Kansas City Travel Guide - 2026 World Cup City
Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Explore in America’s Most Underrated Host City
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States and we’re especially excited to welcome the world to Kansas City.
After moving here from New York City eight years ago, I didn’t expect to fall as hard as I did for this city. But Kansas City has a way of surprising you. It’s creative, deeply rooted in culture, and quietly delivers a food, music, and arts scene that rivals much larger cities.
Even more exciting? Several national teams have chosen Kansas City as their home base, including Argentina, Algeria, England and the Netherlands. This is a testament to the city’s growing global appeal.
If you’re planning a trip for the World Cup, here’s exactly how to experience Kansas City like a local. Come for the FIFA soccer, stay for the fun, food, and drink!
Where to Stay
Kansas City’s hotel scene is thoughtful, design-driven, and refreshingly approachable. Below are some of my favorites.
Crossroads Hotel - Industrial-chic, perfectly located in the arts district
Hotel Kansas City - Historic, elevated, and quietly luxurious
No Vacancy - Boutique, creative, and a little unexpected
Loews Kansas City Hotel - Modern, polished, and ideal for larger groups or families
Grab a bar seat at Earl’s Premier
Where to Eat (The Real Surprise of KC)
If you think Kansas City is just barbecue, you’re in for a very good surprise. The food and drink scene in Kansas City is unexpectedly delicious and diverse.
Lazia - Elevated Italian, perfect for a night out. Pro tip! Get a drink at the rooftop bar, Percheron, before your dinner reservation.
Farina - Intimate, refined, and consistently excellent.
Earl’s Premier - Coastal energy in the Midwest (don’t skip this). I dream about their Frozen G&T.
Bacaro Primo - Lively, stylish, and great for sharing plates and pizzas.
The Campground - Cozy, design-forward, and effortlessly cool
Also worth weaving into your itinerary:
Anjin - new-ish to the scene and a James Beard Award finalist, don’t sleep on this cozy standout Japanese cuisine
Kata Nori - casual but incredibly high-quality hand rolls
Where to Drink (Low-Key Cool Energy)
Kansas City doesn’t try too hard,and that’s exactly why it works.
Casual Animal Brewing Co. – airy, creative, and easy to spend an afternoon, play some games, watch some games and have a pint or two. They don’t have a kitchen but allow you to order delivery directly to the bar. Dream!
Jim’s Alley Bar – a true local gem hidden as you guessed it, an alley! You will feel right at home as soon as you step into this place.
Swordfish Tom’s – speakeasy energy, done right
Boulevard Brewing Company – a Kansas City staple worth experiencing. Grab a seat on the big porch and make sure to get a pretzel and stop in the photo booth.
What to Do Between Matches
There’s more culture here than most visitors expect.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
One of the many historic and cultural gems of this midwest city. Beautifully done, this is worth a few hours of your time.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – world-class and completely approachable
West Bottoms – vintage, industrial, and full of character. You can grab coffee and wander around here checking out the vintage an antique shops. Hours are hit and miss, but usually Saturday is a good day to visit.
How to Slow Down (You’ll Want To during FIFA)
KLA Sanctuary – deeply restorative, elevated wellness experience
Traveling with Kids? It Works Here.
Kansas City is incredibly family-friendly without feeling like it’s built only for kids.
A truly special place and named one Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest places in 2024, become part of your favorite stories in this unique children’s immersive literature museum
Science City – One of the go-tos for all families and school groups. In the beautiful Union Station, you can burn a few hours in this hands-on, interactive, and genuinely fun children’s museum.
Slime Museum – new to the scene, it is what you would expect, chaotic fun in the best way. Make sure you kiddos where clothes that you don’t mind if they get dirty!
River Market – good snacks, scene and vibes. This is a great weekend morning spot that easy, walkable, and great for a casual morning.
Coffee Stops Worth Your Time
Messenger Coffee Co. – a must. Come for the coffee, stay for the rooftop.
Blip Coffee – down in the west bottoms. Delicious coffee, and cool vibes
Mildred’s – good coffee and delicious, easy breakfast spot
Why Kansas City Will Surprise You
Kansas City is easy in the best way. It’s welcoming, unpretentious, and filled with people who genuinely love where they live. You’ll find incredible meals without the stress of hard reservations, cultural experiences without the crowds, and a pace that lets you actually enjoy it all.
Planning Your Trip?
If you’re heading to Kansas City for FIFA and want a more curated, seamless experience, hotels, reservations, and a thoughtfully built itinerary, I’d love to help.
