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.

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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.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Kansas City

Welcome to the land of BBQ, jazz, and a football team that gives fans just enough hope to keep them coming back. That's right, we're talking about the city where you can have a plate of ribs and a side of disappointment all in one meal.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

KC on a Budget: Sightsee, BBQ, Adventure!

Kansas City offers a variety of budget-friendly attractions such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Zoo. Accommodation options include budget hotels such as Motel 6 and Super 8, or hostels such as the Kansas City Hostel. For food options, head to local favorites such as Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Gates Bar-B-Q.

5 Days of Fun in Kansas City, USA

As a tourist in Kansas City, visitors can experience a variety of cultural and historical attractions such as the National World War I Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the famous Kansas City BBQ cuisine. They can also enjoy outdoor activities in the beautiful parks and gardens, catch a live concert at the iconic Liberty Memorial, or watch a game of the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals. Overall, Kansas City offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and urban vibrancy, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.

Kansas City's Delightfully Quirky 3-Day Adventure

A family friendly trip to Kansas City, United States is a perfect blend of history, culture, and fun-filled activities. Explore the vibrant City Market where you'll find fresh produce, unique shops, and endless food options. Visit the interactive Science City at Union Station, where kids can engage in hands-on learning experiences. Finally, don't miss out on the thrilling rides and animal encounters at the Kansas City Zoo, making it an unforgettable trip for the whole family.

Kansas City on a Budget: 4 Days of Fun

A trip to Kansas City on a limited budget can still be a fun and memorable experience. An itinerary can include visiting free attractions such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or exploring the historic City Market. Budget-friendly food options can be found at local food trucks or happy hour specials at casual restaurants.