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Fun Things to do in St. Louis
Missouri
city guide
Welcome to St. Louis, a vibrant city known for its baseball, beer, blues, and BBQ, but that's just scratching the surface of all this city has to offer. Beyond the usual stereotypes, St. Louis is a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered.
For foodies, St. Louis boasts a diverse culinary scene with delicious restaurants serving up a variety of cuisines, from gourmet dining to classic comfort food. Don't miss out on trying the local specialties like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and St. Louis-style pizza.
The city is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with picturesque views along the Mississippi River and plenty of green spaces to explore. Take a stroll through Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, or enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the scenic Riverfront Trail.
Throughout the year, St. Louis hosts a plethora of festivals celebrating everything from art and music to food and culture. Be sure to check out events like the St. Louis Art Fair, the Soulard Mardi Gras, and the Great Forest Park Balloon Race for a taste of the city's vibrant community spirit.
When it comes to accommodations, St. Louis offers a range of stunning hotels, from historic landmarks to modern boutique properties. Whether you prefer luxury amenities or cozy bed and breakfasts, there's a perfect place to stay for every type of traveler.
To make the most of your time in St. Louis, be sure to follow these social media accounts for insider tips and recommendations:
- Instagram: @explorestlouis
- Twitter: @VisitStLouis
- Facebook: Explore St. Louis
For more in-depth guides and features on things to do in the city, check out publications like St. Louis Magazine, Riverfront Times, and Feast Magazine. These resources offer valuable insights into the best activities, events, and attractions that St. Louis has to offer, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience in the Gateway to the West.
Best time to go
The best times to visit St. Louis are in April and May and September through October. St. Louis experiences long, hot summers and long, cold winters.
Fun city facts and activities
- Baseball, beer, blues and BBQ: Thats what most people think of when they talk about this city. But its time to look beyond that and discover the other amazing things to do in St Louisthe kind of activities that make the Gateway to the West oh-so-special. From delicious restaurants to picture-perfect views, fantastic festivals and stunning hotels, St Louis deserves to be explored and lived-in like a local, whether youre visiting for just a couple of days or have a whole week.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Downtown St. Louis
Lafayette Square
Soulard
Shaw
Central West End
Debaliviere Place
Tower Grove
Forest Park
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- St Louis boasts one of the most exciting up-and-coming food scenes in the nation, so it follows that one of the very best things to do while in town is to eat. A lot. And wed like to help you with that, so here is a list of the very best restaurants in St Louis. Find an eclectic mix of cuisines, from BBQ that youll never forget to modern takes on Asian food and New American fare with a distinctly Midwestern twist. Whether youre a St Louis native or a tourist staying at one of the best hotels in town, one thing is certain: Dining out at these local eateries will make you fall in love with the city one bite at a time.
St. Louis Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Explore the City Museum: This eclectic museum is full of fun and quirky displays and activities. Climb through the caves, explore the rooftop ferris wheel, and take a ride on the ten-story slide.
2. Visit a Brewery: St. Louis has a great craft beer scene, with several local breweries offering tours and tastings. Check out Schlafly, 4 Hands, Urban Chestnut, or Civil Life for a unique experience.
3. Take a Segway Tour: See the sights of St. Louis in a unique way on a Segway tour. You can explore the city by night or day, with knowledgeable guides offering insights into the citys history.
4. Visit the City Garden: This beautiful urban oasis is full of sculptures, plants, and art installations, making it the perfect spot for a tranquil stroll.
5. Take a Food Tour: Learn about the citys culinary offerings on a
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and it has more than 3 million visitors and 17,000 wild animals within its walls.
2. Big Joels Safari
Big Joels Safari is an animal petting zoo that was first opened to the public in 2012.
It is owned by a couple who are both members of the Zoological Association of America, and it is recognized by the Missouri Farm Bureau.
3. City Museum
The City Museum is reimagined in a 600,000 square-foot former warehouse belonging to an International Shoe Company has a fun pavilion and source of architectural wonder for visitors.
4. Grants Farm
Grants Farm is a wildlife preserve and a historical landmark in Grantswood with more than 900 animals from more than a hundred species.
5. Playtime Party Center
When the Playtime Party Center was first established, it was just for kids.
Today, it caters for people of all ages in an 18,000 sq ft building with a laser tag arena of 4,000 sq ft.
6. St. Louis Mercantile Library
The St. Louis Mercantile Library was established in 1846 by philanthropists and civic leaders who wanted the city of St. Louis to have a library for the purpose of advancing educational pursuits.
7. The Magic House
The Magic House is a nonprofit museum founded in 1979 by Barbie Freund and Kody Newman in a cozy 5,500 square foot Victorian mansion in St. Louis.
8. Saint Louis Science Center
Officially, the Science Center was opened on November 2, 1991, as a non-profit organization, but its origin can be traced back to 1856 when the Academy of Science of St. Louis was founded.
9. Ultimate Ninjas
Ultimate Ninjas was inspired by the popular NBC TV show, American Ninja Warriors.
10. Lone Elk Park
The Lone Elk Park was initially part of the Tyson Valley Powder Plant during World War II.
City data and FAQ
What is St Louis most know for?
The Arch, our wonderful museum and zoo, toasted ravioli, great architecture, the St Louis Cardinals baseball of course, Blues hockey just to name a few.
Barbara Sarro Lives in St Louis, MO
Being a St. Louisan from birth, I am not so familiar with what other people know St. Louis for, but I would bet it's either the Gateway Arch, the St. Louis baseball Cardinals.
John Kramer Lives in St Louis, MO (2016 Present)
Is St Louis worth visiting?
Yes, theres a lot to do here. The zoo is great (and free)! The Aquarium, Union Station, Science Center, Grants Farm, The brewery, The City Museum (a bit quirky), Shaws Garden, The Arch and the museum under it, and the Magic House. In season, you have sports (Cards and Blues). Also try Ted Drewes. Most popular ice cream place in the city.
If you like Italian food, go to The Hill. Too many good restaurants to mention, but we love it there.
You probably need to try Imos pizza at least once. Its not for everybody but we love it.
Robert Cortez Lives in St Louis, MO (1984 Present)
Do you need a car to visit St Louis?
It would be helpful because the its a big city. You dont know the public transit system, and cabs are very expensive along with Uber. So renting a car with a city map will be much safer and cheaper.
T. McKnight - Lived in The United States of America
100% yes. St. Louis has very little public transport and what there is of it isn't very safe. Also much of stl isn't easily walkable or bikeable. You would miss out on so much to the point where I would say don't even bother coming if you don't have access to a car. You could also just plan to use uber/lyft/etc but IMO it's better to just rent a car and likely much cheaper as well.
Kat Ellison Lives in St Louis, MO
Are two days enought to visit St Louis?
You can't do all ofthe tourist stuff in 2 days, and especially not on Mondays - most of it is closed. The Zoo, the History Museum, and the Muny (if you go in season) would fill one day, leaving the Art Museum, the Botanical Garden, and the World's Fair Pavilion for another day. Then Grant's Farm and one of Missouri's many lovely parks would take a day. The Old Courthouse and the Arch museum, separated by a trip to one of our barbecue places, would fill another.
You could probably do it all in a week, if you timed it right.
Bem Andrews Lived in St Louis, MO
Landmarks in the city
1. Gateway Arch: Iconic stainless steel arch standing 630 feet tall, offering breathtaking views of the city and Mississippi River.
2. Forest Park: Sprawling urban park housing the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, and more.
3. City Museum: Eccentric museum featuring an eclectic mix of art, architecture, and interactive exhibits.
4. Busch Stadium: Home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, offering tours and games for sports enthusiasts.
5. Missouri Botanical Garden: One of the oldest botanical gardens in the U.S., featuring diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes.
6. The Fox Theatre: Historic theater showcasing Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances.
7. St. Louis Union Station: Former train station turned shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, and a Ferris wheel.
8. Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Brewery tours offering insights into the beer-making process and the history of the famous Budweiser brand.
9. The Magic House: Interactive children's museum with hands-on exhibits and activities for kids of all ages.
10. Grant's Farm: Historic farm and wildlife park featuring exotic animals, tram rides, and the ancestral home of Ulysses S. Grant.