MORE ATTRACTIONS: PREVIOUS | NEXT

 

Four-image collage of Kansas City attractions showing Union Station and the downtown skyline at night, the 18th & Vine Jazz District, Mill Creek Park fountain at the Country Club Plaza, and the entrance to City Market in the River Market district

 

Some of Kansas City’s most iconic attractions also happen to be some of the city’s best photo spots. From Union Station and the fountains on the Country Club Plaza to the Jazz District and City Market, these destinations highlight the history, culture, architecture, and personality that make Kansas City unique.

 

 

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

 

DESTINATIONS

Fall & Halloween in KC | Various Locations – In the Fall, this Halloween-loving city has some of the best haunted houses and other spooky activities! But you can also spend your time enjoying the Renaissance Festival, The Plaza Art Fair, and so much more. More info
KC Streetcar | Kansas City, MO – Running from the riverfront, through the River Market, past Union Station, and down to the Plaza and UMKC, is the modern KC Streetcar. This multi-million-dollar marvel passes more than enough good stuff to fill an entire weekend: bouncing between flea markets, restaurants, theaters, shops, museums, and some surprises in between. More info
Local Getaways | In & Close to the KC Area – Looking for more to see and do? You’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from lots of great local get-aways in and around the Kansas City area! More info

Murals Tour | West Bottoms, Crossroads and other KC areas – All over town, you’ll find colorful street art, and each piece creates a beautiful photo backdrop that is KC-centric. There are well over 200 murals in the Kansas City metro, so ubiquitous that we are as much The City of Murals as we are The City of Fountains. An excellent murals visual tour can be found here courtesy of a local blogger. More info

 

PHOTO SPOTS

The Fountains of KC | Various Locations – With more than 200 fountains, only Rome has more fountains than Kansas City. Book a fun tour and explore the best fountains in the area! More info

 

 

BUSINESS DISTRICT | KANSAS CITY, MO

 

DESTINATIONS

The Kansas City Library – Located on 10th Street between Wyandotte St & Baltimore Ave, the Community Bookshelf is a striking feature of Kansas City’s downtown. It runs along the south wall of the Central Library’s parking garage. The book spines measure approximately 25 feet by 9 feet! More info

 

 

CROSSROADS ARTS DISTRICT | KANSAS CITY, MO

 

DESTINATIONS

First Fridays – If you don’t know about First Fridays in Kansas City, then you are missing out on something. First Fridays is the event in which thousands of people throughout the city gather to see the art galleries host their open houses on the first Friday of every month. There are more than 60 galleries in the district, and often in the summer you will see live music, independent films projected on the sides of buildings, and street performers. More info

 

PHOTO SPOTS

The Western Auto Sign – The Western Auto building is a historic condominium building located at 21st & Grand. Its gigantic glowing sign is an iconic mainstay of the KC skyline! More info

 

 

CROWN CENTER | KANSAS CITY, MO

 

DESTINATIONS

Crown Center – Crown Center is a shopping and entertainment district centered around its namesake shopping and entertainment complex, which overlooks a plaza with an ice rink. Family-friendly attractions include the Hallmark Visitors Center, with exhibits on this iconic local brand, and the Coterie Theatre, staging both classic and contemporary shows. Legoland and SeaLife are also conveniently located here. And don’t miss Fritz’s, where your food is delivered by model train! More info
The Liberty Memorial Tower – Along with being the nation’s official museum dedicated to World War I, some of the best views of the city are found when you’re atop the Liberty Memorial. More info

Union Station – Union Station is a historic train station built in 1914 that brings exciting traveling exhibitions to Kansas City from around the world. It is one of Kansas City’s most beloved landmarks. The Union Station interior is absolutely stunning, with many beautiful spots for photos. It houses Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, the Model Railroad Experience, City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. For extra photo taking fun, be sure to visit the Museum of Illusions here. More info

 

PHOTO SPOTS

The Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain – This amazing fountain in front of Union Station is the highlight of many great fountain photos in KC. More info

 

 

THE JAZZ DISTRICT | 18TH & VINE, KANSAS CITY, MO

 

DESTINATIONS

The Jazz District – Kansas City has an incredible history steeped in blues and jazz. Around 18th and Vine, you’ll find the city’s jazz district, which is also home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum, which are both excellent. While you’re there, check out the murals around the area for Instagram-worthy shots! More info

 

PHOTO SPOTS

Arthur Bryant’s – It’s a KC classic! Grab a shot of you and a friend inside or outside, and make sure you stick around for some of KC’s best barbecue. When presidents and VIPs visit, this is where they stop to eat! More info

 

 

KANSAS CITY, KS

 

DESTINATIONS

Chateau Avalon – A top 10 theme hotel according to Go Magazine (AirTran Airways’ in-flight magazine). Guests can pick from 61 rooms featuring various themes from Jesse James to Roman Holiday. Experience a memorable stay at this unique boutique hotel in Kansas City. More info

 

 

OVERLAND PARK, KS

 

PHOTO SPOTS

The Museum at Prairiefire – This amazing museum’s front was built with special glass developed by NASA to refract light and change color differently based on its surroundings. Watching the building change color at sunset is something you won’t want to miss. More info

 

 

PLAZA AREA | KANSAS CITY, MO

 

DESTINATIONS

The Plaza The Plaza is a 15-block area filled with high-end shopping and restaurants. This popular destination boasts the best collection of happy hours in Kansas City. From gourmet burgers and discounts on beer, to half price martinis and fondue, the Plaza has it all. The annual Plaza Art Fair in the fall brings in international artists of all mediums and draws a crowd of over 250,000. In the winter, check out some of the best holiday light displays in the country. More info

 

PHOTO SPOTS

Fountain in Mill Creek Park – This Plaza fountain features striking horse statues facing outwards. It is Kansas City’s most famous fountain. More info
Plaza Christmas Lights – During the holidays, the Plaza lights up with the most beautiful lights around. The Spanish architecture and horse-drawn carriages will make you feel like you are truly someplace magical! More info
The Shuttlecocks at The Nelson Atkins Museum – These shuttlecocks are the perfect pieces to take a photo with whether you’re new to Kansas City or a long-time resident. Four 18-foot-tall badminton shuttlecocks lie scattered about the lawn and are some of the most well-known outdoor exhibits at the museum. More info

 

 

POWER & LIGHT DISTRICT | KANSAS CITY, MO

 

DESTINATIONS

Power & Light District – More than 450,000 square feet of restaurants, clubs, entertainment venues, and retail space make the Power & Light District one of the Midwest’s premier entertainment destinations. The area is known for its cocktail bars, steakhouses, live music venues, late-night nightlife, and energetic downtown atmosphere. Visitors will also find shopping, events, and entertainment throughout the district. More info

 

PHOTO SPOTS

Heart KC Sign | T-Mobile Center – This fun sign is big enough to climb into, and has become one of downtown Kansas City’s most recognizable photo spots. More info

 

 

RIVER MARKET | KANSAS CITY, MO

 

DESTINATIONS

City Market – Explore a world of sights, sounds and attractions for the whole family. Browse an eclectic mix of shops and boutiques. Taste flavors from around the world at a wide variety of unique restaurants and cafes. Gather fresh and imported ingredients, bulk spices and more from specialty grocers and produce stands. Visit the region’s largest Farmers Market for locally grown produce, prepared foods, handcrafted & vintage items. All local. All year. More info


 

MORE ATTRACTIONS: MUST SEE | ACTIVITIES | CULTURAL | SPORTS | NIGHTLIFE | BBQ & BREWS | OUTDOORS

 

 

 

KC ATTRACTIONS | KC AREA EVENTS
 
ABOUT KANSAS CITY  | MOVING TO KANSAS CITY