Downtown Kansas City Travel Guide

Kansas City

A cityscape with a prominent historic building featuring arched entrances and a large central dome, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and a well-maintained park with a fountain.
A city street with buildings, traffic lights, and a bus.
A spacious public building with high ceilings, large arched windows, and ornate chandeliers.
A grand hall with a large American flag, high ceilings, and classical architecture.
A large sign with the words "KANEBAE CITY POWER LIGHT" in red letters, mounted on a metal frame with a modern building in the background.

Entrepreneurial spirit, gentrification and originality combine to create a district full of architectural treasures, boutiques, live music venues and theatres.

From barbecue joints to centuries-old monuments and concert halls, Downtown Kansas City is the beating heart of the town and a go-to destination for varied cultural experiences. Largely abandoned during the 1980s and 1990s, Downtown Kansas City is a shining example of successful regeneration. Brewpubs, fashion outlets, galleries and restaurants occupy former warehouses while once decaying buildings have been turned into innovative residential complexes.

Delve into the non-stop entertainment action of the Power and Light District. Shop for the latest trends, tantalize your taste buds with experimental cuisine and traditional barbecue dishes and watch performing arts shows. KC Live! is a covered square spread across an entire block that serves as the nightlife hub. Attend music performances and trade fairs at Kansas City Convention Centre. The Sprint Centre hosts basketball games, concerts and musicals.

Book tickets for a show at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland and Folly Theatre. Sports lovers might want to check out The College Basketball Experience. Browse a hall of fame, have fun with interactive exhibits and shoot hoops.

Walk in the shadow of the skyscrapers that rise above the Financial District and get a feel for downtown business activities. Take a moment to appreciate historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Central Library and KCMO City Hall. At Ilus W. Davis Park find greenery and a quiet oasis amid the skyscrapers. Don’t miss an evening at The Phoenix, a jazz club opened in the 19th century.

Downtown Kansas City merges to the south with the Crossroads Arts District. Independent galleries line the streets and showcase both emerging and recognised artists. To the north is River Market, the city’s oldest neighbourhood. Visit its attractions including the Arabia Steamboat Museum, City Market and Riverfront Heritage Trail.

Ride the KC Streetcar along Main Street and through the centre of Downtown Kansas City from River Market to Union Station. The KC Streetcar is free to use, thus making the town easy to get around.

Stay near popular Downtown Kansas City attractions

A modern, curved glass building with a reflective surface, surrounded by a concrete barrier and a few trees.

T-Mobile Center

8.6/10 (1,970 reviews)
Catch an event at T-Mobile Center during your trip to Kansas City. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
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Things to do

Kansas City Fun Tours

Kansas City Trolley Tour

฿968
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kansas City Trolley Tour
Tom's Town Distillery Tour and Tasting

Tom's Town Distillery Tour and Tasting

฿904
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tom's Town Distillery Tour and Tasting
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City

฿920
per adult
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City
See all activities in Kansas City

Where to stay in Downtown Kansas City

Find the best Downtown Kansas City areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A model train display with various trains and a central framed picture.

Countryside

While there might not be top attractions in Countryside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like National Museum of Toys and Miniatures and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

A street lined with trees and parked cars in front of a building with a sign that reads "TIVOL".

Country Club Plaza

You'll love the popular shops in Country Club Plaza, and you might want to stick around to check out Plaza Tennis Center, a top place to visit.

A cityscape with a prominent building complex, highways, and a sunset.

South Kansas City

If you're spending some time in South Kansas City, Swope Park and Kansas City Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

A cityscape with modern buildings, including a prominent 'Stinson' skyscraper and a 'Kansas City Power & Light' building.
Photo by R Nord
Open Photo by R Nord

Power and Light District

The ample dining options and great live music are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by T-Mobile Center or Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Power and Light Tram Stop to get around town.

A modern performing arts center with a curved blue facade and a sign reading "Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts".

Crossroads Arts District

Crossroads Arts District is a destination travellers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Crossroads Tram Stop or Kauffman Center Tram Stop to explore sights like Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Downtown Kansas City Travel Guide