The Ultimate 3-Day Kansas City Adventure
Discover the Midwest charm without breaking the bank in Kansas City.
22 June 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Kansas City has plenty of cultural, historical, and culinary attractions to explore, making it an ideal destination for budget-friendly travel. Some of the must-see attractions include the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Boulevard Brewing Company. Additionally, affordable accommodations are available throughout the city, such as hostels and budget-friendly hotels, and inexpensive dining options like BBQ joints and food trucks can help stretch your dollars even further.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day early with a visit to the National World War I Museum and Memorial
- Head to the Country Club Plaza for upscale shopping and boutiques
- For lunch, try the burnt ends at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que (a local favorite)
- Visit the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for a show or concert
- End the night at the Power & Light District for nightlife and live music
- Hotel recommendation: Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel affordable and in a great location near the Plaza.
- Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for its extensive collection of European and American arts.
- Indulge in a classic diner breakfast at Corner Cafe
- Head to the American Jazz Museum to learn about the history of jazz and visit the adjacent Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- Grab a bite to eat at BB's Lawnside BBQ for live blues and soulful barbeque
- End the night with a drink at Green Lady Lounge for live jazz music
- Visit the beautiful Loose Park for a peaceful morning stroll
- Enjoy brunch at The Corner Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table dishes
- Head to Boulevard Brewing Company for a tour and tasting of locally brewed beer
- Explore the West Bottoms district for vintage shops and unique finds
- For dinner, try the fried chicken at Stroud's, a Kansas City staple since 1933.
- Note: Kansas City is known for its delicious local eats and iconic barbeque, so be sure to try as many food places as possible during your stay!
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.