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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. ·.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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Things To Do

With a thriving creative arts scene, robust craft brewing culture and die-hard sports—plus so much more—it’s no wonder why the center of the country is quickly becoming the center of attention.

Entertainment

From live music at T-Mobile Center and dive bars on 39th Street West to shopping at the Country Club Plaza, there’s never a dull moment in the Paris of the Plains.

Attractions

Uncover Kansas City’s charm by exploring its treasured attractions and institutions. Examine the Great War at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, let curiosity guide you at Union Station and walk in the steps of America’s 33rd president in Independence.

Arts and Culture

Creativity thrives in Kansas City. Internationally known museums, dynamic gallery districts and unforgettable performances combine into a colorful artistic palette unlike anywhere else in the world.

Source craft goods and luxury fashion statements alongside antique picking and one-of-a-kind souvenirs to truly taste the retail experience in Kansas City, the Midwest’s marquee shopping destination.

Sports & Recreation

Take it from the loudest fans in the country: KC is a sports town. Get loud throughout the year with Royals baseball, Chiefs football, Sporting KC soccer and NASCAR races at Kansas Speedway.

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Track your barbecue escapades with this KC-exclusive app, your ultimate resource for enjoying the city’s signature cuisine.

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For sightseers on a shoestring budget, Kansas City offers an abundance of free adventures that everyone can enjoy.

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Chiefs star Travis Kelce agrees to 2-year extension to remain in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs and star tight end Travis Kelce have agreed to a 2-year contract extension, the team announced Monday. The new deal goes through the 2027 season.

Kelce will make $34.25 million over that span, according to ESPN and NFL Network, making him the highest-paid player at his position.

“It feels good to be in KC. I remember coming here 12 years ago,” Kelce said on social media. “It’s an honor and a pleasure and I can’t wait to get after it these next two years but no better than right now. I’m getting fired up for this year. I just got out on the field with the boys and we’re back at it, baby. Chiefs forever.” 

Kelce is considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. The 34-year-old is a nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion. Kelce broke the all-time record for postseason receptions last year with 165 en route to helping the Chiefs claim their second consecutive title. 

His 907 career receptions and 11,328 receiving yards ranks fourth in NFL history for the position. Kelce also holds records for tight ends for the most 1,000-yard seasons (7), consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (7), receiving yards in a season (1,416) and games with more than 100 yards receiving (37).

"I told ya'll I’ll never let him leave!!" Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes said on X. "Congrats my guy!"

Kelce also has a major presence off the field. He is in a relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift, who attended many games this past season both at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City and on the road. He also co-hosts the popular podcast “New Heights” along with his brother, Jason, a former All-Pro offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Greg Rosenstein is the sports editor for NBC News Digital.

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Dallas Car Crash: Kansas City Chiefs Expect Significant Rashee Rice NFL Suspension, Report

Rashee Rice could reportedly be suspended for at least half of the NFL regular season.

• Author: Bri Aramanthus

In this story:

DALLAS - The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly expect wide receiver Rashee Rice to be suspended for at least half of the regular season, according to NFL.com's James Palmer.

Rice was driving 119 mph just seconds before causing a six-car crash on a busy Dallas freeway last month, according to arrest and affidavit documents. 

A Lamborghini Urus, believed to have been driven by Rice, was traveling 119 mph 4.5 seconds before the March 30 collision, according to the affidavit. A Chevrolet Corvette, allegedly driven by SMU football player Teddy Knox, was traveling 116 mph 7.5 seconds before the collision. 

Rice is facing eight charges including one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury, and six counts of collision involving injury. 

Rice and Knox are being sued by two victims of a six-car crash on a busy Dallas freeway last month.

Edvard Petrovskiy and Irina Gromova are suing for damages of at least $10 million, according to a report by TMZ Sports. Per that report, Gromova and Petrovskiy claim they suffered brain trauma, lacerations that required stitches and internal bleeding in a lawsuit filed Thursday in Dallas County, Texas.

On April 3rd,  Rice released a statement admitting his involvement in the major crash.  The former SMU standout, who is now a budding star with the Chiefs,  apologized to all who were impacted by the incident.

"Today I met with Dallas PD investigators regarding Saturday's accident,"  Rice wrote on his Instagram . "I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted in Saturday's incident."

Rice, 23, grew up in North Richland Hills before starring at SMU and then becoming a second-round pick of the Chiefs in the 2023 NFL Draft. SMU is located in the same area of the car crash. He helped the  Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs to a Super Bowl  win as he caught six passes for 39 yards in a win over the San Francisco 49ers. 

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Changing the Game:  With a state-of-the-art stadium along KC’s Berkley Riverfront, the Kansas City Current is setting a new global standard for women’s sports.

Neighborhoods to Know: Get acquainted with six destinations for dining, playing, shopping and celebrating.

KC for the Family : From hands-on learning to outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone.

Raising Spirits:  Drawing on rich local history, the city’s cocktail bars sparkle as they serve up brilliant drinks for all tastes.

Cover photography by Pilsen Photo Co-op Produced in partnership with Madden Media

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Paramount bidders await word from special committee evaluating options

A special committee of the Paramount Global board charged with evaluating offers for the company met Saturday morning, though rival bidders for the studio are awaiting word on next steps.