Your Guide to Downtown Wichita
Downtown is more than just a city’s core. It’s key to an invigorating and lively community. It’s the center of activity and exploration for locals and visitors alike. Wichita’s downtown fits that bill – it’s a prosperous place for professionals, a hub for creative expression and a vibrant, authentic environment for visitors, investors and locals.
In 2002, the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation was formed to cultivate opportunities that revitalize and enhance Wichita’s core. Now operating as Downtown Wichita, the organization has spearheaded place-making projects like Alley Doors, Naftzger Park and Gallery Alley. You’ll also find a variety of bronze sculptures and chrome artwork throughout the area.
The area is easy to navigate, whether you want to walk, ride a bike or an electric scooter or utilize the free, all-electric Q-Line. If you decide to walk, discover a variety of interesting tidbits about Wichita's history and see new, modern additions to the city's core through the Wichita Public Library’s PocketSights app, which allows users to explore Wichita's history with the Wichita History Walk. After you download the app, you can explore the historical sites as you stroll along Douglas Avenue. The app will send alerts about sites that have historic significance, including images and a story with audio narration.
Where to Eat & Drink
Downtown Wichita consists of a variety of restaurants, shops and breweries such as Artichoke Sandwichbar, Botanic, Old Mill Tasty Shop, Doo-Dah Diner, Station 8 BBQ, Sweet Allie B’s Limestone Beer Co. and Tor Brewing. You will also find great dining options inside hotels including AVI Seabar & Chophouse in Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, Harvest Kitchen/Bar inside Hyatt Regency Wichita and Siena Tuscan Steakhouse Restaurant at Ambassador Hotel Autograph Collection-Wichita.
Plant lovers will love GROW Giesen Plant Shop/Botanic. Not only can you shop for unique plants, pots, plant accessories, locally made plant art and more, you can create your own terrarium or simply sit back and sip on a cocktail from Botanic, the shop’s botanical martini bar. Need a pick-me-up? They have coffee too!
Where to Play
Wichita’s downtown is a place where you can experience the sights and sounds of the city and find unique attractions including the Wichita-Sedgwick Co. Historical Museum, located in the original 1890 City Hall, exciting entertainment every day of the week and historic landmarks nearby such as the Keeper of the Plains. Another museum to explore is The Kansas African American Museum, which Additional downtown Wichita entertainment options are Orpheum Theatre, Roxy’s Downtown and TempleLive Wichita.
Where to Stay
Downtown is perfect for a romantic getaway or a weekend of fun with friends. Within walking distance to everything are several hotels:
Impress your date in the state’s only AAA Four Diamond property: the luxurious Ambassador Hotel downtown. The hotel sits where the historic Dockum Sit-in of 1958 took place. During your stay, be on the lookout for historic photos throughout the property and make time to enjoy a specialty cocktail at Dockum, the hotel’s speakeasy-style bar.
History, culture and beauty surround you at Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview. Outside, the Wichita landmark offers stunning views of downtown and sunsets over the Arkansas River. In addition, it’s the perfect location for run along the river or a nighttime walk to the Keeper of the Plains.
The largest hotel in Wichita, Hyatt Regency Wichita, is surrounded by beautiful rock fountains and walking paths. Grab a casual, farm-to-table dinner at the Harvest Kitchen | Bar and catch a show at the connecting Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center for the perfect evening out on the town.
Also downtown is the modern Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wichita Downtown. If you’re catching a Wichita Wind Surge game, it’s the perfect location to stay and walk to the stadium. Plus, parking is convenient and there are lovely paths nearby to take a stroll.
