14 Reasons to Choose Kansas City for Your Next Adventure

Kansas City has been making headlines in a big way—even before Taylor Swift made her appearance at Arrowhead Stadium for Kansas City Chiefs games.

The Chiefs have secured the Super Bowl trophy three times in the past five years; the feel-good TV series Ted Lasso, featuring KC native Jason Sudeikis, has garnered numerous awards; and nearly every travel magazine—including Dinogo Planet’s Best in Travel—has named Kansas City one of the top destinations for 2024.

Despite all the recent buzz, Kansas City has always had a self-appreciative vibe, characteristic of the Midwest: understated. It’s practically a local custom for residents to sport KC-branded apparel—and by the end of your visit, you might just want to grab a t-shirt too. While Kansas City enjoys its moment in the limelight, it remains the welcoming, come-as-you-are town that it has always been.

Curious about the Kansas City hype? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, here’s your guide to the top things to do in KC.

1. Experience the Beautiful Game in America’s Soccer Capital

While the Kansas City Chiefs may be the city’s most famous sports team, another type of football is attracting large crowds. In March, CPKC Stadium, the world’s first venue specifically designed for a professional women’s sports team, opened its doors for the KC Current’s sold-out season opener. This waterside soccer stadium is also revitalizing a previously overlooked area along the Missouri River's south bank. A beer garden called Two Birds, One Stone and the Origin Hotel are set to debut in the summer of 2024.

Local Tip: The free-to-ride KC Streetcar will extend its route from downtown to the riverfront by 2026, just in time for Kansas City to host FIFA World Cup games alongside cities like Los Angeles, Mexico City, Boston, and Vancouver.

Interested in catching the FIFA World Cup in 2026? Start researching how to secure your tickets now!

2. Savor Kansas City’s Finest Barbecue…

Once home to some of the largest stockyards in the country, second only to Chicago, Kansas City takes its smoked meat seriously. The city’s reputation as one of the top destinations in the USA for barbecue stems from Henry Perry, a Black pitmaster who opened his restaurant in the early 1900s. While his establishment is no longer in operation, Arthur Bryant’s and Gates Bar-B-Q proudly carry on his legacy as icons of the barbecue scene.

Kansas City’s barbecue culture is ever-evolving, with a new generation of pitmasters putting their unique spin on tradition. Joe’s KC serves its famous Z-Man sandwich from a gas station, while Q39 offers a slightly more upscale yet equally authentic experience. Burnt ends—the rich, charred tips of brisket—are a Kansas City creation and a must-try at any respectable spot. Slap’s BBQ in Kansas City, Kansas, is renowned for its superb versions. Jack Stack features a wider selection of ribs, including lamb.

So where’s the ultimate spot for Kansas City barbecue? Even locals can’t reach a consensus. Sample as many places as you can and find your favorite!

Local Tip: If you’re heading to Gates Bar-B-Q, brace yourself for a lively welcome as soon as you step inside. The restaurant’s signature phrase, 'May I help you!' means that regardless of the line, you’re expected to shout your order right away. To prepare, take a moment to check the menu online before your visit.

3. …and indulge in the rest of KC’s amazing food scene

Kansas City’s finest dining spots offer a menu that extends far beyond barbecue, showcasing flavors from both near and far. For a special evening out, consider the chic, dimly lit atmosphere at Corvino, one of the city’s premier dining destinations, or gather a group to enjoy the creative small plates at The Antler Room.

For budget-friendly options to tantalize your taste buds, embark on the KCK Taco Trail, which features 60 local taquerias on the Kansas side. Favorites include Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio and El Camino Real. You can also enjoy delicious baba ganoush, chicken shawarma, and other Middle Eastern delights at Baba’s Pantry, a Palestinian American deli that was named one of the best new restaurants in the nation in 2022.

Local Tip: While most restaurants in Kansas City don’t require reservations or formal attire, it’s wise to book ahead for upscale dining, especially if you have a specific venue or time in mind.

4. Experience the Heart of Black Kansas City at 18th and Vine

The historic 18th and Vine district, located southeast of downtown and centered around its namesake intersection, was a hub of jazz music and remains a vital part of Black culture in Kansas City. Discover the legacy of musicians, including local legend Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker, along with their instruments and styles at the American Jazz Museum, which features the Blue Room jazz club for live performances after hours.

Adjacent to this is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which chronicles the history of Black teams like the KC Monarchs and New York Black Yankees that thrived before baseball's full integration.

Vine Street Brewing Co, the first Black-owned brewery in Missouri, opened its doors in 2023 and has quickly become a beloved local hangout. Enjoy a glass of Jazzman, their signature black lager, in the charming setting of a graffiti-adorned former public works building.

Local Tip: Jazz enthusiasts looking for late-night entertainment should visit the Mutual Musicians Foundation on Fridays and Saturdays. Once other performances wrap up, musicians flock here to jam, with sessions starting at midnight or later. This venue uniquely holds a special state exemption, allowing it to serve alcohol all night long.

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5. Immerse yourself in the wonders of children’s literature at The Rabbit h0le

Housed in a 150,000-square-foot former tin can factory, The Rabbit h0le in North Kansas City is a uniquely captivating venue that defies easy description. Opened in March by two ex-bookstore owners, this art-filled haven honors a century of children’s literature, spanning from the 1920s to the present. While the museum delights children, it also offers adults a nostalgic journey. Visitors of all ages will feel as though they've stepped into a storybook. To call The Rabbit h0le 'immersive' feels insufficient—just step into the Goodnight Moon room for an emotional experience that illustrates this perfectly.

Like any great artistic project, The Rabbit h0le continues to evolve. The first floor is currently open, while the second floor is expected to be completed by the end of 2024—providing ample reason for a return visit.

6. Curate your own favorites at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which you can visit for free, is Kansas City’s most renowned art museum and a must-see for culture enthusiasts. Its diverse collection spans the globe, featuring ancient Egyptian coffins, masterpieces by European artists such as Monet and Caravaggio, and exquisite Chinese bronzes.

However, the most iconic and cherished artworks are not housed inside the museum; they grace the lawn outside. Four 18-foot-tall badminton shuttlecocks dramatically plunge into the grass on either side of the museum, symbolizing the net, and they appear on countless souvenirs from Kansas City.

7. Comprehend the realities of war at the National WWI Museum

The nation’s officially designated museum for the Great War isn’t located in Washington, DC, but rather in the heartland of Kansas City. The National WWI Museum provides an in-depth exploration of this brutal conflict through moving exhibits, featuring tanks, military uniforms, propaganda posters, and replica trenches.

Standing tall at nearly 270 feet, the Liberty Memorial overlooks the lawn, and you can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the city from the open-air observation deck.

Local tip: The most photographed view of Kansas City is from the courtyard and the top of the Liberty Memorial, which is accessible for free. You don’t need museum tickets to enter the courtyard, but you will need tickets to access the top of the memorial.

8. Explore the landmarks at Union Station

Union Station serves as the heart of Kansas City, hosting numerous major events throughout the year. Even during quieter moments, this historic 1914 building offers a wealth of activities. It remains an operational train station (Amtrak trains travel to St. Louis, Chicago, and Los Angeles), showcasing grand Beaux-Arts architecture with expansive windows and stunning 95-foot coffered ceilings. Kids love to climb and play at Science City, and the station features a planetarium, a volunteer-run model train gallery, and a massive five-story movie screen.

On its lower level, Union Station presents an annual touring exhibition. Opening in May 2024, Disney100 honors the legacy of Walt Disney, who relocated to Kansas City at age nine and took Saturday drawing classes at the Kansas City Art Institute.

Local tip: The KC Streetcar conveniently ends its route just outside Union Station, making it a perfect spot to park and hop on the streetcar into downtown and the River Market area.

9. Discover the only president from Missouri at the Truman Presidential Library

Harry Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, grew up in Independence, a suburb located east of Kansas City. After a $29 million renovation, the Harry S Truman Presidential Library and Museum reopened in 2021, offering an in-depth look at his life, legacy, and the global context of the 1940s and ‘50s. Exhibits feature serious artifacts, such as the safety plug from the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, alongside more whimsical items like the iconic 'The Buck Stops Here!' sign.

Local tip: History enthusiasts can easily fill a day in Independence by visiting the Truman Home, where the former president resided from 1919 to 1972, along with the National Frontier Trails Museum, which details the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails that guided settlers through Independence on their westward journey.

10. Discover Kansas City on foot

Don’t confine your experience of Kansas City to what you see from a car. Get up close to the city's essence with a guided walking tour from Urban Hikes KC. These tours not only provide a good workout but also delve into neighborhoods and backstreets that many visitors overlook, including the Historic Northeast, the remnants of Quindaro (a stop on the Underground Railroad), and downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Some hikes even include stops for snacks like coffee, wine, and cheese, allowing you to sample more of Kansas City's culinary delights while exploring the area.

11. Take a ride on the KC Wheel

Just as London boasts the London Eye and Vegas features the High Roller, Kansas City showcases the KC Wheel. Standing at 150 feet, this Ferris wheel offers an unparalleled view of downtown, with climate-controlled cabins that comfortably seat up to six people and are wheelchair accessible.

The KC Wheel serves as the centerpiece of the new Pennway Point entertainment district, which also features a mini golf course at its base. Additional attractions are on the horizon, including bars, a beer garden, food stalls, and the LUMI Neon Museum.

12. Experience the excitement at the Kansas City Zoo

A beloved family destination for over a century, the Kansas City Zoo spans more than 200 acres in Swope Park, home to around 1,700 animals from 200 different species. In 2023, the zoo introduced a 650,000-gallon aquarium showcasing vibrant fish, sharks, eels, a giant Pacific octopus, and playful sea otters. Among its latest residents is Tortellini, an endangered green sea turtle who was rescued in Florida after sustaining injuries from a boat. Due to her damaged flipper and buoyancy issues, keepers have equipped her with a weighted backpack to aid her swimming.

Kansas City is a fantastic family-friendly destination packed with activities for kids. Alongside the zoo, families should visit Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead to interact with farm animals and feed baby goats. Children also love splashing in the water and exploring the KC-themed indoor play structures at Wonderscope.

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13. Raise a glass at the distilleries and cocktail spots in 'Tom’s Town'

Kansas City thrived during Prohibition, and today’s bars and distilleries celebrate the legacy of political boss Tom Pendergast, who kept the nightlife vibrant in the 1920s. In the Crossroads district, Tom's Town Distilling Co offers expertly crafted drinks in a stylish art deco bar that overlooks its copper distilling equipment. Just around the corner, Swordfish Tom’s serves some of the finest cocktails in a basement boiler room. J Rieger & Co was closed during Prohibition but was revived nearly a century later by Jacob Rieger’s great-great-great-grandson in a former brewery in the industrial East Bottoms. Rieger’s 'old fashioned' is exceptional, along with a signature drink named the Pendergast.

Local tip: To dive into the history of Tom Pendergast and discover other intriguing tales of Midwest mobsters and the KC underworld, consider joining the KC Gangster Tour.

14. Dine and sip above the Kansas River on the Rock Island Bridge

Promoted as the 'world’s first entertainment district on a bridge,' the Rock Island Bridge represents one of the most innovative infrastructure reuse projects in the USA, following in the footsteps of New York City’s High Line. This 705ft former railway bridge, which opened in 1905, has been unused for decades and was not accessible to the public until now. Starting in summer 2024, visitors will be able to stroll 60ft above the Kansas River (known as the Kaw), enjoying drinks from a 50ft upper-level bar and food from the kitchens below. Walkers, runners, and cyclists can cross to access trails on both sides of the river, with plans for kayak and paddleboard docks underway.