Recently named one of the best places to travel in 2024 by prominent publications, Kansas City has a lot to offer both tourists and locals looking to explore! With The Raphael Hotel being in the heart of it all, we have crafted the perfect bucket list for you to check off during your stay in our iconic city. Read along to find the spot to cure your BBQ cravings, where to listen to the music genre KC is known for, as well as unique shopping and activities nearby.  Q39 Just like our football team, Kansas City BBQ is championship-level! If you're a foodie planning your trip around the best places to eat, check out Q39! With multiple locations in Midtown and Overland Park, KS, this chef-driven barbeque spot has been serving up saucy and delicious meats since 2014. Our recommendations? Mr. Burns specialty sandwich, Mac & Q where you can create your own favorite combination of the five-cheese mac, and the exclusive Burnt Ends appetizer. *Make sure to ask your server if the Burnt Ends are available as they are a limited menu item.  Country Club Plaza Walk through Kansas City history just steps from our boutique hotel while browsing 45 locally owned shops! The Country Club Plaza is an outdoor museum of romantic Spanish architecture and European art where people live, work, and shop every day amid its beauty. Splurge on vacay and visit your favorite brands such as Nike by Kansas City, Charlie Hustle, and Made in KC Marketplace.  Kansas City Zoo The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, with its world-class exhibits, attracts visitors from around the world and close to home! Whether you're on a family trip or flying solo, this activity will leave you feeling in touch with the diverse habitats, cultures and animals of the natural world. Don't forget to check out the newly opened Sobela Ocean Aquarium - with the purchase of a Zoo ticket, you can enjoy the flexibility to enter the aquarium at your preferred time of day.  Chaz on the Plaza The Raphael Hotel's signature restaurant, Chaz on the Plaza, is a Kansas City dining experience unlike any other. For a city known for beef, Chaz serves up great steaks - like its Dry Aged Prime KC Strip - as well as fresh, seasonal fare. Get a taste of KC's jazz scene with live performances nightly in the Lounge. Plus, an award-winning list of excellent wines will enhance your dining adventure and end the night on a great note!The Nelson-Atkins Museum of ArtKnown for its encyclopedic collection of art from nearly every continent and culture, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is truly a Kansas City gem. The museum provides free access to everyone to enjoy and contemplate artistic creations up to 5,000 years old. Plus, it is only a short drive or walk from The Raphael!  Betty Rae's For our guests who have a major sweet tooth, Betty Rae's is the answer! The local ice cream shop began scooping their handcrafted flavors out of Kansas City's Waldo neighborhood in 2015. Since, the popular store has expanded to two other locations in the River Market and Olathe, KS and offers classics, such as Vanilla Bean and Chocolate, but also fun, collaborative flavors like Joe's BBQ & Burnt Ends (yes, there is real meat!).  Kansas City's Sports Teams Our city wouldn't be what it is without the excitement of the sports teams we are home to! From the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to our new National Women's Soccer League team, Kansas City Current, you must catch a game or match when visiting. It is a guaranteed good time and a win😉Loose Park As the weather gets warmer, Kansas Citians and tourists alike head outside to enjoy the beautiful, outdoor spaces nearby! As the city's third largest park, Loose Park is a popular destination located at 51st Street and Wornall Road. The 75-acre green space includes a community gathering area, fun and creative playground amenities, a walking trail, recreational spots, and more. Take a brief jog from our hotel to take in this historic wonder!Farmers MarketImmerse yourself in all things local with a trip to the City Market's Farmers Market! Explore a world of sights, sounds and attractions for the whole family with unique restaurants, cafes, and featured vendors on the weekends. Whether you're looking for that picture-perfect bouquet of locally grown flowers, or a new flavor of salsa to add to the line up, walk down the aisles of this market to find your next treasure.Liberty Memorial TowerRise 217 feet above the main courtyard of the National WWI Museum for a breathtaking view of the KC skyline. Rooted in history, the Liberty Memorial Tower offers tickets for guests to purchase and go up an elevator, followed by 45 stairs, to an open-air observation deck. At night, a Flame of Inspiration, is emitted from the tower and can be seen from miles away. It is hard not to love Kansas City with these bucket-list items! Experience it all by booking a stay at our luxury, boutique hotel here. Â
