Kansas City, MO

Travel Guide
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts which includes interior views and modern architecture
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(800 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Kansas City. You can visit top attractions like T-Mobile Center and Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, and jump on the metro at Metro Center Station or North Loop Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown Kansas City
Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza

A noteworthy feature of Country Club Plaza is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Country Club Plaza and Fountain of Neptune.

Country Club Plaza
Power & Light

Power and Light District

The abundant dining options and live music are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by T-Mobile Center or Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Power and Light Tram Stop to get around town.

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

South Kansas City

3.5/5(205 area reviews)

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

3.5/5(145 area reviews)

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(313 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 ₩128,326 per night from May 28 to May 29
₩128,326
per night
May 28 - May 29
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! (1,441 reviews)
"Perfect for a quick overnight. Shuttle to/from airport was quick and easy."

Reviewed on May 15, 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 ₩267,683 per night from May 26 to May 27
₩267,683
per night
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! (1,436 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on May 13, 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 ₩173,523 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩173,523
per night
May 27 - May 28
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! (1,764 reviews)
Always the best
"It was great"

Reviewed on May 14, 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.
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, Branson
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, Branson
4 out of 5
147 Welk Resort Circle, Branson, MO
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Branson. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,469 reviews)
"The room was in excellent condition and clean! Although,I have only one complaint…there was a considerable amount of squirrel dung on the patio porch. In the morning I swept up the dung, went out for activities and when we returned home for the evening there was just as much dung and it was accompanied ..."

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, Branson
Still Waters Resort
Still Waters Resort
4 out of 5
21 Stillwater, Branson, MO
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly condo in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,559 reviews)
Secluded family get away
"Reserved for a break after relocating our son to Branson area for the summer. Our suite was perfect for my husband and me to relax. We had a lake view,the king bed was comfortable and area was quiet. Only drawback, kitchen is equiped with pots, pans, plates, etc. No paper towels and only 1 dish towel/kitchen ..."

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Still Waters Resort
Stormy Point Village Resort
Stormy Point Village Resort
4 out of 5
132 Cape Cod Drive, Branson, MO
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (687 reviews)
"Beautifully decorated, tons of space for our family. Beautiful grounds"

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Stormy Point Village Resort
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

Reviews of Kansas City

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1877
" "5 - Excellent 41.86928396163284%
4 - Good
1985
" "4 - Good 44.27838501003792%
3 - Okay
544
" "3 - Okay 12.134731206781174%
2 - Disappointing
47
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0484050858799911%
1 - Terrible
30
" "1 - Terrible 0.6691947356680794%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 5, 2020

I live here so I was just spending time with my husband

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

love the area

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Arrived late and left early so we didn’t get a chance to see much of the city.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

Nice city to visit!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

I am not a big city person but due to the Covid the streets were mostly quiet until the evening when protestors were out.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 31, 2020

This is my hometown, so of course, I love KC! The only downfall of the Fontaine was the view of the plaza lights. I feel like we would have been able to see the plaza better from a different location, but the area is great and the hotel is beautiful!

Cities near Kansas City