Golden hour view of the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch rising above the Mississippi River in Missouri

St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri's Gateway City, pairs a storied past with a thriving cultural scene, from the Gateway Arch and Forest Park to its lively neighborhoods and music venues.

Country
United States
Population
510,000
Area
826 km²
Time zone
Central Time (CST, UTC-6)
Language
English
Nearby airport
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

Passengers

Luggage

About Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in Missouri and the centre of a two-state metropolitan area that also includes Kansas City, Kansas. Its identity is shaped by a rich jazz legacy, a world-renowned barbecue scene and a collection of more than 200 fountains, earning it the nickname 'City of Fountains'.

The city grew from a frontier trading post at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers into a major railroad, stockyards and jazz hub. Landmarks such as Union Station, the Liberty Memorial and National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District reflect that layered history.

Districts like the Crossroads Arts District, Country Club Plaza, River Market and Westport each offer a different atmosphere, from galleries and craft breweries to Spanish-inspired shopping, farmers markets, live music and late-night bars.

Kansas City is also a business and convention centre with a strong sports culture, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC. Museums such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum add to its cultural appeal.

For leisure travellers, the city offers barbecue, jazz, museums and events, while business visitors benefit from its central U.S. location, convention facilities and Kansas City International Airport.

Gateway Arch rising above the St. Louis skyline along the Mississippi River in Missouri at golden hour

Missouri Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring Kansas City, with mild temperatures and outdoor events. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is colder and quieter, though holiday displays and indoor attractions remain popular.

How to Get Around

Kansas City is easiest to navigate by car, but downtown offers a free KC Streetcar and RideKC buses, along with taxis and rideshares. Walking and biking work well in compact districts such as the River Market, Crossroads and Country Club Plaza.

Where to Stay

Downtown and the Crossroads are convenient for entertainment, dining and major venues, while Country Club Plaza offers upscale hotels and shopping. Westport suits nightlife lovers, and Crown Center is a family-friendly option near Union Station.

Food & Drink

Kansas City is famous for slow-smoked barbecue, especially burnt ends, served at longstanding and modern smokehouses. The city also has a lively craft brewery scene, jazz clubs, coffee shops and the River Market's City Market for fresh local food.

Ground Transportation Services in Missouri

Airport Transfers

Travel between Kansas City International Airport and hotels, downtown, business districts, venues and other destinations across the Kansas City metro.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, events, sporting occasions and flexible sightseeing around Kansas City.

Car Rental

Rent a car in Kansas City for independent travel across the metro and convenient day trips to nearby attractions in Missouri and Kansas.

Bus & Group Transfers

Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, conferences, events, airport transfers and tours in Kansas City.