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Itinerary – See Kansas City in a Single Day
Some of the best sights, sounds and tastes in Kansas City can be experienced in a single day. Whether in town for a convention or traveling in for the day, there’s no shortage of unique stops worth visiting in the City of Fountains.
Morning
![Messenger Coffee](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/messenger_coffee-web_0.jpg)
Check out one of KC’s excellent cafes for a bit of caffeine to get your morning going.
- Messenger Coffee Co.: Chic environs define this three-story café and bakery.
- Quay Coffee: A River Market favorite only steps away from the KC Streetcar.
- The Roasterie: Dependable and delicious coffee concoctions.
- Kaldi’s Coffee: Find this popular roaster at two shops on the Plaza and in the Power & Light District.
![Port Fonda](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/port_fonda-web_1.jpg)
Once you’re properly awakened, fuel up at a breakfast or brunch spot—you’ll need your strength for a full day of sightseeing.
- Rye: Down-home favorites like biscuits & gravy and fried chicken make any breakfast or brunch amazing.
- Mildred’s: Simple, tasty breakfast sandwiches and scratch-made pastries in the Crossroads Arts District.
- Happy Gillis: Friendly morning diner with a filling menu of classic and craft options.
![National WWI Museum and Memorial](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/national_world_war_i_museum_and_memorial_0.jpg)
Finish the morning by heading to one of Kansas City’s incredible museums for a glimpse of history, from local heroes to global stories of service and sacrifice.
- National WWI Museum and Memorial: Pay tribute to those who lost their lives in this global conflict that still shapes our world today.
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: More than 5,000 years of human art is catalogued and showcased at this free institution.
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Trace the trials, tribulations and triumphs of Negro Leagues baseball players in this remarkable museum.
- Harry S. Truman Library and Museum: The legacy of the Show-Me State’s only American president is on full display at his presidential library in Independence, Truman’s hometown.
Afternoon
![Gates Bar-B-Q](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/gates_bar-b-q_2-web.jpg)
Every KC trip calls for a taste of barbecue, the city’s signature cuisine. Find iconic joints throughout the region to enjoy delicious, smoked delicacies—and download the KC BBQ Experience app to find all 100-plus restaurants.
- Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue: An all-time classic in the heart of the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District.
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: The one in a gas station, featuring the world-famous Z-Man sandwich.
- Gates Bar-B-Q: With locations across the metro, “Hi, may I help you?” is the most ubiquitous greeting in the city.
- Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue: Perfect for date nights and special occasions. Save room for the sides.
- Q39: Competition-quality ‘cue on 39th Street West and in Overland Park.
![Country Club Plaza](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/country_club_plaza_2-web_1.jpg)
Afterwards, make your way to one of KC’s stellar shopping districts and boutiques for everything from high-end fashion to locally made souvenirs.
- Country Club Plaza: Local brands and well-known retailers make for excellent shopping among the Spanish-inspired architecture of this quintessential district.
- Made in Kansas City: Find products from regional makers in this all-local boutique brick-and-mortar.
- Halls Kansas City: KC’s hometown department store, located right in Crown Center.
- Legends Outlets: An open-air shopping center boasting a long list of factory stores and big-name outlets.
- Zona Rosa: A short drive from KCI, this outdoor district features popular shopping and dining spots.
![Up-Down](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/up-down-web_2.jpg)
Afternoon eases into evening in the Crossroads Arts District, where craft breweries reign supreme, artistic endeavors surprise and the city’s unrefined side shines.
- Craft Breweries: Sip and taste your way through the city’s craft beer scene.
- Parlor: Sample everything from Korean cuisine to Nashville hot chicken in this trendy food hall.
- Up-Down: Local pours and old-school games make this arcade bar a big hit among locals and visitors.
- Art Galleries: Tour progressive studios for a taste of Kansas City’s creative culture.
Evening
![The Westside Local](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/westside_local-web_0.jpg)
No matter what you’re craving, there’s a dining hotspot perfect for your dinner tastes.
- Upscale: Try Bristol for fresh seafood, The Antler Room for an intimate setting and Bluestem for thoughtful coursed meals.
- Relaxed: Take in the River Market at Brown & Loe, venture to the Westside for The Westside Local and find flavorful noodles at Columbus Park Ramen.
![Green Lady Lounge](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/green_lady_lounge-web_0.jpg)
Live jazz is an essential component of KC nightlife—and has been for more than a century. Popular clubs in the metro include:
- Green Lady Lounge: Velvet reds and classy vibes make the Green Lady Lounge a favorite among jazz enthusiasts.
- The Phoenix: A time-honored jazz establishment in Downtown KC.
- The Blue Room: Grooving sessions keep audiences coming back to this venue in the American Jazz Museum.
- Mutual Musicians Foundation: Stick around this legend for a late-night jam session that runs well into the early morning.
![Ça Va](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/ca_va-web_0.jpg)
Every incredible day deserves a fitting nightcap, and Kansas City’s cocktail clubs serve up the right spirits.
- Manifesto: Dimly lit and appropriately cozy, Manifesto is ideal for adventurous spirits of all kinds.
- The Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge: Exquisite details define this high-end cocktail experience at the Plaza.
- Julep: Westport’s resident whiskey bar touts Southern-inspired small plates.
- Swordfish Tom’s: A secluded speakeasy featuring a wide variety of cocktails.
- Ça Va: Champagne flows freely in this laid-back hangout.