Kansas City

Straddling Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City is renowned for world-class barbecue, jazz history, and fountains that rival Rome's. The Arabia Steamboat Museum and Boulevard Brewing Company offer unique cultural experiences.

Things to do

• Arabia Steamboat Museum — Explore the artifacts and treasures recovered from the steamboat Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856 and was excavated in 1988.
• Country Club Plaza — Browse this historic 1922 shopping district featuring Spanish-inspired architecture, upscale boutiques, and dining along tree-lined streets.
• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum — Discover the rich history of African American baseball through exhibits celebrating the teams and players who played here and across America.
• Boulevard Brewing Company Tour — Tour the Kansas City brewery, learn about craft beer production, and sample seasonal and signature brews in their tasting room.
• Union Station — Marvel at this Beaux-Arts masterpiece completed in 1914, featuring grand architecture, historic significance, and cultural events.
• Crossroads Arts District — Walk through galleries, street murals, artist studios, and hip restaurants in this revitalized neighborhood known for its creative energy.
• Crown Center Fountain — Experience one of the city's iconic fountains in this mixed-use development featuring shops, restaurants, hotels, and performance spaces.

Food to try

• Kansas City Burnt Ends — Smoky, caramelized cubes cut from the point of a brisket, glazed and slow-smoked until crispy outside and tender inside—a local barbecue specialty.
• Kansas City Barbecue Sauce — A thick, molasses-sweet sauce with tomato and smoky undertones, distinctly different from Memphis or Carolina styles and slathered on all meats.
• Fried Chicken — Korean-style fried chicken has become a popular local trend, served crispy and often with gochujang glazes at trendy Crossroads restaurants.
• Slinger — A late-night diner staple featuring hash browns topped with chili, cheese, and a fried egg—comfort food beloved by locals after jazz nights.
• Cashew Chicken — A Kansas City Chinese-American takeout classic of breaded chicken tossed with cashews and onions in a light sauce, unique to this region.
• Provel Cheese Pizza — Though originating in St. Louis nearby, this gooey processed cheese is gaining popularity in Kansas City pizza joints for its melting qualities.

Local customs & good to know

• Jazz Legacy Evening — Kansas City's jazz scene thrives in the evening, particularly in the Crossroads District and 18th and Vine Historic District—plan nighttime visits to hear live music at historic clubs.
• Fountain Etiquette — The city takes pride in its fountains; admire them freely, but remember they are public art installations meant for viewing rather than wading.
• Barbecue Ritual — Barbecue is serious business in Kansas City; locals prefer slow-smoked meats served with sauce on the side so diners can control the amount.
• Bistate Awareness — Kansas City spans two states with different tax laws and regulations; be aware that crossing from Kansas to Missouri side may affect dining hours and beverage availability.