Kansas City

Kansas City straddles two states and two rivers, and is the perfect place to experience the best of what the American Midwest has to offer. K.C., as it's known to the locals, is a fascinating mix of the rustic and the sophisticated. It has over 200 fountains and numerous first-rate galleries, museums and parks, but is also a cradle of jazz and a mecca for connoisseurs of the “down-home” American barbecue.

Spend a day exploring the city's neighbourhoods and eateries. Start in the River Market district and pick up some local produce at the weekend City Market. Stroll though Westport, admiring the historic buildings as you decide where to grab lunch. It's got to be classic hickory-smoked barbecued food in Kansas City you'll be hard-pressed to find better anywhere else.

Jazz is in the blood in Kansas City, and no visit would be complete without a trip to 18th and Vine, heartland of this genre since the 1930s. This historic jazz district is also known for its buzzing nightlife and is a great place to while away the evening. You'll also find top-notch jazz clubs and lively restaurants throughout downtown and the River Market area.

This cosmopolitan city is the largest in the state of Missouri and one of the region's cultural hubs. Those with an interest in history should head to the Liberty Memorial, acknowledged as one of the finest World War I museums in the world, and the splendid Arabia Steamboat Museum. The Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City is a great option for kids, and art lovers will appreciate the impressive collection at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

There's plenty to see outside town too, including the fascinating Harley-Davidson Factory and the Worlds of Fun amusement park. The Kansas City Zoo and the Starlight Theatre bring crowds in vast numbers to the enormous Swope Park, which is also home to gardens, numerous forest walks and a public golf course.

In terms of getting around in Kansas City, your best bet is to hire a car. Public transport is efficient and dependable in the city centre, but you don't want to miss out on the attractions located a little further out.