The Ultimate Kansas City Guide for Budget Travelers

As the largest city in Missouri, both in terms of population and landmass, Kansas City offers countless sights to see and things to do for all travelers. Even with plenty of big-city attractions and entertainment, Kansas City is surprisingly affordable.

If you want to get away for the weekend and see what Kansas City has to offer, you don’t have to empty your wallet to have a wonderful time. You can take advantage of free parks and museums and enjoy Kansas City’s classic cuisine, barbeque. Before counting out a vacation because of the cost, check out this practical guide to experiencing Budget-Friendly Kansas City without breaking the bank.

Museums and Tours

If you are a serious history buff, Kansas City has many museums for you to visit:

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

If you are a baseball fan and want to learn more about African-American history, you will love the collection of memorabilia at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. For admission, adults pay just $10 each.

American Jazz Museum

After exploring the baseball museum, you can pay a visit to the American Jazz Museum next door. There, you can catch a show in their famous Blue Room. Adult admission costs $10, but if you visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum, you save and pay $15 for admission to both.

National World War I Museum and Memorial

These attractions will help you understand and appreciate America’s war efforts while also paying tribute to the war’s fallen soldiers. Check out the “Posters as Munitions” exhibit to find out the role of commercial printing and propaganda in the war. The museum also has a tower that provides a spectacular view of the Kansas City skyline. Tickets for adults cost just $18, youth tickets (for ages six to 18) cost $10, and children under six get free admission.

Besides museums, Kansas City also offers many other attractions. They have barbecue tours of the city, parks, history tours, walking tours, scavenger hunts, bar crawls, and more. If you’re looking to explore nature on your trip, Kansas City also has many parks, nature hikes, and biking trails.

Restaurants

For many people, trying new food is the best part about traveling. If you are looking for some delicious cuisine at affordable pricing, here are a few options you can check out in Kansas City:

First Watch– First Watch is an excellent place for brunch. Their thick, huge, and flavorful butter pancakes are among their highest-rated items.

Grad School– A small but friendly food joint, Grad School offers various delicious yet affordable options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. Although not too fancy, this burger joint is one of the go-to places for those looking for casual meals with quality service.

Chick-In Waffle– For late-night eats, you can’t go wrong with Chick-In Waffle. The restaurant is well-known for its crispy chicken with soft bubble waffles and a range of sides. They also have a fun photo booth for capturing your travel memories.

No matter your budget or tastes, there’s a restaurant in Kansas City for you. For more insight on where to eat and drink, see what the locals have to say.

Hotels

Compared to other major cities in the U.S., Kansas City has very affordable hotel options. As such, you’ll be able to stay in or near Kansas City and have easy access to an array of attractions no matter where you stay.

Many tourists opt to stay in Lenexa, a town just outside of Kansas City, where rates are a bit lower than in downtown Kansas City. If you want to save on lodging but still stay within a short drive from the city, research Lenexa hotels and the amenities they offer.

Explore Your Options, and Start Packing 

If you’re visiting Kansas City for the first time and don’t want to miss out on anything it has to offer, you can continue your research on the official tourism website. There, you’ll find even listings and tips for getting the most out of your visit. With a hotel reservation and a shortlist of things you want to do and places you want to eat, you’re all set for an eventful trip to this unique midwestern city.