A Local’s Guide to the Best Kansas City Tourist Attractions

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the best Kansas City tourist attractions, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and local hidden gems.

It hit me the moment we drove into Kansas City’s bustling downtown, past architectural gems like the Kauffman Center. This midwestern metro pulses with culture and creativity. Nearly 500 fountains adorn streets and parks, hinting at the city’s moniker: “City of Fountains”. But as I soon discovered, water features are just the beginning of Kansas City, MO attractions. From soulful jazz corners to mouthwatering BBQ hotspots, KC has a story to tell at every turn.

1. Explore the Power & Light District

Start your trip in the heart of downtown at the eight-block Power & Light District. This is the spot for entertainment, dining, and lively nightlife. A few top picks:

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Dine while catching the latest flicks at this unique theatre.

• Municipal Auditorium: Built in 1935, it hosts major concerts and sporting events.

• KC Live!: An open-air stage featuring live music and events.

KC Travel Tip: The district offers a KC Streetcar stop. Hop on this free tram to explore other downtown Kansas City tourist attractions, like River Market and Union Station.

2. Catch a Game at the “K”

Head east of downtown to the Truman Sports Complex, home to two iconic stadiums:

• Kauffman Stadium (aka “The K”): Cheer on the Royals MLB team at this classic ballpark.

• Arrowhead Stadium: Go next door to watch the Chiefs NFL team take the field.

Game Day Advice: Both stadiums offer cashless concessions and mobile-only ticketing. Load the MLB Ballpark app or Chiefs app to scan your tickets and order food/drinks to your seat.

3. Immerse in Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years. A few must-sees:

• Shuttlecocks: Snap a pic with the four giant badminton birdies on the lawn.

• Asian Art: Marvel at one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the West.

• American Indian Art: View a rich display of pottery, baskets, beadwork, and textiles.

Artsy Travel Tip: Admission is free! Visit on Thursdays and Fridays when the museum stays open until 9 PM.

4. Step into the 1800s at the Arabia Steamboat Museum

In 1856, a steamboat called the Arabia sank in the Missouri River, taking 200 tons of cargo down with her. The ship and all her contents were excavated in 1988. Today, you can explore this incredible time capsule at the Arabia Steamboat Museum.

• Preserved Cargo: See clothes, tools, guns, dishware, and food, all remarkably intact.

• The Frontier Experience: Walk the decks and peer into cabins to imagine life in the 1800s.

• Museum Artifacts: Around 60-70% of the excavated items are on display.

River Travel Tip: The museum is conveniently located in City Market, KC’s largest farmers market. Browse fresh produce and local goods before or after your Arabia visit.

5. Experience KC’s Signature Sound at the American Jazz Museum

No trip to Kansas City is complete without a dose of jazz. The American Jazz Museum celebrates the city’s pivotal role in jazz history.

• Interactive Exhibits: Learn about jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Duke Ellington.

• The Blue Room: Catch live jazz shows at this intimate club named after a 1930s hotspot.

• Gem Theater: See national acts perform at this landmark 500-seat venue.

Insider Jazz Tip: Visit in fall for the 3-day Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival, featuring 30+ local and national artists across multiple stages.

6. Where to Stay: Top Kansas City Hotels

With so many hotels in Kansas City to choose from, here are a few standouts:

Hotel Travel Tip: For convenient access to top Kansas City, MO attractions, consider Kansas City Plaza hotels near the Country Club Plaza shopping district. It’s centrally located and walkable to many sites.

7. Getting Around Kansas City

While certain areas like downtown are walkable, you’ll likely need transport to fully explore Kansas City. A few options:

• RideKC Buses: Extensive bus network with real-time tracking in the RideKC app.

• KC Streetcar: Free tram running 2 miles through downtown, every 10-15 minutes.

• Ride Shares: Uber and Lyft operate all over the metro area.

• B-cycle: Rent bikes by the hour or day to explore 40+ miles of protected bike lanes.

8. Indulge in Kansas City’s Iconic Cuisine

Kansas City is synonymous with two signature dishes: BBQ and steak. For mouthwatering ‘cue, try:

• Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: A local institution dishing out tender pulled pork and ribs.

• Q39: Award-winning spot known for its brisket and burnt ends.

• Jack Stack BBQ: Upscale joint offering smoked meats and Southern sides.

For prime cuts of Midwestern beef, head to:

• Golden Ox: A historic steakhouse dating back to 1949.

• The Savoy at 21c: European-style chophouse inside the 21c Museum Hotel.

• Eddie V’s: Swanky surf-and-turf restaurant on the Country Club Plaza.

Kansas City Adventures with Airtel Connectivity

Foodie Travel Tip: Make reservations well in advance, especially on weekends. Having an international data plan like Airtel’s Prepaid Plans lets you easily book tables on the go via apps like OpenTable or Resy.

From its rich jazz roots to its saucy BBQ joints, Kansas City offers a sensory feast for travellers. Whether you’re catching a game at the “K”, exploring steamboat history, or gallery-hopping through Crossroads, there’s no shortage of unique things to do in Kansas City, MO. Just be sure to come hungry – those burnt ends are calling your name! And with convenient prepaid roaming from Airtel, you can stay connected as you explore all the best Kansas City tourist attractions.