Lonely PlanetSep 11
The Ultimate Weekend in Kansas City
Load up a weekend trip to Kansas City with activities that locals love, including standout museums and more barbecue than seems reasonably possible.
The Crossroads outpost of a local smashburger favorite.
25 things in this story
- Cafe Cà PhêCaféBills itself as KC’s first Vietnamese coffee shop.
- AnjinRestaurantAn intimate Japanese izakaya named one of the 19 best restaurants.
- The Antler RoomRestaurantThe team behind the also incredible Anjin.
- Jack StackRestaurantChow down on KC staples like beef burnt ends.
- Origin HotelHotelSet on the Berkley Riverfront at the northern terminus of the KC Streetcar.
- American Jazz MuseumMuseumTracks the genre from its roots to the present.
- Blue RoomRestaurantBringing KC jazz out of the galleries and onto the stage.
- Negro Leagues Baseball MuseumMuseumTraces a national story with deep local ties.
- Vine Street Brewing CoPubMissouri’s first Black-owned brewery.
- Crossroads HotelHotelChannels local history through industrial-chic rooms.
- Mildred'sCaféDoles out Kansas City’s favorite breakfast sandwiches.
- Union StationTram stopA 1914 beaux arts behemoth that's still a working train station.
- Science CityMuseumHas more than 300 hands-on exhibits.
- Museum of BBQMuseumDissects the elements of barbecue and what sets KC apart.
- National WWI Museum and MemorialMuseumOne of Kansas City’s most powerful museums.
- Cosmo Burger XRRestaurantThe Crossroads outpost of a local smashburger favorite.
- City BarrelRestaurantA personal favorite brewery in the Crossroads district.
- BKS Artisan AlesRestaurantAnother taproom in the neighborhood.
- PercheronBarThe buzzy rooftop bar at the Crossroads Hotel.
- Dear DonnaRestaurantA casual breakfast spot in the Columbus Park neighborhood.
- City MarketMarketHistoric market fills with farmers and makers on Saturdays.
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of ArtMuseumFree museum with 5000 years of art.
- RyeRestaurantPolished spin on Midwestern comfort food.
- 18th and Vine Historic Jazz DistrictNeighborhoodCenter of Black culture and where the city's jazz sound took shape.
- Vine Street Chicken CoRestaurantServes baskets, sandwiches and wings.