Book your stay & explore your new favorite corners of KC!

Kelly Bunch is a Fairway resident and Kansas City–based writer who loves telling stories about the people and places that make her community feel like home. When she’s not exploring KC, you can find her reading, traveling, or having full conversations with her dog.

With the World Cup just weeks away, it’s time to get your lodging squared away. Whether it’s your first time or 10th time to KC, there’s always something new to explore. Check out the options below to see which neighborhood fits your KC vibe.

The best advice for your time in KC is to explore! We’ve included a few suggestions on this list, but for every place we mentioned, there are 10 more perfect spots right next door.

For a rich arts and food scene:

Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District is a large stretch just south of downtown. Teeming with restaurants, galleries, breweries, and shops, this is the perfect place to land if you’re looking for a little of everything. Crossroads Hotel, a Michelin Key property, is the perfect home base with Lazia, modern Italian dining, on the first floor and Percheron, an open-air cocktail bar on the roof with a picture-perfect view of the Kansas City skyline.

Check out Cafe Corazon for Latin-style coffee and treats before exploring the district's shops and galleries. If shopping is your thing, don’t miss Blackbird Collection (apparel and interiors), Dear Society (apparel and matcha bar), Made Mobb (apparel), Birdies (lingerie), and Verdant (florist). If you find yourself ready for a drink, Le Lounge is nearby for cocktails or grab a beer at one of the many local breweries, such as Casual Animal or Brewery Emperial. Looking for a hidden gem? Head over to Swordfish Tom’s for expertly-made cocktails in a speakeasy setting.

You can’t come to Kansas City without hearing some classic KC jazz, so make sure to check out Green Lady Lounge and Black Dolphin for a taste of KC’s musical history.

For a family-friendly vibe:

A Saturday farmers market, cute boutique shops, and neighborhood cafes make Brookside a perfect spot for all ages. Grab breakfast at Heirloom Bakery, check out Brookside Toy & Science with the kids, enjoy an afternoon beer at BKS Brewery, and sit on the patio for a family dinner at Bella Napoli.

You can walk the Trolley Trail to run off some steam after dinner. Make sure to pop in to French Custard for dessert–they’re featuring special World Cup flavors in honor of the four teams (Algeria, Argentina, England, Netherlands) that will be based in KC.

For those who know about KC BBQ, but heard the tacos are even better:

It’s true that Kansas City is known far and wide for BBQ, but a little known fact outside of KC is that the taco scene is just as big (or bigger!). To set yourself up for taco exploration, station yourself in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood. This adorable area not only boasts some of the best tacos in town, but also some of the best restaurants and shops.

If your goal is tacos, you’re in luck. Los Alamos Cocina sits in the heart of the Westside. Down the road, you’ll find Tacos El Gallo, Ricos Tacos Lupe, and Lilly’s Cantina–among many other great spots. Can’t get enough? Check out the KCK Taco Trail, a list of 60 taco spots just across the state line in Kansas City, Kansas.

Aside from tacos, explore the intersection of 17th Street and Summit Street. Check out Fetch, a vintage and gift shop, and Westside Storey is the vintage clothing shop where Taylor Swift reportedly ordered her Chiefs sweatshirt. If you get your fill of tacos, try Westside Local for casual eats, Clay & Fire for Turkish cuisine, or Zero Zero for handmade pasta.

For those who want a taste of Europe:

The Country Club Plaza is a dining and shopping district modeled after Seville, Spain. With red-tiled roofs and intricate architecture, you may think your plane took you to the wrong airport. While the style is Spanish, the experience is uniquely KC.

Head to The Classic Cup for eggs benedict and cinnamon rolls, and wander the shops along Brush Creek. Check out Rye KC and Gram and Dun for dinner, both long-time KC staples. And when you’re ready to load up on souvenirs, don’t miss Made in KC, a shop dedicated to local artists and makers (and the best spot in town, if we do say so ourselves).

When you’re ready for a little nature, head south a couple of blocks to Loose Park, one of Kansas City’s most beautiful and popular spots to enjoy the outdoors. Bring a snack, find a shady spot, and take in the beauty at this 75-acre historical site.

For those who love cultured days and quiet nights:

If art museums and boutique hotels are your vibe, try to base yourself near Southmoreland Park. With free access to prestigious Kansas City museums, you can spend your days wandering the halls with masterpieces. Start your day with a coffee at Thou Mayest inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. If it’s a nice day, don’t miss the expansive sculpture garden with the iconic shuttlecock sculptures–perfect for a stroll or a shady nap.

Walk The Arterie, a pathway with interactive and visual experiences connecting the Nelson-Atkins, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Kansas City Art Institute. If you’re hungry for lunch, Oil on Linen at the Kemper Museum is a great spot for a sunny mid-day break. Cafe Trio and Ragazza Food & Wine are close by for delicious dinner options. The Truitt, Aida, and The Southmoreland are boutique hotels in historic homes that will provide you with ample charm and comfort as you wind down each night.