Whether you’re chasing the game-day buzz or tasting your way through Kansas City’s world-famous BBQ scene, this vibrant city has plenty to offer. From stadium tours and local brews to mixology classes and celebrity-owned steakhouses, here are two equally unforgettable ways to spend a day in Kansas City, Missouri.
Day 1: For the Sports Lover
Morning
Start your day in the Crossroads Arts District at Mildred’s, a light and airy café with rustic vibes. Order the Standard Sandwich with bacon, eggs, and swiss cheese to see why the locals call it the best breakfast sandwich in town. Pair it with a cold brew, matcha latte, or kombucha on tap. If you’re craving something sweet, try the gooey butter cake or a warm cinnamon roll. Sit by the floor-to-ceiling windows for some people-watching before kicking off your KC adventure.
Head to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium that earned a Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd. Walk the same turf where Patrick Mahomes warms up on game day, and snap photos from a player’s POV. Peek into the newly refreshed Chiefs locker room, press conference room, and Hall of Honor. Listen to stories about player rituals, from Travis Kelce’s playlist to pre-game routines.
Immerse yourself in sports history at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the 18th & Vine Jazz District. Trace the league’s century-long journey through uniforms, photographs, and gameday memorabilia. Check out interactive exhibits on baseball legends like Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige. Walk among life-size statues in the Field of Legends exhibit and listen to player interviews. Before you go, stop by the gift shop for a KC Monarchs cap or replica jersey.
Afternoon
Settle in for lunch at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que’s flagship location, tucked inside a working gas station. Don’t be fooled by its no-frills interior—Anthony Bourdain once called this spot the best BBQ in America. Sink your teeth into the cult-favorite Z-Man, made with slow-smoked brisket, provolone, and crispy onion rings on a toasted kaiser roll. Or, get lucky with an order of burnt ends before it sells out. Grab a bottle of Joe’s signature BBQ sauce to bring home.
Embark on a five-mile kayaking adventure with KC Kayak & Canoe. Start at Kaw Point, a historic site where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers meet. Glide under the Broadway Bridge and take in scenic views of the downtown skyline. Look for bald eagles, herons, and river otters along the way. Listen as your guide shares tales of the city’s steamboat days, then end your journey at the Riverfront Park.
Head to the Boulevard Brewing Beer Hall, a sprawling second-story space with more than thirty beers on tap. Expect an open layout with industrial touches like high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and concrete floors. Book a tasting tour to sample barrel-aged bourbon or beers from the vault. Prefer an unstructured visit? Hang out in the taproom and try best-sellers like the Tank 7 farmhouse ale, or test out limited-release brews you won’t find anywhere else.
Evening
Head to Char Bar for championship-level barbecue in a spacious beer garden. Play yard games like cornhole, ping pong, and bocce ball. Fill your plate with cheesy hushpuppies, pulled pork, slaw, and BBQ pit beans. Drink a local pint from Boulevard, KC Bier Co., or Torn Label by the fire pits. Alternatively, choose between craft cocktails like the Smoking Gun or Burnt Old Fashioned.
Cheer on the KC Current at CPKC Stadium, the world’s first purpose-built women’s pro stadium. Set on the Berkley Riverfront, the world-class stadium puts every seat within 100 feet of the pitch—so you’ll always be right at the center of the action. Still hungry? Choose between concourse favorites like Joe’s BBQ nachos, Waldo Thai’s tofu pad thai, or Baba’s Pantry mezze.
If there’s no match that night, book a behind-the-scenes tour and see what makes the stadium so unique. Walk through exclusive spaces usually off-limits to fans, stand on the pitch, and learn how sustainable systems keep the venue energy-efficient. Check KC Current’s announcements early—these tours sell out fast.
Day 2: For the Fork-First Foodie
Morning
Kick things off at Messenger Coffee’s 1624 Grand location, a tri-level café with an in-house roasting facility and bakery. Claim a rooftop seat to sip a single-origin pour-over while soaking up panoramic downtown views. Dig into a breakfast burrito or a freshly baked kouign-amann, which is a caramelized French pastry similar to a croissant. On your way out, watch beans roast in the glass-walled space downstairs and browse breads from local bakery partners.
Wander the stalls at the historic City Market, one of the Midwest’s oldest farmers’ markets. Walk past vendors selling everything from seasonal bouquets and local honey to handmade candles, jewelry, and global street food. Step inside the Arabia Steamboat Museum to see artifacts pulled from an 1856 shipwreck, then listen to live music from the market stage.
On the hunt for souvenirs? Make your way to Made in KC Marketplace and browse micro-shops showcasing more than 200 Kansas City makers. Pick up BBQ rubs, cocktail mixers, ceramic mugs, KC-themed apparel, or locally roasted coffee beans. Snap a photo at the colorful wall mural, then step into the adjoining café for a locally brewed kombucha.
Afternoon
Indulge in a farm-to-table brunch at Farmhouse KC, a stylish yet cozy hotspot in the River Market neighborhood. Start off with the housemade cinnamon roll, then savor brunch staples like corned beef hash or eggs benedict served over challah bread. Pair your meal with the award-winning Bloody Mary or a mimosa tower.
Stroll through the Crossroads Arts District on a self-guided mural tour. Discover more than 100 murals from local and international artists. Pose with the ultra-popular “KC I’m So In Love” mural, then duck into hidden alleys to find lesser-known gems. Afterward, stop by art galleries like Belger Arts and Cerbera Gallery or shop for vintage finds at Daisy Lee.
Make your way to Electric Park for a tour and tasting at J. Rieger & Co. Distillery. Walk the circa-1887 space and get an up-close look at the production and barrel aging facilities. Finish your hour-long tour with a tasting of the brand’s four core spirits. Swing by the distillery’s Garden Bar to taste playful cocktails inspired by the amusement park that once stood there. Choose between refreshing options like the Bramble Tonic or Electric Park Punch.
Evening
Splurge on an upscale meal at 1587 Prime, the Kelce-Mahomes chophouse opening in late 2025 inside Loews Kansas City Hotel. Treat yourself to wagyu beef or towering seafood platters and scan the room for celebrity guests during football season. Sip a glass from the carefully curated wine list, blending Napa icons with small international producers.
Cap off the night at Betty Rae’s in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Choose from creative flavors like cereal milk and goat cheese-apricot. For something dairy-free, go for the piña colada sorbet. Feeling extra wild? Try a scoop of the olive oil peppercorn ice cream. Order a flight of six scoops if you can’t pick just one, and don’t miss the made-to-order waffle cones.
Hop on the KC Streetcar for a free ride back to your hotel, with streetcars arriving every 10-15 minutes during peak hours. Stop and explore the nightlife scene along the way—the two-mile route spans sixteen platform stops between River Market and Union Station. It’s an easy, fun way to end your Kansas City adventure without worrying about parking or taxi fare.
