St. Louis has a rich history of originality, ingenuity and cultural diversity. Founded in 1764 by French fur trader Pierre Laclede Liguest, the city’s earliest immigrants were primarily from France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and Poland. Today, St. Louis is a melting pot of people from all over the world, including Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Home to close to three million residents, St. Louis continues to maintain distinct cultural districts with authentic food, shops and seasonal events. From the grounds of the Gateway Arch to the Italian Food on the Hill, St. Louis has something for everyone in its unique sites, attractions, activities and restaurants, so take the time to enjoy what this grand city has to offer.
Places to See
St. Louis Arch — Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
Nothing says St. Louis more than the iconic St. Louis Arch. The nation’s tallest monument, it’s also the largest arch in the world. You can take a tram to the top of the arch, which is managed by the National Park Service, and visit the museum located beneath it. The St. Louis Riverfront area, along the Mississippi River near the arch, is full of activities for every type of visitor, from paddleboat cruises and helicopter tours to seasonal events and local attractions.
Address: 11. North 4th St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
Admission: Adults $3, children under 16 are free
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Containing one of the largest collections of mosaics in the Western Hemisphere, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a true masterpiece. More than 83,000 square feet of mosaics coupled with the 7,621 pipes of the Great Cathedral Organ make this 100-year-old structure a sensory marvel unlike any other. The cathedral is not only a tourist destination — it is also a special place of worship with masses held daily.
Address: 4431 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: 7 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays; both self and guided tours are available. Call 314-373-8241 for more information.
Admission: $2 suggested admission
Formed in 1910, the St. Louis Zoo is one of the top zoos in the nation, housing more than 14,000 species across a sprawling 90 acres. Highlights include the newly opened Tasmanian Devil Den and McDonnell Polar Bear Point exhibit.
Address: One Government Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Admission: Admission is free, but there are fees for the parking and for some of the special attractions
Almost 80 acres, the Missouri Botanical Gardens was founded in 1859 and is one of the top botanical gardens in the nation. Designated as both a National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, the facility hosts a Japanese garden and three conservatories, among other attractions.
Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: Adults $15; children 3-12 $5
Established in 1879, the Saint Louis Art Museum is located in historic Forest Park. Touted as one of the principal art museums in the United States, the museum has featured exhibitions as well as rotating installations. The building was designed by Cass Gilbert for the 1904 World’s Fair and is the last remaining building from the fair.
Address: One Fine Arts Dr., Forest Park St. Louis, MO 83110
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
One of the largest and oldest in the nation, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery includes three National Historic Landmarks and provides visitors with the opportunity to witness the beer making process.
Address: 12th and Lynch St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: Admission is free for the 45-minute tour
Things to Do
This unique, half artwork/half oversized playhouse is as much for children as it is for adults. Opened in 1997, the City Museum is housed in the former International Shoe building; the “exhibits” are each one-of-a-kind, hands-on creations made of a mix of reclaimed architectural and industrial materials. Visitors can climb, touch and play throughout the facility.
Address: 750 N 16th St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Hours: Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–midnight, Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: General $12; children 2 and under admitted free; $10 after 5p.m. Friday and Saturday
St. Louis Science Center and Planetarium
Named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, this 50,000-square foot facility has hundreds of exhibits focused on life science, space, energy and the environment, to name a handful.
Address: 5050 Oakland Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Admission: Free admission with small fees for some attractions
The Magic House — St. Louis Children’s Museum
Address: 516 S Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., call for times after Labor Day
Admission: Admission $10, ages 1 and older
See more than 1,000 butterflies fly free in the 8,000-square foot glass conservatory. The Butterfly House also includes educational programs, an outdoor butterfly garden and the opportunity to view butterflies emerging from their chrysalises.
Address: Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd.Chesterfield, MO 63017
Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: General admission is $6; $5 seniors 65 and older; $4 children 3-12; children 2 and under are free
A Taste of History National Blues Museum
Opened in April 2016, the National Blues Museum focuses on the history of blues music across the nation. Exhibits include St. Louis blues artists, female blues musicians, costumes, instruments and songbooks.
Address: 615 Washington Ave.
St Louis, MO 63101
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday and Monday 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: Adults $15; over 65 $12; children ages 5-17 $10; children under 5 are free
Founded in 1866, the Missouri History Museum was created to preserve the history of the city and state. Rated the Best Museum in St. Louis in 2016 by Go! magazine, this museum has a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits.
Address: 5700 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63112
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Grant’s Farm is the ancestral home of the Busch family, famous for their Anheuser-Busch beers, such as Budweiser. The 281-acre facility includes the family residence and surrounding grounds. Rated as one of the nation’s top attractions, Grant’s Farm includes more than 900 animals of more than 100 species.
Address: 10501 Gravois Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63123
Hours: In the fall, open Friday 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Admission: Admission is free; some attractions require a small fee
Where to Eat
Home to more international restaurants than Epcot Center, the South Grand neighborhood represents 14 different countries. This eclectic area is known not only for its restaurants, but also for its 19th-century Victorian walking park in Tower Grove Park, which includes the Missouri Botanical Gardens, unique shops and is host to seasonal events. South Grand won the 2015 Great Street Award from the American Planning Association —Missouri Chapter.
Address: Bounded by Arsenal St. on the north, Chippewa St. on the south, Kingshighway Blvd. on the west, and Grand Blvd. on the east
The Hill (Italian restaurant hot spot)
Looking for some Italian dining? The Hill is St. Louis’ Italian neighborhood and maintains tradition in its restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores. This was also the home of baseball’s Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola.
Address: Manchester Ave. (Route 100) on the north, Columbia and Southwest Ave. on the south, South Kingshighway Blvd. on the east, and Hampton Ave. on the west
With more than 12 blocks of restaurants, stores, antique shops and galleries, the Cherokee Street area is a thriving destination for those looking for a unique urban experience. This area is also known as the Mexican food mecca of St. Louis, so if you are looking for an authentic Mexican meal, this is the place.
Address: From downtown, take Jefferson Ave. to Cherokee and head either direction. Or take Broadway south to Seventh St. to Cherokee St. and head west
First opened in 1930, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a St. Louis tradition. This family establishment was originated by Ted Drewes Sr. and continues to be family run despite numerous offers to create a franchise. The Chippewa operation is located on historic Route 66. Kosher custard is available. Ted Drewes has been featured on the Food Network and “Man vs. Food Nation.”
Address: 6726 Chippewa and 4224 S. Grand Blvd.
Hours: Chippewa location is open 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Grand location is open 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
St. Louis’ restaurant of the year in 2014, Tony’s has been a St. Louis favorite since the 1940s. It’s a perfect place for a fine dining experience.
Address: 410 Market St.
Saint Louis, MO 63102
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Contact info: 314-231-7007
Rated one of the top-five restaurants in the country for ribs by the Food Network, Pappy’s Smokehouse is a must-stop if you are in the mood for barbecue.
Address: 3106 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (or until they sell out)
Established in 1779, this farmer’s market is located in a historic French neighborhood of St. Louis.
Address: 730 Carroll St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
Hours: Best day to shop is Saturday because all booths are open (7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.), also open Wednesday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Note: Please check dates and times before visiting these locations — some facilities change hours seasonally.
Where Does St. Louis Rank?
1st – Happiest City in America (Based on smiles by Jetpack City Guides, 2013)
1st – Highest number of museums and libraries per capita (From all cities with cheapest cost of living, Kiplinger.com, 2013)
1st – Fastest Growing City for Tech Jobs (Fortune Magazine, 2013)
1st – Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in continuous operation in the United States
1st – Best City Park — Forest Park (USA Today, 2016)
1st – Tallest arch in the world — Gateway Arch (Mental Floss)
2nd – Best Zoo in America (Fordors, 2015)
2nd – Oldest Symphony in the United States
3rd – Best Botanical Garden in the Nation — Missouri Botanical Gardens (USA Today, 2016)
Paula Jacoby-Garrett is a freelance writer located in Las Vegas, Nevada.