The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Kansas City, a Local's Guide
Is this on-the-rise city really one of America’s top places to visit? You’ve arrived in Kansas City, and it’s time to see first hand why that is the case!
With its laid back attitude, diverse neighborhoods, fascinating prohibition and industrial history, sports fandom, renowned BBQ, and whimsical cultural scene, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis in the heart of America.
You might not have put Kansas City on your travel bucket list in the past, but as many are finding out, it’s one of the best kept secrets in the U.S.
Kansas City is having its moment right now. Between a burgeoning arts and cultural scene and multiple recent sports championships (and Taylor Swift!), people are flocking to this buzzing, ultra-affordable, eclectic midwestern gem.
Whether you’ve been dreaming of a Kansas City travel adventure for a while, or just now deciding it’s the next up and coming place to visit, we’re here to guide you on things to do in Kansas City from the eyes of locals.
We’ve called Kansas City home for nearly 8 years now. So, we know a thing or two about how to make a perfect Kansas City travel itinerary.
From world class museums to bustling popup markets to a dynamic food and drink scene, KC is a standout. It’s no wonder National Geographic, Forbes, Condé Nast, and Travel and Leisure have all recently listed Kansas City as one of the top places to visit.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are looking to find out how this place has just gotten so much cooler since the last time you visited, here is your ultimate list of things to do in Kansas City. We’ll see you here!
Get to know Kansas City:
Before we get to our big list of the best things to do in Kansas City travel guide, let’s start with the basics.
Kansas Citians are passionate about their town. That truth shows strongly everywhere you go. KC is also proud of its local-ness. Skip the chains (if you can even find them) and check out a local boutique, a top-notch local restaurant, a local brewery or cocktail bar, art gallery and others. Buy KC-themed souvenirs or hand-crafted goods – they’re usually made by local crafters and artists.
Some of the most popular neighborhoods to explore in Kansas City include: the Crossroads Arts District, a trendy area with art galleries, shops, and restaurants: Westport, a historic neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife scene; the West Bottoms, a historic warehouse and stockyards district with fun vintage shops, bars and restaurants, and the Country Club Plaza, a Spanish-inspired outdoor shopping district. Other notable neighborhoods include the River Market, where you’ll find the Farmer’s Market, the Power and Light District (the spot for partying and clubbing), and the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District.
Many (but not all) of the proper city’s top attractions are kind of organized along a lower case “t” shape. The top of the t is Northland, the cross in the “t” is downtown, the crossroads and the historic jazz district, and the other locations and attractions are located along the bottom of the “t”.
You can get most places with a short drive or Uber; although much of the downtown is walkable, especially with the FREE streetcar which operates on Main Street through downtown connecting the River Market area down to Union Station just south of downtown.
And now, here are all the top things to do in Kansas City. Enjoy your trip to Kansas City and we’ll see you here!
Take a stroll through City Market and Surrounding River Market
Ready-made for a Saturday morning saunter, the City Market is a vibrant open-air market with over 30 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods. On the weekends, City Market comes even more to life as it’s also home to the Kansas City farmers’ market and a wide variety of food trucks and extra vendor stalls.
City Market Coffee is a great place to pick up coffee drink or snack. If you’re a coffee nerd like me, the Mexico roast drip coffee is top shelf. You can also get fresh made smoothies and speciality coffee drinks.
Brown and Loe is a classic stop for brunch and has a great, vintage atmosphere and exceptional cocktails.
There’s plenty of opportunities here to bring home a locally made something or other. But here’s a real insider’s tip: find the spices guy on the south side of the market and have him bag up a ton of delicious spices and rubs, from BBQ to Asian to amazing blends like the bomb diggity, to take home and use when you’re grilling out or getting crafty in the kitchen. It’s like taking KC home with you.
If you have extra time, explore the surrounding neighborhood known as the River Market, which is packed with boutiques, top restaurants like Farmhouse, bars, pizza parlors, antique stores and more.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a must-see for any art lover. With over 40,000 works of art, this world-class museum features everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Be sure to check out the sculpture garden and the stunning architecture of the building itself. We’re not kidding here. The Nelson is on the same tier as art museums you’d find in New York City or Chicago. So, for sure put this on your list. Did we mention it’s FREE?
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is another free museum with a collection of over 1,000 works of contemporary art. You’ll find rotating exhibitions and a variety of programs and events too. It’s a stone’s throw from the Nelson, so visit these art museums consecutively. They’re both free and you can spend as much or as little time as you want.
Explore the Country Club Plaza
Not far from Nelson-Atkins and Kemper is The Country Club Plaza. This is a shopper’s paradise. “The Plaza”, as it’s always abbreviated by locals, is a historic outdoor shopping district with Spanish-inspired architecture, fountains, and sculptures. Fun fact: this area’s design was inspired by Kansas City’s sister city, Seville Spain. With over 150 shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Take a tour of the historic Union Station
The most stunning building in all of KC, and recently listed as on of the most epic train stations in the word, Union Station is a historic and iconic landmark in Kansas City.
Built in 1914 as a train station, and beautifully restored in 2000, today, it’s a cultural center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and exhibits.
There’s a fascinating guided tour to learn about the station’s rich history, a planetarium with daily shows, a movie theater and a rotating exhibit section that’s featuring everything from the Mayans, to the dinosaurs to Pompeii.
Union Station is a spectacular marvel that any Kansas City trip must include at least a quick pit stop.
Visit the National World War I Museum
Speaking of world class museums, this one is one of the most epically detailed history museums out there, so much so that a ticket gets you two-days entry.
Located in Kansas City’s Liberty Memorial across the street (and up the hill) from Union Station, the National World War I Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated solely to World War I.
With interactive exhibits and artifacts from the war, it’s a fascinating and educational experience.
While you’re here, stop to awe at the best view of downtown Kansas City looking out from the memorial.
Explore the Crossroads Arts District
The Crossroads Arts District is a hub for contemporary art galleries, studios, and restaurants. On the first Friday of every month, galleries open their doors to the public for a lively art walk.
The Crossroads is the place to be in Kansas City right now.
Art galleries galore! But arts is not the only thing going for the Crossroads. From bars and restaurants to breweries to coffee shops markets and stores and everything in between, it’s where the action is in KC these days.
We’ve covered the Crossroads Arts District pretty extensively on this blog, so we encourage you to read our other articles before your Kansas City travel.
We called the Crossroads home for nearly 4 years and live close by today. We still visit this area of town weekly and always have an amazing time and never run out of things to do.
There are too many great places in the Kansas City Crossroads to mention, but we’ll try.
Both the West Crossroads and East Crossroads have copious amounts of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. And both sides of the district have fun things to do on First Fridays.
In West Crossroads we recommend Cafe Corazon for coffee and empanadas.
Swordfish Tom’s is a hidden speakeasy that can be hard to find, but worth it. While we don’t have any photos os Swordfish Tom’s to share (there’s no phones or photography. allowed), this place might have the best cocktails in town. When you locate this secret spot, a lantern atop the front door is lit in red if the bar is full and to wait or green, which means there’s room inside and just knock with the door knocker.
Crossroads Hotel is beautiful inside and the drinks XR bar are top notch. In the warmer months, Percheron rooftop bar on top of the hotel is the place to be for great drinks, amazing views and live music.
Down the road, Up Down is a bustling arcade bar and a great late night hangout.
Afterword Tavern and Shelves is an adorable book store and cocktail bar with excellent drinks and super friendly staff. It has a beautiful and cozy interior but a patio as well.
If you’re already sold on the Crossroads, wait until you head over to the East Crossroads.
Grand Blvd. is the gateway between east and west in KC’s arts district. Moving east, you’ll find no shortage of great things to do.
Messenger Cafe is one of the best coffee shops in Kansas City, offering 3 floors of awesomeness including an outdoor rooftop overlooking the Crossroads.
On the east side, you’ll find Brewer’s Alley (located between Red Sash Brewery and Double Shift) a thriving neighborhood filled with breweries like Casual Animal and Double Shift Brewing. In addition to being a lively nightlife area, there’s usually food trucks and vendors scattered throughout on any weekend.
Check out our Crossroads Brewery Guide (including Brewer’s Ally) for all the best breweries in KC!
Head over the Parlor food hall for an assortment of food options with different types of cuisine, games and a great second floor patio. Paradise Garden Club is your place for plants and gardening– but they also are known to have pop ups and live music.
Our favorite cocktail bar in Kansas City, Mean Mule Distillery’s tasting room, is here. We’re mentioning the best cocktails in Kansas City quite a bit in this article, but Mean Mule really is the winner. They make homemade agave spirits, and those drinks are expertly crafted. There’s something for everyone here, even if you’re not an agave spirit person.
Hopefully, you get the picture. We could talk for days about the endless things to do over here. Just come to Kansas City during a nice weather weekend and you won’t be disappointed.
We have a whole guide to the Kansas City Crossroads as well as a guide to breweries in the area, so check those out as well.
Visit the Historic West Bottoms District
Once a bustling hub for meatpacking, shipping, and manufacturing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the West Bottoms was the heart of Kansas City’s economy.
Its proximity to the rivers made it an ideal location for businesses reliant on transportation. The district flourished with stockyards, rail yards, and warehouses, earning the nickname “the stockyards” among locals.
During the height of prohibition, this area was known as “the wettest neighborhood in America.” While outlawed in the U.S., booze flowed freely in Kansas City, and the West Bottoms was where distillers, speakeasies and bars operated.
Today, the West Bottoms has undergone a transformation, blending its rich history with a modern, artistic flair.
The old warehouses have found new life as antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, and event spaces, drawing in locals and tourists alike.
One of the highlights of the district is the First Fridays Weekend, a monthly event where the streets come alive with food trucks, live music, and open galleries. It’s a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community that shouldn’t be missed.
For antique enthusiasts, the West Bottoms is a treasure trove. Wander through the maze-like aisles of the multi-story antique malls, where you can find anything from vintage furniture to quirky collectibles. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a piece of history that speaks to you.
West Bottoms Plant Co. is a great first stop with a big warehouse with multiple local venders to choose from. You will find antiques, vintage items, locally made goods, and plants! Some other great picks are Bella Patina and Fetch.
Exploring the West Bottoms is like embarking on a treasure hunt. Every corner holds a surprise, whether it’s a hidden art installation, a cozy café tucked away in an alley, or a breathtaking view of the city from one of the old bridges.
From the ornate facades to the faded advertisements painted on brick walls. It’s a neighborhood that wears its history proudly, inviting you to uncover its stories.
There’s no shortage of antique shops and local boutiques to explore. When you’re ready for a beverage or bite, we recommend The Campground, (pictured below) one of our favorite dining establishments in Kansas City with a fantastic cocktail menu that embodies the West Bottoms’ famed prohibition history. While a little more upscale, The Campground also has an amazing patio and outdoor bar that offers more affordable snacks and drinks.
If you’re on a tighter budget, Stockyards Brewing is one of the best breweries in Kansas City. And if you want a real good time, The Ship is an old speakeasy and live music and DJ bar with a nautical theme that’s one of our favorite big night out destinations.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique shopping experience, the West Bottoms district offers a glimpse into Kansas City’s past while embracing its vibrant present. It’s a place where the old and the new coexist harmoniously, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
Enjoy some Kansas City BBQ
It’s what you came here for, right? Ok, KC is so much more than BBQ, but it’s an established fact that Kansas City is known for its BBQ, and for good reason.
With over 100 BBQ restaurants in the city, you’re sure to find a delicious meal. Some local favorites include Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Arthur Bryant’s, and Gates Bar-B-Q.
If you really want to elevate your barbecue pilgrimage, we highly suggest some local relative newcomers like Q39 in the historic W. 39th St. district and Char Bar in Westport, which has a sprawling patio filled with activities and games as well as a legit cocktail and beer list.
Enjoy Some Not BBQ
Kansas City’s food scene goes so far beyond barbecue. We have a whole culinary mecca waiting to be explored. From upscale to diner food, KC will satisfy any palette and budget with its diverse food and drink options. For a nice dinner, we recommend Farina, Novel, and Rockhill Grille (all located near each other in the Crossroads Arts District).
For breakfast and brunch, Westside Local, Bluebird Bistro, Seven Swans Crepery, Succotash, and Westport Cafe are winners. If it’s a world class charcuterie board you crave, BLVD Tavern is the place.
LuLus Thai Noodles is a staple for your Thai food fix. For casual fare, check out Brewery Emperial, City Barrel Brewery, Buffalo State Pizza, John’s Big Deck, The Quaff, Milwaukee Deli, and Taps on Main.
One absolute must, though, is Town Topic Hamburgers. This old-timey diner has been around for nearly a century and has some of the best burgers on planet earth. It’s especially good late night grub, when you’ll find people lined up down the block well after midnight. Insider tip: call your order ahead (unless you want to be in line, which can be pretty fun if you have the time).
See the bottom of this article for a quick list of our top favorite restaurants and food stops.
See KC's Charming West Side
The neighborhood connected to downtown and the Crossroads on the West Side is called– well– the West Side.
There are some great options for shopping and dining over here. We love Goat Hill Coffee. After you pick up your coffee, check out Westside Storey a cute boutique with lots of KC-themed apparel and knick knacks.
For food, Westside Local is great for brunch, and Seven Swan’s Creperie has a fanstastic assortment of crepes and other breakfast and lunch dishes, and the atmosphere is gorgeous.
The West Side is also where you’ll find the historic Mexican and Latin American district. The Mexican food here is actually spectacular and the Southwest Boulevard coridor is home to dozens of Mexican and other international fare.
Our favorites are Manny’s, Ponak’s and Margaritas.
Experience History, Culture and Music in the Historic Jazz Neighborhood of 18th and Vine
18th and VIne district is a cornerstone of KC. This historic district is synonymous with Kansas City’s live music, dance and nightlife scene. It was once the place to be in KC. It never lost its big sound and good times. But today, it’s re-emerging as one of the most popular areas of town.
Go explore all that jazz – literally – the Kansas City Jazz museum is here, and surrounding it are jazz music bars. You can catch a show at the historic Gem Theater. On weekends, there are usually popups and vendors. There’s always street performers there to add a soundtrack as you explore.
You can stop by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a must-visit for any sports fan (read ahead). And you can even make your night out over jumping from jazz club to jazz club.
Also opening very soon is Vine Street Brewing, Missouri’s first black-owned brewery. Be sure to check to see if they’ve opened yet and go and support this awesome new business.
Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum celebrates the history and legacy of the Negro Leagues, which operated from 1920 to 1960. With exhibits and artifacts from some of the greatest players in baseball history, it’s a must-see for any sports fan.
Ride the New Ferris Wheel
The newly opened Ferris wheel called KC Wheel is ushering in a new entertainment district called Penway Point, which is set to open in 2025. The KC Wheel, however, is already in operation and you can book a ticket to ride on its website. The wheel lights up the night sky overlooking the Crossroads Arts District and is set to be the new icon of the Kansas City skyline.
Explore North Kansas City
There’s a whole different vibe over in the community just north of downtown across the Missouri River.
Here in the laid back Northland, you can find a whole host of restaurants, stores, bars, breweries, coffee shops, live music venues and more– and absolutely zero preciousness.
Northlanders are incredibly proud of their community, and you’ll see why.
There could be a whole article dedicated to North KC, but some of our favorite stops include…
Chicken N’ Pickle, for a round of pickleball and other games, plus great food and drink. Cinder Block brewing is a great local craft brewery and has an awesome patio. And don’t miss out on Iron District, an entertainment square made of shipping containers with amazing bars, boutique shops and food stalls. Inside Iron District, you’ll find one of our favorite cocktail spots, Tiki Huna for tropical drinks.
Wander through Brookside and Waldo Neighborhoods
Venturing to the far southern part of the city is where you will find Brookside and Waldo districts. Each has their own charm and unique vibes
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Brookside offers areas for moseying around shops, restaurants and parks. Here you’ll find picturesque neighborhoods, quaint coffee shops and a few cute stores. There’s also a strip of bars that’s a popular nightlife destination.
Waldo is another area where you’ll find breweries, restaurants and bars as well as storefronts ranging from clothing stores to tattoo parlors. We love a stroll (or jog) down the nearby trolly trail with a stop at KC Bier Co. for some german-style beers.
Enjoy a Scenic Walk (or Run) and other Activities on the Barkley River Front
For the outdoorsy types, one of the best things to do in Kansas City is explore near the river. The riverfront area is a growing spot that has great paths to run or walk on, workout area with equipment, sand volleyball court, pavilions with picnic tables and there’s even Bar K, a bar where people can bring their dogs (and you don’t need to have a dog to have a drink here and just stare at all the cute dogs!)
Catch a game at Arrowhead Stadium or Kauffman Stadium
If you weren’t already aware, you will know this the second you start walking around the town: Kansas City is BONKERS about their sports. Home to two professional sports teams: the Kansas City Chiefs (football) and the Kansas City Royals (baseball), catching a game at Arrowhead Stadium or Kauffman Stadium is a must for any sports fan depending on what season you are visiting.
Visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
History buffs have another thing to add to their list of things to do in Kansas City. Learn about the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman, who hailed from Missouri, at this fascinating museum. With exhibits and artifacts from Truman’s life, as well as a replica of his Oval Office, it’s a must-see for history buffs.
Take a walk through Loose Park
Loose Park is a 75-acre park in the heart of Kansas City with walking trails, a lake, and a rose garden. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while. Fun fact, the authors of this blog got engaged in Loose Park ♥️
Visit the Boulevard Brewing Company
Kansas City’s largest local brewery, Boulevard Brewing Company, offers tours and tastings of their delicious craft beers. Learn about the brewing process and sample some of their signature brews in their tasting room. As an added bonus, Boulevard Brewing offers of the best views of Kansas City.
Check out the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
For a more sophisticated experience, a show KC’s most impressive venue.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a stunning building with two performance halls that host a variety of shows, from Broadway musicals to symphony concerts.
Take in a show or simply admire the architecture of the building itself, which is worth even a short trip just to see from the outside.
Visit Swope Park and Surrounding hiking trails
Ready to get a little more active? If you’re really the outdoorsy type, Swope Park is the largest park in Kansas City, with over 1,800 acres of green space. There are plenty of activities to do here, including hiking trails, golfing, and even the Kansas City Zoo is located here. Don’t miss the iconic Swope Park Pool, one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in the country.
Walk or bike the Trolley Track Trail
We mentioned this earlier. The Trolley Track Trail is a 6-mile trail that runs along the old streetcar route from Waldo to the Country Club Plaza. Walk, run, or bike along this scenic trail that takes you through some of Kansas City’s charming neighborhoods. There are stops along the way for food, shopping and drinking if that’s your style.
Visit the Kauffman Memorial Garden
There’s something super relaxing about a cruise through this gorgeous city garden.
The Kauffman Memorial Garden is a beautiful oasis with a variety of flowers, plants, fountains and sculptures.
Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Sit for a chat or read a book. It’s hard to be a more comforting activity in Kansas City.
Take a trip to the Weston Wine Company
Embrace your inner sommelier by taking a jaunt out to one of the best Kansas City wineries. Just a short drive from Kansas City, the Weston Wine Company is a family-owned winery that offers tastings and tours of their award-winning wines. Sample their delicious wines and enjoy the scenery of the Missouri countryside. The Winery sits on beautiful acreage and that looks even better in the sunset, glass of wine in hand.
Check out the Arabia Steamboat Museum
Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, the Arabia Steamboat Museum is fun activity to do while visiting the City Market. This exhibit tells the story of the steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in 1856 and was rediscovered over 130 years later. With over 200 tons of cargo and artifacts, it’s a fascinating glimpse into life in the 19th century.
Visit the Strawberry Hill Museum
Here’s something a little more off the beaten path. But if you truly love learning about the history and culture of a city, then this has to be on your Kansas City itinerary.
The Strawberry Hill Museum is a unique museum that celebrates the history and culture of Kansas City’s Eastern European immigrants.
Check out the Strawberry Hill Baking Co. where you can sample and buy povitica, a Croatian and Slovenian bread that is to die for! This makes for the perfect KC souvenir as it is a local favorite that Kansas Citians grow up eating.
With exhibits and artifacts from countries like Croatia, Slovakia, and Poland, it’s a fascinating look into a little-known aspect of Kansas City’s history.
Further Kansas City Reading
Since we live here, we’re constantly exploring and looking to add to our list of best things to do in Kansas City.
We’ve created some additional guides for you to read that will be useful to have in one place, such as the best places to eat in Kansas City. Go to the links below to find further Kansas City travel guides and resources.
🌃 Kansas City Crossroads Arts District Local Guide
☕️ Best Kansas City Coffee Shops Guide
🍻Best Breweries in Kansas City Crossroads
🎄 Kansas City Holiday Pop Up Bars Guide
KC is the Place to Be
And there you have it, your ultimate Kansas City travel guide.
There’s so much to do here, it’s honestly so easy to make a trip to KC enjoyable, no matter how long your stay will be or what your interests are.
There’s something for everyone here. And, you’re coming to Kansas City at just the right time. This town is buzzing and ready for you. We can’t wait to show you around.
So, are you embarking on a Kansas City trip anytime soon? What are you most looking forward to? Or… have you been here recently?
What did you love? Anything we missed that we should add to our list of things to do in Kansas City? Leave it in the comments below. Happy Travels!
