St. Louis is one of the largest cities in the state of Missouri and is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and prominent role in the development of the American Midwest. The city was founded in 1764 by French fur traders and was named after King Louis IX of France. It played a significant role in westward expansion during the 19th century, serving as a gateway to the American frontier and a starting point for expeditions like the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Today, the city has a wide range of attractions and activities for both residents and visitors. In this travel guide, you will find tips on what to eat and where to stay. You will also find all of the best things to do and see in St. Louis, along with a sample itinerary to assist with your travel planning.
When to Go
Spring and fall are excellent times to visit St. Louis. The weather during both seasons is pleasant with temperatures ranging from the 60’s to 70’s Fahrenheit. The cooler temperatures make way for outdoor activities, such as exploring parks, visiting the zoo, and taking in the sights. Summer is typically a popular time for tourists, especially families on summer vacations. Summer in St. Louis can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 90s Fahrenheit. Winters in St. Louis are cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Snowfall is possible but not excessive. Although it’s typically not the most popular season for tourists, winter can be a good time to find lower rates and fewer crowds.
Where to Stay
The best place to stay depends on your interests, whether you want to be close to popular attractions, dine in specific neighborhoods, or have easy access to business districts. The Downtown area is the heart of the city and where you will find the main tourist attractions and trendy restaurants. This area is highly recommended for first-time visitors wishing to see the most of St. Louis. Highly rated hotels in the downtown area include The Westin St. Louis, Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown, Hampton Inn St. Louis – Downtown, Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch, and Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.
What to Eat
St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis is known for its unique style of pizza. The crust is thin and crispy, and it’s typically cut into squares or rectangles rather than traditional pizza slices. Provel cheese, a processed cheese blend, is often used, and it’s known for its slightly sweet, tangy flavor. Local pizzerias like Imo’s, Cecil Whittaker’s, and Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas are famous for their St. Louis-style pizza.
Toasted Ravioli
This appetizer consists of breaded and deep-fried ravioli, usually filled with meat or cheese. It’s often served with marinara sauce for dipping. Find this dish at many restaurants in St. Louis including Mama’s On The Hill, Charlie Gitto’s On The Hill, and Anthonino’s Taverna.
St. Louis Barbecue
St. Louis has its own style of barbecue, characterized by a tomato-based, slightly sweet sauce. Pork ribs are a popular choice, and you’ll also find pulled pork sandwiches and other barbecue dishes at local joints like Pappy’s Smokehouse and Bogart’s Smokehouse.
Slinger
This hearty and unique St. Louis dish is often served in diners and consists of a layer of hash browns topped with eggs, chili, and cheese. It’s a filling breakfast or late-night option. Good spots to try the Slinger include White Knight Diner and Rooster.
What to See and Do
Gateway Arch National Park
The park’s most prominent feature is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall stainless steel monument. It was completed in 1965 and is the tallest arch in the world. The arch is symbolic of St. Louis’s role as the “Gateway to the West” and commemorates the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take an interesting tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch to enjoy panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. A museum inside the park tells the story of westward expansion and features exhibits, interactive displays, and artifacts. The park also includes a landscaped riverfront area along the Mississippi River, providing a scenic setting for picnics and leisurely walks. You can find more information here.
Busch Stadium
The original home ballpark for the St. Louis Cardinals opened in 1920 and remained intact until 1966. The team had a second ballpark from 1966 until 2006 when the third and current stadium was built. The current Busch Stadium is a modern, fan-friendly ballpark with picturesque views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River. Adjacent to the stadium is Ballpark Village, a mixed-use entertainment complex that includes restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. It has become a popular destination for pre-game and post-game activities, as well as a place to watch games on big screens. If you are visiting St. Louis during baseball season, attending a game is a must-do experience. For a unique and deeper look at the home of the Cardinals, book a Busch Stadium tour. You can find more information here.
Citygarden Sculpture Park
Citygarden is a public sculpture park located in downtown St. Louis. It is a unique and beautifully landscaped urban oasis that combines art and nature. The park features a notable collection of contemporary sculptures and installations created by various artists. These artworks are scattered throughout the garden and provide a unique and dynamic outdoor gallery experience. Some of the sculptures are permanent, while others are part of rotating exhibitions. The park landscape has a variety of trees, plants, flowers, and water features. It includes meandering paths, quiet seating areas, and fountains. One of the wonderful aspects of Citygarden is that it is open to the public free of charge. You can find park information as well as a park map here.
City Museum
The City Museum is a one-of-a-kind, interactive museum and art installation housed in a former shoe factory. It is known for its eclectic and whimsical exhibits that invite visitors of all ages to explore, climb, crawl, and play in a surreal and imaginative environment. The museum is not a traditional museum in the sense of curated exhibits. Instead, it’s an ever-evolving work of art that incorporates salvaged materials, industrial artifacts, and architectural elements. Highlights include the Enchanted Caves, MonstroCity (a massive outdoor climbing structure), and the World Aquarium. From the rooftop, visitors can ride a Ferris wheel, explore a giant treehouse, and enjoy breathtaking views of downtown St. Louis. You might even catch a live circus show during your visit. You can find more information about the museum here.
The St. Louis Wheel
The St. Louis Wheel is part of the St. Louis Union Station entertainment complex, a historic train station that has been transformed into a vibrant destination with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It stands at 200 feet tall and contains 42 climate-controlled gondolas that can hold up to eight passengers each. One of the main highlights of the St. Louis Wheel is the breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. You can find more information here.
Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery
The Anheuser-Busch Brewery is famous for its production of Budweiser and other popular beer brands. It was founded in 1852 by German immigrant Adolphus Busch and his father-in-law, Eberhard Anheuser. The brewery quickly became successful and played a significant role in the American beer industry. The brewery offers guided tours to visitors who want to learn about the beer-making process, the history of the brewery, and the iconic Clydesdale horses. Visitors can also sample Anheuser-Busch products and enjoy food at the Biergarten. You can find more information here.
Lemp Mansion
The Lemp Mansion is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. It was built in the 1860s by a wealthy St. Louis merchant and was later purchased by the prominent Lemp family in 1876. The Lemp family was known for their successful brewing business, which produced the famous Lemp Beer. The Lemp family experienced a series of tragedies, including the deaths of family members and financial setbacks, which eventually led to the decline of the brewery and the family’s fortune. In 1904, the Lemp Brewery closed its doors permanently.
Over the years, the Lemp Mansion has gained a reputation as a haunted location. Numerous reports of paranormal activity, including ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena, have been associated with the mansion. Some attribute the hauntings to the tragedies and misfortunes that befell the Lemp family. Today, the Lemp Mansion operates as a restaurant, bed and breakfast inn, and event space. It’s a popular destination for history enthusiasts, ghost hunters, and those interested in experiencing a piece of St. Louis’s past. The Lemp Mansion offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations for those who want to explore its haunted reputation. You can find more information about the Lemp Mansion here. Additionally, the St. Louis Paranormal Research Society conducts haunted walking tours of the neighborhood and brewery. You can find out more information about those tours here.
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden, often referred to as MOBOT, is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and is recognized worldwide for its research, conservation efforts, and beautifully landscaped grounds. The garden is home to an extensive and diverse collection of plants, including rare and endangered species from around the world. It features a variety of themed gardens, including the Japanese Garden, English Woodland Garden, Chinese Garden, Victorian District, and the iconic Climatron, a geodesic dome housing tropical rainforest plants. Throughout the year, the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts various events, including flower shows, art exhibits, and seasonal festivals like the Garden Glow, a holiday light display. You can more information about the Missouri Botanical Garden here.
Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center features a wide range of interactive and hands-on exhibits covering various scientific disciplines. Visitors can explore topics such as space, astronomy, technology, engineering, health, and the environment. The science center also features a planetarium and OMNIMAX theater. The science center does not charge for admission. You can find more information about the Saint Louis Science Center here.
Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, as it covers approximately 1,371 acres. It is home to a wide range of attractions including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, and Saint Louis History Museum. Other highlights include a historic greenhouse (Jewel Box), a boat rental facility (Boathouse), a winter skating rink (Steinberg skating rink), and a large reflecting pool (Emerson Grand Basin). Forest Park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including walking and biking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, and more. General admission to Forest Park is free, although some attractions and events may have admission fees. You can find more information about Forest Park here.
Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, and documents related to Missouri’s history. Its collections cover a wide range of topics, including Native American history, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Civil War, immigration, African-American history, and more. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or someone curious about the past, the Missouri History Museum offers a wealth of resources and experiences to engage with the history of the region. General admission to the Museum is free. You can find more information about the Missouri History Museum here.
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the most popular and renowned zoos in the United States. It covers approximately 90 acres and is home to over 13,000 animals representing more than 600 species from around the world. It features a wide variety of exhibits and habitats, including Big Cat Country, Penguin & Puffin Coast, The Wild, and Sea Lion Sound. General admission to the Saint Louis Zoo is free, although some attractions and special exhibits may have an additional fee. You can find more information about the Saint Louis Zoo here.
Saint Louis Art Museum
The museum’s collection includes more than 35,000 works of art, spanning over 5,000 years of history. The collection is organized into several departments, including Ancient Art, European Art, American Art, Asian Art, African and Oceanic Art, and Modern and Contemporary Art. The Modern and Contemporary Art Exhibit features works from the late 19th century to the present, including pieces by famous artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Warhol. General admission to the Saint Louis Art Museum is free, although there may be charges for special exhibitions and programs. You can find more information about the art museum here.
The Magic House
The Magic House is a highly regarded and popular children’s museum that provides an interactive and educational environment with hands-on learning experiences. The museum features a wide range of interactive exhibits and play areas, each designed to encourage learning through play. Some of the exhibits include a children’s village, a space for creation, a mini replica of the Oval Office, and an outdoor play space. You can find more information about the Magic House here.
How to Get Around
Getting around in St. Louis is relatively easy and convenient, thanks to a variety of transportation options. St. Louis is a car-friendly city. You can rent a car if you’re visiting from out of town or use your own vehicle. Just keep in mind that traffic congestion can occur during rush hours, so plan your trips accordingly. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. The city has a network of bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, such as Lime and Bird electric scooters, which can be convenient for short trips. Depending on where you’re staying and what you’d like to see, walking can also be a pleasant way to explore parts of St. Louis.
The Metro Transit system includes buses (MetroBus) and light rail trains (MetroLink). MetroLink connects various parts of the city, including downtown St. Louis, the airport, and nearby Illinois communities. MetroBus routes cover a wide area, making it possible to reach many neighborhoods and attractions. Fares and schedules can be found on the Metro Transit website.
St. Louis Travel Itinerary
Are you ready to plan your St. Louis adventure? Start by downloading our free and easy-to-customize St. Louis Travel Itinerary. This is just a sample of what your trip could look like. Easily make changes to the itinerary so that it fits your interests and schedule.