Downtown Kansas City Travel Guide

Kansas City

Union Station which includes heritage architecture, a city and a skyscraper
Downtown Kansas City showing a city
Union Station which includes heritage elements and interior views as well as a small group of people
Downtown Kansas City
Downtown Kansas City featuring signage and a city

Entrepreneurial spirit, gentrification and originality combine to create a district full of architectural treasures, boutiques, live music venues and theaters. 

From barbecue joints to centuries-old monuments and concert halls, Downtown Kansas City is the beating heart of the town and a go-to destination for varied cultural experiences. Largely abandoned during the 1980s and 1990s, Downtown Kansas City is a shining example of successful regeneration. Brewpubs, fashion outlets, galleries and restaurants occupy former warehouses while once decaying buildings have been turned into innovative residential complexes.

Delve into the non-stop entertainment action of the Power and Light District. Shop for the latest trends, tantalize your taste buds with experimental cuisine and traditional barbecue dishes and watch performing arts shows. KC Live! is a covered square spread across an entire block that serves as the nightlife hub. Attend music performances and trade fairs at Kansas City Convention Center. The Sprint Center hosts basketball games, concerts and musicals.

Book tickets for a show at the Arvest Bank Theater at the Midland and Folly Theater. Sports lovers might want to check out The College Basketball Experience. Browse a hall of fame, have fun with interactive exhibits and shoot hoops.

Walk in the shadow of the skyscrapers that rise above the Financial District and get a feel for downtown business activities. Take a moment to appreciate historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Central Library and KCMO City Hall. At Ilus W. Davis Park find greenery and a quiet oasis amid the skyscrapers. Don’t miss an evening at The Phoenix, a jazz club opened in the 19th century.

Downtown Kansas City merges to the south with the Crossroads Arts District. Independent galleries line the streets and showcase both emerging and recognized artists. To the north is River Market, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Visit its attractions including the Arabia Steamboat Museum, City Market and Riverfront Heritage Trail.

Ride the KC Streetcar along Main Street and through the center of Downtown Kansas City from River Market to Union Station. The KC Streetcar is free to use, thus making the town easy to get around.


Popular places to visit



Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kansas City

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Power and Light District

The ample dining options and great live music are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland or T-Mobile Center while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Power and Light Tram Stop to get around town.

Power and Light District
River Market which includes landscape views, a high-rise building and a city

River Market

The restaurants and museums are just a few things visitors like about River Market. City Market of Kansas City and Arabia Steamboat Museum are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at River Market North Tram Stop or City Market Tram Stop to get around the larger area.

River Market
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts featuring theatre scenes and interior views

Crossroads Arts District

4/5(1 area review)

Crossroads Arts District is a destination travellers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Crossroads Tram Stop or Kauffman Center Tram Stop to explore sights like CrossroadsKC at Grinders.

Crossroads Arts District
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts featuring theatre scenes and interior views

Westside North

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Westside North and surrounding area, you can visit Crown Center and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Westside North
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Hospital Hill

Though Hospital Hill may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Crown Center and CrossroadsKC at Grinders.

Hospital Hill
Liberty Memorial featuring a high-rise building, a city and landscape views

Crown Center District

Take time in Crown Center District to visit attractions like Crown Center and Liberty Memorial. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Union Station Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Crown Center District

Downtown Kansas City Travel Guide