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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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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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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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
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$138 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$138
13 July - 14 July
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! (1,003 reviews)
"My expectations were met. Room was clean and comfortable. Staff was very nice and accommodating. Breakfast had several nice offerings."

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Comfort Suites Speedway - Kansas City
Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City
Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City
3.5 out of 5
10401 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, KS
The price is NZ$480 per night from 9 July to 10 July
NZ$480
9 July - 10 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly resort in Kansas City. Enjoy 4 indoor pools, 4 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Our kids had a wonderful time. The “Camp counselors” led daily activities that kept everyone entertained between pool/arcade visits."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City
Baymont by Wyndham Kansas City KU Medical Center
Baymont by Wyndham Kansas City KU Medical Center
2.5 out of 5
501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS
The price is NZ$115 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$115
3 Aug - 4 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 clean rooms and the property ...
5.4/10 (1,005 reviews)
"Gd"

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Kansas City KU Medical Center
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! (7 reviews)
Business Trip
"Property was clean and had everything we needed for a short stay. Communication with host was great!"

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 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 Argentine Carnegie Library ...
10/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
Great place! Made our weekend
"Me & my buddies and our wives loved this place. Plenty of space. Great kitchen & incredible backyard & pool. We did not want to leave the pool all weekend. I would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 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 Science ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Kansas City reunion
"Felt at home. Privacy was respected, yet we knew we were just a call away if we needed anything. House has everything we needed and then some (baby supplies). Decor was nice but not over the top. We will definitely look at staying here again next time!!"

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 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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