Kansas City, Missouri is an underappreciated gem in the heart of the U.S. and its unique local flare, walkable city districts, and remarkable affordability make for a perfect long weekend trip!
Side note:: This post was written by Ashlea who has called KC home for over 8 years. This way, you can ensure you are reading the best Kansas City Weekend Trip itinerary out there. Locals know best!
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love 🙂
Table of Contents
How do I get to Kansas City?
The best way to get to Kansas City is to fly into MCI Airport. You are lucky because the newly opened terminal at the Kansas City airport is spectacular and helped MCI be named the best airport in the world.
We are very proud of our airport and feel that it represents KC in the best way with all things KC. You will see beautiful art installations with KC themes such as jazz instruments as we are known for our jazz district, among other sweet details.
Our airport also has a TON of local businesses that have locations in the airport such as Boulevard Brewery, Stockyards Brewery, Messenger Coffee, and even a mini River Market which is our farmer’s market. I know, I know it’s an airport but I’m telling you it is so cool.
How to get around KC?
During your weekend trip to Kansas City, I highly recommend renting a car to give yourself more freedom and flexibility.
However, if you do not have a car that is okay too! We have a wonderful streetcar that is free, clean, and very reliable.
The trolley will take you to downtown, River Market, Crossroads Arts District and by 2024 it will also take you to the Plaza, Westport, and Midtown. Anywhere awesome the trolley does not take you can easily be accessed by a short Uber or Lyft ride.
KC is also very walkable. You can easily walk between downtown and the Crossroads Arts District. You can also walk between River Market and Crossroads Arts District but it is a longer walk.
Renting a car of course gives you more flexibility and the ease of not having to wait on the trolley or an Uber. All in all, much of the things to do in Kansas City are relatively close by, so whichever mode of transport you choose, you’ll be experiencing the best KC weekend trip activities in pretty short order.
What is the best time to visit Kansas City?
The best time to visit Kansas City, MO is in the summer or fall. The weather is nice during this time, and you’ll find there are so many fun festivals and pop-ups going on then.
If you can swing it, the first full weekend in Kansas City is the best time to visit. Every First Friday of every month, we have First Fridays in the Crossroads and First Fridays in the West Bottoms.
In the summer, we have Boulevardia, a massive beer festival on Father’s Day Weekend hosted by Boulevard Brewery. Boulevardia has live concerts from some pretty marque artists, local shopping by vendors, food trucks, outdoor bar stands, silent karaoke, carnival rides, and so much more!
September is also great for festivals. There is the Westport Art Fair and the Plaza Art Fair. I prefer the Westport Art Fair because it is more laid back, but the Plaza Art Fair is the biggest one for sure. They both have streets blocked off, selling art, local goods, food trucks, and outdoor bars.
KC is a big sports town. We love our Chiefs and Royals, and autumn is prime sports watching. The city will shut down when the Chiefs are playing. If you drive through KC during a Chiefs game, you will think no one lives here because the whole town will be watching the game! Even for a non-sports fan, it is a good time seeing all the hometown spirit.
One more key thing to note, unless you’re truly brave when it comes to frigid weather, KC is best avoided in January and February, where temperatures often reach the single digits.
However, while chilly, December is a lovely time to visit because Kansas City is a magical place to be for the holidays as there are festive events and lights everywhere!
Where should I stay in Kansas City, MO?
The best area of town to stay is the Crossroads Arts District. It is the “it” area of town right now with so many hip and trendy coffee shops, bars, breweries, restaurants, and shopping. It is also a very walkable area of town and easy to explore. It is great for people of all ages!
Downtown is another great option to stay because it is close to so many of the hot spots and popular neighborhoods like Crossroads and the River Market.
The Plaza is another popular place to stay in KC. It is a popular shopping district with Spanish architecture.
You will find more budget friendly options in Midtown as well and this is still a great area to stay but is not walking distance from the Crossroads and you will not be able to use the trolley if you stay in Westport, Midtown, or the Plaza.
My Kansas City Hotel Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: A great option for free accommodations in KC is to use Trusted Housesitters to watch KC locals’ houses and pets and get free accommodations. We have used Trusted Housesitters before and LOVE it! You do have to pay a yearly membership fee of 129.00 which you will more than makeup when you do your first sit.
- Mid-range Option: Home2Suites and Indigo Hotel are both great mid range options. They are both located in the Crossroads Arts. They are walking distance to most restaurants, bars, shops, breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, and all the fun in the Crossroads Arts District. They are also located right next to a trolley stop.
- Luxury Option: Crossroads Hotel and Hotel Kansas City are great options for a higher budget. The Crossroads Hotel is located in the Crossroads Arts District and it also has a restaurant, bar, and rooftop bar. The Crossroads has been on national lists for best hotels. It is very artsy and modern luxury hotel. Hotel Kansas City is an historic building that used to be a social club founded in the 1800’s. The building is just gorgeous with such classy vibes. It also has an excellent coffee shop, speakeasy, and restaurant within the hotel. Hotel Kansas City is located in the heart of downtown.
- Dog-friendly Stay: Home2Suites and Hotel Indigo mentioned above are both pet friendly options if you are wanting to stay in the Crossroads.
- Unique Option: No Vacancy is a trendy artsy guesthouse that offers a selection of well designed rooms and even has a hip colorful rooftop space. This is a popular place for people to go for photoshoots or use for their wedding hotel or getting ready location. It is just so cute! Better yet it is located in the Crossroads Arts District on an adorable street with other local shops.
Sample 3-Day Kansas City Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Kansas City: West Bottoms
Morning:
First, things first- coffee. Head to Cafe Corazon for some great coffee drinks and maybe a breakfast empanada.
Now walk one block to the Streetcar on Main Street (right by Extra Virgin) and ride it South (away from downtown) to the last stop which will drop you off directly in front of my favorite building in KC, Union Station. Plan to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours here.
Union Station is Kansas City’s classic train station and is just stunning! This is my absolute favorite building in the city. It is over 100 years old and is restored to its original beauty.
If you have the time, it is the perfect place to walk around and admire its chandeliers, delicate details, marble floors, and imagine all the history that has taken place over the past century. Stand under the clock which was the meeting place for soldiers and their loves after WWII, so many love stories picked up right there.
If you want to learn all about Union Station’s rich history you can even download the app (Living History: Union Station Kansas City) and learn all about Union Stations history which is fascinating. The app allows for you to stand at different points and learn about different aspects of Union Station.
Union Station also has Science City, a movie theater, and amazing rotating exhibits, restaurants, shops, and so much more to explore.
Afternoon:
Now let’s head to historic West Bottoms. This is the famous district where KC got its nickname “Paris of the Plains” and “The Wettest Block in the World” during prohibition when this area was lined with speakeasies and illegal activity. They say in KC, prohibition never existed due to the stronghold the mob had on the town.
Nowadays the West Bottoms has a ton of warehouses full of vintage and antique shopping, breweries, distilleries, wineries, restaurants, and bars. Most are open every weekend, but First Fridays is the best time to go. The West Bottoms come alive with food trucks, and all shops are open at this time. It’s bustling and such a fun time to explore West Bottoms.
Imagine huge brick warehouses and gravel streets in some areas with a ton of great local places to try out. Some of my favorite antique shops are Bella Patina, Good Juju. Some of my favorite local trendy shops are Fetch and West Bottoms Plant Co. (has way more than just plants, local vendors).
Evening:
If you are loving West Bottoms, stay for some drinks and great food! Fountain City Winery is a new winery that is just the best wine and sangria and has bocce ball, outdoor seating and more.
Then, head to The Campground for dinner. You will find a trendy camping themed restaurant with an ever-changing menu based on season and local produce. They have exceptional food, and a huge outdoor patio and fire pits, but the craft cocktails are the main attraction. If you come when it is nice out, there will be a great outdoor bar where you can order snacks and drinks and enjoy the weather.
TIP: If you visit The Campground during the holidays, they have an outdoor Christmas Market with local vendors, mulled wine and other holiday cocktails, and warm food to enjoy as you do some holiday shopping.
Some other recommendations for this side of town for drinks after you eat are The Ship, a divey, nautical themed bar that is a bit rustic and a blast. It’s a funky place, usually with live music or a DJ on the weekends, and one of my all time favs! Stockyards Brewery is another great pick and located across the street from The Campground.
You may also like: One Weekend in St. Louis, MO
Day 2 in Kansas City, MO: River Market & Crossroads Arts District
Morning:
Kansas city is home to some amazing coffee shops! Start day 2 by heading to Messenger, a local favorite café for coffee and breakfast.
They are located in a beautiful historic building with a rooftop that is perfect for enjoying your coffee with a view along with great breakfast and lunch options.
Messenger has a wonderful local bakery Ibis housed in the same building. They have exquisite coffee flights, baked goods, great breakfast choices that are truly amazing. Some of my favorites are the baguette sandwiches and the Ibis baked goods.
Afternoon:
Meander over to Main Street and catch the free Streetcar and ride that all the way to River Market to explore Kansas City’s historic farmers market- The City Market.
This is a great place to get great local produce but also have a little mini food tour and try some great local cuisine! It is always bustling with people and great local vendors and is the perfect way to spend a weekend day.
Be sure to check out City Market Coffee, Taste of Brazil, Local Pig, and Habashi House and KC Soda Tour on your food tour!
Evening:
Head back to the Crossroads Arts District for great cocktails and beer!
Stop by Mean Mule Distilling’s tasting room for the best agave cocktail of your life. This cozy cocktail lounge is my favorite place to get an adult beverage in the whole city. If you love agave-forward spirits, you will LOVE Mean Mule.
They have a great variety of craft cocktails all set in a southwestern decorated venue.
Another great stop for cocktails is Afterward Tavern and Shelves, a bookstore and bar that makes similarly awesome cocktails and provides a warm but bustling ambiance.
One can’t leave the Crossroads without exploring the many local micro breweries in the district. All the breweries are within a close distance, and they are all superb! Some of my favorites are Double Shift, Red Sash, Nimble, and Casual Animal.
Day 3 in Kansas City, MO: Plaza and Midtown
Morning:
Start off the morning with grub at a funky hometown favorite restaurant, Succotash, for breakfast with tons of great fresh options from cold pressed juice, breakfast sandwiches, and so much more. The vibes are retro yet very unique and eclectic.
Afternoon:
Go to the famous Country Club Plaza, where you will see Spanish style buildings inspired by Sevilla and exquisite fountains. Locals never say the “Country Club” part and just call “the Plaza”
KC is known as the “City of Fountains” because we have more fountains than any other city in the world outside of Rome with over 200 fountains, and most of these will be found on the Plaza.
The Plaza is a bustling blocks-long strip of shops, boutiques, chain clothing stores, restaurants, bars and cafes. It’s a great place to do some shopping, eating, and drinking.
Some of my favorite local shops are Made in KC – a collective of a ton of locally-made products/businesses, EB and Co. for accessories and jewelry, and Charlie Hustle– world’s softest shirts & a local favorite.
The Plaza is such a fun place to stroll around and enjoy the colorful Spanish architecture, fountains, and colorful streets. If you come from American Thanksgiving to January, you will see the most festive holiday lights when the plaza lights up at night.
Evening:
Head to Westport for dinner and drinks at Westport Cafe. It is just the most charming and cozy Parisian style bistro.
Be sure to make a reservation on the weekend as it is a popular restaurant and a little on the small side. Westport is a highly trafficked place to go out on the town and is bustling on the weekends. This is the oldest area of KC and has lots of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.
After you finish dinner, pop around the corner to Ca Va, a delightfully intimate champagne bar for drinks, and if you still have room, some delicious cheese plates. We recommend sitting out on the most romantic patio and enjoying some bubble or champagne cocktails. You will really feel like you’ve ended your weekend in France!
Other things to do in Kansas City:
- Iron District (North KC) – Iron District is a blast! It is about 10 minutes from the downtown area. Iron District is made of shipping containers with restaurants, bars, and shops inside. There is a big patio space to eat and drink in the middle and the containers are on the edge. They have Indian Food, vegan food, bakery, Tiki Bar, tacos, smash burgers, craft beer, plant shops, local boutiques, and so much more. This is the perfect place to go on a nice day! It will be shut down during the winter so check hours and opening dates.
- Kauffman Memorial Garden (Plaza) – Although the Kauffman Memorial Garden is small it is one of the prettiest gardens to visit. It is well groomed with lots of flowers and a fountain in the middle and tables and benches to enjoy the peaceful serenity of the garden.
- Rose Garden- Loose Park (Near Plaza) – Loose Park is not too far from the plaza- it is a huge sprawling park. You will find trails, lush grass fields that seem to go for miles, Rose garden, ponds, bridges, and more. It is such a great area to enjoy the outdoors, have a picnic, or just lay in the grass and dream. The Rose Garden is my favorite stop in Loose Park because it has such beautiful roses to smell and admire. This is where we got engaged too, it is a very romantic spot!
- W. 39th Street – 39th Street is another great area of town to explore. It is a very funky, gritty area of town to wander. They have great eats and shops. There are some vintage shops, dumpling restaurants, book stores, and a ton of cute places to explore. It is close to the Westport area of town.
Where (else) to Eat in the City:
- Jack Stack (Crossroads) – The BEST BBQ in KC! This is my number one pick for BBQ and the main location is located in the Crossroads area but they have many locations.
- Lulus (Crossroads) – local Thai restaurant with colorful and vibrant decor and plants and phenomenal Thai food.
- Extra Virgin (Crossroads) – Extra Virgin has great tapas, and although it is a bit on the pricey side, it is so worth it. It has a huge covered patio to watch the hustle and bustle of life go by. It is located in the Crossroads and on a streetcar stop.
- Mannys (Crossroads) – the best Mexican food in town.
- BLVD Tavern (Crossroads) – Nestled in a brick building on Southwest Boulevard, the BLVD Tavern has great sangria, cocktails, local beer, sandwiches, pastas, the best charcuterie board in town, great pommes frites, and so much more! The inside is so cozy and perfect for a chilly day and the small patio is great for a nice day out. They also have great happy hour deals!
- Town Topic (Crossroads) – No visit to KC without a greasy burger and shake from Town Topic. This tiny diner has been open for over 100 years, and it is legitimately the best burger in the world. They serve smash burgers, and it’s an iconic food landmark in Kansas City. My grandfather came here for late night eats in the 60’s. It is a KC institution. This is the best late night eats after a night on the town. You can wait in line which is an experience in itself, or, if you can’t wait, call ahead and pick up at the window.
- La Bodega (Southwest Boulevard) – La Bodega is a Spanish tapas place located on SW BLVD, which is near the Crossroads. They have great fire pits and a huge patio to enjoy some amazing tapas.
- Brown and Loe (River Market) – go here for wonderful brunch, lunch, and dinner options located right next to the farmer’s market in the River Market District with a great patio.
- Joes (Westwood) – Outstanding BBQ located in an old 1950’s gas station, casual dining
- Novel (Crossroads)- great pasta and dinner options, upscale dining.
- Rockhill (Crossroads) – Rockhill is an upscale dining with the best cheese filled tots you will ever have!
Other Tips to know before visiting Kansas City, MO:
- KC Locals are so very friendly and are happy to help you whenever! We also love bragging about our city and giving recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask!
- KC is a bit of a coffee mecca so be sure to check out our coffee shops. Check out our guide to the Best Coffee Shops in KC
- Do not walk home from Westport or Midtown at night. Take ubers. Avoid areas East of Troost and Prospect area.
- KC is set up around Main and Broadway and taking any of these two streets will take you to almost every neighborhood. Downtown, Crossroads, and Rivermarket are all close to one another. Plaza and Westport are close to one another. You can drive from Downtown to Plaza and hit every one of those areas mentioned. It is super easy to navigate.
Kansas City Weekend Trip Map
One Weekend in Kansas City isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in the Kansas City, MO that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Kansas City itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Kansas City.
What else would you add to this Kansas City weekend trip?
About the Author!
Hello! I’m Ashlea Bogner, co-founder of Seek Out Travel blog and a KC Local. I have lived in KC for over 8 years, exploring all the areas very extensively and just adore KC. There is so much to do and see and a truly phenomenal food and drink scene. We know how to make great craft cocktails, beer, and great cuisine (we are so much more than BBQ!). I hope you have the best adventure here in KC!
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