The 10 best Airbnbs in Kansas City for living like a local in KCMO

Neighborhood: Prairie Village

From the outside, this quaint 1930s farmhouse looks all tradition and charm, with pretty white shutters and window boxes. But step through the door and you'll find a designer's dream, with marble kitchen countertops, earthy colour palettes, stone wash basins, brass fittings and billowing linens. The black freestanding bathtub is practically begging you to run a long soak, while the spacious back patio is made for alfresco dinners and evenings around the fire heater. It's got all the character of an old farmhouse, with some seriously lovely modern touches.

Time Out tip: Santa Fe Trail Park is just a five-minute walk away, while shops and restaurants are a short drive from the house. You're also only around ten minutes from the Country Club Plaza, so city exploring is very much on the cards.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Washer/dryer, TV, aircon, WiFi, kitchen, marble countertops, freestanding soaking tub, private patio, BBQ, outdoor fire heater, free parking, cot available.

Price: From $515 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Lee’s Summit

Homebody couples, this one’s for you. Once a 1900s milk barn, this adorable little cottage has had a modern makeover while keeping all its quirky character. It’s a bright, cosy studio with a proper home-away-from-home feel and a few charmingly wonky ceilings (tall guests, consider yourselves warned). Spend your days mooching around historic downtown Lee’s Summit, then head back to the two-acre garden for a fireside s’more. Kansas City’s downtown is around 25 minutes away, but honestly, we wouldn’t blame you for staying put.

Time Out tip: Summit Park is just a five-minute walk away, while historic downtown Lee’s Summit, packed with shops, bars and restaurants, is about a mile down the road. The hosts also own a local coffee shop, Post Coffee Company, if you fancy a caffeine fix.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Fire pit, landscaped garden, outdoor seating, hammock, kitchen, WiFi, TV, air conditioning, free parking.

Price: From $125 for a night.

Neighborhood: Independence

All shook up? The hosts say Elvis himself stayed at this midcentury bungalow while touring Kansas City in the early ’70s, and the place has certainly committed to the bit. Think Presley pop art, neon signs and a giant guitar-shaped indoor pool (yes, really). There’s room for 10, so round up your crew and prepare for some seriously entertaining downtime, with arcade games, pool, ping pong and a wet bar. The heated pool is open year-round, making this a rock ’n’ roll retreat whatever the weather.

Time Out tip: You’re around 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, with Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums just a short drive away, handy if your group’s in town for a game.

Sleeps: 10 guests.

Perks: Heated indoor guitar-shaped pool, arcade games, pool and ping-pong tables, wet bar, two bar areas, six TVs, six-burner grill, fireplace, kitchen, WiFi, washer/dryer, air conditioning and free parking.

Price: Check Airbnb for current rates.

Neighborhood: Rosedale

A little zen, a lot of room to spread out. This modern, eco-conscious home pairs floor-to-ceiling windows with comfy beds, a big communal dining table and plenty of space for your whole crew. The backyard is the real evening MVP, with a fire pit and chairs for s’mores, stories and a cheeky nightcap under the trees. And when you fancy swapping fireside chats for bar-hopping, West 39th Street’s restaurants and nightlife are just a short walk away.

Time Out tip: With the Plaza, Westport and downtown all within easy reach, this is a handy base for packing plenty into a KC weekend.

Sleeps: 7 guests.

Perks: Eco-friendly design, private backyard fire pit, balcony, electric fireplaces, kitchen, washer/dryer, Peloton bike, yoga mat and parking.

Price: From $910 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Downtown Kansas City

Want to wake up above the action? This 21st-floor apartment looks straight over Downtown’s Power & Light District, with floor-to-ceiling city views and a cosy, grown-up interior of leather, wood and warm tones. There’s plenty of room for four, plus two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a huge 65-inch TV for lazy nights in. Best of all, the free KC Streetcar stops right outside, and plenty of bars and restaurants are all within walking distance.

Time Out tip: Heading to a gig or game at the T-Mobile Center? Leave the car parked and walk as it’s only a few blocks away.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: 21st-floor city views, free parking, free KC Streetcar access, rooftop area, gym, TV, WiFi and washer/dryer.

Price: From $310 for a night.

Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District

History lesson, but make it fun. This four-bedroom penthouse occupies Kansas City’s oldest standing fire station, originally built in 1885 and given a seriously playful makeover in 2021. Think exposed brick, high ceilings, bold furniture, neon signs and disco balls in the bathrooms, plus enough beds for a very sizeable gang. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, big TVs and a spacious roof terrace for hanging out, while the Crossroads Arts District’s galleries, breweries, restaurants and boutiques are all right outside.

Time Out tip: Leave room in your itinerary for a wander around Crossroads’ murals and street art. The neighbourhood is practically an open-air gallery.

Sleeps: 12 guests.

Perks: Rooftop terrace, city views, fully equipped kitchen, three bathrooms, washer/dryer, TV and parking.

Price: From $1,400 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Prairie Village

If you want the peace and quiet of the countryside without actually disappearing into the middle of nowhere, this restored 1933 farmhouse is a pretty sweet compromise. Set on 18 acres of prairie grassland, it has two cute bedrooms, vintage furniture, a deep tub and all the thoughtful little touches you’d hope for, from slippers and bath salts to a well-stocked kitchen. There’s also a private back deck for sunset-watching, while shops, restaurants and some of KC’s biggest attractions are only a short drive away.

Time Out tip: The owners can arrange private yoga classes and massage services, so you can really relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: 18 acres of private grounds, soaking tub, back deck, kitchen, pets allowed, WiFi, dedicated workspace, free parking, washer/dryer and air conditioning.

Price: From $360 for a night.

Neighborhood: West Crossroads

Not your average Kansas City house and that's exactly the point. This wonderfully unusual home packs a heated saltwater pool into the backyard and a private hot tub onto the rooftop, where you can soak while taking in the downtown skyline. Inside, there's plenty of space for six, with two king bedrooms, a sofa bed, artwork from around the world and a dedicated workspace if you need to sneak in a few laptop hours between dips. Best of all, you're around a 10-minute walk from Union Station and all the restaurants, coffee shops and galleries of the Crossroads.

Time Out tip: The pool costs an extra $100 a day to heat and is only heated in the cooler months, so check the forecast before you book if a warm swim is part of the plan.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Heated saltwater pool, rooftop hot tub, skyline views, dedicated workspace, private garage, kitchen, WiFi, air conditioning and pets allowed.

Price: From $1,400 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Westside

Architecture nerds, this one’s for you. Award-winning and powered entirely by solar panels, this modern home is as clever as it is good-looking, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, an open-plan layout and a leafy deck. There’s a projector and retractable screen for movie nights and a lofted second bedroom with its own workstation, so you can actually get some work done without sacrificing the holiday vibes. And when you're ready to head out, restaurants, bars and the Crossroads are all within walking distance.

Time Out tip: Make time for a stroll around the Westside before heading downtown. The neighbourhood has a mix of local restaurants, bars and green spaces that's easy to explore on foot.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Solar-powered, fully electric home, award-winning architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, tree-lined deck, projector and retractable screen, dedicated workspaces, WiFi, free parking and pets allowed.

Price: From $590 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Northeast Kansas City

If your idea of a relaxing weekend involves a sauna, a cold plunge, a tiki bar and maybe a little backyard karaoke, Melrose Grove has you covered. This historic 1900 bungalow has been packed with personality, from its collected vintage decor to the converted-garage ‘Lucky Kitty Tiki Lounge’, while the backyard comes with a cedar barrel sauna, seasonal pool, fire pit, hammock and yard games. There are plenty of spaces to hang out indoors too, with three bedrooms and lounge areas made for lingering. Plus, Kessler Park is a five-minute walk away and downtown is just a short drive.

Time Out tip: The stock-tank pool and cold plunge are guaranteed to be open from May 1 to October 1, so those are the dates to aim for if you want to make the most of the full backyard setup.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Cedar barrel sauna, seasonal pool and cold plunge, private tiki lounge, fire pit, hammock, yard games, charcoal grill, WiFi, TVs and free on-street parking.

Price: From $275 for a night.