Why Go to St. Louis
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
St. Louis is right in my own backyard, and it's a city full of Midwestern charm and big-city fun. Cheer on the Cardinals in a sea of red at Busch Stadium, tour the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and of course ride the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch for sweeping views of the Mississippi River and beyond.
St. Louis is also one of the best values in the country, with an amazing list of free attractions. Forest Park, larger than New York's Central Park, is home to the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center and History Museum, all free. Families love the hands-on City Museum, an incredible playground built from recycled materials, and the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the country. The city's love of music shines at the National Blues Museum, and its neighborhoods, from historic Soulard to The Hill, the city's Italian enclave, are full of character. Don't miss local favorites like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake and frozen custard at Ted Drewes. The 1904 World's Fair helped popularize iced tea and the ice cream cone here.
As a St. Louis-area advisor, I know this city well. I'll plan a family weekend, a ballgame trip or a getaway with insider tips.
BEST FOR
Families, architecture lovers, sports fans, history enthusiasts and foodies
BEST MONTHS
April to May and September to October
EXPLORE
Downtown holds the Gateway Arch and riverfront; Forest Park anchors major museums and green space; the Central West End has dining and historic buildings, while The Hill is known for Italian-American restaurants.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
St. Louis
North America › Midwest › USA › Missouri
The Gateway Arch, free world-class attractions and Midwestern warmth on the Mississippi.
River
History
Sports
Parks
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Plan a full day in Forest Park. The zoo, art museum, history museum and science center are all free.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Book tram tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
Gateway Arch National Park
Ride a tram to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch for sweeping views, and explore the museum below.
Visit in winter for the Garden Glow holiday lights.
Missouri Botanical Garden
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the country, with a stunning Japanese garden and the Climatron.
Arrive early to see the animals when they're most active.
Saint Louis Zoo
One of the best zoos in the country, and admission is free.
Rent a paddleboat on Post-Dispatch Lake.
Forest Park
A massive urban park, larger than New York's Central Park, home to museums, the zoo and lakes.
Wear comfortable clothes and knee pads for crawling through tunnels.
City Museum
A one-of-a-kind playground made from recycled architectural objects, with tunnels, slides and a rooftop Ferris wheel.
A luxury hotel downtown with views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River.
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
Downtown / Riverfront
Hotel Tags
A historic hotel in the Central West End, with elegant rooms, an outdoor pool and a vintage movie theater.
The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis
Central West End
Hotel Tags
A luxury hotel in Clayton, with a spa and elegant rooms.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
Clayton
Hotel Tags
An art-filled hotel downtown, with rotating exhibitions.
21c Museum Hotel St Louis
Downtown West
Hotel Tags
A hotel steps from the Gateway Arch, with free hot breakfast and evening snacks.
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Downtown
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in St. Louis
High 55°F · Low 39°F · Rain 3.4 in
Garden Glow lights up the Missouri Botanical Garden.
The best times to visit St. Louis are April through May and September through October, when the weather is mild. Summer is hot and humid but packed with baseball and festivals, while winter is cold, with festive holiday lights.
Best Times to Visit St. Louis
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
St. Louis is famous for its barbecue, toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake.
- The Hill: St. Louis' Italian neighborhood is the place for toasted ravioli and Italian food.
- Barbecue: Try St. Louis-style ribs at local barbecue joints.
- Must-try: Toasted ravioli, St. Louis-style pizza, gooey butter cake and frozen custard.
06
Walking
Downtown and Forest Park are easy to explore on foot.
05
Rental Cars
A car is helpful for exploring attractions spread across the city and county.
04
Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are widely available.
03
Buses
MetroBus routes cover the city and county.
02
MetroLink
The MetroLink light rail connects the airport with downtown, Forest Park and Clayton.
01
Flying In
St. Louis Lambert International (STL) is about 25 minutes from downtown by MetroLink or car.
Most visitors fly into Lambert International and take MetroLink or a rideshare downtown. A car is helpful for exploring, while MetroLink connects many top attractions.
Getting Around St. Louis
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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