Dont miss the New York-style bagels, lox, and homemade schmears at Meshuggah Bagels for breakfast, then as the day moves on, post up at KC Live!, a sprawling two-story entertainment labyrinth that spans an entire city block. Kansas Citys premier retail center is renowned for a reason. Or check out Brookside Poultry Company, with a menu that reads like an encyclopedia of comfort foods: fried chicken (available GF! Need to justify a shopping spree? Redlining in the 1930s made this neighborhood one of the few places Black Kansas Citians could live. At The Black Pantrybilled as Kansas Citys dopest general storeyou can stock up on groceries, gifts, and decor sourced exclusively from, If you feel a sense of calm come over you while driving through this part of town, it might be the aromatherapy wafting out of the workshop windows at, Ride the KC Streetcar to the fully restored 1914 Union Station, where passenger trains still run. A canopy of fairy lights completes the whole cozy backyard vibe, emanating reassurance in these crazy times. Dont miss these experiences when youre here. If all the shopping makes you drop, hit up Blip Roasters, where the house-roasted coffee and biker gear might just rev your engines. We invite you to hop from neighborhood to neighborhood and discover their distinct differences embraced by locals and savored by visitors near and far. Whatever your idea of a good time is, youll find it in the Crossroads Get all gussied up and head to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to see performers of all sorts take the stage. All games cost just 25 cents, making this an economical, nostalgic, and stand-out activity for all. You can taste its bounty right here at, Sample shawarma with hummus at Habashi House, experience hands-on Ethiopian at Blue Nile Cafe, or get a taste of Brazil at, well, Taste of Brazil. Along with larger-than-life murals, visitors will find a plethora of galleries and art venues, many of which once served as industrial warehouses which sat vacant for years. This post is proudly produced in partnership with, With the 10-course prix-fixe tasting room experience at, Then there are the bright and shiny bonbons at, Most folks recognize Jackie Robinson as the first Black player in Major League Baseball. A good lunch or brunch spot in the neighborhood isChicken N Pickle. Located some 15 minutes south of downtown, Brookside is a slower-paced neighborhood full of welcoming tree-lined boulevards, charming historic homes, and quaint, awning-topped shops that will make you feel right at home. Wedged between two mighty rivers whose periodic floods have come close to destroying it now and again, the West Bottoms is perhaps best known these days for its shindig on the first weekend of every month, when it sees a stampede of visitors seeking strong brews and funky vintage finds. Start at, Need to justify a shopping spree? And no one puts the art in artisan coffee quite like Messenger Coffee Co., which works directly with global coffee farmers to ensure only the best beans end up in their brews. Dietary restrictions are no reason to miss out on a sugar high Dietary restrictions are no reason to miss out on a sugar high. Formerly a stockyard and industrial area, its now a magnet for those that love the hunt with its many thrift shops and antique stores. Another option if your babies happen to have fur and paws, Waggin Trail Off-Leash Dog Park is a doggie paradise with walking trails, an agility course, tunnel runs, and ADA water fountains. At Up-Down KC, guests 21 and older can play more than 50 arcade games from the 80s and 90s, pinball machines, classic Skee-Ball alleys, Nintendo 64 console gaming, and life-size Jenga and Connect Four, while sipping on cold craft beer. If you feel a sense of calm come over you while driving through this part of town, it might be the aromatherapy wafting out of the workshop windows at Indigo Wild. Visitors can also tour the Arabia Steamboat Museum, which displays thousands of artifacts from the Arabia, a massive steamboat that sank nearby on the Missouri River in 1856. Craft beer and low-key sports like ping-pong, shuffleboard, and bowling combine in this playland for grown-ups. entertainment and dining complex, The legendary Blue Room in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, Large-scale murals and colorful paintings in the Crossroads Arts District, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, international markets. The chef-driven, chicken-focused menu and multiple pickleball courts live up to the venues name. If 18th & Vine is the musicians haven, the Crossroads Arts District is its visual arts counterpart. Fill your belly and your wanderlust at City Market, the largest farmers market in the Midwest. We analyzed a significant sample of cities with similar populations like Pasadena, CA and Hollywood, FL, and found homes in Kansas City cost much less. If your furry friend is in tow, be sure to stop off at Bar Ka combination dog park and bar thats as much fun for pet parents as it is their doggos. Not to be upstaged by First Fridays, West 39th Street hosts its own celebration Not to be upstaged by First Fridays in the Crossroads, West 39th Street hosts its own celebration of art, food, and festivities with Third Fridays. Design details chronicle the citys history and in 2002, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. You get an entertainment destination that promises fun for the whole family. From the penguins at the KC Zoo to the Truman Library and Museum, you'll find plenty to do in all corners of Kansas City. The, Round out the night with an upscale take on Southern seafood and steak at nearby Soiree, or keep it casual with the decidedly humble yet world-renowned barbecue at, In its heyday, the streets of 18th & Vine lit up at night with neon signs and colorful marquees. Thanks in part to its jazz clubs and baseball stadium, 18th & Vine became a thriving center of community and culture for many Black families and business owners, and those roots still show today in museum halls, club stages, and the smoke from the citys best barbecue. Vine Street Brewing Co., KCs first Black-owned brewery, opens its doors this summer. In addition to hosting an impressive farmers marketone of the largest and longest-lasting in the nation and residential lofts, on weekends, its home to restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, international markets, and some of the citys most innovative small businesses. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Down the street, decked out in pink and seafoam neon lights, Winsteads offers a different take on local. While you wont find organic anything here, you will find the thin and juicy steakburgers and special frosty malts beloved by Kansas Citians since 1943. Ride the KC Streetcar to the fully restored 1914 Union Station Ride the KC Streetcar to the fully restored 1914 Union Station, where passenger trains still run. The heart of the city was once the front door to the frontier. This all-in-one hub is an interactive paradise youngstersnot to mention premium boutique and department store shopping, meaning visitors of all ages willhave no trouble finding their next great purchase. Equally storied are the vintage wares from 160 vendors at River Market Antiques. Please share or cite this page if you aren't able to otherwise support our work. This 15-block stretch channels European vibes with its Spanish-inspired architecture, busy cafs, and dozens of fountains. Across the street, the, Once a month, shop owners in this corner of the city fling open their doors for First Fridaysthen keep the party hopping, Download the Visit today to see how these themes play out within a modern context. While youre more likely to see a Tesla parked out front than a covered wagon Youre more likely to see a Tesla parked out front than a covered wagon, but you wouldnt know it from the circa-1880 brick facade of Planters Seed & Spice Co. If you prefer your hog already hot, snag a sammy from the butchers counterpart restaurant, Pigwich. Welcome to one of Americas 10 Best Downtowns (Forbes). And like players in KCs famous late-night jazz sessions, these nine neighborhoods can be experienced distinctly or together in harmony, crafting the cultural and culinary chops that earn Kansas City praise from locals, visitors, and everyone in between. And shopping small doesnt get more convenient than at Made in KC, where dozens of local businesses are united under one roof. Its cascading silver shell exterior is reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House, while inside two performance halls (which typically split between Broadway-style stage productions and music performances) are decked out in a modern take on opulence. At You Say Tomato, crowd-pleasing comfort-food favorites like biscuits and gravy and pecan-topped cinnamon rolls are served up in a no-frills atmosphere that feels a bit like your grandmas cozy kitchen. And Thursdays through Saturdays, Parlor KC hosts live music in their living-room style food hallhome to two bars and seven restaurants. A few blocks down, GOEX Apparels line of soft, sustainable tees support fair wages for both local workers and their team of tailors in Haiti. Swing by the museum store for a vintage-inspired Monarchs hat on your way out. Around the corner, the Urban Youth Academy, well-situated between four baseball diamonds at the Parade Park, aims to empower underserved youth through Americas pastime. In its heyday, the streets of 18th & Vine lit up at night with neon signs and colorful marquees. Visitors will notice the heavy Hallmark presence as Crown Center is the location of the legendary greeting card companys world headquarters. Here youll find fresh produce and provisions from local producers, along with stall after stall of exotic eats. Theres always something new to discover, from a giant golden Buddha, Egyptian coffins, and Monets water lilies to the massive fiberglass shuttlecocks that dot the museums wide lawn. Here, visitors can play pickleballAmericas fastest-growing sporta mashup of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Established as the Kansas City Social Club in 1882, it was originally a premier gathering spot for the KC business community. For a slightly slower, more outdoorsy experience away from the hustle and bustle, North Kansas City is an oasis with public parks, green spaces, and dog-friendly options. For frills like cutlery and tablecloths, head two blocks east for the fine French cuisine at, Walk off any market indulgences with a trip down the Riverfront Heritage Trail to the revitalized, Youre more likely to see a Tesla parked out front than a covered wagon, but you wouldnt know it from the circa-1880 brick facade of. Heres our take on local areas that will immerse you in this thriving Midwestern destination for an experience that goes beyond the surface of Kansas City. If you tire of watching other people run, jump, and shoot, just head over to No Other Pub to get in the game yourself. For a quintessential Kansas City dining experience, check out Golden Ox, a classic steakhouse where decadent sides like lobster mac and cheese and grilled broccolini are as impressive as the house-aged-and-cut meats. The kindred spirits at Hand & Land also have their own line of natural products for body and home, many of which can be refilled to eliminate packaging waste. With the 10-course prix-fixe tasting room experience at Corvino Supper Club, diners get to brush shoulders with James Beard-nominated chef Michael Corvino and team. One of KCs many claims to fame is its legacy as a jazz and blues hub. With the debut of the impressive new J. Rieger & Co. distillery experience, the East Bottoms looks to reclaim its past glory as a must-visit neighborhood known for being on the cutting edge of KC culture. In fact, UNESCO designated it a City of Musicthe only U.S. city to receive the honorin 2017. But did you know he got his start right here in Kansas City as shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs? You can also admire the century-old architecture of the former Daily Drover Telegram Newspaper building while sipping on house-made wines atAmigoni Urban Winery or enjoy a classic cocktail bar atmosphere with stellar food and nightly musical entertainment (like rare record parties) at The Ship.

AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. Their smoky-sweet barbecue has racked up awards at the most exclusive competitions, including Kansas Citys own American Royal and the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational BBQ. At The Black Pantrybilled as Kansas Citys dopest general storeyou can stock up on groceries, gifts, and decor sourced exclusively from Black-owned businesses. No other site shows detail at this level for free. Instagrammers, start your engines! Please plan accordingly. Once a month, shop owners in this corner of the city fling open their doors Once a month, shop owners in this corner of the city fling open their doors for First Fridaysthen keep the party hopping all weekend. Whether youre cheering on your alma mater during the Phillips 66 Big 12 Mens Basketball Championship at the, If you tire of watching other people run, jump, and shoot, just head over to, For a classy night on the town, its tough to beat dinner and a show in the lively P&L district. If you prefer your hog already hot, snag a sammy from the butchers counterpart restaurant, Pigwich. Though today its the heart of The New Midwest, Kansas City was once the doorstep to the American frontier, a bootlegging speakeasy type of town, a jazz capital for the greats. Find fresh falafel, tender kebab, and silky hummus at Aladdin Cafe; try your hand at concocting the perfect Mongolian BBQ creation at Genghis Khan; see how crazy good a NY-style bagel with house-made schmear can be in KC at Meshuggah Bagels; or settle in for live jazz, jambalaya, and a hurricane at Jazz Kitchen. public art installations scattered around the neighborhood reflect the areas roots. Older audiences will enjoy MTH Theater, the Hallmark Visitors Center, and the synchronized dancing water shows of the iconic 49-jet fountain. One of the citysmost recognizable fountainsfeaturing four fierce horsemen who represent the Mississippi, Volga, Seine, and Rhine Riverswelcomes visitors at the east entrance. Built to put on both live shows and the silent movies of the time, the Midland now hosts musicians, plays, stand-up, and performances of all sorts from the sumptuous, gold-and-velvet-clad stage. Map interface Mapbox OpenStreetMap Map data and content bestneighborhood. Here you can nosh on vegan hot dogs and smash burgers at Dead Beet Eats, indulge your inner kid with plant-based ice cream at Sweet EMOtion, or sip coffee from one of the areas most popular local roasters at Post Coffee Co. ), fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, spit-roasted bird, and more. Round out your experience with any of several notable restaurants that call 18th & Vine home, including Arthur Bryants (a favorite destination for barbecue fans ranging from presidents to A-list celebrities) and Soiree Steak & Oyster House, whose incredibly decadent menuthink upscale Southern with a heavy seafood selectionwill blow even the most discerning diners mind. Which is to say, whatever your idea of a good time is, you can be sure to find it in the Crossroads. Its 240 neighborhoods spread across 319 square miles and centuries of history would be nearly impossible to cover, on foot or on the page. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum explores the contributions of Black players to baseball in the US and the impact they had on American culture at large. Among Kansas Citys more than 240 neighborhoods, youll find areas that feel like their own mini-citieseach unique with its own history, charm and attractions. KC Live! The rivals-turned-allies would have appreciated G&Rs deep lineup of classic cocktails as much as its bleeding-heart devotion to the spirit and craftsmanship of Kansas City, as evidenced by their long list of local libations and house-made syrups. Walk off any market indulgences with a trip down the Riverfront Heritage Trail to the revitalized Berkley Riverfront. The most desired areas tend to be in the northwest parts of the city, while more affordable homes are in the northeast regions. A few blocks east of the John Wornall House Museum, you can snag some wheels from the Ride KC bike share stand and continue your journey through time on the, Shaved ice from West 39th Street institution Miami Ice is a crowd pleaser for just about everyonedairy devotees can even dress it up with a custard base or ice cream from, Goat & Rabbit pays homage to Joe Shannon and Tom Pendergast, KCs infamous Prohibition-skirting political bosses. Then there are the bright and shiny bonbons at Christopher Elbow Chocolates that look more like colorful glass or gemstones than craft chocolates. Keep the kiddos busy for hours at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, the kid-friendly Coterie Theatre, or field-trip favorite Kaleidoscope. Detours and time delays expected. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. If you get hungry, duck around the corner to County Road Ice House for gold-medal barbecue and signature frozen cocktails.

For a classy night on the town, its tough to beat dinner and a show in the lively P&L district For a classy night on the town, its tough to beat dinner and a show in the lively P&L district. West 39th Street is home to an impressive collection of cuisines Eclectic and inviting, West 39th Street is home to an impressive collection of cuisines from around the globe. Widely regarded as one of the best museums in the country, it offers free daily access to artwork from every corner of the world and across 5,000 years of human history. Goat & Rabbit pays homage to Joe Shannon and Tom Pendergast, KCs infamous Prohibition-skirting political bosses. Peruse the endless shelves of used books at Prosperos, look for a new (or new-to-you) retro frock at Donnas Dress Shop, or dive into the pub fare at Hi-Dive Lounge and score a mystery beer from their vending machine. Constructed from colorful repurposed shipping containers, this family-friendly complex boasts an airy outdoor food court and popup vendor shows on select weekends. Located just east of the iconic Power & Light Building (the former headquarters of the Kansas City Power & Light Company) this part of town is the pice de rsistance of a $10 billion investment in the area. Known as the City of Fountains (itshome to more than 200 of them), Kansas City teems with public parks and landscape architecture that lend themselves to gathering. Be sure to swing by Rally House t-shirt shop on your way to deck yourself out in home-team garb. Within the Country Club Plaza shopping district isPrime Social, whose lively rooftop lounge offers fantastic views of the areawith craft cocktails and a creative menu to match. How about supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability, Black lives, and fair wages? When youre done, take a quick jaunt around the corner to peruse the mid-century furniture and decor at Populuxe. At Brookside Toy & Science, the shelves overflow with STEM-approved playthings (plus an indulgent selection of novelty pranks). Plot your route among top designer stores like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., and cant-miss local boutiques.

Youll be pedaling in the tracks of a streetcar line that once connected Brookside to Country Club Plaza. Top areas are in purple and green, with less-desired areas in red. While you wouldnt know it from the cosmo digs of the Plaza, some of the best Great Plains farmland is just beyond the horizon. Widely regarded as one of the best museums in the country Why is Kansas City the heart of The New Midwest? Its this combination of barbecue, baseball and bebop jam sessions that melds together for one sweet melody. From sports, nightlife, and fantastic dining to legendary jazz and blues clubs and impressive outdoor spaces, theres an abundance of reasons to put KC at the top of your list of U.S. destinations to visit next. Their 1858 house, which served as a field hospital during the Civil War, is now a living time capsule of life at the edge of the frontier. Another classic blues spot is Mutual Musicians Foundation, where guests are welcome to bring their own instruments and join in on late-night jam sessions. For a more modern take, head to Billies Grocery for inventive, organic dishes like matcha waffles or sweet-pea shakshuka and gram-worthy presentation. Browse for local and handmade souvenirs at, While you wouldnt know it from the cosmo digs of the Plaza, some of the best Great Plains farmland is just beyond the horizon. For the best people watching, head to the beer garden at, High-street shops and local boutiques, side by side in a, Plot your route among top designer stores like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., and cant-miss local boutiques. For the best people watching, head to the beer garden at Char Bar and try your hand at bocce between bites of black Angus brisket washed down with whatever local brew is on tap. The. The glass display case at Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffee Spot is chock full of 100% vegan cookies, scones, donuts, muffins, and a growing selection of gluten-free fare. Down the street, Q39 is a modern legend in the making. The 19th-century architecture, old-style lampposts, and tree-lined boulevards of Plaza / Westport hang on, but now this historic hood is more about high-street shops, late-night entertainment, and stunning Spanish-inspired architecture. On First Fridays, the Crossroads Arts District stays up late On the first Friday of the month, the Crossroads Arts District stays up late. KC's Official Visitors Guide is the place to find insider tips, local favorites and info on whats happening during your next visit. How about supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability, Black lives, and fair wages? Whether youre cheering on your alma mater during the Phillips 66 Big 12 Mens Basketball Championship at the T-Mobile Center or watching Mahomes drive into the end zone on the big screen at the bar-flanked courtyard of the KC Live! When hunger hits, stick with the theme and head to The Russell for updated takes on classic dishes and painstakingly curated rustic decor. The stockyards officially closed in 1991, but the memory lives on Once upon a time, the West Bottoms were home to more cows than people, thanks to a series of stockyards that housed livestock ready for market. Head to Strawberry Hill for some of the coolest hangouts. For more serious athletes, The College Basketball Experience does not disappoint. And you can bet much of that maturation occurred in the jazz clubs of 18th & Vine. As the saying goes, Jazz was born in New Orleans, lived in Chicago, but grew up in Kansas City. And you can bet much of that maturation occurred in the jazz clubs of 18th & Vine. Expect artist hotspots and hoods full of beloved greasy spoons, bustling entertainment districts and monthly street parties, upscale foodie hubs and diverse enclaves where local describes everything you taste or touch. For more information read our privacy policy. If home tastes like buttermilk biscuits or homemade pop tarts, head to Heirloom Bakery & Hearth, where everything is made from scratch. Billed as a city within a city this family-friendly neighborhood boasts sites and activities for kids of all ages. Cultural highlights include the nearby Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where visitors can view 5,000 years of human history, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, whose award-winning Caf Sebastienne serves creative, seasonal dishes. Amid the skyscrapers and fantastic Art Deco buildings, youll find a vibrant, new energy in the heart of the city, thanks to a $6.5-billion renaissance in the citys core in the last five years. Whichever direction travel takes you in Kansas City, Kan., be assured youll get from Point A to Point B in minutes. Those who sleep till noon can find hair of the dog and heartier fare at Brewers Kitchen. Hop on the freeKC Streetcar and enjoy the scenery on the way to the next fun stop. Across the street, the National WWI Museum and Memorial preserves the history of the Great War and pays tribute to those who served. If you work up an appetite, just head to Foos, where theyve been churning out old-fashioned frozen custard for over 30 years. Posh and lively, P&L is where the fun happens. Heres some of what to look forward to. Block, upscale dining occasions and citywide watch parties for the biggest sporting events in the region. Today, this heritage lives on in the 18th & Vine District sign that welcomes visitors, and colorful murals and public art installations scattered around the neighborhood reflect the areas roots. Its a place that breeds intercultural exchange by design, where people can pursue a kaleidoscope of interestsperhaps nowhere so well reflected as in the citys vibrant neighborhoods. Westport has always been the place to see and be seen Westport has been the place to see and be seen for centuriesever since local businesses became flush with cash from outfitting wagon trains headed west. But health-conscious diners will find plenty to eat here, too, like the Skinny Cobb Salad and savory Brussels sprouts with maple-bacon vinaigrette and pickled mustard seeds. Data Sources: U.S. Census, proprietary data mapping and analysis. Shops and restaurants stay open late as the streets fill with art and the air fills with music. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art alone is reason enough. Photo: Kelly Davidson/Up-Down Kansas City. Enter Lemonade Park, a COVID-friendly bar, restaurant, and music venue. Shaved ice from West 39th Street institution Miami Ice is a crowd pleaser for just about everyonedairy devotees can even dress it up with a custard base or ice cream from Betty Raes. Theres good food, theres great food, and then Theres good food, theres great food, and then theres food with such obsessive attention to detail that it can only be called art. The city derives its personality from many small communities and neighborhoods like these bringing a unique blend of local hospitality, diverse cultures, fun times and tons of things to do. While youre there, treat yourself to some TLC at their full-service spa. The stockyards officially closed in 1991, but the memory lives on at Stockyards Brewing Co., where craft beer is brewed to honor the hardworking people and industrious history of the West Bottoms. Compared to Kansas, Kansas City home prices are much less expensive than the state's average of $222,083. The American Jazz Museum brings this golden era to life with interactive exhibits and an onsite jazz club, The Blue Room. In regards to housing disparity, the quality of neighborhood within Kansas City varies greatly. Beneath the burgundy and cobalt awnings on W 63rd, youll find the usual assortment of mom and pop shopsif your mom was a globe-trotting multimedia artist and your pop was Bill Nye, that is. Areas such as Kansas City, MO and Mission, KS are also shown. What happens when you cram this much history and this many shops, restaurants, and entertainment into just a few city blocks? At the heart of Kansas Citys $10 billion renaissance is this thriving Downtown playground, where memories are made during late-night revelry inside KC Live! This bustling metropolitan city boasts storied historyas seen in its legendary jazz and blues clubs, museums, and sports arenasplus a thriving restaurant scene, wide-open green spaces, and fun for all ages.