MapVivid
PROSign in

Kansas City

Save

40 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓
Show on the map
Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Grand 1914 railway station with a soaring Beaux-Arts hall

    3 tips
    • Look up at the huge clock and ceiling
    • Science City and exhibits are inside
    • Streetcar stop right outside
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  2. 2

    America's official WWI museum beneath the Liberty Memorial tower

    3 tips
    • Take the tower lift for skyline views
    • Allow 3 hours
    • Walk the glass bridge over poppies
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  3. 3

    Spanish-style shopping and dining district with fountains

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Visit in the evening for lights
    • Famous Christmas lights lighting in November
    • Free parking in garages
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  4. 4

    World-class art museum known for giant shuttlecock sculptures

    • Must know: Closed Mondays
    2 tips
    • General admission is free
    • Photograph the shuttlecocks on the lawn
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  5. 5

    Home of the Kansas City Royals with a fountain backdrop

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Book ahead
    1 tip
    • Try Kansas City barbecue nearby
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  6. 6

    Home of the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the loudest stadiums

    3 tips
    • Tailgate on game day
    • Check tour availability
    • Stadium shares the Truman Sports Complex
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  7. 7

    Historic hub of Kansas City jazz and Black history

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Visit both museums here
    • Live jazz in the evenings
    • Check hours before going
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  8. 8

    Downtown entertainment area with bars, venues and live music

    3 tips
    • Busiest on weekend nights
    • Big screen events in the plaza
    • Streetcar is free
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  9. 9

    Historic farmers market area with food halls and shops

    3 tips
    • Weekend farmers market is best
    • Take the streetcar from downtown
    • Try food stalls for lunch
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  10. 10

    Historic entertainment district with pubs and restaurants

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Lively at night
    • Dine at an old-town tavern
    • Rideshare is easy
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place

Take this map with you

Save Top 10 to Google Maps

Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.

Before you go: Kansas City tips

Transportation

  • Ride the KC Streetcar: The streetcar runs from the River Market through downtown and the Crossroads to Union Station and beyond, and has been free to ride.
  • Use RideKC buses: The RideKC network, including MAX rapid lines on Main Street and Troost, connects the core with Midtown and the Plaza.
  • Rent a car for BBQ hopping: Many legendary barbecue joints are spread across both the Missouri and Kansas sides, so a car or rideshare helps.

Security

  • Stay alert at night: Entertainment areas like Power and Light and Westport are lively, but stick to busy streets after dark and use rideshare home.
  • Hide valuables in cars: Car break-ins happen, so never leave bags, laptops or shopping visible in a parked vehicle.
  • Heed storm warnings: Spring and early summer bring severe thunderstorms and tornado risk; know where to shelter if sirens sound.

Saving

  • Visit the Nelson-Atkins: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free general admission and its lawn with giant shuttlecock sculptures is a classic photo spot.
  • Share BBQ by the pound: Ordering meats and sides by the pound or as a combo to share is often better value than individual plates.
  • Enjoy First Fridays: The Crossroads Arts District opens galleries on the first Friday of each month, a free night of art, music and street food.

Weather/Clothing

  • Pack for hot summers: July and August are hot and humid, often with thunderstorms; bring light clothing, sunscreen and a compact umbrella.
  • Prepare for cold winters: Winters bring freezing temperatures, wind and occasional snow or ice; pack a warm coat, gloves and good shoes.
  • Layer in spring and fall: These seasons are pleasant but changeable, so carry layers and a waterproof jacket for sudden storms.

Cultural

  • Order burnt ends: Kansas City barbecue is famous for burnt ends, slow-smoked ribs and thick, sweet tomato-based sauce; try several joints to compare.
  • Hear jazz at 18th and Vine: The historic jazz district hosts the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, plus live music clubs.
  • Show your team spirit: Locals love the Chiefs and Royals; wearing red on game days is a fun way to join in the city's sports culture.

Local Hacks

  • Climb the Liberty Memorial: The tower at the National WWI Museum and Memorial gives one of the best views of the downtown skyline.
  • Go early for popular BBQ: The most famous barbecue spots draw long lines and can sell out of favourites, so arrive early, especially at lunch.
  • Browse City Market: The River Market's City Market hosts a lively weekend farmers market with produce, food stalls and international grocers.

1-day itineraries in Kansas City

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 3

Power & Light District and around

🕘 9:30–15:45📍 5 stops

  1. 1Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
  2. 2Power & Light District
  3. 3Kansas City Central Library
  4. 4River Market
  5. 5Arabia Steamboat Museum
See the day →

Day 2 of 3

Union Station and around

🕘 9:30–17:15📍 5 stops

  1. 1Union Station
  2. 2National WWI Museum and Memorial
  3. 3Crown Center
  4. 4American Jazz Museum
  5. 518th & Vine Jazz District
See the day →

Day 3 of 3

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and around

🕘 9:30–17:15📍 5 stops

  1. 1Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  2. 2Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
  3. 3Loose Park
  4. 4Country Club Plaza
  5. 5Westport
See the day →

More cities in United States