The season of summer travel is around the corner, and for travelers contemplating a spontaneous getaway on a budget, Kansas City, Missouri is proving to be an unexpected destination. While many major cities are notorious for their steep price tags, KC offers visitors the most bang for their buck with budget-friendly hotels, distinguished food establishments and a smattering of free activities. Put some of those Benjamins back in the bank — you won’t be needing all of them here.
Lodging
Let’s be honest — it’s always a real damper to return to a hotel room that doesn’t meet your expectations after a long day of fun. Luckily, there’s no fear of that in Kansas City as luxury hotels in the area offer rooms starting at $173 per night. Hotel Kansas City is a fantastic option as its Gothic Revival style architecture contributes to the upscale feel, while acclaimed dining options on the main floor showcase regional menus. In the heart of downtown KC and next to the lively Power and Light District, Hotel Kansas City has a prime location and luxurious amenities for an affordable price.
Visitors are also encouraged to check out the Crossroads Hotel, which features rustic elements like exposed brick, hardwood and original industrial details in the rooms, all polished off with a contemporary twist. The woodfire pizza restaurant on the main floor and rooftop beer garden are a nice touch too.
Dining Experiences
Nothing beats good eats, and with entrees starting as low as $15, visitors are sure to leave these restaurants quite satiated. The Antler Room is particularly noteworthy for guests who enjoy a farm-to-table experience and don’t mind surprise dishes. Here, the menu changes daily as the culinary muse for these chefs is always shifting. Whether it’s drawing inspiration from seasonal ingredients, international cuisine or a certain preparation technique, the menu is sure to impress. Current featured options include falafel, beef tartare and grilled Spanish octopus.
Like the concept of The Antler Room but not in the mood for modernized American cuisine? Add a German twist and you’ve got Affäre. German chef, Martin Heuser, and his sommelier certified wife, Katrin, together make a dynamic duo when crafting their seasonally rotating, farm-fresh menu. Ingredients are supplied by local Kansas City farmers and are used to create dishes like schnitzel, lobster poutine and the brat trio. Or, for a complete change of pace, beloved Chewology offers upscale Taiwanese street food, especially known for its gyoza. From hot pot and bao to noodle or rice based traditional dishes, there’s something here for every foodie to dream about.
Not only do these restaurants offer a snapshot into the affordable dining options available in Kansas City, but they’re all James Beard nominated establishments — an award that recognizes exceptional talent and achievement in culinary arts. Assuredly good food on a budget; it doesn’t get much better than that.
Activities
With lodging and dining having been sorted out, the only thing remaining to complete this budget-friendly itinerary is activities. City Market is a fan-favorite where visitors can shop for local goods at the farmer’s market or check out baked delicacies from other vendors. For a little art inspiration, the First Fridays in the Crossroads Art District showcases work from galleries and studios that have local, regional, national and international artists. Of course, events like this and the City Market are free to peruse, but travelers are always welcome to purchase souvenirs of their time spent in KC.
The city does offer plenty of other free activities as well, including weekly summer concerts in the Power and Light District. For families, Kaleidoscope, an arts and crafts center that uses leftover material from a Hallmark manufacturer, and the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank which features the region’s largest cash vault, are examples of other free activities located throughout the city.
Be sure to save some money on transportation too with the free KC Streetcar before heading downtown. The car runs every 10-15 minutes, seven days a week, on a two-mile route along Main Street, connecting Kansas City’s River Market to Crown Center and Union Station.
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