Overview
Kansas City is a city in the state of Kansas, in the United States of America, and a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City, Kansas, is often referred to as KCK, and Kansas City, Missouri, as KCMO. The two Kansas Cities form the core of the wider Kansas City metropolitan area.
7 sights · 5 things to do · 4 places to eat · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kansas City
Huron Indian Cemetery
Started in 1843. Most burials date to the mid to late 19th century.
Strawberry Hill
Has interesting eastern European bakeries and shops, as well as a nice view overlooking the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers.
Grinter Place State Historic Site
National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame
Rosedale World War I Memorial Arch
Large stone arch based on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Constructed to honor those who fought in WWI, Korea, and Vietnam.
Quindaro Ruins & John Brown Statue
Historic site of a settlement of abolitionists and freed slaves, and an important destination on the Underground Railroad. Only a statue of John Brown remains of the original set of structures.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Kansas City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MCI Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City — 14 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MHK Manhattan Regional Airport, Manhattan — 110 mi away. Directions
[https://flykc.com/ Kansas City International Airport] (MCI) serves the Kansas City area and is located in the Northland. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority offers hourly service to and from the airport on the #129 bus, called the Route 229, M-F 5AM-7PM. Park Air Express offers a shuttle service between the airport and downtown hotels.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $7 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Sporting Kansas City, Kansas Speedway, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
- Lunch Jones Bar-B-Q
- Afternoon National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, Azura Amphitheater
- Dinner El Camino Real
Day 2
- Morning Huron Indian Cemetery, 7th Street Casino, Quindaro Ruins & John Brown Statue
- Lunch Vietnam Cafe
- Afternoon Rosedale World War I Memorial Arch, Strawberry Hill
- Dinner Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Day 3
- Morning Lakeside Speedway
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
[https://flykc.com/ Kansas City International Airport] (MCI) serves the Kansas City area and is located in the Northland. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority offers hourly service to and from the airport on the #129 bus, called the Route 229, M-F 5AM-7PM. Park Air Express offers a shuttle service between the airport and downtown hotels.
[http://www.flymkc.com/ Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport] (MKC) serves smaller planes.
By train
Amtrak serves KC via the cavernous Union Station, located at Main and Pershing in Kansas City, Missouri. KC serves as a major stop on the daily Southwest Chief line which provides service between Chicago and Los Angeles. Barring delays, eastbound trains arrive at 7:24AM and westbound trains arrive at 10:11PM. Kansas City is also the western terminus of Amtrak's Missouri River Runner which heads east to St. Louis. The Missouri River Runner runs twice daily in each direction.
By car
Interstate 435 forms a ring around the city. Notably I-70 goes east to St. Louis and west to Denver. I-35 is a major corridor running northeast and southwest. US Highway 71 runs north and south and forms a midtown expressway, running from the I-435/I-470 interchange, in a northwesterly course toward downtown, where it joins I-29. North of the River, US 71 follows the same route as I-29.
By bus
- KC is also serviced by other commercial coach service companies, which arrive and depart from the depot at 10th and Troost.
See
See Strawberry Hill
Has interesting eastern European bakeries and shops, as well as a nice view overlooking the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers.
See Sporting Kansas City
Catching a Major League Soccer game! Kansas City, Kansas is home to the Sporting Kansas City.
See Quindaro Ruins & John Brown Statue
Historic site of a settlement of abolitionists and freed slaves, and an important destination on the Underground Railroad. Only a statue of John Brown remains of the original set of structures.
Do
Buy
Eat
Eat El Camino Real
A dive with authentic Mexican food, with especially great tacos al pastor (pork) and chorizo sausage. Tacos are made with freshly-pressed corn tortillas and all the proper trimmings: cilantro, onions, green chili sauce, etc.
Eat Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (formerly Oklahoma Joe's BBQ)
Served out of a very unassuming gas station is what is widely considered to be the best BBQ in Kansas City, and that's saying something. Brave the lines—this is a can't miss.
Eat Vietnam Cafe
This is Kansas City's go-to place for pho, a scrumptious Vietnamese beef noodle soup—the comfort food of choice in Southeast Asia. For those not in the mood, the restaurant has a fairly long list of other dishes to experiment with.
Sleep
Nearby
Kansas City
City / town · 145 listings · 3 mi away
Overland Park
City / town · 33 listings · 9 mi away
Independence
City / town · 45 listings · 11 mi away
Lenexa
City / town · 7 listings · 12 mi away
Olathe
City / town · 16 listings · 19 mi away
Lee's Summit
City / town · 120 listings · 19 mi away
Leavenworth
City / town · 4 listings · 21 mi away
Kearney
City / town · 1 listings · 23 mi away
My experience
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