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Known for their amazing barbecue food and impressive fountains, this city generally hides from tourists. However, that should not deter student travelers from making their way to the city. The city is unique in that it is split down the middle by the state line of Kansas and Missouri. There has been a recent revival of the city that gives travelers all the more reason to spend time there. So book your cheap student airline tickets, and get ready to enjoy some great food and friendly people at one of the country’s hidden gems.

Kansas City Pictures

Things to do in Kansas City

After being neglected for many years, downtown Kansas City has seen a recent revival. New apartments, stores, and entertainment venues have been added everywhere. In fact, $4.5 billion are currently being invested in the downtown area. It has once again become the thriving center of the city. Located on 18th and Vine Historic District is both the American Jazz Museum as well as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, both great places to spend the afternoon exploring. The city is also home to the Harley Davidson final assembly plant. A great place to experience how America’s most famous motorcycles are built. If in the area in early October, make sure to check out the American Royal BBQ Contest, the largest in the world. And of course, Kansas City Chiefs games are always an attraction during football season.

Nightlife in Kansas City

In terms of nightlife, Kansas City is full of bars of all different types. From sports bars to traditional Irish pubs, the city has a place for everyone. The downtown area is your best bet and has the largest collection of establishments. Studio Bar is a multi-layer bar that’s in a rehabbed downtown building. The Quaff is also a very large and very popular spot for both college and post college aged people. Finally, for a more upscale experience, try 12 Baltimore, attached to the Hotel Phillips.

Dining in Kansas City

You cannot mention Kansas City without mentioning barbecue in the same sentence. Kansas City is filled to the brim with barbecue joints that all have their own uniquely delicious barbecue menus. Although nearly all the BBQ joints in the city are above average, some of the more well-known names are Arthur Bryant’s, visited by many famous characters, as well as Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue. The city also offers plenty of other dining options including diners attracting the late night bar scene and various Italian restaurants. If you are looking to spend a bit more money, head to The Hereford House, the most famous steakhouse in Kansas City.

Shopping in Kansas City

There is plenty of shopping in Kansas City. The Country Club plaza is said to be one of the finest outdoor shopping plazas in the US. Burberry, Tumi, Standard Style Boutique, Banana Republic, Gap, and Barnes & Noble are just some of the stores you will find there. Also check out the Oak Street Mall, the largest indoor mall in the region. Stores include Nordstrom, LUSH, Lacoste, XXI, Aldo and many others. Kansas City is also a great place to hunt for antiques, many of which are hard to come by anywhere else. So make sure to keep an eye out for that diamond in the rough during your stay.

Kansas City Travel Tips

• Summers in Kansas City can be very hot and remain that way for long stretches. On the flipside, winters are very cold and very snowy at times, so dress properly for the time of year.
• Kansas City is known as the “City of Fountains” and has more fountains than any other city in the world aside from Rome–so check ‘em out!
• In order to get the most out of your visit, pay close attention to local papers and brochures to see what’s happening around the city.