Perched on the border between Kansas and Missouri is Kansas City, a Midwestern hub in the heart of America split in two. Coming in slightly larger than its counterpart, Kansas City, MO is the largest city in Missouri. Best known for its barbecue, jazz music, and impressive collection of over 200 fountains, getting to know Kansas City is sure to be a fun experience.
Whether you’re looking for an apartment in Kansas City, MO, planning to rent a house in the area, or hoping to buy a home, these local experts have helped us compile a list of 10 unique things to do in Kansas City that will help you feel at home in the City of Fountains in no time.
1. Explore the city’s variety at the Iron District
Tucked between the arms of the Missouri River in North Kansas City is the Iron District. This fun and unique community hub provides an outdoor atmosphere of retail shops, restaurants, and bars housed in repurposed shipping containers. With live music on the weekends, trivia on Thursdays, and a variety of other options, this is the perfect place to enjoy time with friends, family, and even your pet.
2. Discover WWI history with the National WWI Museum
“For a unique thing to do in Kansas City, we would recommend checking out the National WWI Museum and Liberty Memorial,” shares the team at Tower Tavern, a locally owned restaurant known for their quality bar food and beer selection. Built in the early 1900s, the Liberty Memorial is meant to honor the men and women who served in the First World War. Some time later, it was joined by a museum, which houses the most comprehensive WWI collection in the nation. After your adventure there, the Tower Tavern is just a short walk away, making it the perfect place to quench your thirst.
3. Find vintage treasures in the historic brick buildings of the West Bottoms
“One of my favorite unique things to do in Kansas City not only as a photographer, but as someone who loves visiting the city, is going to West Bottoms,” shares Alli, owner and photographer of Photoalli. This historic neighborhood, once a manufacturing hub, has transformed into a popular spot with a lively arts, shopping, and entertainment scene for locals to gather. “It’s a fantastic place for photos, antiquing, eating, and other attractions,” Alli says.
4. Feel the soul of Kansas City’s music legacy come alive
Kansas City has deep roots in jazz and community. At the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Juke House restaurant and bar, you’ll find classic KC vibes with a modern twist. Live jazz fills the room as you savor dishes inspired by local flavors. It’s an unforgettable experience of history, rhythm, and local culture coming together. You haven’t completed your list of unique things to do in Kansas City until you’ve experienced its music.
5. Make your way downtown to the Kansas City Public Library
“Kansas City is made up of a lot of different neighborhoods on both sides of the state line. At the epicenter of it all is the Kansas City Public Library’s central location,” shares Anne Kniggendorf, local author of Secret Kansas City, a must-read for those who just moved to the city. “There, you’ll find free movies, two professionally curated art galleries, five floors of books, a rooftop terrace, a café, and many community resources.”
6. Check out Harry’s Country Club, the local roadhouse bar
Located in the historic River Market neighborhood is Harry’s Country Club. This local favorite offers classic home-style plates, over 500 different whiskies, craft beer, and cocktails to please everyone. The warm atmosphere features country music memorabilia and a working jukebox, and the spacious patio gives you a great view of the downtown Kansas City skyline.
7. Immerse yourself in the local art scene at the historic Folly Theater
In the heart of downtown KCMO, the Folly Theater is the oldest operating theater in Kansas City since 1900. Here, you can see national comedy, country, folk, dance, and more big national acts in an intimate venue. With so many amazing performances, new unique things to do in Kansas City can always be found here. Their upcoming feature in November is Michael Feinstein in “Because of You” featuring the Carnegie Hall Big Band. Feinstein pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett, bringing his iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound.
8. Unleash your inner bookworm among the many shelves of Kansas City
“One of Kansas City’s best-kept secrets is its vibrant indie bookstore community,” shares Lucy, owner of The Gilded Page bookstore. “For a true taste of the book scene, join the Cozy Bookstore Crawl in December hosted by the Kansas City Booksellers Association. Pick up a passport at one of the participating stores and explore the bookish hidden gems of Kansas City.” And the literary celebration doesn’t stop there. The Gilded Page also hosts the Boozy Book Fair featuring vendors, pop-up bars, and an atmosphere perfect for booklovers of all ages.
9. If there’s one cuisine you can’t miss in KCMO, it’s the barbecue
One fun fact about Kansas City is that it is the barbecue capital of the world. The Tour Kansas City company created the original Kansas City Barbecue Tour, showing off the most delectable barbecue in town while featuring the major icons and history of the City of Fountains. If you’re looking for a great way to see more unique things to do in Kansas City, this one of a kind experience is the perfect way to do it.
10. Make sure The Majestic is on your culinary bucket list
While in Kansas City, you have to experience the barbecue, the beef, and the jazz scene. The Majestic restaurant has you covered on the beef and jazz fronts. Not only do they serve dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and homemade dessert alongside the perfect drink; they also feature some of Kansas City’s best jazz nightly, making this iconic restaurant a one-stop shop for the perfect slice of KCMO culture.
Unique things to do in Kansas City, MO: Final thoughts
If moving to Missouri is in your future, but you haven’t been able to decide between Kansas City vs. St. Louis, these recommendations of unique things to do in Kansas City from local experts are sure to help you decide. From historical attractions to indie bookstores to delectable barbecue, there is something for everyone to consider when deciding if Kansas City is a good place to live.
