Why the BBC, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times Think you Should Visit Kansas City
- January 23, 2025
Kansas City is making waves in the travel world, earning recognition as one of the top destinations to visit in 2024 and now 2025. The city has been featured on prestigious lists from publications like the BBC, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, solidifying its status as a must-see place for both domestic and international travelers.
Kansas City landed on the BBC’s 25 best places to travel in 2025 for its creative arts, barbecue culture, and urban revitalization. The British news outlet recognizes Kansas City’s 2023 airport expansion makes travelling to the “Paris of the Plains” a breeze and an entertainment district atop a bridge will give visitors an experience to remember.
In 2023, Kansas City garnered extra attention when Taylor Swift made a stop during her Eras Tour, and her connection with Chiefs player Travis Kelce put the city further into the spotlight. The economic impact from Swift’s visit, along with the excitement surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs’ games, gave the city a significant boost.
That momentum carried over into 2024. The Wall Street Journal placed Kansas City at number five on its list of the “10 Best Places to Visit in 2024,” just behind Prague, Czech Republic, and ahead of Kyushu, Japan. The article highlights Kansas City’s transformation as a burgeoning tech hub and its upcoming attractions, including the launch of CPKC Stadium in spring 2024. This stadium, the first in the world to be built specifically for a professional women’s soccer team—the Kansas City Current—will build on the city’s enthusiasm around sports.
The New York Times also recognized Kansas City, naming it one of the “52 Places to Go in 2024.” The city’s innovative developments, such as the new soccer stadium and entertainment districts, were mentioned, as well as the opening of The Rabbit Hole, a multi-sensory children’s literature museum.
There’s no question the energy will continue into 2026, as Kansas City was named a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This prestigious honor underscores its growing global appeal and ability to accommodate the masses for an unprecedented sporting event. With world-class infrastructure and a vibrant community, Kansas City is ready to welcome visitors and fans from all over the world.