72 Hours in Kansas City
Kansas City is the hidden gem of the Midwest and you can't convince me otherwise! Once considered a flyover city by many (and still by some…), Kansas City is making a name for itself in a big way. Whether you're a foodie, a sports fan, BBQ lover, or just a weekend road warrior looking for your next getaway, KC has something for you!
I may be biased, but I think Kansas City is one of the most underrated cities in the US. The city has so many little pockets to explore and even as a local, I am finding new things to explore all the time!
This itinerary combines the must-see places in Kansas City with favorite local spots you won't find anywhere else. So, what are you waiting for? Let's start planning your long weekend in KC!
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Kansas City Has Quite the History
As a native Kansas Citian, I may be biased about the appeal of the city. But I'd be willing to bet that once you hear some history of this beloved hometown, you'll be planning your trip immediately.
I am sure you have all heard of the Kansas City Strip. That cut of meat was made popular in KC due to the booming cattle industry in Kansas City's West Bottoms. You can still visit the livestock building and have some of the best steak you've ever had at the historic Golden Ox.
The Early Years - Prohibition in Kansas
In the 1880s, Kansas passed a state-wide prohibition. As a divided city between Kansas and Missouri, this created a burgeoning business opportunity for the Missouri side. With saloons, brothels, liquor stores, casinos, and other "nefarious" establishments popping up on the MO side of state line, the area was called the "Wettest Block in the World."
Today, you can still visit the only operating bar on the block - 9th and State. Be sure to ask about the artifacts that linger in the building from that wild time (as long as you don't have kids around…).
The 20’s - Kansas City’s Jazz Age
The 1920s marked a very important time period in Kansas City. This decade is thought to be the birth of Kansas City Jazz, with many music venues still in operation in the historic 18th and Vine district.
This decade also marked the age of Federal Prohibition. Kansas City was under the control of Tom Pendergast at the time, who made sure the police turned a blind eye to alcohol consumption and gambling. This made Kansas City a desirable destination among Americans looking to indulge in some of their favorite vices!
Be sure to stop by some of the speakeasys of today to step back in time. We have one on our itinerary!
Know Before You Go
When to Visit
Kansas City is best visited in the Fall or Spring. The summers can get hot and the winters can be unpredictable, so your best bet is to visit when the weather is perfect! There are all sorts of festivals and gatherings during the fall, so that would be my first choice when trip planning.
Where to Stay
If you're looking for a historic hotel in downtown Kansas City, Hotel Kansas City is the place for you! This hotel is absolutely stunning, the rooms are well-appointed, and there is one of the best restaurants in town in the lobby. Plus, the speakeasy in the basement is not to be missed!
If you're looking for a gorgeous hotel (+museum!) in a historic setting, with a side of the supernatural, 21c Hotel is your place! Located in the historic Savoy building, you can find some stunning artwork, delicious food and drinks, and some ghosts. Ask the front desk if they have any personal encounters with the spirits who haunt these halls!
If AirBNBs are more your speed, check out some listings in the Brookside, Crossroads, or Strawberry Hill neighborhoods.
My picks in each area:
How to Get Around Kansas City
If you're planning on staying downtown for the majority of your trip, there is a very convenient little street car you can take for free. Any travel outside of downtown can be easily arranged with an Uber or Lyft. I recommend renting a car while you're here so you can travel around the city with ease!
Your 36 Hours in Kansas City Itinerary, Without Further Ado
Kansas City Day One
If you arrive in Kansas City in time for lunch, BBQ is a must. Every local will tell you their favorite place, and really you can't go wrong. Some of the best in town are Slaps BBQ, Joe's KC and Q39. Gates and Arthur Bryant's are also two of the more famous spots. Like I said, you really can't go wrong! My personal favorite is Slaps. Order the Burnt End Combo with Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage and the warm potato salad + baked beans on the side. Amazing!
Next, head to the Liberty Memorial for some of the best views in town. This is very instagrammable - so be sure to have your camera with you! This memorial sits on top of the WWI museum, and it's one of the most amazing museums. Definitely worth a visit!
The Liberty Memorial all lit up for a special event. The view from the top is unbelievable!
Tonight for dinner, I am going to give you two options! The first is a historic steakhouse in Kansas City's Stockyards building called Golden Ox. It's truly one of those Kansas City establishments that should not be missed. If you're looking for something a little less formal, check out The Ship in the West Bottoms. Shockingly good food, amazing vibes (the inside looks like the inside a ship), and live music. All around a fun spot!
After dinner, head to 9th and State, the last remaining bar on "The Wettest Block in the World." While you're there, ask about the building's seedy history. You won't be disappointed! 9th and State has a rotating portion of their menu that support different causes/charities. So if one of those strikes your fancy, you'd be giving back while you imbibe. What can be better than that!
Back to the hotel to rest up before your big day tomorrow! Or stay out as late as you'd like - I wouldn't blame you!
Kansas City Day Two
Day Two will keep you close to downtown exploring some of the best tourist sites in Kansas City. To start us off, check out one of my favorite coffee shops, Vested Coffee, for a quick coffee and bite to eat! I recommend their cold brew with local honey and cream and the breakfast burrito. This burrito is to die for - I have at least one a week!
Now that you are all fueled up, we are going to start site seeing! For today, you will really only need access to the street car. If you aren't staying downtown, park at Union Station and hop on the street car from there! That is the first stop today, so a perfect launching point for the day.
Opening in 1910, Union Station is an integral part of the history of Kansas City and it's absolutely gorgeous, so it's a must see! In 1933, there was a historic shoot out in the building while FBI agents were escorting convicted mobster, Frank Nash, through the station (now called the Union Station Massacre). This incident caused congress to strengthen the power of the FBI and allow them to carry guns and make arrests. If you need another cup of coffee, Parisi Coffee has a location right in the heart of Union Station, so be sure to grab a cup to go! Union Station also houses some world class exhibits, so be sure to check what is on display before you go. You won't want to miss it!
After all that history, you'll want to hop on the street car and head towards downtown. The streetcar map can be found here and it's free to ride! For this itinerary, we are going to go all the way down to the end of the line and work our way back.
Head to City Market (5th and Walnut) and follow the stream of people walking towards the open air farmer's market. Open Saturday and Sunday, this market is a great spot to buy local produce, flowers or just people watch. You will want to explore the area for a while before getting back on the street car, so take your time!
For lunch, you won't have to go far! If you're in the mood for more upscale dining, check out Brown & Loe right on the edge of City Market. If good bar food is more your scene, check out Harry's Country Club. Just a short walk from the market and with one of the best patios in town, it's the perfect place to grab some amazing bar food and a couple drinks (try the fried bologna sandwich - trust me!).
After lunch, you'll want to get back on the street car and head south (towards your hotel or car), but this day isn't over just yet! You will want to get out at the 19th and Main stop and explore the Crossroads Arts District! There are breweries, art studios, and outdoor murals all over this area and you will want to check them all out. Some of my favorite breweries are Border Brewing Company, Brewery Emperial, and Casual Animal Brewing Co., but there are many more you will stumble upon. They're all great!
After a day of exploring, you should head back to your hotel to freshen up. Tonight I would recommend checking out Nighthawk in the basement of Hotel Kansas City. It's a speakeasy vibe with live music and amazing drinks. There are also small bites than come from the same kitchen as the dining room upstairs, so you know they will be divine!
And last, but definitely not least, when you need a nightcap and want to listen to that famous Kansas City jazz, head to Green Lady Lounge. It's open until 3am and features two live jazz bands every night (one on each floor). I recommend ordering an espresso martini or the Mango Lady (a mango lassi cocktail - to die for!).
Now head to bed before your final day of exploring tomorrow.
Kansas City Day Three
For your last day in town, I recommend checking out some of the golden pockets of Kansas City. One of my favorite neighborhoods in town is the Westside neighborhood (just west of downtown KCMO). Head over there for breakfast at Bluebird Bistro and explore the neighborhood on foot after. You'll be planning your move to the neighborhood immediately.
After that, be sure to check out the 18th and Vine district. This neighborhood is the birthplace of Kansas City Jazz and is a must see on your visit. Pay a visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum (all under one roof!). After the museums, head to Arthur Bryant's for the most historic BBQ place in town. You're going to end your trip the same way you started it - with some of the best BBQ in the world.
On your way out of town, you will want to stop by Cafe Cà Phê in Columbus Park for a "Hella Good Latte" - traditional Vietnamese Espresso with ube syrup, oat milk, condensed milk drizzle and ice. It's the most delicious coffee in the world!
