Things To Do
in Wichita
Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas, known for its strong aviation industry. The city is home to major aircraft manufacturing companies such as Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems. Wichita also has a rich history in the Wild West era, with several museums and historic sites showcasing its past.
The city offers a variety of cultural attractions, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a thriving food scene.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Wichita Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll through beautiful landscapes. Take a moment to appreciate the diverse plant life and enjoy the fresh air.
Visit the Sedgwick County Zoo to see a wide variety of animals and learn about wildlife conservation. Grab lunch at a nearby cafe to refuel for the afternoon adventure.
Dine at a local restaurant specializing in Kansas cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the Arkansas River to enjoy the sunset.
Begin your day at the Wichita Art Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of American art. Spend time exploring the various exhibits and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Head over to the Old Cowtown Museum to experience Wichita's history in an interactive way. Participate in demonstrations and learn about life in the 19th century.
Savor dinner at a trendy restaurant downtown, where you can indulge in craft cocktails and local dishes. End your day with a performance at the Orpheum Theatre.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to national averages.
- Access to a variety of recreational activities and outdoor spaces.
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Diverse cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
- Growing job market, particularly in sectors like healthcare and aviation.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Weather can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters.
- Fewer entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Potential for economic fluctuations due to reliance on specific industries.
- Some residents may feel it's not as cosmopolitan as larger urban areas.
Best Activities in Wichita
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Interactive science center with exhibits, theaters & a flight & space exhibit, plus a dome theater.
Botanical garden featuring themed gardens, an aquatic collection & a butterfly house.
Expansive park offering wide open spaces, walking trails, picnic areas & a fishing lake.
Tours
Uncover the best of Wichita with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Wichita
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular spot for viewing the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, as well as for stunning sunset photo opportunities.
Offers beautiful gardens and landscapes, making it a great location for nature and botanical photography.
Located nearby, this refuge provides breathtaking views of scenic landscapes and wildlife for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Wichita
Wichita Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local delight, the BBQ burnt ends are flavorful and tender chunks of beef brisket caramelized with a savory and slightly sweet BBQ sauce. Find this dish at Pig In Pig Out BBQ or Bite Me BBQ.
Must-Try!
A popular local dish consisting of hearty pockets of dough filled with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and onions, showcasing the city's German heritage. Enjoy delicious Bierocks at Doo-Dah Diner.
Wichita's take on chili features a rich and flavorful concoction of ground beef, beans, and spices typically served with a side of cornbread. Get a taste of this classic dish at The Spice Merchant & Company.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Wichita better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A great place to explore local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. It's a perfect spot to sample street food and mingle with the local community.
This trendy urban park hosts food trucks and pop-up eateries featuring a variety of cuisines, making it an ideal destination for experiencing diverse street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Wichita, it is customary to greet people with a friendly smile and a handshake. It is important to maintain eye contact while speaking as it shows attentiveness and respect.
When dining out in Wichita, it is polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Additionally, it is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants for good service.
In social settings, it is important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others. Respect for personal space is valued in Wichita.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Wichita with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Wichita
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Wichita, United States. In restaurants, it is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill as a gesture of appreciation for good service. Tipping is also common in other service industries such as hotels, taxis, and salons.
Payment in Wichita, United States, is generally done using credit or debit cards, although cash is also widely accepted. Most businesses and services accept major credit cards, and mobile payment apps are becoming increasingly popular. It is also common to pay bills and make transactions online or through electronic means.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Wichita.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The spring season is a great time to visit Wichita, with pleasant weather and blooming flowers. This is the perfect time for outdoor activities and events, such as the Tulip Time Festival and Riverfest.
Summer brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine to Wichita. It's the ideal time for enjoying outdoor activities like boating on the Arkansas River, attending concerts and festivals, and exploring the city's numerous parks and gardens.
In the fall, Wichita experiences cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it a beautiful time to visit. Fall activities include exploring pumpkin patches, attending Oktoberfest celebrations, and enjoying outdoor concerts and events.
Winter in Wichita brings colder temperatures, occasional snowfall, and holiday festivities. Visitors can enjoy ice skating at the Rink at 8th & Market, exploring holiday light displays, and attending indoor events and performances.
Wichita at Night
Hiking in Wichita
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful preserve that offers a variety of hiking trails through stunning native prairie landscapes and rolling hills.
A local park in Wichita featuring walking and biking trails, offering serene views and a peaceful environment.
Trails surrounding the Sedgwick County Zoo that provide scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
A park with a network of trails perfect for hiking, running, and biking, featuring scenic water views.
A wildlife refuge located a bit farther away, offering a variety of hiking trails with stunning mountainous views and diverse wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Wichita through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Wichita by plane.
Located approximately 200 miles northeast of Wichita, MCI is a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Situated about 300 miles to the south of Wichita, DFW is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world.
Located roughly 500 miles west of Wichita, DEN is a major gateway for flights to the western United States and international destinations.
Approximately 120 miles east of Wichita, TUL serves a mix of domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 500 miles southeast of Wichita, IAH serves as a major hub for international flights, particularly to Latin America.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Wichita, representing a majority of the city's population.
A significant and growing demographic, reflecting diverse cultural backgrounds.
An important demographic group in Wichita, contributing to the city's cultural and social landscape.
Includes various ethnicities, such as Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese, contributing to Wichita's diversity.
Represents individuals identifying with more than one racial group, reflecting an increasing diversity.
A smaller yet significant group contributing to the cultural heritage of the area.
Representing a small segment of the population, including groups from Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.
The Soul of Wichita
Discover the essence of Wichita through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played and supported in Wichita, with local schools and colleges having well-established teams.
Baseball has a strong following in Wichita, with the city hosting minor league teams and numerous youth organizations.
American football is popular at both the high school and college levels, with numerous teams competing in various leagues.
Soccer has been growing in popularity in Wichita, with youth leagues and local clubs contributing to its development.
Ice hockey has a dedicated fan base in Wichita, with local teams and league play contributing to the sport's popularity.
Golf is a popular recreational sport in Wichita, with many courses and tournaments attracting players of all skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wichita.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Wichita's dining scene is increasingly accommodating to vegetarian and vegan preferences. Many restaurants, such as Tanya's Soup Kitchen and Lotus Leaf Café, offer delectable plant-based dishes.
Several eateries in Wichita, like Newport Grill and Bella Luna Café, provide diverse gluten-free selections, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience for those with gluten dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Wichita with these cultural adventures.