Come and Explore These 10 Hidden Gems in Kansas City + 5 Restaurants
In a city known for championship-winning sports franchises, mouthwatering barbeque, jazz, and hundreds of fountains, Kansas City has a lot more to offer. Tucked in the middle of bustling areas of town and off the beaten path are numerous hidden gems that allow residents and visitors alike to see the city in a new way.
Prospero’s Books
Don’t know where to start on your hidden gem journey? Check out one of the city’s best bookstores — one that’s three floors of awesomeness with 50,000 titles, vinyl, and more. Peruse titles, find new authors and old favorites, and find your own nook to sit and read for a while.
West Bottoms
This historic KC neighborhood appeals to shoppers and history buffs alike with vintage stories and historic brick buildings. Visitors to West Bottoms can shop ’til they drop in boutique stores, enjoy a drink in a KC brewery or winery, or find an outdoor space to relax.
DID YOU KNOW: In the fall, West Bottoms is also one of the premier haunted house districts in the country with several exciting, spooky attractions.
Liberty Memorial
Some of the best hidden gems anywhere are those that offer a great view. The Liberty Memorial honors the sacrifices of Kansas City veterans while offering an incredible view of the city. Visitors can ride to the top of a 217-foot tower for an incredible view of the city before visiting the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
DID YOU KNOW: The tower emits steam at night, which is illuminated by orange and red light to create a flame-like effect.
The Piano Room
This one-of-a-kind piano bar is the perfect spot for a quiet night out. Music lovers, singers, and those looking for a new place to visit can come to this unique venue for refreshing drinks and incredible performances.
Kansas City Public Library
A trip to the library always makes for a fun day, but the KC Public Library has a one-of-a-kind hidden gem worth visiting. The “Good as Gold” sculpture is an 8-foot-high loop of books that rest on steel feet and are strung on a steel bar like beads. While you’re perusing the stacks, stop and take a picture of this unique testament to reading in the foyer of the Library’s Plaza Branch.
Hotel Phillips
While it may currently be a Hilton, this hotel is one of the city’s most historic structures — and was once the tallest building in KC. Visitors (whether they’re staying or not) can marvel at the hotel’s Art Deco decor, enjoy a drink in a speakeasy in the hotel basement, or snap a photo of the iconic Goddess of Dawn sculpture.
It’s also 10 minutes from the KC Power and Light district, so it’s close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studios
Famed American painter Thomas Hart Benton was born in Missouri in 1889 and moved back in 1935. His midtown Kansas City home can be toured year-round and is filled with many of the family’s original possessions. Art enthusiasts and curious travelers can visit to get a sense of Benton’s artist gifts and examples of his work.
National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Visitors of all ages can let their imaginations run free in this museum, which holds the world’s biggest collection of fine-scale miniatures, and a huge collection of historic toys. Take a trip back in time as you look at dolls, action figures, toy pistols, and more among over 60,000 toys, and marvel at the craftsmanship of more than 20,000 fine-scale miniatures.
Arabia Steamboat Museum
While it may not be the most hidden of hidden gems, this incredible museum in KC’s history City Market is captivating. Visitors can take a trip back in time and connect with history in a fun way as they view beautifully preserved artifacts from the historic Arabia steamship — which sank just west of Kansas City in 1856.
Money Museum
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City offers visitors a unique opportunity for free tours to see how millions of dollars of US currency are processed. The museum is filled with unique exhibits, including the only gold bar in Kansas City — it’s displayed in a case that allows visitors to see and feel how heavy it is (27 pounds).
5 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Kansas City
Meshuggah
Travelers looking for a morning boost can stop into one of several KC Meshuggah locations for bagels so good you’d swear they came straight from New York. Customers can choose from a dozen bagel flavors, more than a dozen schmears, and tasty bagel sandwiches.
Chip’s Chocolate Factory
Visitors of all ages with even the slightest sweet tooth will be in heaven as they watch chocolate being made and sink their teeth into favorites like chocolates, nut clusters, fudge, roasted nuts, and so much more. Even if you don’t buy anything, the smells alone are worth stopping in for.
The Ship
Hop aboard The Ship for refreshing cocktails, hearty lunches and dinners, and live music. The menu includes everything from classic burgers and sandwiches to gumbo, smoked mac and cheese, and a firecracker shrimp po’ boy. Paired with a house cocktail and a live band, a meal at The Ship is hard to beat.
Swordfish Tom’s
This quaint cocktail bar holds just 30 people at max capacity, but a seat here opens the door to delicious cocktails, spirits, and lively conversation. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a few drinks, this is an under-the-radar gem in KC.
The Antler Room
If you’re looking for a good meal in a cozy atmosphere and daily surprises on the menu, The Antler Room has all those bases covered. No matter the occasion, guests will feel welcome as they dig into an ever-changing menu inspired by seasonal ingredients and different preparations.
Explore a New Side of Kansas City
The City of Fountains is one of the biggest and most popular Midwest cities with landmarks, museums, and eateries that appeal to everyone. But KC’s hidden gems offer something for everyone too: Unique museums, incredible views, memorable meals, and plenty of fun in some of the city’s most fascinating spots.