Kansas City at a Glance
Split between two states, Kansas City lies in the heart of the Midwest. Although some may consider Kansas and Missouri to be flyover states, there’s really a wealth of things to do in Kansas City. Whether you’re headed there for a Chiefs game in the fall or a weekend getaway, this guide will help you plan your trip accordingly.
KC Weather
Kansas City has very distinct seasons: bundle up in parkas, scarfs and boots during the winter and early spring (November—March) and wear lighter outfits during the summer heat (June—August). Fall (September—October) usually brings ideal temperatures around 60-70 degrees.
I recommend visiting in the summer or fall for milder weather. June—October is definitely the best time to plan your trip to avoid storms and enjoy warmer, sunnier days. Fall is the most colorful season in Kansas City. Time your trip for mid to late October for some beautiful fall foliage.
Where to Stay in Kansas City
Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza ($$)
The Intercontinental has one of the best locations of any hotel in the city. It’s just steps away from the Plaza, my favorite shopping and dining district. Even though this is a luxury hotel, you can normally stay in a nice room for around $200 (definitely a steal if you look at the other Intercontinental properties). Explore the Intercontinental here.
Westin Crown Center ($$)
The Westin has another amazing location downtown. It’s just a few steps away from Crown Center a family-friendly shopping and entertainment district. The hotel offers sleek and spacious rooms as well as a complimentary shuttle to nearby attractions downtown. You can find out more about The Westin here.
Things to Do in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs Games
You can’t visit KC in the fall without attending a Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium. The atmosphere is electric—KC is home to one of the loudest stadiums in the country! Chiefs tickets are available on the team’s official website here.
Kansas City Royals Games
Located right next door to Arrowhead Stadium, Kauffman is another huge attraction when visiting Kansas City. There’s nothing quite like a Royals game on a summer night. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, this is still one place that’s worth the trip! You can purchase Royals tickets here.
Union Station
Union Station is a symbol of Kansas City and the perfect place to spend a snowy afternoon during the holidays. The station is stunning in person, especially when decked out in all the Christmas decorations. You can find tickets to the planetarium and other seasonal shows and exhibits at Union Station here.
WWI Museum + Liberty Memorial
Liberty Memorial has one of the best views of the downtown KC skyline. This is the perfect place to take the quintessential “I visited Kansas City” pic!
Nelson-Atkins Museum
The Nelson-Atkins Museum is one of my favorite art museums I’ve ever visited, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting KC! It’s located right by the Country Club Plaza and is home to some breathtaking art pieces ranging from Renaissance art, to Egyptian art to Monet. Did I mention admission is free?!
Starlight Theatre
The perfect spot to see a concert in Kansas City. This outdoor venue is absolutely beautiful, especially when you can see all the stars overhead at night (hence the name!). A ton of major headliners have performed at Starlight for concerts (The 1975, Kacey Musgraves and Train to name a few), and you can also catch off-Broadway theatre performances here as well. You can view the Starlight Theatre’s entertainment line-up and purchase show tickets here.
Boulevard Drive-In
One of the best movie venues I’ve ever visited (and as an avid film lover, that is definitely saying something!). This is the “world’s first 4K drive-in cinema” and is a timelessly classic piece of KC history. It’s been a Kansas City institution since 1950, and gives you that warm and fuzzy nostalgic feeling when watching a Disney movie here. I can’t recommend it enough! Admission is cash only, and you can buy tickets at the entrance.
Worlds of Fun + Oceans of Fun
If you’re looking for a fun theme park experience on your trip to Kansas City, definitely pay a visit to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. One ticket will grant you admission to both the theme park and water park. There are a ton of great roller coasters and water rides here (kind of like a local Six Flags), and it’s a great way to spend a day in KC. You can buy tickets to Worlds of Fun + Oceans of fun here.
Laugh-O-Gram Studios
This building on Troost is the old home of Laugh-O-Gram Studios, Walt Disney’s first studio. Laugh-O-Gram is where Walt first saw a mouse while he was sketching, which gave him the inspiration to create Mickey! Definitely worth a quick stop to see the Disney murals, and just a short drive from downtown Kansas City.
Kansas City Restaurants
Would this really be a Kansas City guide if I didn’t tell you where to eat? The food is half the attraction of the city. Read on for some of my favorite BBQ spots and other classics, including one of the best French restaurants in the country!
Barbecue
Q39
My favorite BBQ spot in KC. The “Mr. Burns” burnt ends sandwich + fries are a must here!
Char Bar
Another great BBQ sandwich joint. I highly recommend lunching here if you’re in the Westport neighborhood.
Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
The iconic KC BBQ restaurant—you’ll see it on national TV during nearly every major Chiefs game. If you’re looking for atmosphere and amazing ribs, Joe’s is a must-do in Kansas City. Make sure you try the Z-Man—it’s Patrick Mahomes’ favorite (and mine too ;))!
Fiorella’s Jack Stack
Their prime rib sandwich is heavenly. Highly recommend the Country Club Plaza location for views!
Cafe Provence
Ranked as one of the top French restaurants in the country, Cafe Provence is simply divine. Some of the best French food I’ve ever eaten—no matter what you order, the menu here never disappoints. Come here for lunch! It’s a lot cheaper and the cute little village atmosphere of Prairie Village is perfect on a sunny afternoon.
Gram & Dun
My favorite patio at Country Club Plaza. All of the food is to die for, no matter what you order!
Grimaldi’s
My favorite pizza place in KC. This is Brooklyn-style pizza at its finest—they even import the water to make the crust just like NYC.
North Italia
The best Italian food—the salads and Sunday specials on pizza and wine are 100% worth the trip.
The Big Biscuit
The best biscuit spot in Kansas City! Big Biscuit is a KC tradition and the breakfast here is next-level.
Winstead’s
My favorite little diner. Winstead’s has been around since the ’40s, and it’s my favorite place to go for a burger, ice cream soda or banana split. You can find Winstead’s locations all over KC, but my favorites are in Leawood and on the Plaza.
Where to Shop in Kansas City
Country Club Plaza
The Plaza is the place to go for the best shopping in Kansas City. Most of the buildings are art deco and were constructed in the 1930s, and the entire place is gorgeous. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at some of my faves after your shopping! Gram & Dun, True Food Kitchen, Winstead’s and Fiorella’s Jack Stack are all great options. I highly recommend visiting during the holidays when the Plaza is lit up with gorgeous Christmas lights.
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