Kansas City

Travel Guide
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts featuring modern architecture and interior views
With art galleries, farmers markets, jazz clubs, state-of-the-art sports stadiums, theaters and a zoo, there’s never a dull moment in this city, whose residents love barbecue and sports.

Visit the buzzing districts, markets, museums and performing arts venues of Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City’s diversity has prompted many nicknames since first being settled in the 1820s. Come and see why it’s known as the Barbecue Capital of the World, City of Fountains, Gateway to the South and Paris of the Plains.

Downtown Kansas City blends entertainment with business activities of the Financial District. Admire architectural landmarks including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Central Library and KCMO City Hall. Select from more than 50 bars, cafés, restaurants and barbecue joints in the Power and Light District. Enjoy live cultural performances at Folly Theater, KC Live! and the Sprint Center.

Bordering downtown’s southern edge is the Crossroads Arts District, where boutiques, galleries and restaurants occupy spruced-up warehouses. Watch ballet, Broadway, opera and rock shows at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. On the Missouri River’s banks is the city’s oldest neighborhood, River Market. Visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum and browse food and retail stalls at the 150-year-old City Market.

Travel south to Penn Valley Park, home to the Liberty Memorial and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. See hands-on attractions at Science City at Union Station. Spot colorful ocean life at Sea Life Aquarium. Continue south to the nightlife district of Westport or scrutinize the exhibits at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Relax at Swope Park, which has the Kansas City Zoo and the open-air Starlight Theatre. Attend an NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium and a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Across the state border in Kansas City, Kansas, are Children’s Mercy Park soccer arena, Kansas Speedway and Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark.

Reach Kansas City by flying to Kansas City International Airport, located 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of downtown. The free KC Streetcar makes traveling in and around the downtown area effortless and fast.

Where to stay in Kansas City

Union Station featuring heritage architecture, landscape views and a high rise building

Downtown Kansas City

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Immerse yourself in rich arts culture, marvel at numerous fountains, and indulge in upscale shopping and local cuisine. Explore the Power and Light District, Crossroads Arts District, and River Market, while enjoying easy access to public transportation.

Downtown Kansas City
Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza

Designed in Baroque Revival and Moorish Revival style, this upscale shopping center boasts high-end stores like Tiffany & Co. and Michael Kors, alongside European-inspired architecture, statues, and fountains. Luxury hotels and hidden parking add to the experience.

Country Club Plaza
Power & Light

Power and Light District

Dive into a vibrant entertainment hub with the renovated Midland Theatre, Alamo Drafthouse Mainstreet Cinema, and Kansas City Live! featuring bars, restaurants, and a concert venue. Explore nearby T-Mobile Center and the iconic art deco Power and Light Building.

Power and Light District
A quiet little garden perfect for a warm afternoon.

South Kansas City

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in South Kansas City, Swope Park and International House of Prayer are top sights worth seeing.

South Kansas City
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art which includes a garden

Midtown - Westport

Unique features of Midtown - Westport include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Uptown Theater or Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art while you're exploring the area.

Midtown - Westport
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts showing interior views and theater scenes

Crossroads Arts District

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Crossroads Arts District. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Crossroads Tram Stop or Kauffman Center Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Crossroads Arts District
Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
3.5 out of 5
11828 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City, MO
The price is CA $130 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $130
CA $166 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,437 reviews)
"—"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
Loews Kansas City Hotel
Loews Kansas City Hotel
4 out of 5
1515 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, MO
The price is CA $272 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $272
CA $327 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the bar ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,433 reviews)
"Great location, very clean and comfortable rooms. Reception staff were great."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Loews Kansas City Hotel
Stoney Creek Hotel Kansas City - Independence
Stoney Creek Hotel Kansas City - Independence
3.5 out of 5
18011 Bass Pro Drive, Independence, MO
The price is CA $176 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $176
CA $205 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Independence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,756 reviews)
"Very nice place to stay"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Stoney Creek Hotel Kansas City - Independence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Close to the Research Hospital, the Zoo, and the sports stadiums.
Close to the Research Hospital, the Zoo, and the sports stadiums.
KCMO
Stay at this vacation home in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium ...
5/10 (10 reviews)
Nice and homey
"We loved this rental so much we extended our stay. Its very spacious I love the back patio and the upstairs is like a private bungalow. There were a couple items left in the mini fridges but i was a housekeeper before and its a common mistake."

Reviewed on Feb. 10, 2024

Close to the Research Hospital, the Zoo, and the sports stadiums.
Lovely Townhouse 7 Minutes To The Longview Lake&Beach
Lovely Townhouse 7 Minutes To The Longview Lake&Beach
Grandview
Stay at this vacation home in Grandview. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Harry S. Truman Farm Home and Bay Water Park are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (26 reviews)
Only stayed 1 night
"The inside of the house was very nice - the posted pictures are accurate. The beds are very comfortable. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint but over all met our needs perfectly."

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2024

Lovely Townhouse 7 Minutes To The Longview Lake&Beach
West Plaza Cozy Comfort Unit A
West Plaza Cozy Comfort Unit A
Kansas City
Stay at this apartment in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions T-Mobile Center and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Clean and good location
"Good location. Easy off street parking. comfortable couch. Lots of games and books. Well stocked with kitchen tools and dishes. Very clean. Safe area near westwood park n'hood. Close to grocery and cvs. Perfect for me to visit my daugter who lives in Plaza. Will book again."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

West Plaza Cozy Comfort Unit A
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kansas City

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
19
" "5 - Excellent 41.30434782608695%
4 - Good
19
" "4 - Good 41.30434782608695%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 17.391304347826086%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Oct. 29, 2019

Did not see much. We were there for the football experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 23, 2019

9/11 memorial is a touching site to see. Small but powerful

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Aug. 20, 2019

Had been to Kansas City before for a baseball game and convention. That trip and accomodations were excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 12, 2019

Friendly people, great design and architecture around the Plaza. Great zoo.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
May 7, 2019

Didn't do anything as it was just an overnight stay.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
May 4, 2019

I went for some baseball games. That was worth it. Go Royals!

Cities near Kansas City