Missouri’s Kansas City is one of the most appealing cities to visit in the USA, with a fun artsy vibe in hip, historic neighbourhoods, as well as world-class museums, lively jazz, and flavoursome barbecues to savour. Accommodation options in Kansas City are plentiful, with everything from self-catering apartments to stylish city hotels. Our selection of the best places to stay in Kansas City includes a seriously cool industrial-chic base, a sophisticated choice with opulent interiors, and a contemporary gallery-hotel ideal for art lovers.
Set at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, the city grew as a successful trading post between Native Americans and nineteenth-century French settlers, and architectural reminders of its commercial past are ever-present. Kansas City has since become a vibrant Midwestern destination, and a wonderful stop on an American road trip for foodies, arts and culture lovers. There are big hitters aplenty to explore, including the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the American Jazz Museum and the National Frontier Trails Museum, all of which offer state-of-the-art insights into the history and collective memory of the USA.
So much of Kansas City’s appeal, though, lies in its quirkier spots — like the walls of graffiti lining Art Alley, the late-night jazz at the Mutual Musicians Foundation or the blues and country tunes showcased at Knuckleheads Saloon. There are great independent bookshops to discover, buzzing speakeasies serving punchy cocktails and over a hundred smoky barbecue joints fit for feasting late into the night.
Take a walking tour of the city’s historic Downtown neighbourhoods, hit boutique shops and eateries at Country Club Plaza, and lose yourself in the funky vibe of this fantastically attractive city. The best places to stay in Kansas City promise stacks of style, top-notch food and a warm Midwestern welcome. Do look into the city’s eclectic programme of annual events before you travel — there’s so much to see!