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.
Center of Black culture and where the city's jazz sound took shape.
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.