The Plaza
Spanish architecture meets chic boutiques and restaurants in the upscale Country Club Plaza neighborhood. Developed in 1922, the Plaza offers 15 square blocks of high-end shopping, fine dining, galleries, and hotels. During the holiday season, the Plaza lights up for an immaculate Christmas display that brings visitors from all around during November and December. If your group is looking for a lively tour of Kansas City’s most elegant neighborhood, be sure to spend some time in the historic Plaza district.
River Market
Just north of downtown Kansas City along the winding Missouri River, River Market is one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. The open-air City Market has been operating since 1857, starting out as a straightforward farmers market and evolving into a vibrant community space with international cuisine. The River Market neighborhood is known for its weekend bustling crowds perusing fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan crafts. The district also offers scenic riverfront parks, unique local shops, breweries, and coffee houses.
Crossroads Arts District
Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District has transformed dramatically over the past few decades from a once-abandoned industrial area to a thriving arts and entertainment neighborhood. Home to First Fridays gallery events, Crossroads offers contemporary art exhibitions in repurposed industrial spaces and warehouses. Beyond visual arts, Crossroads also delivers a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and nightlife venues. If your group loves supporting local artists and businesses, Crossroads is a must-visit Kansas City neighborhood.
Westport
Bordering the Country Club Plaza to the southwest, Westport delivers an eclectic, youthful vibe thanks to the University of Kansas Medical Center campus being located nearby. Westport tends to attract a college-aged crowd with its abundance of casual eateries, laidback bars, and indie music venues. Westport is especially lively during the warmer months when sidewalk patios are bustling. Even if you’re not into the nightlife scene, Westport still offers scenic parks, unique shops and delicious dining options along Westport Road.
Historic Northeast
Northeast Kansas City is one of the oldest areas, known for its historic neighborhoods filled with beautiful architecture, parks, fountains, and community character. The Pendleton Heights and Scarritt Renaissance neighborhoods showcase gorgeous historic homes, many built during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Northeast Kansas City is perfect for leisurely neighborhood strolls while admiring the charming residential vibe and locals’ yards decorated with eclectic art pieces.
Strawberry Hill
Home to a strong Slavic community, Strawberry Hill offers rich cultural diversity in northeast Kansas City. The neighborhood’s main drag, Strong Avenue, delivers delectable Slavic dishes, imported European groceries, and shops selling handcrafted gifts. Strawberry Hill comes together each summer for the All Nations Picnic where the community celebrates with food, crafts, music, and dance performances from the Slavic cultures.
Martin City
Located south of midtown Kansas City, Martin City encompasses quaint neighborhoods surrounding the busy 135th Street corridor. Rural rolling hills, dense woods, and streams characterize the community’s topography. Martin City exudes comfortable suburban living while still having modern conveniences nearby. The neighborhood offers fantastic retail therapy at the outdoor lifestyle center, Prairiefire. The $500 million development delivers high-end shopping alongside community spaces for events and kids’ activities.
Brookside
Brookside is one of Kansas City’s most walkable neighborhoods thanks to its pedestrian-friendly retail area concentrated along 63rd Street. Lined with locally-owned shops, irresistible restaurants, and neighborhood taverns, Brookside offers small-town charm minutes from downtown Kansas City. Beyond its popular main drag, the surrounding residential areas provide a quiet escape with beautiful, tree-lined streets and sprawling green parks scattered throughout the community.
18th & Vine Jazz District
Kansas City is renowned as the birthplace of jazz music. The historic 18th & Vine neighborhood immerses visitors in the city’s jazz legacy. This district was once a buzzing hub during the 1920s and 30s jazz era. Today, you can visit the American Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and catch live jazz at iconic clubs that keep the city’s musical roots alive.
Crown Center
This downtown neighborhood encompasses an urban center with hotels, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The glass-enclosed Crown Center Square impresses visitors with its unique architecture. During the winter holidays, Crown Center Square comes alive with festive lights, family activities, and live entertainment. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium are also popular with families visiting Crown Center.
Power & Light District
Adjacent to the Sprint Center arena, the Power & Light District delivers nightlife excitement with bars, restaurants, and concert venues. During sporting events and concerts at the Sprint Center, Power & Light draws large crowds. The neighborhood also often hosts outdoor events like watch parties for major televised sports games.
Union Hill
Nestled between the River Market and the Jazz District, Union Hill stands out with its colorful painted murals and street art across the neighborhood. The area has a troubled history that it is working to overcome through community revitalization efforts. Support the change in Union Hill by appreciating the impactful murals and visiting local businesses.
Midtown
Midtown Kansas City refers to the neighborhoods surrounding the Country Club Plaza, mainly Hyde Park, Southmoreland, and Sunset Hill. These areas deliver charming residential streets lined with beautiful Tudor homes and historic architecture. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is also located in midtown KC.
Zona Rosa
For more shopping just north of the river, check out the Zona Rosa mixed-use development. This outdoor lifestyle center offers everything from big box stores like Dillard’s to trendy boutiques. Zona Rosa also delivers a lively array of chain and locally-owned restaurants perfect for refueling during a long day of retail therapy.
Waldo
Waldo offers adorable local shops and eateries along Wornall Road south of the Country Club Plaza. Neighboring Brookside, Waldo provides a hip atmosphere thanks to the Art Institute of Kansas City being close by. Grab a craft coffee, check out the boutiques, and soak up Waldo’s laidback vibe.
Fairway
Bordering Kansas City proper to the southwest, the cozy city of Fairway charms visitors with its small-town feel minutes from the big city. Stroll down the quaint shops along Fairway’s downtown strip. Or walk off a hearty meal with a peaceful stroll along the Indian Creek Trail running through the community.
Book a Bus With Us
Planning a group trip to Kansas City? Partner with Party Bus Kansas City for stress-free transportation in the city. Our fleet of charter buses and shuttles can transport your group to Kansas City’s top neighborhoods and landmarks. Consult our transportation experts at 785-329-3956 to find the perfect bus rental for showing your group the best of KC.