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There's something special about getting a bird’s eye view of the city you love. Assuming you’re not afraid of heights, when you’re 217 feet up in the Liberty Memorial Tower, it feels like the whole world is open and different.
The view is especially enchanting once the leaves change color, as they're about to soon.
But you don’t have to ride Liberty Memorial's antique elevator to get the perspective you crave; many other spots around town offer equally uplifting views, such as the Warko Observatory at UMKC.
On Fridays through Oct. 31, take the pedestrian walkway from the 4th floor of the Rockhill parking garage at 52nd and Rockhill that leads you into Royall Hall. Look for the stairwell on the left to the rooftop. Admission and parking are free, and the views are spectacular.
Here are some of our other favorite Kansas City rooftops worth exploring.
Canary Bar + Bistro
Back in April, Canary Bar + Bistro claimed to be Kansas City’s highest rooftop bar. It's a spot better suited for a date night than it is for a romp with the kids. Visitors can see all the way to the University of Kansas Medical Center, as well as the downtown skyline and the Plaza.
Canary is located inside "the gem of Midtown," the historic Netherland Hotel & Residences on Main Street.
Canary Bar + Bistro: 3835 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri. The rooftop is open Wed.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m.; Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight; Sat. noon-midnight; and Sun. noon-9 p.m.
Percheron
This more casual rooftop bar sits atop the Crossroads Hotel and boasts stunning views of the city. Percheron Rooftop Bar is "the choice spot when the weather is nice," according to The Pitch, and the bar is featured on Condé Nast Traveler's "15 Best Rooftop Bars in the U.S." as well.
Billed as a beer garden featuring frozen cocktails and cold brews, the building was once home to the Pabst Blue Ribbon bottling plant. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with reservations available for larger parties.
Percheron Rooftop Bar: 2101 Central St., Kansas City, Missouri. Open Sun.-Thurs. 4-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4 p.m.-midnight.
Kansas City Public Library
If you’ve never played larger-than-life chess, now’s the time to start. The rooftop terrace at Kansas City Public Library downtown is beautifully landscaped and adorned with a giant chessboard, with pieces that aren’t too heavy to maneuver.
If playing chess isn't your endgame, the terrace also has a number of benches and tables where you can relax and read.
Kansas City Public Library: 14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, Missouri. The rooftop is open Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.
Messenger Coffee Co.
Looking for gorgeous views of the city to go with your caffeinated beverage of choice? Skip the extra shot and head to the top of Messenger Coffee in the Crossroads, where rooftop views of the city are just an added perk to your morning coffee stop.
Messenger's outdoor space has plenty of seating as well as a fireplace for those chilly days that aren’t too far ahead. It's a great location for your next coffee date.
Messenger Coffee: 1624 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri. Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bamboo Penny's
For a more tropical experience, try Bamboo Penny’s in Leawood. Bamboo Penny's offers a modern take on Thai cuisine, all curated by Thai chef Penny Mufuka. As the restaurant's super sassy tagline states, it's "where mild, medium or hot isn't a question of preference, but a test of one's courage."
The Bamboo Room has a retractable roof and is a great spot for small plates and fruity, tropical drinks — including ones served in a pineapple.
Bamboo Penny's: 5270 W 116th Pl, Leawood, Kansas. Open Thurs.-Sun. 4-11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Book your reservation online.
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