Jazz, BBQ, and Art: A Kansas City Adventure

Experience the heartland on a budget: Your adventure awaits in Kansas City.

22 June 2023

A trip to Kansas City on a limited budget can be both enjoyable and affordable. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture through a variety of free attractions such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the National World War I Museum. Budget-friendly accommodations and dining options are also widely available in the city.

Travel plan

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Day 1

City Adventure

  • Check in at Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown, an affordable boutique hotel with a sleek design and great location near Power & Light District.
  • Head to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, home to over 35,000 works of art including Monet, Warhol, and ancient Chinese artifacts.
  • Have lunch at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, a local favorite with mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and burnt ends.
  • Visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial, an interactive museum that tells the story of the Great War.
  • Take a stroll at the Country Club Plaza, an outdoor shopping area inspired by Spanish architecture with over 150 shops and restaurants.
Day 2

Jazz and BBQ

  • Have breakfast at Finefolk, a fashionable coffee shop with delicious pastries and a curated selection of clothing and accessories.
  • Visit the American Jazz Museum, where you can learn about the history of jazz and see exhibitions featuring legends like Charlie Parker and Duke Ellington.
  • Head to Gates Bar-B-Q for lunch, a Kansas City staple with a variety of meats and signature sauce served with a side of showmanship.
  • Continue the jazz experience at the Mutual Musicians Foundation, a historic venue where you can catch live performances from local musicians.
  • Check out the West Bottoms district, where old warehouses have been converted into antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and trendy restaurants.
  • End the day at Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City's largest brewery with tours and tastings of their award-winning beers.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kansas City by plane is to fly directly into the Kansas City International Airport, which is located about 15 miles north of downtown Kansas City.

Car

Driving to Kansas City is straightforward, as it is located at the intersection of several major highways, including I-70, I-35, and I-29. However, be aware of potential traffic congestion during rush hour.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Kansas City. However, Amtrak's Southwest Chief line runs through nearby cities such as Topeka and Lawrence.

Boat

Kansas City is not accessible by boat as it is not located near a major body of water.

Bus

Greyhound and Megabus both offer bus service to Kansas City, with the Greyhound bus station located downtown and the Megabus stop located near the Country Club Plaza shopping district.

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