St. Louis, known as the Gateway to the West, is an energetic city sitting proudly on the banks of the Mississippi River. With its famous Gateway Arch slicing through the skyline, St. Louis is a city where American history and modern creativity come together. Its friendly neighborhoods, lively blues music scene, and a legacy tied to pivotal moments in U.S. history make it an inviting destination for travelers of all ages and interests.
The city's top attractions cater to a variety of interests. Ride to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch for sweeping river and city views, or stroll through Forest Park, one of the nation’s largest urban parks, where you'll find the St. Louis Art Museum, Zoo, Science Center, and The Muny outdoor theater. Baseball fans flock to Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinals, while families love exploring the hands-on exhibits at the City Museum, an interactive urban playground inside a former warehouse. St. Louis also offers a thriving craft beer scene, innovative restaurants, and soulful barbecue.
St. Louis’s neighborhoods each have unique personalities, from the trendy boutiques and nightlife of The Loop to the historic brick streets and Italian eateries of The Hill. Locals are known for their warmth and Midwestern hospitality, which is reflected in bustling farmers markets and lively community events. The city’s rich musical heritage, especially in jazz and blues, echoes through venues from Soulard to Grand Center.
Public transport, including the MetroLink light rail, makes it easy to get around, but driving offers the most flexibility if you plan to visit suburban attractions or regional parks. There’s a wide array of accommodation options, from luxury riverfront hotels to cozy boutique inns. Dining ranges from casual diners serving up toasted ravioli (a St. Louis staple) to upscale farm-to-table restaurants and stellar barbecue joints.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, thanks to mild weather and numerous festivals. Summer brings great energy and plenty of free events, but also more heat and humidity. An insider tip: take a riverboat cruise at sunset for unforgettable city views, or catch a local blues band in a Soulard bar for an authentic St. Louis night out.
The city's top attractions cater to a variety of interests. Ride to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch for sweeping river and city views, or stroll through Forest Park, one of the nation’s largest urban parks, where you'll find the St. Louis Art Museum, Zoo, Science Center, and The Muny outdoor theater. Baseball fans flock to Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinals, while families love exploring the hands-on exhibits at the City Museum, an interactive urban playground inside a former warehouse. St. Louis also offers a thriving craft beer scene, innovative restaurants, and soulful barbecue.
St. Louis’s neighborhoods each have unique personalities, from the trendy boutiques and nightlife of The Loop to the historic brick streets and Italian eateries of The Hill. Locals are known for their warmth and Midwestern hospitality, which is reflected in bustling farmers markets and lively community events. The city’s rich musical heritage, especially in jazz and blues, echoes through venues from Soulard to Grand Center.
Public transport, including the MetroLink light rail, makes it easy to get around, but driving offers the most flexibility if you plan to visit suburban attractions or regional parks. There’s a wide array of accommodation options, from luxury riverfront hotels to cozy boutique inns. Dining ranges from casual diners serving up toasted ravioli (a St. Louis staple) to upscale farm-to-table restaurants and stellar barbecue joints.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, thanks to mild weather and numerous festivals. Summer brings great energy and plenty of free events, but also more heat and humidity. An insider tip: take a riverboat cruise at sunset for unforgettable city views, or catch a local blues band in a Soulard bar for an authentic St. Louis night out.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Ride the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch
- Explore the St. Louis Art Museum and Science Center in Forest Park
- Visit the quirky and creative City Museum
- Sample ribs and toasted ravioli at a local barbecue spot
- Catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium
- Stroll through the Missouri Botanical Garden
- Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River
- Enjoy live music in the historic Soulard neighborhood
Notable Sites
- Gateway Arch
- Forest Park
- St. Louis Art Museum
- Busch Stadium
- City Museum
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery
General Advice
St. Louis is a walkable and diverse city with plenty of green spaces and unique neighborhoods to explore. Most of the main attractions lie within a short drive of downtown, and the city’s affordable taxis, light rail, and buses make it simple to get around. Plan your days to include both indoor and outdoor activities, since Midwest weather can be unpredictable. Budget travelers will appreciate the many free attractions, especially those within Forest Park. Make sure to try some local eats – St. Louis has a rich history of Italian food, iconic pizzas, and top-notch barbecue.
Security & Safety
St. Louis is generally safe for tourists in well-trafficked areas and near major attractions. However, as in any urban area, it’s wise to stay alert, particularly at night and in less crowded neighborhoods. Keep valuables out of sight, lock your car, and use reputable transportation or ride-sharing services. Ask your hotel for advice on local neighborhoods and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Travel Tips
- Download a MetroLink map if you plan to use public transit; it's affordable and handy for getting around.
- Reserve popular museum and attraction tickets ahead, especially during weekends or school holidays.
- St. Louis weather can change rapidly – bring layers and an umbrella if visiting in spring or fall.
- Book accommodations near downtown or Forest Park for easy access to attractions.
- Try local specialties like gooey butter cake and toasted ravioli.
- Baseball game days can mean busy traffic and packed restaurants downtown – plan accordingly.
- Forest Park attractions are mostly free, but parking may fill up during peak times.
- Look for live music listings; the city's blues and jazz venues are lively all year.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in June 2024
My family loved St. Louis! The City Museum is unlike anything I've ever seen – our kids didn't want to leave. We spent a day at Forest Park and easily could have stayed longer. The summer heat was real, but we found great places to cool off with ice cream and local beers.
Traveled here in March 2024
Took a work trip but made sure to ride up the Gateway Arch – incredible views! The food in The Hill neighborhood was a highlight, and everyone we met was friendly. The downtown area was quieter at night than I expected.
Stayed in April 2024
I loved the mix of history and art here. Visited the Cathedral Basilica and spent hours at the St. Louis Art Museum. Public transport was easy and cheap. Would visit again just for the barbecue alone!
Visited in October 2023
Fall colors in Forest Park were beautiful. Caught a concert at The Pageant, which was awesome. Wish we had more time for Missouri Botanical Garden, but the weekend flew by!
Traveled here in February 2024
Nice city with so much to see. I liked walking along the riverfront, though it was chilly in winter. Busch Stadium tour was a nice surprise – even as a non-baseball fan, it was fun.
Visited in May 2024
Had a blast at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery tour – really interesting history and, of course, free tastings. Lots of great live music options. Next time I’ll bring my bike for the trails in Forest Park.
Stayed in September 2023
St. Louis was cool but I wish I’d rented a car. Some attractions are a little spread out, and public transport didn’t cover everywhere I wanted to go. The City Museum made up for it though – I’ve never been anywhere like it.
Visited in July 2023
Traveled solo and really enjoyed the mix of old and new architecture. The music scene is alive and well – I stumbled into a blues club in Soulard and had the best night. Forest Park is a gem.
Traveled here in August 2023
Our kids (7 and 10) loved the Zoo and Science Center. Both were free, which helped our budget a lot! We tried St. Louis-style pizza and gooey butter cake – both delicious. Only downside was some construction around downtown.
Visited in April 2024
Came during the spring and the city was full of flowers. Missouri Botanical Garden is spectacular. Transport was generally fine, but driving downtown during events can be tricky.
Stayed in May 2024
The Gateway Arch is even more impressive up close. Ate dinner at a Soulard restaurant with jazz musicians playing live – unforgettable. Would recommend staying near Forest Park for families.
Visited in January 2024
Winter in St. Louis is pretty quiet. Some tours weren't running, but it made the museums less crowded. Good for a peaceful city getaway but not if you want lots of outdoor action in winter.
Traveled here in June 2024
Had the best time at a Cardinals game! The city really comes alive when sports are on. Also, so many free attractions for families – highly recommend bringing kids.
Visited in December 2023
Took the brewery tour and learned a lot about the city’s history. Downtown has beautiful holiday lights in winter. Parking can be a bit of a hassle near the riverfront.
Traveled here in May 2024
Enjoyed exploring different neighborhoods – The Loop had a fun college vibe and great food. Wish public transport ran a bit later at night. The people were super friendly wherever I went.
Visited in November 2023
Great museums and architecture. The Cathedral Basilica mosaics are stunning. Ate some of the best ribs of my life here. Would skip summer if you don't love humidity.
Visited in March 2024
I came for a conference and had free time to check out the Art Museum and Forest Park. MetroLink was convenient for getting around. Will bring my family next time for the city’s parks and free attractions.
Traveled here in September 2023
Lots to do for families. The Science Center exhibits were interesting even for adults. Only downside was that some restaurants were busy during big events downtown. Would come back.
Stayed in August 2023
We hit a heatwave so sightseeing was tiring, but the city’s museums and music scene made up for it. Definitely recommend planning indoor options if you visit in summer.
Visited in May 2024
First time in the city and loved the botanical garden. The live jazz in the bars was a huge bonus for us. Would have liked a few more late-night café options, but overall a great trip.
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