KC on a Budget: Sightsee, BBQ, Adventure!

Affordable fun in the heart of Midwest - Kansas City awaits!

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

City Sights and BBQ Delights

  • Check into the Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Stadium, a budget-friendly hotel with complimentary breakfast and evening snacks
  • Enjoy a free tour of the Boulevard Brewing Company, tasting some of their award-winning beers
  • Head to the National WWI Museum and Memorial for a historical lesson and stunning views of the downtown skyline
  • Grab a traditional Kansas City BBQ sandwich at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, a local favorite
Day 2

Art and Architecture

  • Explore the beautiful and modern Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, home to an extensive collection of art and sculpture from around the world
  • Admire the impressive architecture of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, with free guided tours available
  • Have dinner at Lidia's Kansas City, an Italian restaurant with homemade pasta dishes and a charming atmosphere
Day 3

Escape to the Outdoors

  • Take a morning hike at Swope Park, the largest park in Kansas City, offering trails for all skill levels and a chance to spot wildlife
  • Explore the exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo, with over 200 species and interactive exhibits
  • Enjoy dinner at Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, a classic Kansas City institution known for their flavorful and smoky meats
Day 4

Shop and Chill

  • Spend the day at the Country Club Plaza, a shopping district with Spanish-style architecture, fountains, and a variety of stores and restaurants
  • Catch a movie or indulge in some bowling at the retro-inspired Screenland Armour theatre
  • Head to Q39 for dinner, a contemporary BBQ spot with elevated dishes and unique sides
Day 5

History and Drinks

  • Visit the 18th and Vine District, a historic area known for its connection to jazz and African American culture, with museums and live music venues
  • Sip on handmade cocktails at Manifesto, a speakeasy-style bar with creative libations and a cozy atmosphere
  • End the trip with dinner at Gates Bar-B-Q, a locally-owned joint known for its tangy sauce and famous greeting "hi, may I help you?"

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Discover the Best of Kansas City in 2 Days

Kansas City is a vibrant city in the Midwest region of the United States, worth visiting for its rich history, music, and barbecue. A must-visit attraction in the city is the National World War I Museum and Memorial, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits from the Great War. Additionally, tourists can enjoy live jazz performances in the city's many jazz clubs and indulge in some of the best barbecue in the country at iconic spots like Gates BBQ and Arthur Bryant's.

Kansas City: A Memorable 4-Day Romantic Getaway

Kansas City is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway, offering an eclectic mix of activities and attractions. Couples can enjoy exploring the rising art scene, experiencing the city's famous BBQ joints, and strolling through picturesque parks. With its charming atmosphere and welcoming locals, Kansas City is the ideal destination for a memorable romantic trip.

3 Days of Fun: Kansas City Travel Guide

A trip to Kansas City will introduce you to the cultural and historical landmarks of the city such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Arabia Steamboat Museum, and the National World War I Museum. You can also delight in the famous Kansas City-style barbecue and explore the Jazz District, the birthplace of jazz music legends such as Charlie Parker and Count Basie. Finally, do not forget to catch a game at the world-class sports venues like the Arrowhead Stadium and the Kauffman Stadium.

Experience Kansas City: Art, Barbecue, and History

Kansas City is a vibrant city with a rich history, famous barbecue, and world-class museums. Visitors can explore the city's jazz and blues scene, catch a game at Kauffman Stadium or Arrowhead Stadium, and visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or the National World War I Museum. With a variety of attractions and a friendly Midwest atmosphere, Kansas City makes for a memorable destination for any tourist.