.hallmarkvisitorscenter.com

American Jazz Museum

The American Jazz Museum is located in Kansas City's Historic Jazz District, once home to some of the genre's most influential musicians, including Big Joe Turner, Count Basie, and Charlie Parker. Museum visitors will be immersed in every aspect of jazz, from history to an exploration of the music itself. Collections include memorabilia like posters and photos, as well as personal items like Ella Fitzgerald's gown and Charlie Parker's saxophone.

Other exhibits include listening stations, mixing boards, and films. The museum is also home to the Blue Room , a jazz club that offers live music several nights a week, as well as the fully restored 1912 Gem Theater, which hosts a wide variety of events and productions. The Jazz Museum is also very involved in community outreach, offering youth programs and hosting local events.

Address: 1616 E 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.americanjazzmuseum.org

View of the Westport neighborhood in Kansas City

Tourists looking for a nice neighborhood to explore will love Westport, one of the city's oldest and most popular sightseeing destinations. It was named for its position as the "last stop" in Kansas City before pioneers set out on their journey west and is the site of the Battle of Westport, a crucial victory in ending the Civil War.

This neighborhood is also home to the 1855 Harris House Museum . Today, it is a trendy neighborhood filled with the hottest new restaurants and plenty of shopping at its chic boutiques and antique stores. The community also hosts festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations.

Airline History Museum

The Airline History Museum at the Downtown Airport on the northern edge of the city is guaranteed to make any flight enthusiast's heart beat faster. Here, you can relive the days when people still flew with propeller machines over the Atlantic, and Kansas City was the TWA headquarters. Flight veterans will be only too happy to tell their stories, and visitors can admire the many aircraft on display.

One of the museum's best-known pieces is the TWA Moonliner, a scale model of the iconic passenger rocket conceived by Howard Hughes, Walt Disney, and Wernher Von Braun. The museum's most popular attraction is its flight simulators, which give visitors the opportunity to see and feel what it's like to fly a wide range of aircraft, from a biplane to a fighter jet.

Address: 201 NW Lou Holland Drive, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.airlinehistory.org

Jellyfish at the SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium

Located in the Crown Center with LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE Kansas City is home to a 260,000-gallon tank that features a walk-through ocean tunnel. From within the transparent tunnel, visitors can see sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and other aquarium residents of the Tropical Ocean Exhibit all around them.

One of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium is the Sea Turtle Rescue Center, home to several green sea turtles who were rescued but were unable to be returned to the wild. A favorite for kids is the Interactive Touchpool, where visitors can handle ocean life including sea urchins and starfish. Young artists will appreciate Doodle Reef, where they can watch their drawings come to life.

Address: 2475 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.visitsealife.com/kansas-city

Union Station

Union Station was built in 1914 and accommodated thousands of passengers. It included a waiting room designed to hold up to 10,000 people. The station closed in the 1980s, underwent major renovations, and reopened in 1999 with shops, restaurants, and other services. It has a much smaller railway service as it now functions as an Amtrak stop.

The building itself is quite impressive and one of the city's main tourist attractions. It also houses several interesting things to do, including Science City , the Regnier Extreme Screen Theater , the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium , and City Stage Theater .

Official site: www.unionstation.org

Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

The Kauffman Memorial Garden has provided an oasis to the residents of Kansas City since the spring of 2000, covering two acres within the Kauffman Legacy Park . The gardens include both perennials and annual beds, which are changed each season, as well as a variety of decorative and shade trees. The park is also home to several bronze sculptures created by artist Tom Corbin, as well as fountains and stone landscaping.

Parking and admission to the gardens are free, and tours can be arranged in advance by contacting the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation; the entire park is wheelchair accessible.

Another excellent green space is the Jacob L. Loose Park , a 75-acre public park that features a 1.5 -acre rose garden , with approximately 130 varieties. It also offers recreation space, including tennis courts, fountains, and a spray park for kids (or anyone) to cool off in.

Address: 4800 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.kauffman.org/our-campus/memorial-garden

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is a great free tourist attraction for anyone interested in the history and evolution of American currency. Permanent exhibits include the Harry S. Truman Coin Collection, an actual gold bar, an informational exhibit about inflation, and an interactive personal finance exhibit.

The museum also hosts a variety of changing exhibits, many of which focus on the social aspects of money and currency, as well as economic education. Past exhibits have highlighted the challenges that minorities have faced in the financial world.

Address: 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: www.kansascityfed.org/moneymuseum

Kansas City's main attractions are in the vibrant city center, and this is also where many of the best hotels are found. The south part of downtown is known for its parks and historical monuments, including the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial. Farther north, the Power and Light District is the new entertainment area, with restaurants, shops, and music venues. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

  • The boutique Ambassador Hotel is housed in the restored 1920s-era Neoclassical Gate City National Bank building. Offering sophisticated service and 43 luxurious rooms, it is just a short walk from City Hall.
  • The towering Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center is a good choice for families, with spacious, well-appointed rooms and an indoor/outdoor pool. This hotel is right next door to LEGOLAND and provides a free local shuttle service.
  • The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center , also with a free shuttle, offers fine views out over the city and is connected via skyway to the Hallmark Visitors Center and Union Station.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • The Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel , a few miles south of downtown, has a Spanish-themed décor and is within walking distance of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • The Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza is in the same area and close to the restaurants, shopping, and entertainment of the Country Club Plaza. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is right behind the hotel.
  • Farther out and perfect for sports fans is the Hotel Lotus , across the street from both the Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums.

Budget Hotels:

  • With a prime downtown location, the 816 Hotel Westport Country Club Plaza offers comfortable rooms, free parking, and complimentary breakfast.
  • Near the airport, 20 minutes from downtown, are the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and La Quinta Inns & Suites , both with free airport shuttles.
  • About 15 minutes northeast of downtown is the Comfort Inn & Suites , near Worlds of Fun Amusement Park and Oceans of Fun Waterpark. All of these hotels offer heated indoor pools.

instagram logo

More on Missouri

Missouri Travel Guide

Things to Do in Kansas City, MO - Kansas City Attractions

Things to do in kansas city, explore popular experiences, ways to tour kansas city.

travel kansas city

KC BBQ Tour

travel kansas city

Kansas City Fun Tours

travel kansas city

Kansas City Segway Tour: Art and Glide

travel kansas city

Distillery Tour

travel kansas city

90 Minute Walking Tour in Kauffman Stadium

travel kansas city

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Kansas City by Zombie Scavengers

travel kansas city

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium Admission Ticket

travel kansas city

60-Minute Escape Game Adventures in Kansas City

travel kansas city

Tom's Town Distillery Tour and Tasting

travel kansas city

Kansas City Crossroads Art District and Westside Urban Hike

Tours & sightseeing.

travel kansas city

Top Attractions in Kansas City

travel kansas city

Walking Tours

travel kansas city

Cultural & Theme Tours

travel kansas city

Private & Custom Tours

Airport & hotel transfers.

travel kansas city

Food, Wine & Nightlife

What travelers are saying.

Michael P

  • National WWI Museum and Memorial
  • The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • Arabia Steamboat Museum
  • Union Station
  • Kauffman Stadium
  • The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
  • Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
  • Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site
  • Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden in Loose Park
  • Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

AFAR Logo - Main

Kansas City

Kansas City is proof that you don’t need to be on the coast to be cool. A cultural cornerstone of the Midwest, it has enough to entertain travelers for days, from top museums and art galleries to gut-busting barbecue restaurants—more than 100 and counting—that dish up tender meat doused in the city’s signature tangy, molasses-sweetened sauce. Nicknamed the “Paris of the Plains” during the Prohibition era, KC punches well above its weight class and elicits comparisons to cities many times its size. It rivals Rome in its number of fountains; its Country Club Plaza district evokes the architecture of Seville in southern Spain; and while New Orleans might be the birthplace of jazz, KC is where some of the genre’s most famous names got their start. Thanks to the city’s unpretentious attitude and unhurried atmosphere, it’s easy to get into the groove and let Kansas City move you.

  • Copy Link copied

How Kansas City Delivers Unexpected Fun

National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri

When’s the best time to go to Kansas City?

Spring, early summer, and fall are the best times to visit Kansas City, when pleasant temperatures are perfect for sitting on a bar patio or strolling the Plaza. It’s not the crowds you have to avoid here, but the infamous Midwest weather. Hot and sticky summers regularly push the mercury past 100 degrees, and frigid winters bring snow, ice, and poor driving conditions.

How to get around Kansas City

Like many mid-sized U.S. cities, Kansas City sprawls—in this case across two states—making a car essential to getting the most out of your visit. Rent one at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), about 20 miles northwest of downtown. Otherwise, you can grab a taxi or shuttle bus from the airport into the city. Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, also operate to and from the airport and throughout the metro area.

KC Streetcar , opened in 2016, is a handy (and free!) way to explore downtown, with its 10 stations along two miles of Main Street. For shorter trips downtown, hop on an electric scooter or bicycle from the city’s bike-share service, RideKC Bike .

Can’t miss things to do in Kansas City

- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has a stellar collection of more than 35,000 works, including renowned European paintings and Asian ceramics and furniture. Free to visit, the building is easily identified by the four 19-foot-tall aluminum-and-fiberglass shuttlecock sculptures on its 22-acre lawn. Temporary exhibitions (past ones include Picasso and the relics of ancient Egypt) are worth planning a trip around but require an entry fee and are best booked in advance.

- Kansas City’s excellent National World War I Museum and Memorial is the United States’ official museum dedicated to remembering and understanding the Great War. Here, visitors can browse important artifacts, documents, and interactive displays.

- Designed by famed architect Moshe Safdie, the curiously shell-shaped Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is where the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, and Lyric Opera take to the stage. Secure tickets ahead of time to experience a slice of KC’s classical culture. Afterward, head into the surrounding Crossroads district to continue an art-filled evening at the neighborhood’s many galleries, boutiques, and bars.

- Tap into Kansas City’s still-thriving jazz scene in the Historic Jazz District at 18th and Vine Streets. The Blue Room , inside the American Jazz Museum, puts on weekly jam sessions and big-band nights. Around the corner, the Mutual Musicians Foundation has been hosting late-night music sessions in a former union hall since the 1930s. Performers start after midnight and continue into the wee hours.

- Shoppers flock to the Country Club Plaza , a 15-block outdoor district opened in 1923 and built in Moorish revival style with mosaic tilework and fountains. Luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. and Coach have stores here, but for souvenirs, stop by the Made in KC Marketplace .

Food and drink to try in Kansas City

- Barbecue is a religion in Kansas City. But, as the saying goes, ask two locals for recommendations and you’ll get three answers. Many worship Arthur Bryant’s , where open-faced sandwiches come piled with sauce-drenched burnt ends. Also worth trying is Q39 , which draws devotees with its honey-glazed ribs. Consult our Barbecue and Brewery guide for more options.

- Dining out in laid-back Kansas City rarely requires reservations, but if you have your heart set on a specific restaurant, especially if it’s a smaller venue, book at least a day before.

- Kansas City openly flouted Prohibition in the 1920s, when political boss Tom Pendergast controlled the police and opened a pipeline for Al Capone to deliver bootleg hooch to the city’s bars. Today, KC’s drinking scene still includes historic speakeasies and bars that nod to the city’s notorious past, such as Tom’s Town Distilling Company .

- Along with great cocktail bars, KC has an ever-growing list of renowned craft breweries. Boulevard Brewing Company was first on the scene in the 1980s, creating pale ales and wheat beers with equipment from a shuttered brewery in Germany, but now it’s all about newer, smaller breweries like Casual Animal , Double Shift , and Torn Label .

Culture in Kansas City

Kansas City is filled with diehard sports fans who back the local teams through thick and thin. Join the bandwagon and catch a Chiefs (football) or Royals (baseball) game during your visit. KC is also a great place for live music, from intimate shows at Westport bars to major concerts at the T-Mobile Center downtown. For even more culture, check out the city’s several impressive art galleries or important museums that spotlight untold stories, such as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum .

Local travel tips for Kansas City

- Dorothy and Toto aside, tornado season in Kansas City is no joke. The most severe weather usually occurs between April and June and can have lethal results. Know where the tornado shelter is located at your accommodations, and follow the National Weather Service in Kansas City on Twitter for breaking updates.

- State Line Road and the Missouri River split KCMO (Kansas City, Missouri, pronounced “K-C-moe”) from KCK (Kansas City, Kansas). Much of what lures travelers to KC is on the Missouri side, but going to Kansas is as simple as crossing the street.

Local Resources

  • The Pitch , KC’s long-standing alt newspaper
  • Kansas City Magazine

Guide Editors

Essentials by Kansas City–based travel writer and editor Lauren Keith (@noplacelike_it). Required Eating by travel writer Caitlin Morton (@caitlinmorton23). Best Things to Do by food and travel writer Jill Dutton (@usabyrail). Best Hotels by wellness and travel journalist Tonya Russell. Barbecue and brewery coverage by Kansas City–based travel/food writer and author Pete Dulin. Ask a Local by travel and lifestyle journalist Lola Méndez (@lolaannamendez). Best Museums by New York–based freelance writer and editor Ann Shields (@aegisnyc), who is the cranky product of two charming Midwestern parents.

Kansas City’s Union Station

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands
  • Puerto Rico
  • United States
  • New Zealand
  • ➨ Choose from World Map
  • Budget Travel
  • Family Travel
  • Getting Around
  • Visas & Passports
  • Work with Us

Browsing Category

  • Czech Republic
  • Saint Martin
  • Uncategorized

The Present Perspective

  • North America

Kansas City Travel Guide: 15 Best Things to Do [2023]

· everything to know about visiting kansas city, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

kansas city skyline during dusk under orange sky and dark cloud

As the largest city in Missouri and one of the biggest cities in the entire Midwest, Kansas City is loaded with things to do. From one of the NFL’s most successful franchises to mouthwatering barbecue and the birthplace of Walt Disney, Kansas City is full of fun things to see and do.

This post will highlight the best things to do in Kansas City, plus other things to know for your trip, like how to get there and how to get around.

The Best Things to Do in Kansas City

1. visit the negro leagues baseball museum.

The Negro Leagues are one of the most important aspects of baseball history, and Kansas City was the home of the most successful Negro League team. Nowadays, the country’s best museum celebrating the rich heritage of the Negro Leagues can be found in the heart of Kansas City.

Located in the same building as the American Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum walks visitors through the history and impact of the Negro Leagues. It showcases the bright moments, the dark history, and the ultimate triumph that the leagues experienced before baseball was ultimately fully integrated.

Tickets cost $10 for general admission and can be purchased online at the museum’s website.

Negro League Baseball museum green sign

2. Eat Some Iconic Kansas City Barbecue

Kansas City is known all around the United States for its barbecue, and it doesn’t disappoint. Kansas City barbecue is the real deal, and there are several great places to grab it while visiting the city.

A Kansas City specialty that you won’t want to miss is burnt ends, which are fatty, delicious pieces of beef that cost a premium to try.

burnt ends pieces of BBQ meat in dark sauce

We spent time visiting the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas City, and we ranked our favorites in the next section. From sandwiches to meat by the pound and everything in between, the barbecue restaurants we name below have you covered.

Keep scrolling to see our full KC BBQ list!

3. Visit a Jazz Club

Kansas City is not known as the birthplace of jazz, although it was a pivotal place in the jazz movement nonetheless. Kansas City jazz was developed in the 1920’s and 1930’s as a very distinct form of jazz music, shifting largely away from other contemporary styles.

To this day, jazz is near and dear to Kansas City locals, and the best way to experience it is by visiting a jazz club.

Many jazz clubs charge a meager cover for entry, but patrons claim the cover is worth every penny. From enjoyable music to great socialization, jazz clubs are some of the most popular entertainment venues in Kansas City, and the best place to find them is in the Historic Jazz District.

person playing trumpet during night time

4. Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is easily Kansas City’s most esteemed establishment. Located in the heart of the city, this museum boasts thousands of square feet of gallery space. Its impressive collection of invaluable paintings and sculptures by well-known artists solidifies the Nelson Atkins as one of the top art museums in the United States.

4 large black marble pillars in large museum room

While the museum is worthy of a visit regardless of price, price isn’t even a concern. The museum offers free admission to all guests! After a visit to the museum, be sure to explore the outdoor sculpture garden and check out its giant shuttlecocks.

Art lovers might also enjoy the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, but if you are only willing or able to make it to one art museum it should be the Nelson-Atkins.

5. Hang Out in the Country Club Plaza

The Plaza is easily one of the most happening areas in all of Kansas City. This outdoor shopping and dining complex features some popular stores like Lululemon and J Crew, great local restaurants, and a little store that sells local KC products that you won’t want to miss. We spent several days here, as the Capital One Cafe is the best place to get work done in all of Kansas City.

In the Plaza, you can find popular national chains like Fogo de Chao and The Capital Grille as well as local spots, like Jack Stack Barbecue and Sweet Kiss Brigadeiro. I highly recommend checking out Sweet Kiss Brigadeiro for some authentic Brazilian treats!

black water fountain outside in middle of shopping plaza

6. Catch a Chiefs Game at Arrowhead Stadium

The Kansas City Chiefs have become one of the most successful teams in the NFL, and Arrowhead Stadium is their home. The Chiefs have one of the most devoted fanbases in all of football, and that is on full display throughout the season! If you aren’t able to visit during football season, another great option is to catch a Kansas City Royals baseball game at Kauffman Stadium, which is located in the same complex.

7. Grab Tacos in Kansas City, KS

Kansas City has a robust Mexican-American community, and some of the local taco shops are out of this world. While most of the city’s attractions are on the Missouri side, the best tacos are found in Kansas! We spent a couple of years living in Central Mexico, and a couple of the taco shops on the Kansas side of the border were truly reminiscent of our time in Mexico. Our favorite was Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio, whose tacos al pastor are to die for.

8. Pop into the National WWI Museum and Memorial

Of the several world-class museums in Kansas City, the National World War One Museum is arguably the best. While art lovers might enjoy the Nelson-Atkins more, the National WWI Museum is a very well-structured museum that most visitors love. It is located within walking distance of Union Station and the Crown Center, making a visit incredibly easy to tie in with other things.

9. Experience First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District

First Fridays are a fun event for art lovers in Kansas City. The first Friday night of every month, art galleries in the Crossroads District open up for free admission to admire the artwork inside. These works are mostly produced by local Kansas City artists, and this is a great way to support individual artists. Art types range from modern art to very intricate paintings, and there is a little something that can speak to anyone.

10. Head to the River Market on Saturday Morning

City Market, also known as the River Market, is a cute area up by the bank of the Missouri River filled with local shops and vendors. On Saturday mornings, this place comes to life with a local farmers market teeming with produce vendors and small business owners peddling their wares. The River Market is the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning in Kansas City, and I personally love the Italian grocery store located inside.

large letter sign reading city market

11. Share a Pint at One of KC’s Award Winning Breweries

Kansas City has a slew of great breweries, but there were two that stood out to me as exceptional: KC Bier Co. and Boulevard Brewing Company . KC Bier Co. specializes in traditional German varieties of beer, and their taproom serves up delicious German food along with exceptional beers. Boulevard Brewing Company, on the other hand, is the city’s most popular and prestigious brewery and they make a wide variety of beers and serve a pretty extensive food menu. Both are exception options, but the Boulevard brewery tour really stands out as one of the best things to do in Kansas City!

large german pretzel with beer cheese

12. Visit Some of the Best Children’s Museums in Kansas City

Kansas City is an incredibly family-friendly destination. We visited with our toddler and were amazed at the long list of things to check out with him! We wrote an entire post on the best children’s museums in Kansas City . From the money museum to Science City and Wonderscope, there are some really cool places to spend a day with your little ones while in Kansas City.

Each of the museums in that post are filled with interactive exhibits that are sure to keep any little one entertained. Wonderscope, especially, is worlds of fun and is a place you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting Kansas City with kids!

13. Eat Fresh Bagels from Meshuggah Bagels

Meshuggah Bagels is a local bagel joint that makes some of the best bagels we’ve ever had. We loved them so much that we returned several times to buy bagels by the dozen. If you enjoy bagels, you won’t want to miss this place. They also make fresh cream cheese in house each day, and the cinnamon sugar variety will melt in your mouth!

toddler in highchair eating a bagel

14. Check Out the Kansas City Zoo

Zoos are usually great places to visit while traveling to a new city with kids, and the story is the same in Kansas City. The Kansas City Zoo is a very nice place that makes for a great afternoon outside. General admission costs between $19 and $22 at the door, and is cheaper if you purchase tickets online in advance.

15. Peruse the American Jazz Museum

As I mentioned earlier, jazz music is very important to Kansas City’s history. This is well-documented at the American Jazz Museum ! Its blue room is a great spot to catch some live music, and entrance to the museum only costs $10 for adults.

Where to Get the Best BBQ in Kansas City

Kansas City is known all across the United States for its barbecue. In fact, Kansas City-style barbecue is one of the most popular styles of barbecue in the country! We visited Kansas City directly after a trip to Austin, Texas which is equally famous for its barbecue.

In our opinion, both styles are great. But there’s no denying that Kansas City has some really great barbecue joints to check out! Be sure not to skip out on the burnt ends, which are an especially famous BBQ dish in Kansas City.

Of all the barbecue joints we visited in Kansas City, Q39 was easily our favorite. The brisket was perfectly cooked, the side dishes were really something special, and the service was top-notch. There are two Q39 locations around the city, but we chose to visit the one in Midtown.

travel kansas city

2. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Located across the border in the state of Kansas, Joe’s is a tourist favorite. They’re known for their delicious sandwiches, long lines out the door, and casual environment. We tried a full gamut of plates here ranging from sandwiches to brisket and burnt ends, and we left very satisfied. It is a bit of a hike from most places in Kansas City, but it is worth the drive.

Multiple Locations

travel kansas city

3. Jack Stack Barbecue

Jack Stack Barbecue doesn’t deserve to be at the bottom of any list. The food is really tasty and the environment is top notch! Friends told us that Jack Stack was the ritziest of the barbecue joints in Kansas City, and it didn’t disappoint.

The ambiance at Jack Stack feels much more upscale than the other two places. In fact, there appeared to be several groups of people there for a business dinner. While it felt ritzy, the prices were pretty much the same as anywhere else in Kansas City, which was a very welcome surprise.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jack Stack BBQ (@jackstackbbq)

How to Get to Kansas City

Driving to kansas city.

Kansas City is relatively remote. The only major cities within a 5-hour drive are St. Louis, Omaha, and Oklahoma City. Because of this, driving to Kansas City usually isn’t a great option for visitors. You can reach both Chicago and Dallas within 8 hours, but most people opt to fly from that distance, anyway.

Train to Kansas City

Kansas City’s Union Station does service Amtrak trains from various cities across the US. There are two Amtrak routes that run through Kansas City. One train just connects St. Louis to Kansas City. The other connects Chicago to Los Angeles with many stops along the way.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend taking Amtrak to Kansas City. The trains are slow, expensive, and will likely take even longer than driving. Since parking is free in KC anyway, bringing a car is almost always a better decision.

Flying to Kansas City

Kansas City has one major airport, and it was just completely rebuilt in the spring of 2023. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) used to be a tiny, dated airport and has since gone through a massive transition. The brand-new complex features a slew of local restaurants, coffee shops, and other amenities.

While it is still not a very connected airport, it is getting better. As Kansas City grows in popularity, airlines are offering more and more direct flight routes into its airport. We flew from Austin, TX directly to Kansas City and then Kansas City directly to Miami and had smooth experiences each time.

Getting from the airport to the city is a little bit of a different story. The airport is 15 miles north of downtown Kansas City, and most of Kansas City’s main areas are even further south. Bus route 229 is the best way to get to Kansas City from the airport without a car, and it is currently free to ride. You can find a full schedule of buses on the RideKC website .

How to Get Around Kansas City

RENTAL CAR | BUS | STREET CAR

Driving in Kansas City

Generally speaking, Kansas City is a car city. Kansas City is very spread out, and most major areas are not walkable from one another. A few central areas are within walking distance of one another, but most of the best things to do in Kansas City require driving.

For this reason (probably), street parking is almost always free! In most parts of the city, you can simply pull into any legal parking space and get out of your vehicle with no need to pay a parking meter. The only exception is in metered areas of the Power and Light District, which is essentially downtown Kansas City.

All in all, traffic isn’t bad. You can normally expect to get wherever you want to go without much disruption.

Public Transportation in Kansas City

Kansas City does have a bit of public transportation, but the system is not very robust. There is a bus system that reaches most parts of the city, but its connectivity definitely could be better. There is also a street car that runs on a 2-mile loop through downtown, but it is only helpful once you actually get downtown.

While the public transportation options are limited, there is one big upside: they are free! Just like street parking, riding on KC buses and the KC Streetcar is free.

black and teal kansas city street car

Best Time to Visit Kansas City

Kansas City is not known for its beautiful weather. This city experiences the full seasonal swing that other midwest cities experience, typically meaning frigid winters, generally cold springs and autumns, and toasty summers. While you will get an occasional warm day in the spring and fall months, you’re more likely going to be signing up for sweater weather during these seasons.

The best time to visit Kansas City is either between late May and late June or late August and early October.

During this time you are the most likely to get warm, sunny weather. This is ideal to experience all of Kansas City’s great outdoor attractions!

While this is the most popular time of the year for tourism, the crowds in Kansas City aren’t nearly as absurd as they are in many other major cities. In fact, summer crowds might even be smaller than the crowds you’d see on the weekend of a Chiefs game!

Is Kansas City Worth Visiting?

Missouri isn’t at the top of most bucket lists, but the City of Fountains deserves more credit than it gets. Kansas City is both bigger and busier than we imagined before visiting.

The people in Kansas City are very nice, which is one huge draw. The food is spectacular, the local Kansas City pride is off the charts, and everything about the city feels laid back.

There is a lot to do in Kansas City, and I think it is absolutely worth visiting. It’s usually too remote to be a good weekend trip, but there’s plenty to do to occupy a full week. We visited for almost two weeks and there was plenty more than we wished we had time to do!

All in all, Kansas City is a fun place to visit with the entire family.

The downtown area is walkable and clean and the Nelson Atkins Museum is as esteemed as it gets. On top of that, the food is quite good! I wouldn’t rank Kansas City among the best places to visit in the United States, but it’s a great place that I’d recommend visiting if you have the time.

Do you have more questions for us about Kansas City? Or did we miss any big attraction?

Please comment your thoughts and questions!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Meet The Author - Greg

travel kansas city

Recent Post

travel kansas city

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

white ceramic mug surrounded by used tissues on white table beside black eyeglasses

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

mother and father with baby strapped to chest on a hike in the rocky mountains under clear blue sky

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

swimsuit model in white and blue bikini on Mexico beach with clear blue water

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024

silhouette of a covered woman at the grand mosque in abu dhabi

5 Tips for Traveling to a Muslim Country During Ramadan

January 27, 2024

travel kansas city

Download GPX file for this article

Kansas City

travel kansas city

  • 1.1 Climate
  • 1.2 Downtown
  • 1.3 South of Downtown
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By train
  • 3.1 Street numbers
  • 3.2 Navigation landmarks
  • 3.3 Places and notes
  • 3.4 Bus service
  • 3.5 By streetcar
  • 3.6 By bike
  • 4.1 Downtown
  • 4.2 18th and Vine Historic District
  • 4.3 Union Station area
  • 4.4 Near the Plaza
  • 5.1 Amusement parks
  • 5.2.1 Major league sports
  • 5.2.2 Other sports and gaming
  • 5.5 Performing arts
  • 8.1 Barbecue
  • 8.3 Italian
  • 8.4 Splurge
  • 9.1 Downtown
  • 9.2 Brookside
  • 9.3 Country Club Plaza
  • 9.4 Crossroads
  • 9.5 Midtown
  • 9.6 Northeast Industrial District
  • 9.7 River Market
  • 9.9 Westport
  • 10.1 Budget
  • 10.2 Mid-range
  • 10.3 Splurge
  • 11 Stay safe
  • 13.1 Consulates

travel kansas city

Kansas City is a major Midwestern metropolitan area that spreads across the border of Missouri and Kansas and has a population of 2.2 million (2020). The central city of the metro area is Kansas City, Missouri, the largest city in Missouri, with a population of over 500,000 (2020). Across the state border is Kansas City, Kansas , often called "KCK" by locals, which has a population of 157,000 (2020). There are also suburbs on both sides of the border.

Understand [ edit ]

Kansas City, Missouri is a city that tends to hide itself from tourists. Reputed to have more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome , it can be a beautiful city, too. It is also unique, in that it is split down the middle by the state line of Kansas and Missouri.

There are suburbs all around the city. In the "Northland" are North Kansas City, Parkville, Gladstone, Liberty, and several others. To the east is Independence, Blue Springs, and Lee's Summit (SE). In the south are Overland Park, Blue Springs, Olathe, Grandview, and several others. Numbering of east/west streets begins at the Missouri River with the east/west division occurring at Main Street. Westport is around 40th St., the Plaza at 47th St., Brookside at 55th, and Waldo beginning around Gregory (71st St.).

Climate [ edit ]

Because there is no large body of water nearby, KC experiences a continental climate with large swings and extremes of temperature. Winters vary from mild to very cold, with significant snow at times, and temperatures occasionally dipping to single digits and below 0°F (-18°C). Snow accumulation occurs 3-5 times per year, on average, sometimes exceeding a foot (31 cm). KC enjoys very pleasant spring and autumn weather, but suffers hot, humid summers. It is not uncommon for the temperature to stay above 90°F (32°C) for weeks at a time, during July and August. Because of the heat, almost all buildings in KC are equipped with air conditioning. While KC has relatively high humidity, the most common weather is clear with almost completely blue skies. The majority of the rain falls in Apr-Jun, but even in these wettest months, rain is light, compared to other cities in the region.

Downtown [ edit ]

Downtown Kansas City is generally defined as the areas including the River Market, the central business district (the "Loop"), the Crossroads Arts District, Crown Center and Union Station, and the Power and Light District.

After years of neglect and decay in the 1980s and 1990s, downtown is making a comeback. Many once-abandoned buildings in downtown have been (or are being) rebuilt into high-dollar condominiums and loft apartments. The demand for residences downtown is quite high. In October 2007, the sports arena now known as T-Mobile Center was completed, bringing a modern sports and entertainment venue to the downtown core. The Power and Light District was constructed and opened in 2008. The "P&L" District comprises 5 high-rise residential and office towers, with many clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops on the lower floors. A performing arts center south of the convention center area opened in 2011.

The Downtown Council operates security and cleaning/maintenance crews, who keep downtown's streets clean and serve as a security presence. Downtown is one of the safest areas of the city, both day and night.

Traveling north to south, the River Market is the first neighborhood one encounters, south of the banks of the Missouri River. A burgeoning urban neighborhood, it houses many shops, restaurants, bars, and a very active farmers' market that convenes every Saturday, even in winter.

The expressways form a loop around the central business district (CBD). Crossing the north segment of the loop takes you from the River Market to the CBD. This is where Kansas City's famed skyline reaches its greatest heights, further accentuated by its position on top of a sizable hill. The CBD has the principal concentration of white-collar employment in the metro area. The world headquarters for H&R Block are here, within the P and L District.

From here, crossing the south segment of the loop will bring a visitor into the Crossroads Arts District , which is a regional center for art, culture, and nightlife.

When crossing Pershing, Union Station and Crown Center are seen. Crown Center houses shops, restaurants and offices, including the world headquarters of Hallmark. The nearby Liberty Memorial is the world's first World War I memorial and has spectacular views from the top. Just south of Crown Center is Union Hill, another revitalized area offering some of the best skyline views in the city.

South of Downtown [ edit ]

A visitor enters Midtown when they cross 31st Street. A largely residential area, it is the largest single named neighborhood in the city, and actually includes a number of smaller neighborhoods, like Union Hill, Hyde Park, Squire Park, Sheraton Estates, Ivanhoe, Coleman Highlands, Roanoke, Volker, Westport, Southmoreland, Valentine, North Plaza, and many others.

Just south of Midtown is the Country Club Plaza , known locally as "the Plaza", an outdoor shopping center, modeled after Seville , Spain . Farther south is the Waldo/Brookside area marked by more bars and a wonderful pre-war neighborhood. Further south, the city gives way to suburban development, which continues for about 10-15 mi (16-24 km), before giving way to rural farmland and pastures. The vibrant downtown area of Lee's Summit, revitalized in the mid-2010s, is worth a visit.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, branded as RideKC , offers hourly service to and from the airport on Route 129 Boardwalk/KCI , 6AM-11PM daily, $1.50 each way. KCI Shuttle [dead link] offers a shuttle service between the airport and downtown hotels.

By train [ edit ]

Amtrak serves KC via the cavernous 39.084895 -94.585428 3 Kansas City Union Station , at 30 West Pershing Road. KC serves as a major stop on the daily Southwest Chief line which provides service between Chicago and Los Angeles . Barring delays, eastbound trains arrive at 7:24AM and westbound trains arrive at 10:11PM. Kansas City is also the western terminus of Amtrak's Missouri River Runner which provides twice-daily service to and from St. Louis with connecting service to Chicago.

By car [ edit ]

Interstate 435 forms a ring around the city. Notably I-70 goes east to St. Louis and west to Denver . I-35 is a major corridor running northeast and southwest. US Highway 71 runs north and south and forms a midtown expressway, running from the I-435/I-470 interchange, in a northwesterly course toward downtown, where it joins I-29 . North of the River, US 71 follows the same route as I-29. For more information about navigation in the metro area see W:Kansas City Metropolitan Area .

By bus [ edit ]

  • 39.10001 -94.56939 4 Greyhound bus terminal , 1101 Troost Avenue , ☏ +1 816-221-2835 (Main office), +1 816-221-2885 (customer service) .  
  • KC is also serviced by other commercial coach service companies, which arrive and depart from the depot at 10th and Troost.

Get around [ edit ]

The national map companies produce book style maps that can be purchased at many grocery and book stores. Local real estate agents and delivery drivers use a book map produced by a local company in the crossroads district but it is hard to find. The one inside the Feist directory is good and can often be obtained locally for free but the directory may be too bulky to carry.

Street numbers [ edit ]

Addresses on east-west streets are numbered from Main Street in Kansas City, MO, and on north-south streets from St. John Ave. (or the Missouri River, in the River Market area). The direction 'South' in street and address numbers is generally implied if 'N' is not specified, except for numbered 'avenues' in North Kansas City. In most of Wyandotte County, Kansas the north-south streets are numbered and the address numbers are measured from Riverview Ave.

Navigation landmarks [ edit ]

  • The KCTV pyramid-shaped tower can be seen from many parts of the city. It is no longer lit. It is next to KCPT studios at the corner of 31st and Main. It is orange.
  • West and north of that is the Liberty Memorial cylinder-shaped tower, which overlooks Union Station.
  • The twin red brick towers of American Century Investments are oriented north and south along Main at 45th St. They are just north of the Country Club Plaza . The Kemper Museum is slightly east. The Nelson Atkins Museum is east and slightly south.
  • Kansas City Community Christian Church at 4601 Main, has a group of lights that shoot a beam straight up at night. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the church. It is slightly south of and across the street from the American Century Investment Towers. The Nelson Atkins is to the east and the Kemper Museum is to the north and slightly east.
  • Bartle Hall has a section that looks somewhat like a north-south suspension bridge crossing over I-670 at the southwest corner of the downtown loop. It has four towers with metal sculptures on top of each tower.
  • One Kansas City Place is the tallest building in KC (as well as the state). The building walls are entirely black glass and the top has a red/white/blue light ring that can be seen at night. On 12th and Main in downtown.
  • Kansas City Central Library at 14 W 10th St, the main central library of the Kansas City Public Literary system.

Places and notes [ edit ]

  • Brookside refers to the Brookside residential neighborhood as well as the collection of shops between 63d and Meyer off Brookside Blvd.
  • Waldo refers to the Waldo Residential District in Kansas City, Missouri near 75th St. and Wornall Rd.
  • The Country Club Plaza ("the Plaza") is an upscale shopping district built by the J.C. Nichols Co. in the 1920s.
  • 39th St. usually refers to the small section of West 39th St. between State Line Road and Southwest Trafficway. Often referred to as the "39th St. Corridor, " it has many restaurants, bars and shops, and is just across the state line from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
  • University of Kansas Hospital (KUMED) is the corporate name of the hospital on the KU Medical Center campus.
  • Benton Curve , a site of many accidents, is a curve on I-70 where it crosses Benton Ave.
  • Three Trails Crossing is the new name for the former Grandview Triangle and is the intersection of three major highways: I-435 , I-470 , and US Highway 71 (Bruce R. Watkins Drive). In the past it was notorious for fatal accidents but improvements and upgrades on the Triangle have mostly been completed.
  • Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. , named for former mayor and current Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, comprises renamed portions of 47th St. and Brush Creek Blvd.
  • 18th and Vine Historic District contains the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum .
  • Library District is a district around the new Central Library at 14 West 10th St.
  • Strawberry Hill is a historical area in Kansas City, KS.
  • Hospital Hill is the area near 23rd and Holmes. It is home to Truman Medical Centers and Children's Mercy.
  • Argentine is a part of Kansas City, KS near 30th and Argentine.
  • The Crossroads Arts District is a downtown neighborhood between the CBD and Union Station , centered around the intersection of 19th St. and Baltimore. It contains dozens of art galleries and is considered by many to be the center of the arts culture in the metropolitan area. Local artists sponsor exhibits there on the first Friday of each month.
  • Quality Hill is an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood on top of a hill downtown, across the river from the Kansas City Downtown Airport | Charles B. Wheeler Airport .
  • Washington-Wheatley is a historically African-American/black neighborhood southeast of the 18th and Vine District .
  • Westport , 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue . Midtown-Westport is an eclectic area, known for the Westport entertainment area, with festive brewpubs, DJ bars and retro-chic diners serving American comfort food. During the day, the scene centers on trendy fashion boutiques. Neighboring Midtown has historic buildings like the Thomas Hart Benton Home, with tours of the painter’s studio and gardens. Trails wind through nearby Roanoke Park, encircled by bluffs ( updated Feb 2021 )

Bus service [ edit ]

The Metro bus is feasible within the urban core, where most of the tourist destinations are found. The MAX (Metro Area eXpress) and #57 buses connect downtown, Crown Center, Westport, the Plaza, Brookside, and Waldo. There are other lines that can drop you fairly close to your door in KCMO as well as limited stops in outlying suburbs such as Kansas City, KS, Independence, Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, the Northland, etc. There is service to the casinos.

Standard fare is $1.50/trip with transfers available from the bus driver that expire two hours after issue. Some lengthy and express routes may cost more. You may purchase a One Day Pass on the bus. The Day Pass is good for local service only . It is issued at the farebox and expires at midnight. Upon boarding, request a Day Pass before depositing the $3 exact change into the farebox. Most major routes use buses that are equipped with bike racks.

If you need bus service in Johnson Co., KS ( Overland Park , Mission , Fairway (Kansas) , Leawood (Kansas) , Olathe, Lenexa, Westwood, Merriam, Shawnee) you can access " The JO " bus service. It also has lines that run from downtown KCMO to Johnson County and vice versa. The stops are limited and far apart.

Service on "The JO" is limited mostly to morning rush hour, mid-day, and evening rush hour. Fares are $1.25 for trips that begin and end in Johnson Co., $1.75 for trips that go start or end in Downtown KCMO. Transfers are available. Most buses are equipped with bike racks.

By streetcar [ edit ]

A north-south streetcar service links Union Station with the popular River Market district. Free to ride, the streetcar is a convenient although quite slow way to cross the city centre. Streetcars run every 10-15 minutes from early morning to evening, with extended services on weekends. Route maps and more information available at KC Streetcar website .

By bike [ edit ]

  • Kansas City B-Cycle bike share . Bike sharing program offering 24 hour, 7-day, 30-day and annual memberships, with stations downtown. $7/24 hours; $15/7 days .  

Most general issues surrounding driving are the same as in any large US city. However, there is one local law that can affect movement in certain congested areas such as downtown. As in the rest of the US (except New York City), right turns on a red light (after coming to a complete stop) are allowed unless prohibited by signage. Most of the country also allows traffic turning left between one-way streets to make the turn on a red light. However, this second movement is banned throughout the state of Missouri . By contrast, the same left turn on red is legal on the Kansas side of the border (unless prohibited by signage).

See [ edit ]

Map

  • Central Business District . Downtown Kansas City houses many beautiful art deco buildings as well as examples of mid-century design and modern glass towers.  
  • 39.10913 -94.58215 2 Historic City Market . Offers shopping, dining, concerts, events and a farmers' market.  

18th and Vine Historic District [ edit ]

Union station area [ edit ].

  • Science City , Gottlieb Planetarium and KC Rail Experience [dead link] . Ticket to all 3 is $8.95.
  • 39.07567 -94.58606 10 The Money Museum , 1 Memorial Dr ( west side of Main St and south of the Liberty Memorial ). M–F 8:30AM–4:30PM . A museum about the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. financial system, run by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Photo ID must be shown. Free . ( updated Feb 2022 )

Near the Plaza [ edit ]

  • 39.04178 -94.59031 11 Visitor Center , 4709 Central , ☏ +1 800-767-7700 . M-Sa 10AM–6PM, Su noon-5PM .  
  • 39.0308 -94.5822 13 Toy and Miniature Museum . W-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM. . Just off the UMKC campus, 3-min drive from the plaza. $7 adults, $5 children (5-12) .  
  • Ward Parkway . A tree-lined boulevard just south of the Country Club Plaza that takes you past stately homes. The houses are home of some of Kansas City's elite including the family that owns Russel Stover's Candies and the Applebee's family among others. The historic houses were built in many different styles, inspired by European architecture. ( updated Dec 2017 )

Other [ edit ]

  • 39.03116 -94.6052 17 Ward Parkway . A tree-lined Boulevard, just south of the Country Club Plaza, that takes you past stately homes. The houses are home of some of Kansas City's elite including the family that owns Russel Stover's Candies and the Applebee's family among others. The historic houses were built in many different styles, inspired by European architecture.  

Do [ edit ]

Amusement parks [ edit ].

  • 39.1184 -94.8166 2 Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City's Water Park . Hotel with indoor water park. ( updated May 2022 )

Sports [ edit ]

travel kansas city

Major league sports [ edit ]

  • 39.049 -94.484 4 Kansas City Chiefs , 1 Arrowhead Dr ( I-70 to exit Blue Ridge/I-435 to exit #63B ), ☏ +1 816-920-9400 , fax : +1 816-924-4570 . National Football League (NFL) . A founding member of the upstart American Football League (AFL) in 1960, they moved from Dallas to Kansas City when the Cowboys were put there by the NFL. They lost the first ever Super Bowl to the Green Bay Packers and won the last AFL championship and ensuing Super Bowl in the 1969 season. They failed to return to the big game again until the 2019 season when they won their second Super Bowl Championship 50 years after their last on February 2, 2020. After failing to get to the big game in the 2021-2022, the Chiefs again won the Super Bowl in 2023, and again in 2024, making them a dynasty. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 39.0512 -94.4808 5 Kansas City Royals , Kauffman Stadium, 1 Royal Way ( I-70 to exit Blue Ridge/I-435 to exit #63B ), toll-free: +1-800-6ROYALS (769257) . Kansas City's Major League Baseball (MLB) team plays in Kauffman Stadium, one of the few remaining examples of 1960s-era modernist stadiums in baseball and still one of the best examples of modernist stadium design, with a fountain beyond the right field wall that sends jets of water high into the air. The team has had a notable turnaround; after going nearly 30 years without a playoff appearance, the Royals staged a stunning World Series run in 2014 and returned to win the championship in 2015, much to the joy of their fans.  
  • 39.12157 -94.82316 6 Sporting Kansas City , Children's Mercy Park, 1800 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS ( I-435 to exit #13B/#14B, continue W to 110th St. and turn left ), ☏ +1 913 387-3400 , toll-free: +1-888-4KCGOAL (524625) , fax : +1 913-387-3401 , [email protected] . Major League Soccer (MLS).  

Other sports and gaming [ edit ]

  • 39.15013 -94.48455 8 Ameristar Casino , 3200 N Ameristar Dr , ☏ +1 816-414-7000 . 2,200 slot and video poker machines and 60 table games. Live poker room is among the largest in the area. Also has its own microbrewery in Amerisports. You can purchase their beer throughout the casino floor as well. ( updated Sep 2020 )
  • Big 12 Conference basketball tournaments . The Big 12 Conference, one of the so-called "Power Five" conferences in college football but also with a rich tradition in both men's and women's basketball, holds its annual conference tournaments in KCMO every March. The winner of each tournament earns the conference's automatic berth in the NCAA Division I tournament. The men have played at the area's main indoor arena, T-Mobile Center (see "Music" listing for location), every year but one since 2008. The women have usually played elsewhere, but from 2021–2023 played at the older and smaller 39.098353 -94.586416 9 Municipal Auditorium , and will play at T-Mobile Center in 2024. ( updated Apr 2022 )
  • 39.112352 -94.62761 12 Kansas City Roller Warriors , ☏ +1 816-809-8496 . Women's flat-track roller derby. Four local teams compete March through August.  

Events [ edit ]

Art [ edit ].

  • First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District ( gallery crawl between Downtown and Crown Center ). 7PM-9PM on the first Friday of each month. This area has been called the SoHo of the Midwest by the New York Times . Many art galleries are open late on these Fridays, attracting a growing crowd of art enthusiasts. You can walk between galleries, or hop the free trolley. Summer months are typically the most busy and entertaining. Entry to most galleries is free. Some charge for refreshments.  
  • Plaza Art Fair , Country Club Plaza .  
  • 39.10966 -94.88149 14 Kansas City Renaissance Festival , 633 North 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 , ☏ +1 913-721-2110 .  

Food [ edit ]

  • American Royal BBQ Contest . Largest such event in the world.  
  • KC Restaurant Week . ( updated May 2022 )

Music [ edit ]

Kansas City has a large jazz scene, a lot of restaurants have nightly jazz players.

  • 39.09136 -94.56314 15 The Blue Room , 1616 E. 18th St , ☏ +1 816-474-8463 . The Blue Room has nightly musicians.  
  • 39.10266 -94.58813 16 The Majestic , 931 Broadway Blvd , ☏ +1 816-221-1888 . The Majestic has nightly musicians.  
  • 39.00745 -94.53282 18 Starlight Theatre , 4600 Starlight Rd , ☏ +1 816-363-7827 . Concerts.  

Performing arts [ edit ]

Kansas City hosts the national touring companies for some of Broadway's premier shows . Some of the highlights include Wicked , Jersey Boys and Mamma Mia!

  • 39.09888 -94.58381 20 The Midland by AMC , 1228 Main St , ☏ +1 816-283-9900 . Broadway theatre.  
  • 39.09808 -94.58639 21 Music Hall , 301 W 13th St , ☏ +1 816-513-5000 . Broadway theatre.  
  • Starlight Theatre , 4600 Starlight Rd , ☏ +1 816-363-7827 . Broadway Theatre.  

Learn [ edit ]

  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art , 4525 Oak St . W 10AM-4PM, Th F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM . Free .  
  • 39.10271 -94.58383 2 Downtown Library .  

Buy [ edit ]

  • 39.04196 -94.59261 1 Country Club Plaza . The nation's first shopping center, designed for the automobile. It offers high-end shops and restaurants in a quaint European atmosphere. The architecture is modeled after Seville , Spain and includes a replica of the Giralda Tower.  
  • Brookside Shops . Local non-chain shops and non-chain restaurants. Grocery stores, bar, sandwiches.  
  • 39.05709 -94.60392 3 39th Street West . Roughly between State Line Rd. and Southwest Trafficway.  
  • 39.08246 -94.58248 4 Halls . ( updated Apr 2022 )
  • 39.0811 -94.58142 5 Crown Center . ( updated Apr 2022 )
  • 39.2508 -94.66353 6 Zona Rosa . ( updated Apr 2022 )
  • 38.91296 -94.64899 7 119th Street ( Suburban Kansas ). The area east of the Sprint HQ is home to a number of shopping complexes like Town Center Plaza, Leawood Park Place and One Nineteen. Park Place is a highly dense, mixed use suburban town center catering to local retailers.  
  • Antiques : KC has many unique things you will not find on the coasts. The best places to poke around are estate sales and whatnot in the outlying farm areas -- they throw nothing away. Check out the River Market Antique Mall for 4 stories of vendors selling something between trash and treasure. The West Bottoms warehouses host antique and estate sale auctions on the weekends, look to the KC Star for details.
  • 39.09155 -94.58125 8 Crossroads Arts District . Highly inspiring mix of shops ranging from apparel to home design. Shops are scattered throughout this gritty district of former warehouses and industrial spaces. The district is also one of the largest collections of art galleries and studios in the Midwest.  
  • 39.12667 -94.82598 9 Legends . Legends Outlets Kansas City is a super-regional shopping mall located in the Village West development near Kansas City, Kansas. ( updated Sep 2018 )
  • City Market Area : once called the River Market (and before that the River Quay back when mobsters used to end up in trunks with bullet holes). Like Times Square, they chased out the venerable old peep shows and dive bars. Now the neighborhood hosts a farmer's market, live music during the summer from major acts, and the Steamboat Arabia Museum which hosts the largest collection of prewar silver in the world -- recovered from a large paddlewheeler that went down in the 1830s.

Eat [ edit ]

Barbecue [ edit ].

"Who has the best barbecue in Kansas City?" is a question that causes much debate in Kansas City. Although the debate is usually in good humor, be ready for a passionate explanation which may take some time (or a light-hearted argument if asked in front of more than one person). Although the different restaurants each have their own unique flavors, they will usually have a sauce which is thicker and sweeter than offered in most other parts of the U.S.

Kansas City is also home to a barbecue dish that is rarely found outside the area, called "Burnt Ends." These are the overcooked ends and edges of a brisket, which although dry and chewy, are amazingly smoky and full of flavor (much more flavorful than any other cut). If you are feeling open-minded about your KC barbecue experience, they are definitely worth a try.

  • 39.09198 -94.55616 1 Arthur Bryant's , 1727 Brooklyn Ave . It has pictures on the wall of presidents and other famous people who have visited. The sandwich consists of a large pile of brisket and two pieces of butternut bread. One sandwich could feed three people. Ask for sauce for take-outs. Bryant's signature sauce is a vinegar based sauce with slight lower neutral overtones. There are alternative, sweeter versions of the sauce available. There is a security guard in the parking lot at night.  
  • 38.9728 -94.57452 2 B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ , 1205 E 85th St , ☏ +1 816-822-7427 . B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ is in an old roadhouse in south Kansas City, and serves Kansas City-style barbecue. All the ribs, sausage and meats are slow-smoked in a 60 year old pit with apple wood. This often includes Cajun/Creole staples such as Boudin Balls & Jambalaya. However, BB's is best known for live Blues, Zydeco, and other various types of live music six nights a week.  
  • 38.88276 -94.58626 3 Martin City , 13441 Holmes Rd , ☏ +1 816-942-9141 . M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-8:30PM; Happy hour: M-F 3PM-6PM . ( updated Apr 2022 )
  • 39.08728 -94.58584 4 Freight House , 101 W 22nd St. #300 , ☏ +1 816-472-7427 . M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-8:30PM; Happy hour: M-F 4PM-6PM . ( updated Apr 2022 )
  • 39.04125 -94.58864 5 Country Club Plaza , 4747 Wyandotte St , ☏ +1 816-531-7427 . M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-8:30PM; Happy hour: M-F 3PM-6PM . ( updated Apr 2022 )
  • Gates . When you walk in, you will immediately hear: "Hi, may I help you?" So, if you're eating in, and you have absolutely no idea what to order, shout back "Beef and a half on bun", "Mixed Plate" (Mixed plate includes ribs, sliced ham & sliced turkey) or "Burnt End on Bun". Guy Fieri of the Food Network once declared the Burnt End On Bun to be his single most favorite meal in the country. Gates Sauce is sweet & tangy with very slight vinegar undertones.  
  • 39.03479 -94.51747 6 LC's , 5800 Blue Pkwy ( head E on Ward Pkwy from the Plaza ). Though not much to look at, don't let the barred door and admittedly intimidating surroundings scare you off; specialties here include sandwiches that feed two and thick cut fries. ( updated Jun 2017 )
  • 39.04444 -94.62074 7 Joe's Kansas City , 3002 West 47th Ave , ☏ +1 913 722-3366 . M-Th 11AM-9PM; F Sa 11AM-10PM; closed on Sundays . In a gas station/liquor store in Kansas City, KS, Joe's Kansas City, formerly Oklahoma Joe's, has quickly established itself as the "Pulled Pork King" of the area. Pulled pork is the self proclaimed specialty, but just about all things swine are amazing. Walk around to the serving line and have some of the best ribs in KC. The Z-Man sandwich (Beef brisket and melted provolone topped with two onion rings) and the "Carolina Style" (served open-faced with cole slaw) are also favorites. Anthony Bourdain included Joe's Kansas City in his "13 Places To Eat Before You Die" list published in GQ magazine. Lines are punishingly long during lunch, but very well worth the wait. Call in and go to the front register for a take out order. They have 2 suburban locations in Johnson County, KS.  
  • 39.06581 -94.61618 8 Rosedale ( One block W of Rainbow on Southwest Blvd ). best of the best.  

Diners [ edit ]

  • 39.08845 -94.58882 9 Town Topic , 2021 Broadway Blvd , ☏ +1 816-842-2298 . Daily 24 hr . Small diner with low prices.  

Italian [ edit ]

  • 39.10514 -94.58033 10 Anthony's , 701 Grand Blvd , ☏ +1 816-221-4088 . Tu-Th Su noon-8PM, F Sa noon-9PM .  
  • 39.16266 -94.57649 11 Cascone's , 3733 N. Oak Trafficway , ☏ +1 816-454-7977 . Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM, Su noon-7PM .  
  • 39.05 -94.60696 12 Cupini's , 1809 Westport Rd , ☏ +1 816-753-7662 .  
  • 39.10934 -94.57203 13 Garozzo's , 526 Harrison St , ☏ +1 816-221-2455 . M-Th 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Su 3PM-9PM .  
  • 39.08771 -94.58473 14 Lidia's , 101 W 22nd St , ☏ +1 816-221-3722 . M-Th 5PM-9PM, F Sa 5PM-10PM, Su 4PM-8PM; Happy hour: M-F 4PM-6PM .  
  • 39.05043 -94.45043 15 V's , 10819 East US Highway 40, Independence, MO , ☏ +1 816-353-1241 . M-Th 11:30AM-8PM, F Sa 11:30AM-9PM, Su 10AM-7PM .  

Splurge [ edit ]

  • 39.096981 -94.582493 16 801 Chophouse ( 801 Steak & Chop House ), 71 E 14th St ( Power and Light District/Downtown Kansas City ), ☏ +1 816-994-8800 . 4-11 . A late 1920s New York City steak house interior with leather booths, cherry wood furnishings, wooden floors, granite counter tops and high ceilings. The chef creates a fresh sheet that highlights seasonal fresh soups and salads, oysters on the half shell, five species of fresh fish, live Maine lobsters and king crab legs. The bar opens daily at 4PM with happy hour from 4-6PM on M-F. $55 .  
  • 39.082 -94.58142 17 American Restaurant , 200 E 25th St #400 ( Crown Center ).  
  • 39.04071 -94.59193 18 Capital Grille , 4760 Broadway Blvd ( The Plaza ).  
  • 39.20888 -94.65147 19 Em Chamas Brazilian Steakhouse , 6101 NW 63rd Terrace , ☏ +1 816-505-7100 . Tu-Th 5PM-9PM, F 5PM-9:30PM, Sa 4PM-9:30PM, Su 4PM-8PM; Inferno Lounge: Tu-Sa 4:30PM-11PM .  
  • 39.09424 -94.60506 20 Golden Ox , 1600 Genessee St #110 ( West Bottoms near Royal Kemper Arena ), ☏ +1 816-842-2866 . Tu-Sa 5PM-10PM . Classic steakhouse.  
  • 39.25094 -94.66444 21 The Hereford House , 8661 North Stoddard Avenue ( Zona Rosa Town Center ), ☏ +1 816-584-9000 . Tu-Th 3PM-9PM, F 3PM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Su noon-8PM .  
  • 38.94142 -94.6058 22 Jasper's , 1201 W 103rd St .  
  • 39.10361 -94.58669 23 The Savoy at 21c , 219 W 9th St , ☏ +1 816-443-4260 . Tu-F & Su 5PM-10PM, Sa 5PM-11PM .  
  • 39.08754 -94.58521 24 Grunauer , 101 W 22nd St , ☏ +1 816-283-3234 . Austrian cuisine in the historic Crossroads district.  
  • 38.88242 -94.58918 25 Jess & Jim's Steakhouse , 517 E 135th St , ☏ +1 816-941-9499 . The quintessential Midwestern steakhouse. Known for the 25 oz. Playboy Strip that put this little place on the national map. USA Today declared Jess & Jim's one of the nation's top steakhouses and former US president Bill Clinton is known to stop in when he visits Kansas City.  
  • 38.88324 -94.68257 26 Stroud's , 831 W 135th St, Overland Park , ☏ +1 913-499-0135 . M 4-9PM, Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-9PM . Fried chicken.  

Drink [ edit ]

There is a popular brewery in KC by the name of Boulevard whose beers are available on tap at many different bars and restaurants throughout town.

Live Music Venues: Uptown Theatre (Midtown, on Broadway and Valentine) hosts lots of up and coming acts and many timeless performers play here because it is so famous. Beaumont Club is a soulless Westport C&W club that hosts live music but has acoustics' issues and a mechanical bull. The Grand Emporium used to be one of the best blues clubs but after being bought by the owners of the Beaumont they changed it considerably, including the name to Tao.

  • 39.09821 -94.58189 1 Angel's Rock Bar , 50 East 13th St, Suite 200 , ☏ +1 816-842-1045 .  
  • 39.09739 -94.58431 2 The Drum Room , 1329 Baltimore ( In the Hilton President Hotel Kansas ), ☏ +1 816-303-1686 . Historic jazz and blues location.  
  • 39.09819 -94.5813 3 Howl at the Moon , 1334 Grand Blvd , ☏ +1 816-471-4695 . Th 7PM-2AM, F Sa 7PM-3AM, Su-W open for events .  
  • 39.10275 -94.5856 4 John's Deck , 928 Wyandotte St , ☏ +1 816-255-3396 .  
  • 39.0978 -94.58162 5 Kansas City Live! , 50 E 13th St, Suite 200 , ☏ +1 816-842-1045 . Open-air live music and entertainment venue, open-container allowed. Surrounded by the Power & Light District's various bars and eateries.  
  • 39.12053 -94.54863 6 Knucklehead's , 2715 Rochester Ave , ☏ +1 816-483-1456 . W-Su . Also known for the wide variety of music they bring to KC like country, blues, rockabilly. Roots, singer/songwriters and Zydeco. Free shuttle available.  
  • 39.0978 -94.58126 7 McFadden's Sports Saloon , 50 E 13th St, Suite 200 , ☏ +1 816-842-1045 .  
  • 39.10387 -94.58919 8 The Peanut , 418 W 9th St , ☏ +1 816-221-7470 .  
  • 39.10475 -94.58632 9 The Phoenix , 302 W 8th St , ☏ +1 816-221-5299 . Live jazz  
  • 39.10204 -94.58855 10 The Quaff , 1010 Broadway Blvd , ☏ +1 816-471-1918 . Large, very popular bar with scantily-clad waitresses and tough guy bartenders. Frequented mostly by the post-college crowd.  

Brookside [ edit ]

  • 39.01286 -94.59085 11 The Brooksider , 6330 Brookside Plaza , ☏ +1 816-363-4070 . M 3PM-midnight, Tu W Su 11AM-midnight, Th-Sa 11AM-1:30AM .  
  • 39.01358 -94.59053 12 Carmen's Cafe , 6307 Brookside Plaza , ☏ +1 816-333-4048 . Carmen's serves up tapas, pasta, and Latin- and Italian-style entrees, wine and cocktails in an intimate and friendly setting. Come in through the downstairs bar. $15-30 .  
  • 39.01411 -94.58883 13 Charlie Hooper's , 12 W. 63rd Street , ☏ +1 816-361-8841 .  

Country Club Plaza [ edit ]

  • 39.04019 -94.59464 14 The Granfalloon , 608 Ward Pkwy , ☏ +1 816-753-7850 .  
  • 39.04054 -94.5977 15 JJ's , 4810 Roanoke Pkwy , ☏ +1 816-561-7136 . JJ's is a laid back, wine and martini type bar that generally caters to older patrons, but the drink selection is good and the bartenders friendly. The outdoor patio is heated so it can be enjoyed during most of the year.  
  • 39.04073 -94.5939 16 O'Dowd's , 4742 Pennsylvania Ave , ☏ +1 816-561-2700 . O'Dowd's is a standard Irish Pub but features live music often and is one of the more upbeat places on the Plaza. Features an open air rooftop bar.  

Crossroads [ edit ]

  • 39.09232 -94.57995 17 The Brick , 1727 McGee St , ☏ +1 816-421-1634 .  
  • 39.09152 -94.57815 18 Grinders , 417 E 18th St ( 3 blocks E of Grand St. ), ☏ +1 816-472-5454 . M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM . Eclectic beer selection and authentic Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches.  
  • 39.10582 -94.58147 19 Pawn & Pint , 613 Walnut St , ☏ +1 816-299-4773 . Board games with food and drink, bar area. ( updated Apr 2022 )

Midtown [ edit ]

  • 39.05761 -94.59104 20 miniBar , 3810 Broadway Blvd , ☏ +1 816-326-8281 . Tu-Sa 6PM-3AM .  
  • 39.04951 -94.58719 21 The Levee , 16 W 43rd St , ☏ +1 816-561-5565 .  
  • 39.05989 -94.58566 22 Side Kicks Saloon , 3707 Main St , ☏ +1 816-931-1430 . ( updated Apr 2022 )

Northeast Industrial District [ edit ]

  • 39.12053 -94.54864 23 Knucklehead's , 2715 Rochester Ave , ☏ +1 816-483-1456 . Th F 7PM-11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-7PM .  

River Market [ edit ]

  • 39.1079 -94.58068 24 Harry's Country Club , 112 E Missouri Ave , ☏ +1 816-421-3505 . M-Th Su 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight .  
  • 39.1086 -94.58271 25 Minsky's , 427 Main St , ☏ +1 816-421-1122 .  

Waldo [ edit ]

  • 38.9931 -94.59444 26 Bobby Baker's Lounge , 7418 Wornall Rd , ☏ +1 816-523-5485 .  
  • 38.99079 -94.59322 27 Lew's , 7539 Wornall Rd , ☏ +1 816-444-8080 . Daily 11AM-3AM .  

Westport [ edit ]

  • 39.05216 -94.59156 28 Buzzard Beach , 4110 Pennsylvania Ave , ☏ +1 816-753-4455 .  
  • 39.05366 -94.58997 29 Dave's Stagecoach Inn , 316 Westport Rd , ☏ +1 816-561-2492 .  
  • 39.05288 -94.59172 30 Kelly's , 500 Westport Rd , ☏ +1 816-561-5800 .  
  • 39.05254 -94.59104 31 Harpo's , 4109 Pennsylvania Ave , ☏ +1 816-753-3434 . Tu-Su 11AM-3AM .  
  • 39.05263 -94.59141 32 Harry's Bar and Tables , 501 Westport Rd , ☏ +1 816-561-3950 .  
  • 39.05087 -94.59622 33 Westport Flea Market , 817 Westport Rd , ☏ +1 816-931-1986 . M-Th Su 9AM-11:15PM, F Sa 9AM-12:15AM, . Regularly voted Kansas City's best burger, the Flea has a full food menu, but is really more about drinks and hanging out. Live music on Sundays, karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, chess on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays. Relaxed crowd, pool tables and pinball. 23 beers on tap.  
  • 39.05219 -94.59106 34 Firefly - 'A Modern Speakeasy' , 4118 Pennsylvania Ave , ☏ +1 816-298-6477 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
  • 39.05004 -94.60505 35 Rudy's Tenampa Taqueria , 1611 Westport Rd , ☏ +1 816-931-9700 . M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM . ( updated Apr 2022 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

  • 39.066043 -94.567287 1 Honeycomb Hostel , 3314 The Paseo , ☏ +1 816-399-7294 . Kansas City's only hostel. Dorm beds come with locker and USB port. One private room available. Free wireless internet. Dorms $38.50, private room $88 . ( updated Feb 2018 )
  • 39.30863 -94.68294 2 Microtel Inn and Suites Kansas City Airport , 11831 NW Plaza Cir , ☏ +1 816-270-1200 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • 39.15052 -94.4848 3 Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City , 3200 N Ameristar Dr , ☏ +1 816-414-7000 . Refurbished lobby, 184 rooms all with king or 2 queen size beds.  
  • 39.27516 -94.66651 4 Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City International Airport , 7640 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway ( 4 mi from MCI Airport, 1 mi from Zona Rosa ).  
  • 39.04315 -94.58452 5 Southmoreland on the Plaza , 116 E 46th St . B and B.  
  • 39.09506 -94.58421 6 Courtyard Kansas City Downtown/Convention Center , 1535 Baltimore Ave , ☏ +1 816-221-7400 . ( updated Feb 2020 )
  • 39.09517 -94.5841 7 Residence Inn Kansas City Downtown / Convention Center , 1535 Baltimore Ave , ☏ +1 816-221-1400 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: noon . ( updated Feb 2020 )
  • 39.043803 -94.588897 8 Courtyard Kansas City Country Club Plaza ( Historic Courtyard Marriott Plaza ), 4600 JC Nichols Pkwy . In the heart of the Plaza. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, refrigerators and microwaves in every room and bar.  
  • 39.097548 -94.584119 9 Hilton President Kansas City , 1329 Baltimore Ave ( Sign reads 'President' in P and L District ).  
  • 39.085084 -94.579789 10 Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center , 2345 McGee St . Connected to the Crown Center office and shopping complex.  
  • 39.039152 -94.59241 11 InterContinental Kansas City at The Plaza , 401 Ward Pkwy , ☏ +1 816-756-1500 . 366 luxury-class rooms and suites.  
  • 39.100334 -94.58634 12 Kansas City Marriott Downtown , 200 W 12th St ( In Convention District, 12th and Wyandotte ). 22-floor hotel that connects to the historic Muehlebach Hotel. Most recognizable at night, when the front of the hotel shows a light display from dusk-11PM.  
  • 39.083064 -94.583022 15 The Westin Crown Center , 1 E Pershing Rd , ☏ +1 816-474-4400 . In Hallmark's Crown Center, an 85-acre complex of shops, restaurants and theaters.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Like most major cities, the tourist and business areas (downtown and the Plaza) are generally safe day and night, but it is always best to be aware of your surroundings. It's also best to be especially cautious during the evenings and night around the P and L District, where there has been an increase in crimes. Most violent crime happens during the late nighttime hours. Neighborhoods east and southeast of the downtown/midtown/Plaza areas are experiencing an increase in violent crime. These areas offer little for visitors and are best avoided. (One exception is the Kansas City Zoo, which is in Swope Park. The surrounding area is not the safest, but the zoo itself is fine.)

KC is in Tornado Alley, so make sure you check the local weather forecasts and make sure you understand what to do during a tornado. Tornado sirens are in place to warn of incoming twisters. The system is tested every month on the first Wednesday at around noon. If you hear the sirens any other time, they're serious!

Connect [ edit ]

  • 39.09939 -94.58303 4 Kansas City Convention & Visitor's Bureau , 1241 Main St , ☏ +1 816-691-3800 , toll-free: +1 800-767-7700 . M-F 9AM-5PM . ( updated Apr 2022 )
  • 38.57886 -92.17605 5 Missouri Division of Tourism , P.O. Box 1055, Jefferson City , MO 65102 , ☏ +1 573-751-4133 . ( updated Apr 2022 )

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

Kansas City is one of those places where hidden in darker corners, you will find the gems, the places to visit and go. Rarely do things jump out at you and say: come visit this attraction, food, shopping, or historical establishment. Pick up a Pitch Weekly for nightlife information. If you want to relax and enjoy a walk, check out Loose Park just south of the Country Club Plaza. During the spring and fall, it's one of the most beautiful places to stroll. When you are done there are plenty of other beautiful and majestic cities in this region like Omaha , Chicago , Saint Louis , Independence , Lee's Summit , and Des Moines .

travel kansas city

  • Has custom banner
  • Has map markers
  • Airport listing
  • Articles with dead external links
  • Go listing with no coordinates
  • Has mapframe
  • Maps with non-default size
  • See listing with no coordinates
  • Do listing with no coordinates
  • Buy listing with no coordinates
  • Eat listing with no coordinates
  • Has routebox
  • Kansas City Area
  • All destination articles
  • Has Geo parameter
  • Usable cities
  • Usable articles
  • City articles
  • Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Weekend in Kansas City: The Perfect Itinerary (According to a Local!)

Planning a trip to Kansas City, Missouri? Read on for a complete weekend in Kansas City itinerary including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, where to stay and other essential tips written by a local if you have 36 to 48 hours in Kansas City .

36 hours in Kansas City Itinerary

– Written by Kaitlyn from Adventures of Kaitlyn and Nick  –

Kansas City is a great place to visit in the Midwest with a lot of things to do, see, and eat even National Geographic has identified Kansas City as a top destination (#10!) for 2019.

We have lived in Kansas City, Missouri for more than three years now and have explored the city as both tourists and locals. This weekend in Kansas City itinerary captures some of our favorite things and some of Kansas City’s most popular attractions.

Kansas City Travel Tips

Kansas City is almost in the center of the United States. It is easily reached by driving from the rest of the Midwest or by flying into Kansas City International Airport (MCI) . The airport is about a 30 minute drive from downtown, so make sure to take that into account if you have a specific timeline after arriving.

Kansas City is a large and spread out metropolis. In order to explore the city a car is the best option. Uber and Lyft are available if needed, but to explore during the day your own vehicle would be nice.

Downtown Kansas City is broken up into multiple districts. They are all pretty close to each other, but not walking distance. The areas include the West Bottoms, the Plaza, and Power and Light.

Kansas City is located in the Midwest so it experiences some warm weather in the summer and cold weather in the winter. I am a warm weather girl, so I recommend visiting in the spring, summer, or fall. Kansas City can be struck by snow or ice, so travel in the winter can be a little iffy if you aren’t used to travelling in winter conditions.

One final thing, the Kansas City that most people picture is actually located in Missouri, not Kansas. There is a Kansas City, Kansas and it connects across the border to Kansas City, Missouri. We’ve only lived here for three years, but there is a clear rivalry of Kansas vs Missouri in those that have grown up here. This doesn’t just pertain to Kansas City, but includes the suburbs as well. This is just something good to keep in mind as you talk to different locals during your stay.

Where to Stay in Kansas City

If you are looking to stay close to nightlife there are hotels in the Plaza and near the Power and Light District.

Hilton President is a neat hotel in a very old building within walking distance of the Power and Light District. It is a great place to stay if you are planning to explore the bars in this area. I have stayed here for work trips before moving to Kansas City and can say it is very nice. It also stands out as a staple of the Kansas City skyline.

There are multiple hotels in the Plaza. I have stayed at the Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza before while travelling for work and know it is within walking distance to Jack Stack BBQ on the Plaza.

If you are looking for a cheaper option the liberty or worlds of fun area have a lot of hotels too. (We actually live close to Worlds of Fun) these areas are about a 20 minute drive to downtown or the airport and have some of their own attractions too.

Another option is Airbnb. I haven’t used Airbnb in Kansas City before, but have used it in multiple other cities and loved it! It is a great way to get a more local feel for a destination without the higher cost of a hotel in these areas. If you haven’t used Airbnb before, use my link to sign up and get something off your first stay (and we will get something off our next trip too!)

Day 1 in Kansas City Itinerary: Q39, The Plaza, Char Bar

Arrive in Kansas City!

I would plan on some good Kansas City barbecue for dinner. My favorite place (for now) is Q39 which is located in a hip area of town called 39th Street with shops, bars, and restaurants. It is not your typical hole in the wall barbecue joint but is still delicious, trust me. My favorite is the burnt end burger with an appetizer of their onion rings. Get there early or be prepared for a wait. You can also make a reservation online if you do it early enough.

If you get to town a little earlier and have time before dinner I recommend walking around the Plaza. You can also sign up for a segway tour here . The Plaza boasts fancy stores, unique architecture, and beautiful lights during the holiday season.

If you can still walk after you are stuffed with bbq, check out one of the bars on 39th Street like Char Bar . They also have good barbecue, but my favorite part is the outdoor area. There is a covered patio, a huge outdoor bar, and a large grassy games area with room for cornhole and hanging out by fire pits.

Day 2 in Kansas City Itinerary: City Market, National WWI Museum and Memorial, Joe’s KC, Power & Light District

City market.

When you get up Saturday morning head on down to City Market . Here you can walk around and admire local crafts, vegetables, and other goodies. City Market is also lined with restaurants. Stop by City Market Coffee or get a lemonade from a vendor and a snack to tide you over til lunch. On Saturdays and Sundays local farmers and vendors set up multiple rows of their goods. We love to buy produce, honey, flowers, and even specialty products here.

If you can hold out for lunch in City Market you won’t be disappointed. There are a lot of choices here, but I recommend Habashi House . It has delicious Middle Eastern fare and the best hummus I’ve ever had. They have great gyros and platters as well as baklava for desert.

Also in City Market is the Arabia Steamboat Museum . We haven’t visited this museum, but I’ve heard from co-workers it is pretty cool, but a little on the pricey side.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

weekend in kansas city itinerary skyline from WWI monument

Once you’ve had your fun at City Market, head on over to the National WWI Museum and Memorial . This is the only museum dedicated to WWI in the country. The museum is beautiful and you can also take a ride to the top of the memorial for a unique city skyline view.

Joe’s KC

joes-kc-bbq-what-to-eat-in kansas city

For an early dinner head to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Joe’s KC) . Yes another BBQ place, but you won’t be sorry! This restaurant is located in Kansas City, Kansas and in a functioning gas station. They have won more awards than I can count and are very popular for locals and tourists alike. On Wednesdays and Saturdays they have a Burnt Ends plate I highly recommend. Other days i would choose their Z-Man which is a brisket sandwich. I love their onion rings and Nick loves their fries. Both come with a great seasoning on them that can’t be beat!

Again be prepared for a long wait if you come during normal eating times. For lunch I would recommend getting there at 11:00 a.m. (when they open), and for dinner no later than 5:00 p.m. if you don’t want to wait in line for an hour.

Power & Light District

power-and-light-district kansas city travel blog

Tonight head to the Power & Light District for nightlife. This is a great area that is basically an enclosed city block. There are bars and restaurants around the perimeter and an open space inside where you can walk with your drinks! If you are there in the summer there are free country concerts in on Thursday nights.

The outdoor area is covered so no need to worry about weather. There is a piano bar and a bar with a mechanical bull!

Day 3 in Kansas City Itinerary: First Watch, Kansas City Zoo

First watch.

For your last day in the city I recommend heading to First Watch for breakfast/brunch. There is a location just north of downtown and a few more have opened in the last year too. It is a place specifically for breakfast and brunch and has some great options. I love their breakfast tacos!

Kansas City Zoo

If the weather is nice I recommend visiting the Kansas City Zoo . It is a large zoo, so bring your walking shoes! My favorite part is the kangaroos that are not enclosed at all! They lay on the grass looking so much like people, I could watch them for way too long. It is easy to spend a half of a day walking and looking at all the animals! Bring your own water bottle and snacks to save some money for when you get inevitably hungry and thirsty.

I know you will leave Kansas City today feeling like you just have to come back! When you do, check out my post on fun things to do in Kansas City for inspiration!

More Things to Do in Kansas City

There are so many fun things to do in Kansas City it is hard to pick just a few for a weekend. If you find yourself completing this itinerary quickly or just want some different options here are some more good choices.

Royals, Chiefs, Sporting KC, and Basketball

Kansas City also has multiple major sports teams. Depending on the time of year you visit you could watch soccer, baseball, or football. The Chiefs and Royals are located right beside each other (they actually share a parking lot!) on the east side of town. Sporting KC is the male professional soccer team that has a very loyal following and the games are a blast to attend even if you aren’t a big soccer fan. Kansas City also often hosts big 12 basketball tournament games if the season is right.

Union Station

lego art of the brick at union station 36 hours in kansas city itinerary

Another favorite of ours is to visit Union Station . This is the train station in town that is still operational. It is a beautiful old building that hosts many festivals and unique exhibits throughout the year.

We have seen bodies, legos, dinosaurs, giant insects, and mummies at the rotating exhibits here. There is also a science museum in Union Station that is great for kids, or adults who are still young at heart.

Their exhibits are typically on the expensive side, but they are also exhibits that travel around the country and might be a once in a lifetime chance to see.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art 36 to 48 hours in kansas city

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a haven for art lovers. We have been three times and haven’t seen everything yet. The best part is the museum is free. You will have to pay for parking but can’t beat the experience for the price if you love art and culture.

There are also sculptures on a large lawn in front of the museum. It is a perfect place for a picnic or just enjoying the weather and people watching.

The West Bottoms

One final adventure we love during the warmer months is First Fridays . This occurs in Westport where there are lots of art galleries, antique, and boutique shops to walk through. Streets are closed down and food trucks line the streets during the first weekend of the month. The shops are open most weekends but without as much of the hoopla.

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons Kansas City isn’t just another fly over city in the Midwest. With this itinerary you can have a great weekend in Kansas City whether you’re from near or far.

Kaitlyn is a chemical engineer by day and adventurer by weekend. With Adventures of Kaitlyn and Nick she seeks to share their adventures and inspire everyone to explore and see this great world.  Follow her on  facebook , instagram ,  pinterest , and twitter .

The best things to do in Kansas City, Missouri (USA). Click for the perfect weekend itinerary including what to do, where to stay, where to eat and drink and other insider travel tips. #kansascity #kansascitytravel #kansascitythingstodo | Kansas City Travel | Things to do in Kansas City Ideas | Kansas City Vacation Bucket Lists | Kansas City Things to do Winter Fall Summer Spring Free | Kansas City Attractions Fun | Kansas City Hotels | Kansas City Missouri Food | Kansas City Restaurants

Related Posts

What to Pack in a Carry On Bag: The Ultimate Carry On Bag Essentials List

savvyglobetrotter

I have some family in Kansas City, although I have not done much there yet. Joe’s KC looks so busy, but I love a good BBQ joint! I will save this for later so I know what to do next time I am in the area.

I haven’t been to Kansas City, but I know it’s in Missouri and just heard about one in Kansas. lol. I can’t wait to try the BBQ, visit the Union Station, the Nelson-Atkins Museum and other places that I’ve heard before. I know one day we will stop here on our way home from Illinois, looking for a new itinerary. Good read and pinned this article for future reference.

Honestly I’ve never thought too much about Kansas City before but it looks like an awesome city! I’d love to go someday though I don’t think I’m welcome as a Patriots fan right now haha

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

  • Meet the Team
  • Work with Us
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

Home » North America » Kansas City

17 Things to Do in Kansas City, Missouri on ANY Budget

Kansas City, Missouri is a great holiday destination! With more fountains than any other city in the US, its best known for its impressive historic buildings, jazz scene, and barbeque culture.

In Kansas City, tourism is a thriving industry — and for good reason! With a variety of activities and spectacular sights, there are many fun things to do in Kansas City by yourself, with your partner or even with the whole family! From tasting the best Midwestern beers at Boulevard Brewery to attending a Kaleidoscope arts workshop, there are so many fun activities to enjoy in funky KC!

That’s not to say that Kansas, Missouri, is short on stately monuments. There are quite a few impressive museums that cover everything from military history to world art. We’ve gone ahead and provided a list of our favorite top things to do in Kansas City, to help you decide.

travel kansas city

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Top Things to Do in Kansas City

Unusual things to do in kansas city, safety in kansas city, things to do in kansas city at night, where to stay in kansas city, romantic things to do in kansas city, best free things to do in kansas city, things to do with kids in kansas city, day trips from kansas city, 3 day itinerary in kansas city, faq on things to do in kansas city.

From honoring the dead of World War I to getting to know the best local eateries, there is an incredible variety of unmissable things to do in Kansas City!

1. Taste the Best Local Food

Taste the Best Local Food

One of the best ways to get to know Kansas City is to experience its culinary scene! There are plenty of local restaurants, with a reputation for excellent food.

Exploring a variety of popular tourist eateries and local jaunts is a great idea! Try Global Cuisines of River Market which is based on the idea of communal eating so you sit at a table with complete strangers. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, Bella Patina’s atmospheric offering is a must.

2. Experience Country Club Plaza

Experience Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza is one of the most popular places to hang out in Kansas! It’s a bustling square that’s home to a number of attractions.

The architecture is the main drawcard of this plaza: Spanish-style fountains, tiles, and statues are all over, making for fabulous photo opportunities! Country Club Plaza is also home to many shops and restaurants, so it’s great for grabbing something to eat or drink and soaking up the atmosphere!

3. Discover Fascinating Marine Life

Discover Fascinating Marine Life

Exploring SEA LIFE Kansas in the heart of downtown is one of the most fun Kansas City things to do!

The aquarium has lots of kid-friendly activities so it’s very popular with families but you definitely don’t need little ones to appreciate the space! The marine animals are mostly species that are found in the nearby Missouri River. There are daily informative talks about specific species which helps to enrich the experience!

4. Learn About World War I

Wikicommons-National-World-War-I-Museum

The National World War I Museum is consistently ranked as one of the top places to visit in Kansas City!

The museum centers the ordinary soldiers in its exhibitions, which are designed as if the soldiers were telling the stories themselves. One of the most beautiful features is the glass bridge that overlooks a display of 9000 poppies. This extraordinary sight is a tribute to the 9 million lives lost in the war!

5. Learn How to Distill Spirits

Discover How to Distill Spirits

Kansas is home to some of the best Midwestern distilleries and Tom’s Town is certainly the most fun to visit!

Tom’s Town is named after Tom Pendergast, a liquor businessman who ensured that there was alcohol flowing in Kansas, despite Prohibition. This distillery lives up to this spirit, making bourbon, gin, and vodka on-site. You can learn about this process, discover more interesting facts about Prohibition and taste some amazing cocktails !

6. Admire Amazing Artworks

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has an art collection that spans thousands of years and over 35 000 pieces. This incredible collection is displayed in a beautiful feat of architecture, making a visit here one of the most essential things to do in Kansas City today!

The museum’s warm welcome starts with free admission. One of the highlights is the sculpture park. You’ll also find masterpieces by the likes of Caravaggio and Rembrandt !

7. Try To Escape From The Escape Game!

travel kansas city

If you are after something challenging, immersive but totally then then the   Escape Game Kansas City may be just what you are looking for. The Escape Game features a variety of different rooms which participants  (that’s you and your crew)  must try to escape from by working as a team, solving clues and completing puzzles.

All games are designed to be suitable for everybody, from first-time players to experienced escapologists. No matter which one you decide to play, you’re sure to have an absolute blast!

travel kansas city

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

With LEGOLAND and a genealogy center in town, there are some truly unique Kansas City points of interest to explore!

8. Build Lego Structures

Build Lego Structures

Few people come to Kansas for LEGOLAND but once you’re in town, it’s worth checking this attraction out!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a parallel universe made entirely of Lego! Of course, there are plenty of chances to build your own lego figures, but there are also ready-made structures to admire.

9. Trace Your Family Tree

Wikicommons-Midwest-Genealogy-Center

Visiting Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the most unique things to do in Kansas City! Here, you can access amazing resources to help build your family tree.

The center offers extensive databases of records that allow you to research your family line, as well as consultations with professional genealogists. There are also weekly talks that provide tips to tracing immigrant ancestors , and much more!

10. Admire 25-foot Books

Central Library of Kansas City

As you approach the Central Library of Kansas City, you’ll be blown away by what appears to be gigantic books outside! In fact, this is a mural that decorates the library’s parking garage and is one of the coolest things to see in Kansas City.

The mural was commissioned by the library and locals voted on which books should be represented. Amongst the 22 books, you’ll notice classics like The Lord of the Rings and Fahrenheit 451 !

Kansas is relatively safe, although, like many other big cities in America, crime can be an occasional problem. So long as you’re aware of what’s what, you’ll be just fine!

The areas around Prospect Avenue and Troost Avenue are particularly notorious for drug-related crimes, including muggings. Try to avoid this area (especially after nightfall) and if you do go, there is safety in numbers!

Read our tips for traveling safely before you fly and always get travel insurance. Check out our roundup of the best travel insurance .

Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Whether its music or a hearty barbeque, there are some truly fun things to do in Kansas City for adults!

10. Experience a BBQ

Experience a BBQ

Kansas City is known throughout America for its unique barbeques. That said, going to a barbeque restaurant is one of the best things to do in Kansas City!

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque is the most famous BBQ joint in town ! The smoked meats are world-famous so you’re in for a first-class meal. Joe’s is another popular eatery to check out — it even featured in Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown !

11. Enjoy Live Jazz Music

Green Lady Lounge

Jazz is one of the major attractions in Kansas City — in fact, it’s heavily responsible for putting the city on the map! Cocktails at a jazz bar make for a great, atmospheric night out.

For a truly epic late night, Blue Room is unbeatable. The performers are top quality and the audience is enthusiastic.

For a throwback to the heyday of jazz, Green Lady Lounge is your best bet. Leather banquettes, soft lighting, and passionate performers make it an unforgettable experience!

Now, deciding where to stay in Kansas City might be a bit tricky. There are over 250 different neighbourhoods to choose from. But don’t worry we’ve got your back. Check out the overall best places in Kansas City.

Best Budget Hotel in Kansas: Comfort Suites Manhattan

Things To do in Kansas City

Located outside the Manhattan city centre, this hotel provides easy access to KSU and for exploring the region. It has an indoor pool, wonderful staff and an airport shuttle for guests. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, kitchenettes and private bathrooms. Enjoy a great selection of restaurants and cafes nearby.

Best Hotel in Kansas: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview – Wichita

Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown

This hotel is centrally located in Wichita. It is ideally placed for sightseeing and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. This three-star hotel has an indoor pool, a day spa, and free wifi throughout. All of this combined makes it our pick for the best hotel in Kansas.

Best Airbnb in Kansas: Topeka’s Chic Home in Art District

Things To Do in Kansas City

In the quiet town of Topeka, is this artsy Bungalow just minutes from the best donut shop in the city and the happening art district of Downtown! It’s a homely place and we’d consider it as one of the best Airbnbs in Kansas City . You will have the whole place to yourself, which is ideal when you are traveling with friends or your partner. After a long day of sight-seeing, be sure to grab a local craft brew and take a seat on the front porch, it’s one of the most relaxing things to do this in this quiet neighborhood.

There are so many amazing Airbnbs in Missouri that have great access to Kansas City!

If you’re visiting this pretty city as a couple, don’t worry — there are some gorgeous Kansas City attractions that make for ideal dates!

12. Stroll through the City of Fountains

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain

With more than 200 fountains, Kansas really deserves its title of ‘the City of Fountains. Strolling around these fountains and watching them from a nearby bench are some of the top things to do in Kansas City for couples!

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is one of the grandest fountains. It was built in Paris in 1910 before moving to a New York millionaire’s mansion. Today, it’s right in the center of town on Country Club Plaza!

13. Picnic in the Kauffman Memorial Garden

Kauffman Memorial Garden

The Kauffman Memorial Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kansas City! The landscape is dotted with pretty plants, shady corners, and gushing water fountains — perfect for a picnic date!

The park spans over two acres and has over 7000 plants, as well as some beautiful water features and bronze sculptures! There are some great spots for a picnic. The secluded Secret Garden behind the conservatory is particularly romantic! Having a picnic here is certainly one of the greatest outdoor things to do in Kansas City!

Wondering what to do in Kansas City that won’t dip into your budget? Kansas City is an incredibly affordable city, and many of the things to do in KC that we’ve already suggested are free! That said, here are a couple more free activities!

14. Browse the City Market

City Market Kansas

The City Market in Kansas is the largest farmers’ market in the region, with more than 140 stalls. The hustle and bustle, alongside the great goods on sale, makes visiting one of the best things to do in Kansas. Apart from fresh produce, there are also unique souvenir shops! During the warmer months, the market runs events like live music and art classes. This is one of our favorite things to do in Kansas City in the summer!

15. Taste Awesome Local Beer

Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company is the largest brewery in the Midwest, shipping its beers to over 30 states in America! They offer free guided tours and tastings on Wednesdays and its one of our favorite hip things to do in Kansas City on a rainy day.

The tour includes a visit to the brewery facilities, a short video on how beer is actually made, a history of the company and some samples at the end. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is one of the most entertaining Kansas City activities so get there early to secure your ticket!

Books to Read in Kansas City

Their Eyes Were Watching God  – One of the most important and culturally uplifting novels for the African-American community. Told through a series of flashbacks, which occur in mostly in Slave-era Florida.

The Great Gatsby  – Fitzgerald’s best book. Concerns the enigmatic and wealthy Jay Gatsby, his adventures, and his obsession with a woman.

Catcher in the Rye  – One of the quintessential tales of growing up. Follows a young boy from Pennsylvania who runs away to New York in an open act of rebellion.

travel kansas city

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Are you looking for fun things to do in Kansas City with kids? Don’t worry, there are some incredible activities that the whole family can enjoy!

16. Explore CoCo Key Water Resort

Explore CoCo Key Water Resort

Coco Key Water Resort has some of the best activities in Kansas City for kids! There are plenty of attractions to enjoy, even if you don’t know how to swim.

There are water slides, a man-made river to float along in a tube, a pond where you need to keep your balance and hop from lily pad to lily pad, and so much more. There’s even a shallow wading pool with water features and baby slides — one of the best things to do in Kansas City with a baby!

17. Make Cards and Other Crafts

Hallmark Arts and Craft Kansas City

Kaleidoscope is our favorite place to visit in Kansas City if you have young kids! This arts and crafts center is attached to the Hallmark Visitors Center and offers free workshops.

Hallmark provides children and their families with various materials from their manufacturing process. During a 50-minute session, you can turn these materials into beautiful pieces of art. The workshops run Monday to Sunday several times daily. These art sessions are lots of fun for kids and won’t require too much work from parents!

Kansas City may have wonderful attractions but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the surrounding area. The countryside around Kansas is breathtaking and is full of fun activities! Discover this beautiful are with our best day trips from Kansas City .

Relax at Lake Jacomo

Relax at Lake Jacomo

One of our favorite things to do near Kansas City is to explore Lake Jacomo! Just half an hour out of the city, here you can enjoy the fresh air, as well as some great activities.

Surrounded by trees, Lake Jacomo is a peaceful and stunning spot. There are plenty of water-based activities to try out, such as windsurfing and boating. Fishing is also very popular. You can catch carp, striped bass and bluegill, amongst other species!

Try to come to one of the sailing regattas that the lake hosts. These are pretty, colorful sights and have a great atmosphere!

Drink Around the Somerset Wine Trail

Drink Around the Somerset Wine Trail

The Somerset Wine Trail is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in America! Apart from the great wines, the trail also boasts great scenery, making it one of our favorite things to do outside Kansas City.

The trail is made up of four wineries, all of which have won awards. Somerset Ridge  is the oldest and largest winery in the region. It boasts over 20 acres and 20 different kinds of wine!

The other three wineries are White Wind Farm, Middle Creek, and Night Hawk. The region is just about 30 minutes outside of Kansas City.

grayl geopress filter bottle

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Overwhelmed by there being so many popular things to do in Kansas City this weekend? We understand, and have compiled the perfect itinerary to ensure you see the must-see sites with minimal walking and public transport!

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Kansas City

Start your day off at Country Club Plaza , an unmissable icon of Kansas City. Once you’ve strolled around the beautiful architectural features, head over the amazing art collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art ! You can take a 20-minute walk or shorten the journey to eight minutes with Bus 55 or 40.

As you approach lunchtime, take the eight-minute walk from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to the Kauffman Memorial Garden . There, you can enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll through the greenery!

In the evening, sample Kansas City’s awesome jazz bars. Blue Room is on 18th Street, while Green Lady Lounge is in the heart of town on Grand Boulevard!

Things to do in Kansas City

First up, head to the National World War I Memorial , where you can learn about this devastating war through evocative exhibitions. Afterward,  escape the gloom by visiting colorful LEGOLAND ! It’s a 13-minute walk via Grand Boulevard between the two attractions.

After LEGOLAND, it’s time to get in touch with your creative side. That means attending a workshop at Kaleidoscope . It’s literally just a four-minute walk away from LEGOLAND!

For a final attraction on your itinerary, explore SEA LIFE . The aquarium is just a four-minute walk from Kaleidoscope and is a relaxing place to get to know nature better!

Things to do in Kansas City

Today is all about things to do in Kansas City center. First up, admire the Central Library ’s mural of shelved books. Once you’ve marveled at this optical illusion and had a peek inside, head over to the City Market. It’s just a 10-minute walk away. There, you can soak up the bustling atmosphere, catch a bite to eat and find some unique souvenirs!

Round off your day with a tour of Tom’s Town Distillery ! To get there, catch the MMAX bus. It’s a six-minute ride down Grand Boulevard and then you have to walk five minutes to Tom’s Town in  Main Street.

Don’t forget your travel insurance for Kansas City

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

travel kansas city

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to do and see in Kansas City.

What is there to do in Kansas City this weekend?

Tasting The Local Food is our top thing to do in Kansas City, 365 days a year! Airbnb Experiences ad GetYourGuide also have loads of great things to do right now!

What things can couples do in Kansas City?

Kauffman Memorial Garden makes a beautiful setting for romantic dates. Take your picnic, admire the incredible display and relax after hectic days in the city. Oh, and of course, sex is always an option.

What things are good for families to do in Kansas City?

CoCo Key Water Resort is the ultimate day out for kids (and adults). Kaleidoscope is also a really fun place to get crafty. We recommend checking out the free workshops!

Are there things to do at night in Kansas City?

No trip to Kansas City is complete without going to see a live jazz show. For a delve into the culture too, you have to Experience a BBQ , if you’re not vegetarian or vegan.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Kansas City that you’re almost guaranteed to have a good time! Add in our awesome tips and itinerary, and you’ll definitely cover the best things to do in Kansas City.

Kansas City’s vibrant atmosphere embraces all kinds of travelers so whether you’re a couple or a young family, you can have a good time here. History buffs, foodies, nature lovers — travelers with all interests, really.

Whether you’re already in town or planning an upcoming trip, don’t forget to bring our incredible list of things to do in Kansas City with you! And if you feel like adventuring further, be sure to look into some of our epic road trip ideas from Kansas City.

travel kansas city

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Dawn Greer

Share or save this post

promotional sidebar image for booking.com

Wonderful article. My granddaughter and 2 others have been driving around the United States in the peanut mobile as advertising for Planters. I try to send her things to do during her off time.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Mobile Menue

TRAVEL UPDATES & RESOURCES

Travel updates & resources on covid-19.

Updated: December 17, 10:00 AM

Visit Kansas City Kansas is actively monitoring developments surrounding coronavirus. The health and safety of our visitors and residents is our highest priority and this page will be updated regularly to provide you the latest information about travel to Kansas City, Kansas

Keep WYCO Well Travel Updates Thumbnail

KEEP WYCO WELL See what businesses and residents are doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas City, KS. LEARN MORE

Couple Road Trip

WHAT TO EXPECT Tips and what you can expect when visiting Kansas City, KS LEARN MORE

Guidance for travelers

GUIDANCE FOR TRAVELERS Find the latest information regarding travel and tips from the CDC LEARN MORE

KC Cupcake Company

WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL We're in this together.  Here's how you can support locally-owned businesses right now #SupportLocalKCK LEARN MORE

Cancellations & Postponements

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Several of our events and attractions have been affected by COVID-19 LEARN MORE

City Hall Covid Upates

LOCAL INFORMATION Find the latest information on local travel advisories & confirmed cases LEARN MORE

Covid-19

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Find additional information and resources regarding COVID-19 LEARN MORE

GUIDANCE FOR TRAVELERS

At this time, there are no domestic federal restrictions for travel within the United States. However, the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated, because travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.  We encourage the traveling public to seek and heed the latest expert guidance, and to make fact-based travel decisions. Travelers should observe safe travel habits as outlined by the CDC .

Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.

Stay 6 feet apart from others who don't love with you.

Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.

Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.

LOCAL CASES

Visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/ Kansas City, KS website for an updated list. 

LOCAL TRAVEL ADVISORIES

On December 16, 2021, the Unified Government Commission voted to end the mask order for Kansas City, Kansas and the unincorporated area of Loring in Wyandotte County effectively on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 11:59 PM.  Learn more here.

On November 19, 2021, the Unified Government Commission voted to extend its previous mask order for Kansas City, Kansas and the unincorporated area of Loring in Wyandotte County through January 6, 2022.  Learn more here.

On September 9, 2021, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS Commission voted to extend the mask order until November 18, 2021.  Masks must be worn in all public indoor places including schools, businesses and places of worship as well as people waiting for or riding on public transportation or while in a taxi, private car service or ride-sharing vehicle.  Learn more here.

On August 5, 2021,  the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS Public Health Department voted to reinstate the mask mandate to be worn in all public indoor places including schools, businesses and places of worship as well as people waiting for or riding on public transportation or while in a taxi, private car service or ride-sharing vehicle.  The new order aligns with the newest CDC guidance from July 27 and will go into effect Monday, August 9 through Sept. 16, 2021.   Learn more here.

On May 28, 2021 the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS Public Health Department announced the health order requiring face masks to be worn in all public indoor places will expire at 11:59 PM on Friday, May 28. The UG is no longer requiring masks or social distancing in Wyandotte County. However, some organizations in the county may establish their own policies.  Visitors will be required to wear a mask upon entry to any Unified Government facility, including the UG Public Health Department’s vaccination sites.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide guidance on masks. This guidance notes that it is relatively safe for people who are fully vaccinated to go without masks in most settings, including indoor public spaces. People who are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated are strongly urged to continue wearing masks in public settings.  Learn more here

On April 30, 2021 the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS (UG) Commission adopted a new mask order, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 30th and remains in effect until 11:50 p.m. on May 28, 2021.  Under this order, mask protocols continue for most public indoor settings.  Outdoor mask requirements and social distancing requirements are no longer in place, although these guidelines are still strongly recommended by local public health officials.  Read the entire order here.

On February 25, 2021, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS announced the Unified Government Public Health Department’s (UGPHD)s new Local Health Order New Order allowing bars, taverns and restaurants to serve until midnight and remain open until 12:30 a.m.  Read the entire guidelines here.

On November 16, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS announced the Unified Government Public Health Department’s (UGPHD)s new Local Health Order will lower capacity at businesses and restrict gatherings to ten or fewer people. This new Order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020, and will remain in effect until it is extended, rescinded, replaced, or amended.  Read the entire order here.

On June 27, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas announced effective at 5 PM on Tuesday, June 30: Individuals are required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth when in a public, indoor space (including a workplace, business, or place of worship). Exceptions include those who are deaf or hard of hearing, children younger than five years old, persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering.  Read the entire guidelines here.

On June 5, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas announced it will move to Phase 3 of the Ad Astra Re-Opening Plan effective June 8, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.  In Phase 3, all businesses may re-open, and all education, activities, venues, and establishments may operate pursuant to mass gathering guidelines.  Read the entire plan and guidelines here.

On May 20, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas announced that it is aligning its COVID-19 Recovery process with the timing of the State of Kansas Phase 2 plan. Effective as of 12:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, restrictions will be relaxed as prescribed in the Kansas Phase 2 plan.  Read the plan here.

On May 11, The Red Zone phase of the ReStart WyCo plan becomes effective at 12:00 AM, and it will last until at least May 25. The Red Zone relaxes Stay at Home requirements but recommends the highest level of caution for vulnerable community members while providing guidance on how some businesses may open safely with certain restrictions.  Click here for the full ReStart WyCo plan .

On April 30, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas issued a local Stay-at-Home Order for Wyandotte County to begin at the conclusion of Governor Laura Kelly's statewide order on May 3 at 11:59 p.m. Wyandotte County also released its plan to reopen businesses starting May 11. The phased approach gradually lifts restrictions based on health department guidelines. Each phase will have specific restrictions, guidelines and time frame attached to them.  Read the plan here.

On April 15, Governor Laura Kelly extended the statewide Stay At Home Order to May 3, 2020 at 12:01 AM. The Governor’s Order supersedes all local Stay at Home orders in Kansas.

On March 21, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas; Johnson County, Kansas; Jackson County, Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri have announced a stay-at-home order beginning Tuesday, March 24 through April 24. It directs residents to stay at home except for essential needs.  

On March 17 as of 12:01 a.m., the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas; Johnson County, Kansas; Jackson County, Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri agreed to implement measures to close restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters in their jurisdictions for 15 days. Exceptions are delivery, pickup and drive-through service. The jurisdictions will revisit the decision on April 1 with an evaluation of conditions at that time.  Click here for the Emergency Health Order   Many of our restaurants are offering takeout and delivery, click here for an updated list .

On March 17 as of 12:01 a.m., the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas; Johnson County, Kansas; Jackson County, Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri have decided to ban public gatherings of more than 10 people. Exceptions include governmental and judicial functions, healthcare facilities, private business operations, religious and faith-based activities, weddings and funerals.  Click here for the Emergency Health Order

On March 15, under the authority of Mayor Lucas's State of Emergency proclamation, and per new CDC guidance, no events or gatherings with 50 or more attendees will be allowed in Kansas City, MO for the next eight weeks.

On March 13, the Unified Government serving Wyandotte County declared a state of emergency for Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County, Kansas.  This allows local officials to more easily access the materials and resources needed to effectively control the spread of COVID-19.  This declaration does not restrict travel in Kansas City, KS, but officials strongly recommend that you avoid large crowds, practice social distancing and observe good social hygiene.

On March 13, Johnson County, Kansas has issued a state of emergency restricting public gatherings of more than 250 people.

On March 12, the State of Kansas issued an emergency declaration in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria.

On March 12, the city of Independence, MO issued a state of emergency.

CANCELLATIONS & POSTPONEMENTS Local tourism businesses are following guidance from local health officials and are taking precautions to keep guests safe.  Several attractions, events and activities are being closed, canceled or rescheduled.  We encourage you to call ahead to confirm the status of hours and availability.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

World Health Organization (WHO)

U.S. Travel Association

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • Food and Drink

How to Eat Your Way Through Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri is often thought of as a barbecue capital, but there's also a rich Mexican, Vietnamese, and West African food culture, among others. Here's where to eat and drink.

Osayi Endolyn is a James Beard Award-winning journalist and best-selling author. Her work has appeared in The New York Times , Time , The Washington Post , the Los Angeles Times , and more. She has appeared in Chef’s Table and Ugly Delicious on Netflix.

I starting eating the moment I touched down in Kansas City, Missouri, and I didn't really stop until the morning I left, just under a week later. But this isn't a story about excessive consumption. And it isn't a lesson in what Maya Angelou once described, in an interview I watch over and over again, as "too much moderation." (She advised against it, blessed being that she was.)

In the year that rooted us all in place while somehow thrusting us all forward, I'd determined that the only spot free from the coiling grasp of my own anxiety was the present moment, and nothing else. Driven by this energy, I ate what I wanted to eat when I wanted to eat it. And it's through saying this outright that I recognize the privilege of being able to truly indulge.

Upon my return to New York, it seemed like when folks asked, "How was it?" what they really wanted to know was, "Could you still do it? Can you travel just because ?" Even as a once-intrepid traveler, on this April trip—my first in the COVID era—everything felt new. Exciting even. The weather was sunny and perfect, and everyone was kind, including an older woman who tried to give up her place in line at Gates Bar-B-Q because she thought I was on a lunch break from work.

I've been refitting my life to celebrate joy more intentionally, and yet, in the wake of the past year, writing that I ate well and hit the road for no specific reason feels immensely bold. When my trip was pending, the response to Kansas City was inevitably, " Barbecue ?" A forgivable presumption, given the legendary status the regional style (spice-rubbed, slow-smoked, often with a tangy-sweet sauce) has achieved since Tennessee native and barbecue king Henry Perry pioneered it at his restaurant in Downtown in the early 1900s.

But these days, Kansas City seems to be a place that is rediscovering itself and fostering a food scene where people express themselves personally. I found folks who'd gone away and recently returned, new arrivals who'd decided to take a chance on the Midwest, and a general approach of Why not here?

I tried to pin down why this energy felt so new. It wasn't just the reopening of businesses as pandemic restrictions softened. It wasn't just that entrepreneurs are finding inspiration in one another's pursuits. No one could explicitly tell me what was behind this shift, but many agreed that something was afoot.

Kansas City comprises many narratives: a little Southern, a little industrial, a beneficiary of many migrant cultures. A moment is happening.

Kansas City comprises many narratives: a little Southern, a little industrial, a beneficiary of many migrant cultures. A moment is happening. Revel in it while it's here, was the advice I took. I want to believe that kind of serendipitous connection with a new-to-you place is still worth writing about, even as I remain glassy-eyed from lockdown.

At the Town Company , the restaurant at Hotel Kansas City led by chef Johnny Leach and pastry chef Helen Jo Leach, you can be mindfully decadent, which I think is a thing. Transplants from New York by way of Portland, Oregon, the couple is the creative engine behind the hotel's culinary offerings. A wood-burning hearth in the open kitchen fosters the kind of cozy vibe that says you really ought to enjoy yourself here if you can.

Dinner featured a smoked egg doused with trout roe; a rich halibut fillet paired with oyster mushrooms; baby spinach salad tossed with sunflower shoots in a delicate, creamy green-garlic dressing; and strip loin topped with a medallion of lobster-infused compound butter. This is a dish to give in to.

The same can be said for Helen Jo's desserts. The savory touches in her sweets rounded out my late, meandering meal, especially the signature chocolate steamed bun, which is warm and puffy and garnished with chocolate ganache, roasted acorns, pine nuts, and crunchy cocoa nibs. The next morning, in the lobby café, I was introduced to her lemon-mochi doughnut with salted pistachios. We can reserve debate about whether ending one day with sugar and starting with it the next is "wise" for another time, but in the moment, I adored its bouncy bite.

Related : 10 of the Best Small Towns in the Midwest

Had I planned better, I would have paired the treat with the Hella Good Latte from Café Cà Phê, a coffee truck whose owner, Jackie Nguyen, has a way of giving you what you want, even if you didn't ask for it. She serves coffee beverages prepared with beans from Vietnam.

At the time, the truck was housed in an industrial space where vendors sometimes sell goods to raise funds for Asian American–led organizations. I ordered an eye-catching, bright-purple blend of ube, espresso, oat milk, and condensed milk that is, as it turns out, something of a conversation starter.

Seeing a queue of people with no apparent connection to Vietnamese culture patiently wait for these drinks told me something else about Kansas City and places like it in the U.S., and echoed an oft-reposted sentiment Toni Morrison shared in a 1998 interview: the center, or the "mainstream," is wherever the creator is. Increasingly, that varied representation is what more of us want to experience. We are beginning to understand how absurd it is that coffee grown and harvested in Rwanda or, yes, Vietnam would ever be repackaged as simply French or Italian roast. The truth is as much in the story we tell about it as the taste.

I stopped at Fannie's African & Tropical Cuisine for a lunch of egusi soup, a traditional dish made with bitter melon seeds and accompanied by pounded yam. Owner Fannie Gibson, a Liberia native, presents a menu reflecting a wide range of West African dishes.

I'm getting used to being able to visit restaurants and enjoy the staples my Nigerian father prepared from his Edo culture when I was growing up in California, items that were considered "at-home" or "special-event" food to be shared with friends. At Fannie's, the diversity of both clientele and staff suggested to me a welcome widening in the appeal of African-diaspora food.

Maybe the man who took my entry ticket at the American Jazz Museum asked me where I was visiting from, or some other innocuous query not intended to dissolve into aimless discussion. However it began, we had a moment. The man was fatherly; he may have shared that he was nearly 60.

In our culture as Black Americans, he was an instant uncle to me, a 38-year-old woman of African American and West African heritage. We shared an unspoken but tangible energy of youth-to-elder respect and a presumption of intergenerational communal interest. He was the kind of uncle who toed a line between mature guidance and the mischievous, free-spirited candor of older Black men I've come to know.

He told me he had moved to Kansas City in the late 1980s from small-town Arkansas. "This city has been good to me," he said. "Anything I ever wanted, I got it right here."

He took his first job at Oscar's Barbecue, but within a few years became the owner of a gas station where, one afternoon, in walked a woman who weeks later would become his wife. They had a beautiful life together—married for more than 30 years with several children—before she passed away a few years ago. He told me, "People think marriage is law-abiding and strict. To stay married you have to give and take a lot. A lot of it I took." We laughed when I told him I knew something about that.

Food is a result of where people go and what those people's experiences have been, collectively and individually.

I wanted to find out what kind of things he got into as a young man in a city that at the time was pretty lit, as the kids say. He rattled off nightclubs that he used to frequent, many in the same area as the jazz museum. "We had 6902, Brook Street Lounge, Hanger Boy—you wouldn't like that place. It was off the chain."

"How you know I wouldn't like it?"

"Oh, you could see anything you wanted down at Hanger Boy."

"What all were they doing down there?"

"Girl, everything."

We cackled—him in recollection, me in amusement. I'm not sure I realized I could miss a place I had never been.

I grew up in a household where Black American music in all its forms—gospel, R&B, rock, funk, hip-hop—was in constant rotation, and these genres continue to shape my life. The diverse African American experiences that gave us jazz and blues were, in part, a result of the live music born in the thriving business and entertainment district—the heart of Black Kansas City in the early-to-mid 20th century.

Legends like Count Basie and Mary Lou Williams were among the many talents who held court between 12th and 18th Streets in nightclubs where musicians from across the South came to cut their teeth. The American Jazz Museum tells these stories in part through artifacts and artwork, but its biggest achievement is in conveying how this style of music happens sonically. Listening stations allow visitors to toggle between versions of classic recordings and watch clips about elements of composition, such as rhythm and melody.

It felt meaningful to reflect on the history of the city's music scene at a moment when so many in the food world are building on Kansas City's culinary lore. Anyone who has cosigned the admonition "focus on the food" in response to stories that bridge politics, immigration, labor and wages, gender, or race in dining culture is woefully ignorant of one key factor: food is a result of where people go and what those people's experiences have been, collectively and individually. As people travel and migrate, they bring their culinary heritage with them.

You can still come for the barbecue—and you should. But unexpected delights emerge from all sides

Whether the impetus be war, work, or climate change, the small businesses that comprise the best of the American food tapestry can only exist when opportunity feels accessible. That such a range of offerings is readily available in Kansas City suggests a terrain that has never been monolithic. It's more that the story we tell is changing.

You can still come for the barbecue—and you should. But unexpected delights emerge from all sides. Mexican migration has long been integral to Kansas City culture; over the years temporary workers have been recruited for the meatpacking and railroad industries. Still, I did not know how satisfying it would be to buy a pack of the pork-fat Sonoran flour tortillas from Yoli Tortilleria , along with a jar of its salsa macha morita (a blend of morita chiles and peanuts), and dip the disks into the rich, chunky paste while sitting in my bed at the new Loews Kansas City.

I suspect my two-ingredient dinner—washed down with a Tessellation craft IPA I'd picked up at Double Shift Brewing —was not quite the scenario Yoli co-owners Marissa (a Sonora native) and Mark (born and raised in K.C.) Gencarelli intended. And yet, it felt appropriate. Indulging, but moderately.

On the opposite end of the spectrum was a 10-course dinner at Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room , where chef Michael Corvino reminded me how a precise, choreographed meal can still feel whimsical and easy. Uni with split peas, lemon, miso, and mint. Buckwheat dumplings with osetra caviar. I said countless thank-yous. I drank a lot of sherry.

Every American city struggles to retain, or even acknowledge, the truest narratives of the past. In Kansas City, I could see how people from every corner of the dining scene are building a future that speaks to the moment without forgetting their history. I'm grateful to have encountered a place where residents new and old are looking for what they can give back, so that communities and visitors can get what they need. And what they didn't know they wanted.

Sampling the Kansas City Scene

Where to stay.

Hotel Kansas City : The historic Kansas City Club building has been transformed into an elegant 144-room hotel with a bustling lobby café and a destination restaurant, the Town Company. Doubles from $188.

Loews Kansas City Hotel : This sleek 800-room newcomer is already popular with Downtown locals, thanks to its cocktail lounge, Bar Stilwell. Doubles from $202.

Where to Eat & Drink

Café Cà Phê : Jackie Nguyen's coffee truck has earned a following for its vibrant drinks and responsibly sourced Vietnamese beans.

Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room : Modern American dishes are served as either shared plates in an intimate space with live music (the supper club) or as a 10-course set menu against the backdrop of an open kitchen (the tasting room). Tasting menu $125.

Double Shift Brewing Co. : A local firefighter founded this craft brewery and taproom in the buzzy Crossroads Arts District.

Fannie's African & Tropical Cuisine : Deeply flavorful renditions of traditional West African dishes at this restauranti nclude egusi soup and jollof rice. Entrées $12–$23.

Y oli Tortilleria : Handmade tortillas a remade from non-GMO, stone-ground corn and Sonoran flour.

American Jazz Museum : Artifacts and interactive exhibits honor the genre's legends and their cultural impact.

A version of this story first appeared in the September 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Secret Sauce.

Kansas City Star

Here’s your guide to safety and security along Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade route

W ith thousands of people gathering in downtown Kansas City for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade , public safety agencies have been making plans.

The route runs from Sixth Street to Union Station. Here’s what to know about safety and security along the parade route:

Kansas City Super Bowl parade route

Here’s the route. Road closures have already begun:

How Kansas City police prepared

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves on Monday said the department will have over 600 officers present, plus 250 officers from around 34 other law enforcement agencies as well as federal partners.

Parade organizers have said the perimeter of the parade will be secured for public safety . Fans can help by staying aware of their surroundings and reporting suspicious activity to a police officer or calling 911.

Answering your Super Bowl questions

Have more questions about the Chiefs, Super Bowl or KC’s parade? Send them to [email protected].

→ How can you stream the parade or get it on TV from home?

→ Your complete guide to attending Kansas City’s parade

→ Do businesses along the parade route do good business?

These items are not allowed

No drones, rocket, powered balloons, ultralights or model aircraft will be permitted, regardless of whether they are controlled by line of sight, radio frequency or tethers. Violators may be prosecuted and fined for violating FAA-restricted airspace.

Plan ahead for bad cell reception, travel and parking

Be aware that cell phone reception may be extremely limited.

Spectators should also plan their travel and parking ahead of time. They should also be prepared to walk as road closures near the parade route are expected to lead to congested road conditions.

What if I get lost or separated from my group at the parade?

People are also advised to have a plan in place in case they get separated from others in their group, including having designated points to meet and photos showing what people are wearing. Children should have contact information for their parents or guardians.

People separated from their group are encouraged to find a police officer. Any missing people or children will be taken to one of the reunification locations:

  • UMB Bank, 928 Grand Blvd.
  • The Kansas City Missouri Police Department, 1125 Locust St.
  • T-Mobile Center Concourse, 14th Street and Grand Boulevard.
  • Resurrection Downtown, 1601 Grand Blvd.
  • UMB Bank, 1800 Grand Blvd.
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield – West side entrance, 2301 Main St.
  • Lunchland at Crown Center, 2475 Grand Blvd., on the third level above SEA LIFE Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center.

The Kansas City Fire Department will have roving crews as well as a staffed medical tent on the east side of the National WWI Museum between the north and south lawn.

For those requiring emergency medical attention, they should seek out a roving firefighter, who will be wearing fluorescent green vests and flags. Fire crews will be located on the perimeter of the parade route and at Union Station.

What to do if you see an unattended bag

Fans should also not leave bags unattended and report any unattended bags to police.

Parade accessibility

For those with special needs, parade organizers have designated space in Crown Center Square for wheelchairs and accessibility for those with disabilities. Space is limited.

American Sign Language interpreters will be at the rally and they will be shown on the video boards during the rally.

For information on ADA parking, visit the websites of Crown Center, Union Station and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Contact Erica Good, Kansas City ADA Liaison at 816-513-1818 with any questions related to accessibility. Jamie Guillen is director of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity for Kansas City.

To report any ADA concerns through 311, visit kcmo.gov/city-hall/311 .

Will Taylor Swift show up?

It’s possible that Taylor Swift could show up in Kansas City for the celebration, but the pop singer who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has not commented on her plans.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a press conference Monday afternoon that while he could not comment on Swift’s whereabouts on parade day, onlookers should “stay tuned.” He said that officers are prepared for a change in security.

The police department directed security questions about Taylor Swift to her team.

How to watch the Chiefs parade on TV and streaming

KSBH41, the official broadcast partner for the parade, will air the celebration live KSHB41 and stream on kshb.com.

In 2023 and 2020, the NFL Network also broadcast the festivities on cable. The scheduled NFL Total Access could also include coverage of the parade and rally.

If you’re a Chiefs fan outside of Kansas City, check out these TV live feeds to join the celebration:

FOX4 live stream

KMBC News live stream

KSHB live stream

©2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Barricades held fans back as double-decker buses carried the members of the Kansas City Chiefs including tight end Travis Kelce, upper, right, on their Super Bowl LVII victory parade to Union Station Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, in Kansas City.

travel kansas city

Pittsburg State Gorillas

Pittsburg State Gorillas Logo - Go to Homepage

Men's Basketball 3/6/2024 9:00:00 AM

Gorillas Head to Kansas City for 2024 MIAA Basketball Championships

Site logo

Thanks for visiting !

The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy.

We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here.

Thank you for your support!

was not found

Request a Kansas City Visitors Guide

Get the Official 2024 Visitors Guide

Thanks for your interest in visiting Kansas City. Please complete this online form, and your copy of Visit KC should arrive in 4-6 weeks . If you'd like to review the digital guide please  click here .

Kansas City’s Official Visitors Guide is your source for the latest travel tips, inspiration and insider info from the Heart of America. Available in print and digital formats, it’s always free and offers guidance on shopping, sports, dining, must-see museums and many more ideas for your time in KC. The guide also includes lists of attractions, shopping, dining, accommodations and a detailed calendar of events.

Visitor information packets are mailed only to addresses within the United States (excluding Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. Territories). If you live outside these areas, please access the digital version of our Visitors Guide or go to  VisitKC.com to find everything you need to plan your trip to Kansas City. 

Mexico City could run out of water in months: Travelers advised to 'behave more ethically'

travel kansas city

One of the world's largest cities is running out of water, and day zero could happen as soon as June, according to experts.

Mexico City is facing a dire water crisis as climate change continues to bring severe droughts and high temperatures that are causing extra strain on the city's aging infrastructure.

Some neighborhoods have been without water for weeks, while others get it once a week. Many people have to pay to have water delivered from private companies.

"Over time, massive development in the city and over-exploration of the groundwater has occurred," Dr. Tahir Sufi, tourism professor at the Universidad de las Américas Puebla's School of Business & Economics, told USA TODAY in an email. "However, the decrease in rainfall due to global warming and other environmental factors is taking a toll on the city."

The reservoirs that supply water to the city's 22 million residents have been as low as 30%, according to the Associated Press. The deteriorating water system that brings in water from distant sources already leaks around 40% of water .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The city's rainwater catchment basins have been so dry that one, the El Cristo basin, caught fire on Tuesday , burning through 75 acres.

There is currently no way for the city to recycle wastewater or collect rainwater to replenish the aquifer. Last year, officials restricted water consumption in certain areas.

Heading to Mexico for spring break? US issues Mexico 'increased caution' warning for spring break travelers

"The government has started making alternate arrangements for the residents and assures that more measures will be taken," said Dr. Sufi.

The rainy season is still three months away, and is crucial for the densely populated city's water supply. However, the worsening implications of climate change loom long-term.

Here's how Mexico City's water crisis is affecting travelers.

Is water available at hotels?

Hotels in the affected areas of Mexico City have arranged for alternative water sources, Dr. Sufi said. Many are experiencing low pressure or no water at times, so travelers can expect changes such as disposable materials for food service to cut back on water use, he added.

Dr. Sufi advised travelers to be careful about their water consumption when visiting and "behave more ethically during travel to the city."

Should tourists still go to Mexico City?

The State Department told USA TODAY in an email it is aware of the water shortage in Mexico City and monitoring guidance from local Mexican authorities.

The agency recommends U.S. citizens traveling to the region to review the country's information page . They can also sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which sends safety and security updates and makes it easier to contact a U.S. embassy should something happen.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

IMAGES

  1. 30 Fun Activities You Can Do for Free While in Kansas City

    travel kansas city

  2. 10 Amazing Things to do in Kansas City While Social Distancing

    travel kansas city

  3. The Top 5 End-of-summer Activities in Kansas City

    travel kansas city

  4. Things to do in KANSAS City

    travel kansas city

  5. Top 42 Things to Do in Kansas City, Missouri, USA

    travel kansas city

  6. Best of Kansas City: Food, Shops, Experiences and Travel Guide to KCMO

    travel kansas city

COMMENTS

  1. Visit KC

    Season 8 of the Kansas City Tap Tour YOUR PASS TO KANSAS CITY'S CRAFT BEER CULTURE. From new experiences at recently opened hotspots to tried-and-true favorites that have been filling flights since the beginning, the Kansas City Tap Tour is back with exclusive discounts and rewards.

  2. 16 Best Things to Do in Kansas City, MO

    Unveiled in 2011, the center is home to the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera and Kansas City Symphony. It also welcomes visiting artists ranging from famed photographers to well-known actors and ...

  3. Kansas City Travel Guide

    Kansas City Travel Tips. What You Need to Know. Barbecue rules Kansas City's signature barbecue style is a slow-smoked, dry-rubbed meat and its sauces are typically tomato- or molasses-based with ...

  4. 59 Unique Things to Do In Kansas City (From a Local)

    9. Visit Art Alley in Crossroads. Art Alley in Kansas City is a true hidden gem for art lovers. Located in the vibrant Crossroads Art District, Art Alley stretches between 17th and 18th Streets near Locust and Cherry. It is a stunning and vibrant canvas that showcases the talent of local and visiting artists alike.

  5. Visit KC

    SEE WHY THE NEW YORK TIMES, LONELY PLANET AND MORE SAY KC IS THE PLACE TO TRAVEL THIS YEAR. GET YOUR GUIDE. Book Hotel Now. Or Call 1-800-313-7952. Attractions; Packages; ... Here are more than a dozen new additions and top trends that can't be missed during your next visit to Kansas City. SEE THE REASONS. Main Office 816-691-3800;

  6. Get the Official 2024 Visitors Guide

    Kansas City's Official Visitors Guide is your source for the latest travel tips, inspiration and insider info from the Heart of America. Available in print and digital formats, it's always free and offers guidance on shopping, sports, dining, must-see museums and many more ideas for your time in KC. Highlights of the 2024 guide include:

  7. Kansas City, MO 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Kansas City by Holly Jolly Hunt. 0 reviews. from $20 per group. Scavenger Hunt in Kansas City by Wacky Walks. 0 reviews. from $10 per adult. 2-Hours Kansas City Scavenger Hunt Experience. 0 reviews. from $18 per adult.

  8. Planning Your Kansas City Trip: A Travel Guide

    Downtown, the Kansas City Streetcar is free to ride, and the route is two miles long, running from Crown Center to River Market. Or consider renting a car or use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft. Travel Tip: The beauty of Kansas City lies within its neighborhoods, each with their own distinct architecture and character.

  9. 15 Best Things to Do in Kansas City (Essential Experiences)

    The West Bottoms area of Kansas City is another hotspot for murals. 14. Catch a Free Show at The Blue Room Jazz Club. In the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District of Kansas City, The Blue Room Jazz Club is a cherished institution that pays homage to the city's rich jazz heritage.

  10. 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas City, MO

    1. National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial . Kansas City's National World War I Museum sits at the feet of the Liberty Memorial, an impressive Egyptian Revival-style monument erected in 1928 in honor of the men and women who served and died in the war.The museum's collections include a wide variety of artifacts, letters, films, and other ...

  11. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kansas City

    8. Country Club Plaza. 1,898. Shopping Malls. Country Club Plaza is an open-air shopping and dining destination in the heart of Kansas City. Home to over 120 Shops & Eateries with a one-of-a-kind curated mix of national and local retailers & restaurants, over 50 unique to Kansas City.

  12. Kansas City Travel Guide

    Get information on Kansas City Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. Read the Fodor's reviews, or post your own.

  13. Kansas City Travel Guide

    Can't miss things to do in Kansas City. - The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has a stellar collection of more than 35,000 works, including renowned European paintings and Asian ceramics and furniture. Free to visit, the building is easily identified by the four 19-foot-tall aluminum-and-fiberglass shuttlecock sculptures on its 22-acre lawn.

  14. Kansas City Travel Guide: 15 Best Things to Do [2023]

    From enjoyable music to great socialization, jazz clubs are some of the most popular entertainment venues in Kansas City, and the best place to find them is in the Historic Jazz District. 4. Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is easily Kansas City's most esteemed establishment.

  15. Kansas City

    View of Kansas City from the top of Liberty Memorial. Union Station is in the foreground, with the rest of KC's skyline in the background. Kansas City is a major Midwestern metropolitan area that spreads across the border of Missouri and Kansas and has a population of 2.2 million (2020). The central city of the metro area is Kansas City, Missouri, the largest city in Missouri, with a ...

  16. Weekend in Kansas City: The Perfect Itinerary (According to a Local!)

    Kansas City Travel Tips. Kansas City is almost in the center of the United States. It is easily reached by driving from the rest of the Midwest or by flying into Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The airport is about a 30 minute drive from downtown, so make sure to take that into account if you have a specific timeline after arriving.

  17. First-Timer's Guide to Kansas City

    Truly. Slow-smoked goodness comes in many forms, but Kansas City style stands alone as one-of-a-kind. Some cook low and slow while others prefer high heat and faster results, but all pay homage to the forbearers of KC's signature cuisine. The city's 'cue craze can be traced back to Henry Perry, who in the early 1920s started barbecuing in ...

  18. Top Things to Do in Kansas City

    There are water slides, a man-made river to float along in a tube, a pond where you need to keep your balance and hop from lily pad to lily pad, and so much more. There's even a shallow wading pool with water features and baby slides — one of the best things to do in Kansas City with a baby! 17. Make Cards and Other Crafts.

  19. TRAVEL UPDATES & RESOURCES ON COVID-19

    TRAVEL UPDATES & RESOURCES ON COVID-19. Updated: December 17, 10:00 AM. Visit Kansas City Kansas is actively monitoring developments surrounding coronavirus. The health and safety of our visitors and residents is our highest priority and this page will be updated regularly to provide you the latest information about travel to Kansas City, Kansas.

  20. How to Eat Your Way Through Kansas City

    Hotel Kansas City: The historic Kansas City Club building has been transformed into an elegant 144-room hotel with a bustling lobby café and a destination restaurant, the Town Company. Doubles ...

  21. Game prediction for KU basketball at Houston

    Lawrence. The No. 14-ranked Kansas men's basketball team will travel to Houston to play the Cougars on Saturday. The Jayhawks (22-8, 10-7 Big 12) beat Kansas State on Tuesday.

  22. Here's your guide to safety and security along Kansas City ...

    Barricades held fans back as double-decker buses carried the members of the Kansas City Chiefs including tight end Travis Kelce, upper, right, on their Super Bowl LVII victory parade to Union ...

  23. Discover KC

    An energetic city forged by a rich history, Kansas City is brimming with activities to keep you entertained—eclectic cuisine, swinging jazz, one-of-a-kind museums, a thriving arts scene and fantastic shopping. Visit the official site for Kansas City tourism and conventions. Discover a world of vibrant arts, delicious dining and Midwest ...

  24. KCI offers more spring break nonstops to Florida, Jamaica, Mexico

    According to an analysis by the Kansas City Business Journal of flight data from Cirium Inc., the number of nonstop flights from Kansas City International Airport (Code: MCI) to a dozen common ...

  25. Kansas City MO Real Estate & Homes For Sale

    Zillow has 1281 homes for sale in Kansas City MO. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place.

  26. Gorillas Head to Kansas City for 2024 MIAA Basketball Championships

    PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University men's basketball team will travel to Kansas City, Mo., to open play in the 2024 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank Friday (Mar. 8) at historic Municipal Auditorium. The Gorillas, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, will face No. 6 seed University of Central Oklahoma at 8:15 p.m ...

  27. Order the Official 2024 Visitors Guide

    Kansas City's Official Visitors Guide is your source for the latest travel tips, inspiration and insider info from the Heart of America. Available in print and digital formats, it's always free and offers guidance on shopping, sports, dining, must-see museums and many more ideas for your time in KC. The guide also includes lists of ...

  28. Mexico City water crisis: Tourists should 'behave more ethically'

    Learn more: Best travel insurance. The city's rainwater catchment basins have been so dry that one, the El Cristo basin, caught fire on Tuesday, burning through 75 acres.