With art galleries, farmers markets, jazz clubs, state-of-the-art sports stadiums, theaters and a zoo, there’s never a dull moment in this city, whose residents love barbecue and sports.
Visit the buzzing districts, markets, museums and performing arts venues of Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City’s diversity has prompted many nicknames since first being settled in the 1820s. Come and see why it’s known as the Barbecue Capital of the World, City of Fountains, Gateway to the South and Paris of the Plains.
Downtown Kansas City blends entertainment with business activities of the Financial District. Admire architectural landmarks including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Central Library and KCMO City Hall. Select from more than 50 bars, cafés, restaurants and barbecue joints in the Power and Light District. Enjoy live cultural performances at Folly Theater, KC Live! and the Sprint Center.
Bordering downtown’s southern edge is the Crossroads Arts District, where boutiques, galleries and restaurants occupy spruced-up warehouses. Watch ballet, Broadway, opera and rock shows at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. On the Missouri River ’s banks is the city’s oldest neighborhood, River Market. Visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum and browse food and retail stalls at the 150-year-old City Market.
Travel south to Penn Valley Park, home to the Liberty Memorial and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. See hands-on attractions at Science City at Union Station. Spot colorful ocean life at Sea Life Aquarium. Continue south to the nightlife district of Westport or scrutinize the exhibits at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Relax at Swope Park, which has the Kansas City Zoo and the open-air Starlight Theatre. Attend an NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium and a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Across the state border in Kansas City, Kansas, are Children’s Mercy Park soccer arena, Kansas Speedway and Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark.
Reach Kansas City by flying to Kansas City International Airport, located 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of downtown. The free KC Streetcar makes traveling in and around the downtown area effortless and fast.
