Kansas City is full of art, culture, and entertainment, so there's never a dull moment for visitors. Go wild for the Kansas City Zoo, explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, or step back in time at the 1827 Log Courthouse. For business or pleasure, there’s something for everyone when you land in Kansas City.
What to Do in Kansas City
If you find your stomach rumbling in Kansas City, you won’t be disappointed, whether you’re out for a night on the town or planning a business dinner. If you’re looking for gourmet dishes, Bluestem Restaurant is a decadent, renowned establishment just 10 minutes from the convention center. Story takes local, seasonal ingredients and prepares decadent French and Italian-inspired meals, only 20 minutes from the convention center. Of course, if your wanting to get your hands on some Kansas City BBQ, take the time to venture to Joe’s. The original location is attached to a gas station 10 minutes south on I-35 from the convention center.
If you need to stretch your legs after a tasty indulgence, Kansas City has over 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or trail running. Try the Blue River Parkway Trails for a particularly picturesque afternoon. If you prefer a more metropolitan walk, venture to Union Station where you’ll find Science City, The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, and other highlights. A few other hotspots of places to eat, shot and explore are Old Westport and the Plaza Area neighborhoods
Parking in Kansas City
Kansas City has roughly 40,000 parking spaces in its downtown area alone. There are ten municipal garages throughout the city offering convenient access to all the area's highlights. Parking rates vary by location. Expect to pay significantly more for event parking. For example, the Arts District Garage charges a $3 flat fee for standard parking, but $8 for events.
Essential Info for Business Travelers
If you’re attending a conference or other special event in the area, there’s a good chance you’ll end up at the Kansas City Convention Center. The facility has 48 meeting rooms, a 2,400-seat theater, and 388,800 square feet of exhibit space. With a total of over 800,000 square feet available, this building can handle it all. Parking is available in the Auditorium Plaza Parking Garage.
Event hosts are responsible for their catering arrangements. The convention center is near the Power and Lights District, so ample dining is available nearby if you want to grab a meal before or after the event.