A roundup of my favorite Kansas City spots—places I actually go, love, and always recommend. From eats to treats to hidden gems, these are my KC go-tos!
Sections
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Places to Stay
Things to Do
Eats & Drinks
Places to Stay
If you’re looking for boutique luxury in KC, The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection is a total gem — rich with vintage charm, killer service, and a prime spot on the Plaza. The suites feel elegant yet cozy, and their on-site restaurant (Chaz on the ...
The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
If you want a downtown KC stay that’s stylish and convenient, Loews Kansas City Hotel is a winner. With 800 modern rooms (plus suites), a sleek lobby bar, an on-site restaurant, and a grab‑and‑go coffee shop, it balances luxury and comfort. Its locat...loewshotels.com +2 loewshotels.com +2 Bonus: it’s super family- and pet-friendly — even your pup gets a welcome treat!
Loews Kansas City Hotel — Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
a fun, relaxed escape right in the heart of the city. With tropical-inspired décor, lively vibes, and casual comfort, it delivers a playful getaway feel without leaving town. Perfect for unwinding, enjoying good food and drinks, and soaking up a chee...
Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City
If you’re after a totally unique and intimate stay in KC, Hotel No Vacancy is definitely it. Tucked into the Crossroads district, this 8-room boutique gem features vintage-meets-boho charm, a cozy courtyard, and a laid-back lounge. It’s like your own...
Hotel No Vacancy
If you’re looking for a stay that feels like KC, the Crossroads Hotel is where it’s at. Housed in a beautifully restored 1911 Pabst brewery, it blends industrial-chic style with art‑district soul. With 131 custom-designed rooms, a rooftop bar (Perche...
Crossroads Hotel Kansas City
Theres so many great AirBnB's in the KC area, you can't go wrong with conveniently grabbing this gift card for yourself or as gift to someone to use for their visit!
Airbnb Gift Card $50
Things to Do
Visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in KC is more than a trip through sports history—it’s a powerful, moving experience that brings to life the stories of talent, resilience, and excellence that shaped the game we love. The exhibits honor play...
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
This museum is an absolute must-visit. The National WWI Museum does an incredible job of telling the story of World War I with depth, context, and compassion. The exhibits are engaging, interactive, and thoughtfully designed, making complex history a...
National WWI Museum & Memorial
This tour is equal parts educational and enjoyable. You’ll learn about Boulevard’s history, brewing process, and KC roots, all while sampling some of their best beers along the way. The space is welcoming, the staff is passionate, and the whole exper...
Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center
The Museum of BBQ is part history lesson, part pop culture tribute, and 100% fun. It highlights the people, techniques, and traditions that shaped barbecue across the country, with a special nod to Kansas City’s legendary role in it all. It’s enterta...
Museum of BBQ
The KC Gangster Tour is one of the most entertaining ways to experience Kansas City history. Part true-crime storytelling, part city tour, it dives into the wild Prohibition-era days of mob bosses, speakeasies, and political corruption. The guides ar...
KC Gangster Tour
The KC Wheel is a must-see for visitors and locals alike! Amazing views, fun vibes, and totally photo-worthy—the KC Wheel is a simple, memorable way to experience the Kansas City skyline.
KC Wheel
This guide book is so dang cool! As someone who has spent years in KC, this guide has shown and taught me so many fun and amazing ways to really get to know the city in the best ways
Secret Kansas City: Guide to Weird & Obscure
Eats & Drinks
SLAPS BBQ delivers everything you hope for in classic Kansas City barbecue: smoky meats, bold flavors, and that perfect balance of tenderness and char. The burnt ends are legendary, the ribs are top tier, and the no-nonsense counter-service vibe keep...
Slap's BBQ
Q39 is top-tier Kansas City BBQ with a modern, elevated edge. If you want to impress someone with Kansas City barbecue, take them to Q39. The food is consistently outstanding, the menu has something for everyone, and the whole experience feels a litt...
Q39 - Midtown
Prime Social KC is the ultimate rooftop destination when you want great views and an elevated night out. Perched high above the city, it delivers craft cocktails, stylish vibes, and one of the best skyline backdrops in Kansas City. Perfect for date n...
Prime Social
Serves laid-back neighborhood vibes and a menu that goes way beyond bar food!
If you need a cozy corner to hustle or catch up, McLain’s Market has your back—with killer coffee, the famous “girl breakfast” (trust me, it’s worth the hype), and a case full of treats that make every visit feel like a mini celebration!
McLain's Market Shawnee
Chicken & Pickle is one of the most fun, feel-good spots in Kansas City. Great food, cold drinks, and a lively outdoor atmosphere mixed with pickleball courts, yard games, and tons of energy. Whether you’re going for brunch, happy hour, or a casu...