Discover St. Louis: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Gateway City

Advisor - Gillian Spatz
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Gillian Spatz

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  • St. Louis

  • City Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Group Travel

  • History

  • Local Culture

  • Hidden Gems

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Curator’s statement

Welcome to St. Louis, Missouri, a dynamic metropolis nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. In this guide, we invite you to embark on a journey through the Gateway City, where iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, vibrant neighborhoods and rich cultural heritage await. From world-class attractions to hidden gems off the beaten path, uncover the best of St. Louis and create unforgettable memories in this thriving Midwestern hub.

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Where to stay in St. Louis

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21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

21c Museum Hotel St. Louis is a unique boutique hotel that seamlessly blends contemporary art and luxury accommodations in downtown St. Louis.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis

Luxury hotel in downtown Saint Louis with artsy rooms and suites.

Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

Luxury hotel with upscale rooms and suites offering river views.

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Things to do in St. Louis

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Gateway Arch: Ride to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River, and explore the museum at the base to learn about the history of westward expansion in the United States.

Forest Park: Spend a day exploring Forest Park, one of the nation's largest urban parks, which offers attractions like the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum and more.

City Museum: Let your imagination run wild at the City Museum, an interactive art installation and playground housed in a former shoe factory, featuring tunnels, slides, and sculptures made from reclaimed materials.

The Magic House: Delight in hands-on learning and exploration at The Magic House, a children's museum offering interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages.

St. Louis Zoo: Discover a world of wildlife at the renowned St. Louis Zoo, home to over 16,000 animals from around the globe, including polar bears, elephants and chimpanzees.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Explore the lush landscapes and stunning botanical collections at the Missouri Botanical Garden, which features over 79 acres of gardens, conservatories and walking paths.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: Take a guided tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process, see the famous Clydesdale horses and enjoy samples of the brewery's iconic beers.

St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game: Catch a baseball game at Busch Stadium and cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball.

The Muny: Experience a Broadway-style musical at The Muny, America's oldest and largest outdoor theater, located in Forest Park.

The Loop: Explore the vibrant Delmar Loop, a bustling entertainment district known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, music venues and street art.

The Missouri History Museum: Dive into the rich history of St. Louis and the state of Missouri at the Missouri History Museum, which features exhibits on topics ranging from Lewis and Clark to the Civil Rights Movement.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: Indulge in a sweet treat at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a St. Louis institution known for its rich and creamy frozen custard, served in cones, sundaes and concretes.

Day trips

Hermann, Missouri: Head west from St. Louis to Hermann, a charming German-inspired town nestled in the heart of Missouri wine country. Explore the historic downtown area, visit local wineries for tastings, take a scenic bike ride along the Katy Trail and enjoy German cuisine at restaurants like the Wurst Haus or Tin Mill Brewery. Don't miss attractions like the Hermannhof Winery and the Deutschheim State Historic Site, which offer insights into the town's rich cultural heritage.

Hannibal, Missouri: Travel north to Hannibal, the hometown of Mark Twain and the inspiration for many of his beloved literary works. Explore historic sites like the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, the Mark Twain Cave and the Becky Thatcher House, then take a scenic riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Stroll along Main Street to browse shops and galleries, and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant like LaBinnah Bistro.

Shaw Nature Reserve: Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature at the Shaw Nature Reserve, located just west of St. Louis in Gray Summit. Explore over 2,400 acres of diverse ecosystems, including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands and hike along miles of scenic trails. Discover native plant gardens, enjoy birdwatching opportunities and participate in educational programs and events offered by the Missouri Botanical Garden, which manages the reserve.

Places to eat & drink in St. Louis

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The Crossing: Enjoy upscale American cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients at The Crossing, located in the charming Clayton neighborhood.

Sidney Street Cafe: Indulge in contemporary American cuisine with French influences at Sidney Street Cafe, housed in a historic building in the Lafayette Square neighborhood.

Vicia: Experience innovative farm-to-table dining at Vicia, where Chef Michael Gallina showcases seasonal ingredients in creative dishes like wood-fired vegetables and house-made pastas.

Pappy's Smokehouse: Savor mouthwatering barbecue at Pappy's Smokehouse, a beloved St. Louis institution known for its slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork and brisket.

Nudo House: Dive into authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Nudo House, where you can enjoy flavorful pho, banh mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese specialties in a casual atmosphere.

The Hill: Explore the culinary delights of St. Louis' Italian-American neighborhood, The Hill, with classic Italian dishes at restaurants like Charlie Gitto's, Zia's and Lorenzo's Trattoria.

Olive + Oak: Dine on modern American fare at Olive + Oak, known for its creative small plates, handcrafted cocktails and cozy atmosphere in the Webster Groves neighborhood.

Farmhaus: Experience farm-to-table dining at its finest at Farmhaus, where Chef Kevin Willmann creates seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients in a rustic-chic setting.

Blues City Deli: Enjoy delicious deli sandwiches and live blues music at Blues City Deli, a neighborhood favorite in the Benton Park West area.

Brasserie by Niche: Transport yourself to Paris with a meal at Brasserie by Niche, a French-inspired bistro offering classic dishes like steak frites, moules marinières and escargot.

Bailey's Range: Feast on gourmet burgers made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef at Bailey's Range, where you can also indulge in hand-spun milkshakes and creative toppings.

Salt + Smoke: Dig into Southern-inspired barbecue and comfort food at Salt + Smoke, where you can enjoy smoked meats, indulgent sides and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere.

Advisor - Gillian Spatz

Travel Advisor

Gillian Spatz

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to St. Louis.