Kansas City trips and vacations
The Great Plains of the Midwest come to a screeching halt in Missouri’s biggest city. Wide-open spaces suddenly give way to shiny skyscrapers, Art Deco buildings and 19th-century brick warehouses. Your vacation in Kansas City promises to put you in the middle of it all. From world-class museums and leafy parks to some of the best barbecue joints and jazz clubs on the continent, the American Heartland has never looked so good.
The best neighborhoods in Kansas City
Downtown
Towering skyscrapers, Art Deco buildings and immersive museums make Downtown one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Kansas City. You’ll find most of the action in the Power & Light District, an eight-block entertainment hub full of bars, restaurants and shops. Getting a place to stay is easy, as many of the city’s top hotels are located here.
Good for: Museums, shopping, nightlife
Crossroads
The creative Crossroads district is Kansas City’s up-and-comer, where once-empty warehouses now house galleries, breweries and restaurants. Shop for artisanal food and vintage clothing, tap into a dynamic live music scene, or go on a street art crawl. Time your visit to First Fridays, a popular monthly event that features exhibits by local, national and international artists.
Good for: Live events, street art, dining
Waldo
Friendly, walkable and full of community spirit, Waldo is where to stay in Kansas City to experience local life. Check out bike shops, coffee houses and quirky stores. This southern Kansas City neighborhood also boasts A-list attractions like The Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail, a six-mile walking, running and cycling path.
Good for: Walking paths, coffee houses, shopping
Things to do in Kansas City
Family-friendly things to do
Kansas City offers loads of exciting things to do for families. Enjoy hours of hands-on fun at Kaleidoscope art center, or check out a Kansas City Royals baseball game. The massive Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is famous for its African animal exhibits. For a free activity, challenge the kids to spot some of the city’s fountains — there are over 200 of them.
Places to eat
The restaurants in Kansas City are world-famous for finger-licking barbecue. From the famous burnt ends to smoky ribs and rotisserie chicken, you’ll need a few days to taste-test all the barbecue around town. Be sure to try some other Kansas City culinary staples too, including tacos and cinnamon rolls.
Take in the culture
Museums in Kansas City promise to take you on a creative and cultural journey. Swing by the American Jazz Museum to pay homage to Charlie Parker and Benny Goodman or learn about the ‘War to End All Wars’ at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. And be inspired by the collections at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
