Things To Do
in St. Louis
St. Louis is a vibrant city in the state of Missouri, known for its iconic Gateway Arch, which symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, with institutions like the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Art Museum, and a thriving blues music heritage. It also offers lush parks, delicious cuisine (especially famous for its barbecue and pizza), and a strong sporting tradition, being home to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and the St.
Louis Blues hockey team.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the iconic Gateway Arch and take the tram to the top for stunning views. Afterward, explore the visitor center to learn about its history.
Stroll through the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café with views of the Arch.
Head to the Old Courthouse, where you can take an evening guided tour. Wrap up your day with dinner at a local BBQ joint.
Start your day at Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Rent a bike to explore the scenic trails and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Visit the St. Louis Zoo located in the park, which is free and home to thousands of animals. Grab a picnic lunch at the Zoo or a nearby café.
Relax at the park while watching the sunset by the lakes. Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant to enjoy the ambiance.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural history and vibrant music scene, especially in blues and jazz.
- Home to iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch and Forest Park, offering plenty of recreational activities.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other major U.S. cities.
- Diverse culinary scene, famous for barbecue and toasted ravioli.
- Strong community spirit with numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
- Higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods, which can be a concern for residents.
- Public transportation options are limited compared to other cities, making a car necessary.
- Weather can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters, including the possibility of severe storms.
- Economic challenges in some areas, particularly related to job opportunities and infrastructure.
- Some neighborhoods may experience urban decay and lack of investment.
Best Activities in St. Louis
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, take a tram ride to the top for a stunning view of the city and the Mississippi River.
Explore the expansive park with walking and biking trails, visit the Saint Louis Art Museum, and enjoy outdoor concerts and events.
Discover a vast botanical garden with beautiful landscapes, plant collections, and special exhibits, perfect for a leisurely outdoor stroll.
Enjoy a day at the zoo, home to a diverse range of animals and interactive exhibits set amidst lovely outdoor spaces.
Tours
Uncover the best of St. Louis with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in St. Louis
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic landmark offering stunning views of the city and Mississippi River
Sprawling park with beautiful landscapes and several vantage points for capturing the city skyline
Unique vantage point offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city
Food in St. Louis
St. Louis Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender, slow-cooked pork ribs slathered in a tangy, slightly sweet barbecue sauce. Must-try at Pappy's Smokehouse or Bogart's Smokehouse.
Must-Try!
A St. Louis invention, these deep-fried ravioli filled with meat or cheese are a beloved snack. Sample at Charlie Gitto's on the Hill or Mama's On The Hill.
Decadent and rich, this St. Louis classic is a must for those with a sweet tooth. Indulge at Park Avenue Coffee or Russell's on Macklind.
Unique Experiences
Get to know St. Louis better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest farmers markets in the country, offering a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local snacks. Don't miss the food stands for delicious street food options.
An event where a variety of food trucks converge, offering everything from gourmet tacos and BBQ to artisanal ice cream and vegan fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In St. Louis, it is common to greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. It is considered respectful to address people using Mr. or Ms. followed by their last name unless they indicate otherwise.
Maintaining an appropriate level of personal space is important in St. Louis. It is polite to give people space and not stand too close during conversations or interactions.
St. Louis is known for its diverse population, so it is important to show respect for people from different cultural backgrounds. Embracing diversity and being open-minded are valued traits in this city.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of St. Louis with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in St. Louis
Ensure a smooth experience
In St. Louis, tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, and for various services such as taxi rides and hotel staff. The standard tip for good service is generally 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in St. Louis is commonly made using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment apps. Most businesses and establishments accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into St. Louis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for pleasant weather and blooming trees and flowers.
Ideal for outdoor activities and events, but can be hot and humid.
Beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures, great for outdoor exploration.
Festive atmosphere with holiday events, but cold temperatures and occasional snow.
St. Louis at Night
Hiking in St. Louis
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park located along the Meramec River with a variety of trails, scenic overlooks, and a mix of terrain.
One of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering numerous trails, beautiful landscapes, and diverse ecosystems.
A long-distance trail that follows the Missouri River, ideal for hiking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
A unique outdoor park that combines hiking trails with large-scale sculptures, perfect for outdoor art lovers.
Features over 10 miles of scenic trails through woodlands and hills, perfect for a day hike near St. Louis.
A small park featuring trails that connect to the River des Peres Greenway, offering a peaceful hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into St. Louis through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach St. Louis by plane.
Located approximately 300 miles north of St. Louis, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Situated about 250 miles west of St. Louis, MCI serves the Kansas City area and offers a range of domestic and international flights.
Located around 280 miles south of St. Louis, MEM is a major cargo hub but also offers passenger services with various domestic and limited international routes.
About 290 miles north of St. Louis, Midway primarily serves domestic flights and is a secondary airport for the Chicago area.
Approximately 250 miles east of St. Louis, IND is known for its efficient operations and serves a mix of domestic and international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 46.4% of the population identifies as Black or African American.
About 43.6% of the St. Louis population identifies as White.
Hispanic or Latino residents make up around 5.2% of the population.
Asian residents constitute approximately 3.5% of the population.
Individuals identifying as two or more races represent about 2% of the population.
Native American residents account for roughly 0.3% of the population.
Pacific Islander individuals are less than 0.1% of the population.
The Soul of St. Louis
Discover the essence of St. Louis through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is extremely popular in St. Louis, with the St. Louis Cardinals being one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball history.
Football enjoys a strong following in St. Louis, especially with the history of the St. Louis Rams, who were part of the NFL until relocating in 2016.
Ice hockey is widely supported, with the St. Louis Blues being a prominent team in the NHL and having a dedicated fan base.
Basketball has a significant presence at both the college level and among local amateur leagues, with the St. Louis Billikens representing Saint Louis University.
Soccer is growing in popularity, especially with the recent establishment of St. Louis City SC as a professional club in Major League Soccer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting St. Louis.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
St. Louis boasts numerous restaurants and eateries with dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus, including Seedz Cafe, Lulu's Local Eatery, and Frida's.
Many establishments in St. Louis offer gluten-free alternatives, such as the dedicated gluten-free bakery Range Free and the upscale Italian eatery Gian-Tony's Ristorante.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of St. Louis with these cultural adventures.
