Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri, sitting on the state's western edge in the United States. It is a destination that many visitors know by its reputation: a city with a long jazz tradition and a barbecue culture so strong that it is often called the Barbecue Capital, or simply KC.
What draws visitors
- Jazz music. The city is widely associated with jazz, and live music is a natural part of an evening out here.
- Barbecue. Smoked meats are the city's signature food, and eating barbecue is one of the most common reasons people come to KC.
- A city of its own character. Its nickname, KC, is how locals refer to it, and the food and music tie closely to its identity.
Planning a visit
Kansas City suits a trip built around eating well and hearing live music. Plan your days around the places you most want to see, and allow time to move between neighborhoods, since the city is spread out and the best of its jazz and barbecue are not all in one spot.
If you are deciding whether to go, the answer depends on what you enjoy. For travelers who care about food and music, Kansas City offers a clear and focused reason to visit.

