Kansas City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kansas City
Kansas City
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art showing a statue or sculpture and modern architecture
Kansas City
Kansas City

The locals call it “KC” – the home of hot jazz, cool fountains, hickory-smoked barbeques and the iconic Harley-Davidson.

Divided between two states and a river, the largest city in Missouri makes an unusual mark on the tourist map.Kansas City is the celebrated capital of the all-American barbeque. The pungent smell of hickory smoke oozes from many of the city’s best-loved restaurants, and sampling this homespun delicacy is a priority for most visitors. The city is also famous for its fountains, which are as glorious and elaborate as any in Italy, lending a Renaissance elegance to the public parks and squares.KC is also synonymous with world-class jazz, and the legendary live music scene in the clubs and bars around 18th and Vine is one of the city’s main cultural attractions. The historic Starlight Theatre in Swope Park is one of the last surviving, self-producing open-air theatres in America, with a sell-out programme of musicals, comedy and drama. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has one of the best collections of modern art in the Midwest, housed in a striking building shaped like a bird in flight, while the Spencer Museum of Art displays treasures from around the world alongside the prestigious ethnographic archive of the University of Kansas’s anthropology department.There are plenty of unusual attractions to satisfy a variety of tastes. The Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City brings out the child in everyone with its nostalgic collection of dolls, bears and tin models, while the Arabia Steamboat Museum tells the fascinating story of this historic vessel which sank in the Missouri-Kansas River and has now been fully restored. The displays of personal artefacts belonging to First World War soldiers in the museum at the Liberty Memorial offer a poignant glimpse of life on the front line.Don’t leave Kansas City without visiting the home of a genuine American icon. The Harley-Davidson motorcycle company was founded in 1903 by two friends and has since become one of the industry’s biggest success stories. Join a factory tour for a glimpse behind the scenes of this famous marque and have your photo taken astride a gleaming machine to make the folks back home green with envy.Kansas City has a reliable public transport system which links up most places of interest in the city centre, but a car is recommended for exploring further afield. Parking is usually plentiful at these out-of-town attractions.

Where to stay in Kansas City

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I-435 West

If you're spending some time in I-435 West, Legends Outlets Kansas City and Legends Field are top sights worth seeing.

I-435 West
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Rosedale

While visiting Rosedale, you might make a stop by sights like 39th Street West and Rosedale Memorial Arch.

Rosedale
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Edwardsville

Shopping and entertainment venues are just a few things travellers like about Edwardsville. A stop by Village West is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Edwardsville
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Armourdale

While there might not be top attractions in Armourdale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kemper Arena and American Royal Complex.

Armourdale
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Shawnee Heights

While visiting Shawnee Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Sauer Castle and Boulevard Drive-In Theater.

Shawnee Heights
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Victory Hills

When in Victory Hills, you can plan a visit to Legends Outlets Kansas City and Schlitterbahn, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Victory Hills
Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

3.5 out of 5
1491 North 98th Terrace, Kansas City, KS
The price is NZ$534 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
NZ$534
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Legends Outlets Kansas City and Kansas ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (22 reviews)
"The place was great. Only complaint was the room was still so new there was a STRONG off gas smell in the room, no clue from where though…possibly the AC?"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City
American Motel Kansas City, Kansas

American Motel Kansas City, Kansas

2 out of 5
7949 Splitlog Ave, Kansas City, KS
The price is NZ$127 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$127
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,001 reviews)
"Loved the birds in the middle of the night singing...Miss country ,and nature...Unique design interior with elevator...Really enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

American Motel Kansas City, Kansas
Comfort Suites Speedway - Kansas City

Comfort Suites Speedway - Kansas City

2.5 out of 5
3000 N. 103rd Terrace, Kansas City, KS
The price is NZ$159 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$159
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
Nice Stay
"Front staff was nice and quick with checking us in. The room was spacious and clean."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Comfort Suites Speedway - Kansas City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Teal Townhouse Near KU Med and Central to Many KC Landmarks/Attractions

The Teal Townhouse Near KU Med and Central to Many KC Landmarks/Attractions

Kansas City
Stay at this vacation home in Kansas City. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Crown Center and Science ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Cute and functional
"This little townhouse is adorable and does everything you need it to. The space was comfortable and clean."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

The Teal Townhouse Near KU Med and Central to Many KC Landmarks/Attractions
KC Backyard Vacation

KC Backyard Vacation

Kansas City
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
Perfect Spot for a Family Reunion – Beautiful Home & Exceptional Host!
"We had a wonderful stay for our family reunion! The home was a great place to gather—plenty of space, and the rooms were fresh, clean, and inviting. The kids were so happy with the pool and hot tub! Shaymond was an outstanding host—very communicative and helpful. He even stopped by personally to ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

KC Backyard Vacation
★★2 Story Near Plaza/Westport/KU Med, King Bed, Garage Parking★★

★★2 Story Near Plaza/Westport/KU Med, King Bed, Garage Parking★★

Kansas City
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Crown Center and Nelson-Atkins ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Family getaway
"The home was clean, comfortable and well organized. They had coffee, creamer, shower amenities that made dropping in to a rental convenient."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

★★2 Story Near Plaza/Westport/KU Med, King Bed, Garage Parking★★
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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