Kansas City

Travel Guide

Union Station showing landscape views, a city and a park
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts featuring modern architecture and interior views
Starlight Theatre featuring heritage architecture and theatre scenes
Kansas City showing a bridge, a garden and a river or creek
Liberty Memorial showing night scenes

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 showing landscape views, a city and a park

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

South Kansas City

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in South Kansas City, Swope Park and Bay Water Park are top sights worth seeing.

South Kansas City
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts showing theatre scenes and interior views

Crossroads Arts District

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Crossroads Arts District. CrossroadsKC at Grinders 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
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
Loews Kansas City Hotel

Loews Kansas City Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, MO
The price is CA $287 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
CA $287
CA $345 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,731 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Loews Kansas City Hotel
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 $111 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
CA $111
CA $144 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,493 reviews)
"So clean, breakfast was good and staff was friendly"

Reviewed on Jul. 15, 2025

Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
American Inn North Kansas City

American Inn North Kansas City

3.5 out of 5
1211 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, MO
The price is CA $81 per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
CA $81
CA $93 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in North Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.6/10 (1,018 reviews)
"Not bad for a budget hotel"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

American Inn North Kansas City
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.
Charming 2-bedroom house with fenced in back yard in delightful Kansas City

Charming 2-bedroom house with fenced in back yard in delightful Kansas City

2 out of 5
Kansas City
Stay at this vacation home in Kansas City. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Starlight Theatre and Kansas City Zoo are located ...
6.8/10 (5 reviews)
"It was great for what we needed, a place to sleep and close to the Plaza."

Reviewed on Jun. 15, 2025

Charming 2-bedroom house with fenced in back yard in delightful Kansas City
Newly Renovated Stylish 3rd Floor Apartment 5 mins from Country Club Plaza

Newly Renovated Stylish 3rd Floor Apartment 5 mins from Country Club Plaza

Kansas City
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Crown Center and GEHA ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Perfect Spot in KC
"Had a great stay and will absolutely be back anytime I'm in the area. The apartment is super cute, easy to access, has comfy beds, and a great location."

Reviewed on Jun. 25, 2025

Newly Renovated Stylish 3rd Floor Apartment 5 mins from Country Club Plaza
Amazing Locale 2KingBR/1BTH

Amazing Locale 2KingBR/1BTH

Kansas City
Stay at this condo in Kansas City. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Crown Center and GEHA Field at Arrowhead ...
9/10 Wonderful! (111 reviews)
Condo in Great Neighborhood
"We were only there for one night. We baby sat our 8wk old grandson while kids went to the Banana Ball Game. It was comfortable. Beds were comfortable. Full kitchen with a hodge podge of plates/pans etc. If you plan to cook a lot, it might be a challenge. No prep or serving containers."

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Amazing Locale 2KingBR/1BTH
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%
4 - Good
19
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Kansas City