Day Trip to Kansas City: 3 Itineraries For 3 Different Types Of Travelers

Are you planning a day trip to Kansas City?

First of all: welcome to Kansas City! I’ve lived here since 2017 (originally from Florida) and cannot say enough good things about this city. I may be biased, but having traveled a ton myself, I truly believe KC is an underrated Midwest destination with plenty to do.

So much so, that I created three separate itineraries for a day trip based on your specific interests. You’re welcome to mix and match from the different options, as each one provides “quintessential Kansas City” activities to enjoy. From classic barbecue joints to jazz clubs and top-rated museums, you’ll find it all here.

The itineraries in this post include:

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Is Kansas City Worth Visiting?

I’m sure it comes as no surprise that my answer is a big “YES”! I often joke that Kansas City is like “America’s largest small town.” It offers the perks of a big city, with tons to do and plenty of eateries, including international cuisine. But at the same time, you’re surrounded by friendly, welcoming people who make you feel at home.

Kansas City is known for its rich jazz history, world-class barbecue, potent arts scene, and passionate sports fan base and is undeniably worth a visit. But don’t just take my word for it; pack your bags and experience it for yourself!

Day Trip to Kansas City for Sports Fans

Morning

Breakfast: If you arrive in time for breakfast, enjoy a cup of coffee and light breakfast at Messenger Coffee (go to the downtown location at 1624 Grand Boulevard). On a nice day, head up to the rooftop patio for some amazing views of Kansas City.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Start your day off by visiting a Kansas City treasure, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The museum showcases the rich history of African Americans in baseball, spanning from the 1800s to the 1960s when Black players integrated into Major League Baseball.

The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and from 12 pm on Sunday (closed Monday). General Admission tickets start at $10, with discounts provided to Seniors (Ages 65+) and children. Expect to spend at least an hour here.

Afternoon

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

One of the top things Kansas City is known for is its barbecue scene. Locals constantly debate the best spot in the city (don’t even get me started), but you can never go wrong with Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Go to the original location housed in a gas station!

Joe’s is world-famous for its ribs, Z-man sandwich (SO GOOD!), burnt ends, and brisket. The side dishes are also so delicious — my favorites: dirty rice, french fries, onion rings, and mac-n-cheese.

It’s a popular spot, so there’s typically a line out the door by around 11:30 am. Fortunately, the line moves quickly, and I find it adds to the experience. Plus, you can order drinks at the bar inside while you wait.

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Tour

After lunch, enjoy a public or private 90-minute guided tour of Arrowhead Stadium, home of four-time Super Bowl Championships, the Kansas City Chiefs.

The tour includes a visit to the press box, CommunityAmerica Club Level, Field, Hall of Honor, Locker Room, Press Conference Room, Broadcast Area, and Founder’s Club. Public tours are offered daily while private tours are only offered Sunday to Thursday between 9 am to 5 pm. (*No tours the day following a home game).

There’s also a limited amount of “Gameday Tours”. This tour includes a 60-minute guided tour of the penthouse, the Chiefs Hall of Honor, and 20 minutes on the sidelines of the field during pre-game activities. Available 2.5 hours before kick-off for all home games.

Tickets for a public tour start at $38 for adults with discounts provided to children, military, seniors, and season ticket members. Private tours start at a flat group rate of $300 for 1-4 guests. Buy your tickets early as they do tend to sell out!

Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. It’s one of the first stops I take my friends from out of town!

There are many ways to explore Boulevard, whether it’s taking a tour, playing a game of shuffleboard at the Rec Deck (Saturdays only), or just enjoying a beer with friends. They also have a great gift shop, perfect for picking up a souvenir.

I would highly recommend taking a tour! The guides are highly knowledgeable and make it super fun too. You even get several samples included in each tour.

Tickets should be purchased in advance by clicking here.

Shopping at Country Club Plaza

Before departing Kansas City, take a moment to purchase a souvenir for yourself or your family and friends in the Country Club Plaza. I say “souvenir,” but you’ll often spot locals in Kansas City proudly sporting their favorite KC t-shirts. It’s the only city I know where wearing a “Kansas City” shirt is considered cool.

A few local favorites where you will find the best KC gear include Charlie Hustle, Made in KC Marketplace, Rally House, and EB & Co (jewelry).

Evening

Dinner at Rye

While you’re already in the Plaza, walk over to one of my favorite dining spots in Kansas City — Rye. Rye serves elevated comfort food showcasing the chef’s love for the Midwest. You’ll find everything here from fried chicken to dry-aged steak.

It’s a cutesy, charming spot on the corner, perfect for winding down the day. It’s also quite popular, so I would recommend making a reservation in advance.

Attend a Sports Events

If you happen to be in Kansas City during a sporting event, take the opportunity to go to a game. The city is home to several major professional teams including the Kansas City Chiefs (football) and Royals (baseball), Sporting KC (men’s soccer), and KC Current (women’s soccer). The games are always electric!

Nightcap (optional)

If you’re not ready to call it a day just yet, here are a few options depending on what you’re in the mood for:

Day Trip to Kansas City for History Buffs

Morning

Breakfast: If you arrive in time for breakfast, enjoy a Kansas City staple for over 25 years known for having one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the city — Mildred’s.

There are two locations: one in the Crossroads Arts District and another downtown on Baltimore Ave. Both spots open at 7 am Monday to Friday and 8 am on weekends.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

Kansas City is home to so many amazing museums! One of my absolute favorites is the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Here, you can enjoy the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects in the world. It also offers one of the BEST views of Kansas City from the top near the Liberty Memorial Tower. If you’re on the hunt for that picture-perfect spot to highlight your KC visit, this is the spot I always recommend!

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (except on Mondays from Labor Day to Memorial Day). General Admission tickets start at $18, with discounts provided to Seniors (Ages 65+), Military (Veterans & Active Duty), and children.

Afternoon

Kansas City Gangster Tour (optional)

If you want to learn more about the mafia, mobsters, and gangsters that were a large part of Kansas City’s history, hop onboard a bus and enjoy the Kansas City Gangster Tour ($35 per person). It’s a little cheesy, but who doesn’t love a little cheese in their life?

Tours begin at 12:00 pm and board right outside Union Station’s front entrance (located right across the street from the National WWI Museum).

Lunch at Union Station

To make it easy, lunch is located right inside Union Station. You can either eat at Pierpoint’s (more upscale) or Harvey’s (casual option with views of Union Station). Both options are popular with visitors and locals alike. My company’s year-end celebratory dinner was at Pierpoint’s and I recently had my monthly girls’ brunch group at Harvey’s.

TIP: If you are traveling with kids and want a unique experience, try Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant where your food gets delivered by overhead electric trains. It’s located in the Crown Center, about a 10-minute walk from Union Station.

Union Station

After lunch, spend some time exploring Union Station. Built in 1914, this historic landmark still serves Amtrak trains daily (I actually took a recent trip to Chicago by train!).

Union Station is more than a transportation hub. There are also shops, restaurants, exhibits, a planetarium, a movie theater, and an interactive science center (great for kids!).

I especially love the exhibits! Union Station hosts world-class touring exhibitions ranging from the Auschwitz Exhibition to Disney: 100 (celebrating 100 years of Disney).

Distillery Tour at J. Rieger & Co.

Next, enjoy a one-hour guided tour of J. Rieger & Co., Kansas City’s original distillery. Before federal Prohibition in 1920, J. Rieger & Co. was the largest mail-order whiskey house in the United States. 90 years after the onset of Prohibition, J. Reiger & Co. is back and better than ever and is Missouri’s first distillery in nearly 100 years.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the brand’s history, the distillation process, and enjoy samples of four core spirits at the end. Closed-toe shoes are required.

BOOK A TOUR HERE

Location: 2700 Guinotte Ave. in the historic Electric Park neighborhood. Please allow extra travel time as it’s located right next to active train tracks. If you get stuck waiting for a train to pass, follow the Electric Park detour signs.

Evening

Dinner tonight is at Lonnie’s Reno Club, a historic jazz club in Kansas City. This swanky spot is located right downtown inside the Ambassador Hotel Kansas City.

Lonnie’s Reno Club features dinner and a show (jazz performance) that includes a three-course pre-fixe menu at $115/person + tax and a 24% service charge. Doors open at 6:30 pm and Lonnie starts his performance at 7 pm. (only available Fridays and Saturdays)

I highly recommend making reservations in advance here.

This is one of my favorite experiences in Kansas City to date, but I also realize it’s pretty expensive. If you aren’t visiting Kansas City on a Friday or Saturday or would prefer a cheaper option, here are some other recommendations for dinner:

• Tallieur (charming little European bistro located in Midtown)
• Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (housed in a gas station)
• Fox and Pearl or Night Goat BBQ (located in the lounge on Thursdays)

Nightcap (optional)

If you’re not ready to call it a day just yet, here are a few options depending on what you’re in the mood for:

Day Trip to Kansas City for Art Lovers

Morning

Breakfast: If you arrive in time for breakfast, start your day off in the River Market. Stop by City Market Coffee for small bites (breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries) and some of the best coffee in Kansas City. It’s been a neighborhood staple since 1996.

Explore: While you’re in the River Market, take some time to explore this quaint (and walkable) neighborhood. It’s one of my favorites in the city!

You can go antiquing at River Market Antiques. Or, if you are here during the weekend, you’ll see quite a crowd for the farmer’s market where you can find local produce, herbs, spices, baked goods, plants, unique gifts, and more.

Afternoon

Tour Kansas City’s Murals

Kansas City’s art scene extends beyond its museums and galleries and spans throughout the streets and alleyways in downtown. From sports-themed murals honoring the Kansas City Chiefs to depictions of the city’s history, there’s much to explore. Here’s my guide to the best murals in Kansas City.

Lunch in the Crossroads Arts District

The Crossroads Arts District has some of the very best eateries in Kansas City. Because of that, it’s hard for me to recommend just one. So, here are several options depending on what you’re craving.

• Jim’s Alley Bar — a hidden gem with old-school seating serving sliders and sandwiches (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
• Parlor — modern food hall with a fabulous outdoor patio (closed Monday)
• King G — a classic neighborhood bar and delicatessen (closed Sunday and Monday)
• Green Dirt on Oak — offers a menu that highlights local growers and farmers and a rooftop deck with great views of the city (closed Monday and Tuesday)

Pit Stop: Before you leave the Crossroads Arts District, stop by Christopher Elbow Chocolates for the ultimate Kansas City treat! It also makes for a great gift for out-of-town folks. (closed Sunday)

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

For art lovers, a day trip to Kansas City would not be complete without a visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The museum features over 35,000 works of art from all over the world and is a must-see!

It’s completely free to visit, but before entering any of the galleries, you’ll need to “check-in,” either in person or online. Open until 9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and until 5 pm on Sundays and Mondays. (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

Afterward (if the weather is nice), enjoy an artist-designed mini golf experience on the lawn right outside the Nelson-Atkins. (IT’S SO CUTE!) I’d recommend booking in advance, but on-site reservations are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Art Course is open weekly, April 5-Oct. 20, during regular museum hours. In the summer, tee times are available Thursday through Monday. In the spring and fall seasons, play is limited to weekends only, Friday through Sunday.

Live Jazz at Green Lady Lounge

Green Lady Lounge is one of those classic “Kansas City spots” you need to visit. This iconic jazz club offers live music every night, 365 days a year starting at 5 pm Sunday through Friday and 2 pm on Saturdays.

The atmosphere here is one of a kind! Green Lady Lounge offers a retro vibe with low lighting and red velvet seats that make you feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1940s. There’s a $5-$10 cover charge (cash) at the door and they don’t take reservations, so if you want a seat close to the band, come early.

TIP: If Green Lady Lounge is super busy, try Black Dolphin right next door.

Evening

Dinner at Q39

You can’t leave Kansas City without trying some barbecue! Q39 is the perfect “fancy” BBQ dinner spot and offers delicious staples like burnt ends (a Kansas City must), brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken wings. And don’t sleep on the salmon — it’s one of the best I’ve ever had! Click here to reserve a table.

Alternative Dinner Spots: If barbecue isn’t your thing, try one of these options instead.

• The Town Company (great for a date night)
• Clay & Fire (a cozy spot that offers cuisine from the Near Eastern region)
• One (or two) must-try taquerias on the KC Taco Trail

Nightcap (optional)

If you’re not ready to call it a day just yet, here are a few options depending on what you’re in the mood for:

How to Get Around Kansas City

Kansas City does provide some public transportation and has plans for future expansions. Currently, the city offers a free KC Streetcar linking the River Market to Union Station. By 2025, the streetcar will extend 3.5 miles south along Main Street, incorporating 16 additional stops. This extension will connect the Downtown starter line to Midtown, Westport, the Art Museum District, the Plaza, and UMKC, which will be HUGE!

If you’re in Kansas City for one day without a rental car, you can use Uber or Lyft to get downtown and then utilize the KC Streetcar to explore the main attractions.

Where to Stay

If you decide to stay overnight in Kansas City, you’ll have plenty of lodging options, ranging from casino hotels to bed & breakfasts and luxury hotels. For a day trip, I recommend staying right downtown, near the Crossroads Arts District or Country Club Plaza.

Here are my top hotel recommendations:

• Crossroads Hotel (⭐️ 9.1/10) — historic meets modern boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace (located in the Crossroads Arts District)
• Loews Kansas City (⭐️ 9.3/10) — within walking distance of key attractions and includes top-notch amenities (located in the Crossroads Arts District)
• The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection (⭐️ 9.2/10) — luxury historic hotel with European charm (located in the Country Club Plaza)

Looking for more options? Use the interactive map below to input your desired dates and verify availability for hotels and vacation home rentals.

FAQ Section

What is the best time to visit Kansas City?

Having lived here for over 7 years now, my favorite months in Kansas City are mid-April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is mild (the summers in Kansas City can be hot and humid and the winters quite cold).

Plus, during these months you get to experience some of the best events! In mid-June, the annual music festival, Boulevardia takes place, with additional outdoor events like the Shakespeare Festival, and Kansas City BBQ Festival. And, in autumn, you can enjoy fall festivals, apple picking, haunted houses, and more.

Is Kansas City a walkable city?

It depends on the neighborhood, but generally, most individual neighborhoods in central Kansas City are walkable — Crossroads, downtown, Westport, River Market, Country Club Plaza, Brookside, and Downtown or “Old” Overland Park. The challenge lies in commuting between these neighborhoods. For that, you will need a car.

Kansas City does not have an underground subway or train system like New York or Chicago that will connect you to the surrounding neighborhoods. What the city does have though is a streetcar that connects the River Market to downtown to the Crossroads, and eventually Midtown, Westport, and the Plaza as well (in 2025).

It’s completely free and easy to use, so I would definitely take advantage of this option!

Wrap-Up: Kansas City Day Trip

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Kansas City to fill a day. KC doesn’t fit the rural “Midwest” stereotype many assume; the city’s dynamic growth, rich history, BBQ, sports, art scene, and more make it a worthy destination.

I hope you enjoy your visit to this Midwest gem and come back again using one of the other itineraries in this blog post to discover something new about Kansas City!