Capturing Europe in Kansas City
Soak up some European vibes from the comfort of your hometown.
Coming home from any international travel can be jarring. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no place like home and public restrooms. However, once you’ve settled back home, you can be left missing the essence of a culture you experienced. I’m sure many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. So, how do you capture the elements that you love without leaving your own city? You just have to know where to look. Kansas City was recently recognized as one of the The 50 Best U.S. Cities to Visit That Look Just Like Europe by House Beautiful magazine. For those days that you may be missing a recent, or not so recent, trip to any European city, these iconic KC spots may help you ease some of the ache.
The Country Club Plaza | 4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112
Our beloved Plaza is actually modeled off of our sister city in Seville, Spain. The clay tiled rooftops, ornate towers, mosaics, bronze statues, and of course, the fountains, will all have you feeling like you’re walking the streets of Europe. Don’t hesitate to visit some of the places that make the area so special. Sitting on the front patio of The Classic Cup or stopping by The Better Cheddar to grab some picnic goodies are essential to capturing the European experience at home. Don’t forget to rub the nose and drop a coin at the replica of The Wild Boar of Florence right on 47th Street. It will bring you good fortune.
Loose Park | 5200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112
Not far from the Plaza is my favorite park in the entire city, Loose Park. It never fails to bring me back to The English Garden in Munich, Germany. Grab a blanket or a hammock, some snacks, a speaker, and your best friends. Simply taking a break to enjoy the company of the people you care about in nature is so good for the soul. I remember being in awe at the simplicity of it all as we rode our bikes through the small paths in Munich, everyone was so happy. If you can’t make it to Loose Park, explore KC to find your favorite park. Berkley Riverfront is another favorite that has that, dare I say, Parisian feel. I know, it’s not the Seine, but work with me here.
The City Market | 20 E. 5th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106
European markets are essential. Purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and cheeses are all just a part of daily life for many Europeans. Kansas City’s central city market has been in existence for over 150 years and was a large part of the reason many immigrants made their way to our city. One of my favorite memories as a child was when the fruit man (as I so affectionately called him) would show up on the street in front of our house to sell fresh produce to my Sicilian grandmother. If you find yourself out there on a Saturday, take your time to appreciate the labor of love of the many vendors and shop owners that pour their hearts into continuing to provide this incredible space in our city. Yeah, yeah, the flowers make for such an epic Instagram post, but what’s more epic is the saturation of cultures that are represented in that one place. If you can’t make it all the way into KC, we have some other incredible markets close by - Young Family Farm, Overland Park Farmers Market, Brookside Farmers Market, and rumor has it that Lee’s Summit has plans to create a pretty special experience in their own historic downtown.
The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art | 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111
A European vacation is not what some would classify as a vacation. If done well, you spend a lot of time exploring food experiences, discovering the intricacies of the culture, learning the deep, rich history, and appreciating the many forms of art that are around every single corner. We are lucky enough to have one of the very best art museums in the country right here in Kansas City. The Nelson Atkins is free to visit, but please donate a little as an appreciation of all that this beautiful building has to offer. A sprawling lawn (another great spot for a picnic), architecture that will leave you in awe, exhibits that keep visits exciting, and of course, artwork that could leave you captivated for hours. You’ll wonder if you’ve left KC. Other great museums to explore nearby: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, The Kansas City Museum, and The National World War I museum.
Food Experiences | All over KC
I can’t write this article without giving a nod to some incredible restaurants in Kansas City that offer a taste of European food culture in the Midwest. I know there are so many others, these are simply my go-to spots right now. I’d love to hear yours.
French:
Aixois | 251 E 55th St, Kansas City, MO 64113
For more French food, check out Bennett Hense’s guide to the Paris of the Plains!
Italian:
Bacaro Primo | 323 E 55th St, Kansas City, MO 64113
As Made in KC Explore’s resident Italia expert, I’ve written food guides + shopping guides for you to enjoy, too!
Swiss:
Andre’s Confiserie Suisse | 5018 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112
We have a great profile on the family behind the famous Swiss chocolate!
German:
KC Bier Co | 310 W 79th St, Kansas City, MO 64114
Check out Kelly Bunch’s travel food guide for more cuisine to explore in KC!
