Wichitaâs downtown is a place where you can experience the sights and sounds of the city and find unique attractions nearby like Exploration Place, historic landmarks like the Keeper of the Plainsand exciting entertainment every day of the week.
Much of the areaâs success can be attributed to the efforts of Downtown Wichita. One of six strategic priorities of the Greater Wichita Partnership, Downtown Wichita was founded in 2002 as the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation and is the driving force behind revitalizing and enhancing Wichitaâs urban core. They collaborate with change-makers whose presence stimulates investment and interest in downtown and serves as the connector to resources.
The organization has spearheaded place making projects like the ICT Pop-Up Urban Park, an outdoor space and regular gathering spot for food trucks and lunch-goers, and Gallery Alley, an under-utilized alley that is now a vibrant public space, complete with a local art, a portable concert stage, a screen for outdoor movies and outdoor seating.
Theyâve also assisted in making getting around effortless, affordable and convenient. You can easily walk the area or hop on the free Q-Line Trolley. Another option you will find scattered throughout downtown is Bike Share ICT, a low-cost and simple-to-use way to explore Wichita on two wheels.
When downtown, you can sample local flavor with a variety of restaurants in the heart of the city. For upscale dining, enjoy a relaxing dinner and specialty cocktail at Siena Tuscan Steakhouse Restaurant, located in the stateâs only AAA Four Diamond property, the Ambassador Hotel. At AVI Seabar & Chophouse in the historic Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, youâll enjoy hand-crafted sandwiches, savory Sterling Silver steaks and beers from around the world. Both are perfect stops before a show or after a performance or game at INTRUST Bank Arena.
Other favorites offering mouth-watering meals are CafĂ© Bel Ami, The Kitchen, Bite Me BBQ and Old Mill Tasty Shop, which has been a Wichita tradition since 1932. Right in the area are local breweries Third Place Brewery and Limestone Beer Co.Downtown is also the place to go for specialty desserts and drinks like the healthy, cold pressed organic juices youâll find at 86 Cold Press.
Downtown is perfect for a romantic getaway as well. Within walking distance to everything are several iconic and luxurious hotels:
Impress your date in the stateâs only AAA Four Diamond property: the luxurious Ambassador Hotel downtown. During your stay, be sure to enjoy a specialty cocktail at Dockum, the hotelâs 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, itâs the perfect location for a night time stroll 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 date night.
Other hotels in the downtown area include the modern Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wichita Downtown, the comfortable and family-friendly Hotel at WaterWalk and affordable and completely...
   Read moreBeing a visitor from Texas, I was excited to see what Wichita had to offer. I was a bit disappointed in the only options being just restaurants and the arena. A walkable downtown that was not entirely open to the public. Itâs mostly small businesses like law firms, photography, and liquor spots. Iâd love to see more shops open, more storefronts with cold drinks in the summer that isnât just alcohol, maybe some easy to access coffee shops and ice cream stops. The architecture is gorgeous and the buildings were very cool to look at, I can see what is being done to...
   Read moreWichita Downtown is a charming and lively area with a great mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. From unique local shops and restaurants to beautiful art installations and parks, thereâs something for everyone to enjoy. Itâs walkable, clean, and feels welcoming both during the day and at night. A great place to explore, relax, and experience the...
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