Kansas City
Laidback Kansas City in the Midwest is a delightful place to visit, with plenty of activities to enjoy and lots of leafy green open spaces to relax in.
Kansas City in a nutshell
Laidback Kansas City in the Midwest is a delightful place to visit, with plenty of activities to enjoy, lots of leafy green open spaces to relax in, more than its fair share of fountains and plenty of art and culture.
Let’s not forget the barbecues here, which are legendary, the variety of sports offerings including iconic Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, Children’s Mercy Park, where popular soccer team Sporting Kansas City has its home and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum that offers an insight into more than 2 centuries’ worth of African-American baseball history.
Situated on the border between the states of Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City (based in Missouri in case you weren’t sure) is home to the famous Hallmark Cards company, very much part of US tradition.
It’s also famous for its casinos, craft beers and culture – the city is the birthplace of Walt Disney, for starters, and is known for its vibrant jazz scene, stunning music halls and theaters.
Each neighborhood has its own special charm. In the Power & Light District, you’ll find plenty of hip eateries and bars, while Downtown Kansas City is known for its superb Art Deco architecture, evident in landmarks such as the Power and Light Building and the Jackson County Courthouse.
The French Quarter resembles the neighborhood of the same name in New Orleans, and is filled with lively jazz bars. There are 10 districts in all, so take time out to explore. You’ll find Kansas City an enthralling destination!
Best time to visit: Most events take place during summer (June to August) and fall (September & October). For better prices and fewer crowds, visit in the spring (April and May).
Best Area for Sightseeing: There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city. Take a look at Things to do in Kansas City below for some inspiration.
Shopping in Kansas City: You’ll find plenty of retail offerings in malls, boutiques, eclectic stores and galleries. Best bet is to take home some barbecue sauce, for which Kansas City is famous, or an original handicraft or artwork. Scour the markets like The City Market, which offers plenty of fresh produce and different foods to try, as well as antiques, clothing and souvenirs.
Food & Restaurants in Kansas City: Barbecue is big business in Kansas City, so enjoy it at a choice of excellent restaurants. Of course, wherever you go, you’re in for a treat. These people know how to make superb barbecues.
Nightlife: You’ll find plenty of live jazz bars and clubs, especially in the Power and Light district. The city also boasts numerous casinos.
Things to do in Kansas City:
- Explore the Power & Light District for a variety of entertainment options and great barbecue restaurants.
- Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to see enthralling classical and contemporary artworks.
- Take the kids to the Hallmark Kaleidoscope, a colorful, lively art studio where they can be creative.
- Discover the fascinating Money Museum to see a fabulous 450-piece collection and try to lift a gold bar valued at $400,000.
- Learn about the riverboat Arabia, that sank in the Missouri River in 1856 at the Steamboat Arabia Museum.
Best way to get around: If you haven’t rented a car to explore, use the excellent ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. Riding on the Kansas City Streetcar is free along the route from Crown Center to River Market.