Things to do in  Kansas City

Kansas City is famous for two main things: barbecue and jazz. The city’s vibrant dining and music scenes have been active since the early 1900s, and visitors can still find plenty of delicious barbecue restaurants and moody jazz clubs there today. Kansas City is also known for its museums, fountains, national sports teams, and art galleries.

You can experience Kansas City’s best attractions in one day. Start your morning at one of the city’s best coffee shops, and be sure to order a cinnamon roll (a local specialty) with your cappuccino. Then enjoy some window shopping at the Plaza before checking out the latest exhibitions at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Grab lunch at one of the Plaza’s many restaurants before heading downtown, where you can choose between the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. After filling up on classic Kansas City barbecue for dinner, end the evening with a live jazz show at The Blue Room or Green Lady Lounge.

The best attractions in Kansas City are museums, music venues, and family-friendly activities. The National WWI Museum and Memorial is one of the most famous cultural sites in the city, followed by the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, American Jazz Museum, and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. There are many great jazz clubs in the 18th and Vine neighborhood, as well as classical shows at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and rock concerts at The Midland. For family-friendly attractions, be sure to check out the Kansas City Zoo and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City.

No, Kansas City is not a walkable city. Unless you stick to one district, you will likely rely on driving or public transportation to get from place to place. Luckily, the KC Streetcar is completely free and makes frequent stops along Main Street in downtown Kansas City. Having said that, there are a few neighborhoods that are easy to explore on foot once you get there, including the Plaza, Old Westport, and Crossroads.

Did you know that Kansas City’s nickname is the City of Fountains? You can find more than 200 fountains across the metro area (far more than in any other U.S. city), with some of the most beautiful in the Plaza area and around urban parks and landmarks. Kansas City even has a holiday specifically devoted to its water features—Greater Kansas City Fountain Day, typically held in early April every year.

It’s all about the barbecue in Kansas City. The metropolitan area has more than 100 barbecue restaurants for guests to choose from, serving up delicious burnt ends, brisket, cheesy corn, and more. Not a fan of smoked meats? No problem. Kansas City also specializes in tacos, cinnamon rolls, and cheese slippers (a savory pastry piled high with cheddar), plus international cuisines like Italian and Vietnamese.