Lonely PlanetJul 24, 2026
The top things to do in Kansas City
Kansas City is an excellent Midwestern hub for art, music, shopping, sporting events and food. These are the top things to do when you
25 things in this story
- Gates Bar-B-QRestauranttrademark phrase is "May I help you!"
- KCK Taco TrailNeighborhoodrounds up 60 local taquerias on the Kansas side
- The Antler RoomRestaurantsample all the inventive small plates
- Nelson-AtkinsMuseumfree art museum, globe-trotting collection
- 18th and VineNeighborhoodhistoric Black district, cradle of jazz music
- CPKC StadiumSightfirst arena purpose-built for women's pro soccer
- Arthur Bryant’sRestaurantclaims direct lineage to Henry Perry's BBQ
- Joe’s KCRestaurantserves Z-Man sandwich from a gas station
- Q39Restauranttakes plates in a classier, but authentic, direction
- Slap’s BBQRestaurantdoes some of the best burnt ends
- Jack StackRestaurantwider variety of ribs than elsewhere, including lamb
- Baba’s PantryRestaurantPalestinian American deli named best new restaurant
- CorvinoRestaurantsleek darkened dining room for a celebratory night
- KC StreetcarPlacefree-to-ride route extended for 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Two Birds, One StoneRestaurantbeer garden on the south bank of the Missouri River
- Origin HotelHotelboutique guest rooms near CPKC Stadium
- American Jazz MuseumMuseumlearn about jazz musicians, instruments, and styles
- Blue RoomRestaurantafter-hours jazz club for live performances
- Negro Leagues Baseball MuseumMuseumchronicles history of Black baseball teams
- Mutual Musicians FoundationNightclublate-night jam sessions for performers
- Vine Street Brewing CoPubMissouri’s first Black-owned brewery
- Carniceria y Tortilleria San AntonioRestaurant
- El Camino RealRestaurant
- Elsewhere
- Rabbit h0leMuseumNorth Kansas City, United Statesart-filled space celebrating children's literature
- Line Creek TrailTrailNorth Kansas City, United Statespretty trail in North Kansas City
