Curator’s statement
Kansas City is known for its jazz heritage, barbecue and vibrant arts scene. It’s a city that offers a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor activities and delicious dining. There is a vibrant Hispanic and Asian cultural scene, shaped by its diverse communities, including Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean populations. The city is known for its annual events like the Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Festival, which celebrates the contributions of the region's diverse cultural heritage through food, music and dance. Check local calendars for events like the Kansas City Jazz Festival or the Plaza Art Fair, which showcase the city’s vibrant culture.
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Things to do in Kansas City
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: A stunning museum featuring a diverse collection of art, from ancient to contemporary and a beautiful sculpture park.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial: A comprehensive museum dedicated to World War I, with a stunning view from its observation deck.
Country Club Plaza: An outdoor shopping district designed with Spanish architecture, featuring boutique shops, restaurants and beautiful fountains.
Loose Park: Enjoy a stroll or a picnic in this beautiful park, known for its rose garden.
River Market: Visit the farmers market and explore the area’s shops and eateries along the Missouri River.
Live Jazz: Check out the historic 18th and Vine district, home to the American Jazz Museum and numerous jazz clubs.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: Attend a concert or performance in this architectural marvel.
Sports: Kansas City is home to the NCAA Museum at Power & Light, the KC Current National Women’s Soccer Team and Sporting KC Men’s Team, as well as ice hockey, the MLB’s KC Royals and the multi-time Super Bowl Champions the Kansas City Chiefs.
Day trips:
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: A great spot for families, with a wide variety of animals and engaging exhibits.
Union Station & Crown Center: A historic train station with shops, dining and attractions like the Science City Museum, which is connected to Hallmark’s Crown Center Shopping Center, Legoland and SeaLife.
Swope Park: Enjoy one of America’s largest municipal parks, which is home to campsites, fishing, the Kansas City Zoo and the famous Starlight Theatre.
Places to eat & drink in Kansas City
Barbecue: Don’t miss iconic spots like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Gates Bar-B-Q and Arthur Bryants for a true taste of Kansas City’s famous barbecue.
The Crossroads Arts District: Explore a variety of trendy restaurants and food trucks, perfect for sampling local flavors.
Vietnam Cafe: A local favorite for its flavorful dishes, including spring rolls and curry.
Café Cà Phê: The inclusive meeting place for an international experience and Vietnamese coffee.
Phikul Thai Bistro: Casual, classic Thai dishes served in the heart of River Market
Waldo Thai: A local favorite in a contemporary setting serving traditional Thai dishes and cocktails.
Korean BBQ House: A popular destination for all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue, where diners grill their own meats at the table.
KC Craft Ramen: Japanese-American-owned authentic Ramen shop with great flavors and fun goodies.
Need to know
Getting there: Kansas City International (MCI) is the primary commercial/public airport. Flying into the city will require you to make use of a taxi, car rental, rideshare or other means of transportation to get to and from the airport. Amtrak also services Kansas City in the heart of the city at Union Station and Independence with two daily routes that allow you to connect to the entire network.
Getting around: Kansas City is spread out, so consider renting a car or using ride share services to explore different neighborhoods.
Public transit: There is a free street car that runs throughout the downtown and main business districts of Kansas City. All city buses are also free to ride. There are several scooter and bicycle rental options available.
Weather: Be prepared for varying weather; summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Kansas City. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Gillian Spatz's guide, Unveiling Kansas City, Missouri: A Vibrant Traveler's Haven.