The 29 Best Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Sitting at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, St. Louis is a historic frontier town with an alluring past and equally compelling future. Known as the Gateway to the West, there have been settlements in this region for thousands of years.
Native American tribes thrived here before French settlers founded the city in 1764, naming it after King Louis IX of France. Its population is eclectic today, but it remained overwhelmingly French until well into the 19th century. Lewis and Clark and the Louisiana Purchase expedition put it firmly on the map.
There’s so much to see and do here you’ll need more than a weekend to explore St. Louis properly. The city has a booming culinary scene, including legendary beer brands. You’ll find iconic landmarks to visit, charming green spaces, and world-class cultural institutions.
There are sports teams with passionate fans, bountiful art galleries, thrilling performance venues, and fascinating historical sites. All while the city dances to a soundtrack of blues and jazz.
St. Louis is a wonderful family destination, with many activities and attractions for children and young people. It’s also a great place for a budget vacation, as many top sites offer free admission.
So, grab a gooey butter cake, crack open a Budweiser, play some B.B. King, and read on to discover the best things to see in St. Louis.
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – The Gateway Arch
- Park to visit – Forest Park
- Free activity – St. Louis Art Museum
- Activity for kids – The City Museum
- Activity for adults – Anheuser-Busch Brewery
- Place to eat – Bogart’s Smokehouse
- Nightlife – Delmar Loop
- Place to stay – Angad Arts Hotel
Top Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri
1. The Gateway Arch
Address: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Mention the name of St. Louis to anyone, and the first thing they think of will likely be the Gateway Arch. This stunning 630-foot-high monument was constructed in the 1960s and has become an iconic city symbol.
Situated in the Gateway Arch National Park, it’s one of the most famous landmarks in the US. Standing beneath it is breathtaking enough, but you can ride a special tram ride to a viewing deck at its apex. Alas, my fear of heights prevented me from doing so, but I am told the views from the top are spectacular!
The park’s 91 acres are delightful for a riverside stroll in the shadow of the arch, and you’ll find a free on-site visitor center and museum that explores over 200 years of the city’s history. The Old Courthouse is also part of the park and showcases historical events.
Visiting St. Louis is one of the best things to do on the Mississippi, and you can get an alternative view of the arch by taking a cruise on the river. This small group tour includes entry to the arch and a modern riverboat ride.
2. Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Address: 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118
The Anheuser-Busch Brewery might not be instantly familiar – particularly if you’re not a beer drinker. But if we give it another name, there can be little doubt of its fame and historic pedigree. This is where they make Budweiser.
Here you’ll discover several interesting tours about “the king of beers” and other brands under the Anheuser-Busch umbrella. You can see one of the world’s largest beer collections, get an insight into how these legendary brews are made, and, of course, wet your whistle by sampling the goods.
One of the biggest attractions at the brewery (literally) is the Clydesdale horses. These strong beasts have been a symbol of the company for over a century and are stable on-site. Further afield, you can visit Warm Springs Ranch to see where the horses are born and bred.
If you are not a fan of beer (or horses), don’t worry. The tour is still a fascinating experience as you learn about the story of this iconic company. If local beers are more your thing, try this Brews and Views craft brewery tour, instead.
See Related: The Best Breweries in Munich, Germany
3. St. Louis City Museum
Address: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Easily one of the most unique, fun, and weird places I’ve ever visited, the St. Louis City Museum is a must-see when you’re in town. Unlike anything else, it’s a 10-story adventure playground built from recycled materials such as old planes, boats, trains, and cars.
It’s best not to think of its sprawling 600,000 square feet as a museum. It’s more like stepping into the mind of an artist, as you climb through cages, squeeze through tight spaces, jump in ball pits, and slide down slides. Most of the fun is indoors – so you can enjoy it regardless of the weather.
However, while it does attract all ages, I would say it’s one of the best things to do in St. Louis for kids. We happened to visit on a day when it felt like several schools were attending simultaneously. If that’s not your bag, maybe come back a little later.
Adults and older kids can still have fun here, as this huge creation is an Alladin’s cave of reclaimed St. Louis artifacts and history, displayed uniquely and creatively. Check their website for opening times, tickets, and guided tours.
See Related: Unusual Museums to Visit in the US
4. Forest Park
Address: 5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It’s also one of the most historic, hosting the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904. Covering over 1,300 acres, this vital green space is filled with beautiful trees, flowers, and waterways.
Located in the heart of St. Louis, the park welcomes over 12 million local and international tourists annually. Walking, cycling, and jogging are popular on the many trails, while tennis, golf, softball, and volleyball are available.
Aside from outdoor activities, you’ll find the Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Art Museum located here. Catch a show at the Municipal Opera, relax on Art Hill, or enjoy an alfresco Shakespeare performance. The city zoo and the nature preserve at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest are perfect for animal and wildlife lovers.
Notable historical landmarks and monuments are abundant in Forest Park, including the stunning Art Deco Jewel Box greenhouse. Pack a picnic and spend a few hours exploring everything it has to offer. And don’t miss the whimsical Turtle Playground on the other side of the highway.
5. Saint Louis Art Museum
Address: 1 Fine Arts Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63110
One of several notable Forest Park attractions, the St. Louis Art Museum is a prominent US art institution with an ancient, globe-spanning collection. It contains over 34,000 pieces, paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs.
The museum attracts half a million visitors annually, not least because it’s always free to enter. This impressive display of fine art includes masterpieces by Matisse, Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, and boasts a large collection of German art.
Some artifacts in the collection date back 5000 years, with exhibits from Egyptian, Islamic, and Oceanic cultures. American, European, and Asian art is also well represented. The gallery hosts a regular program of events and offers free admission to otherwise ticketed exhibitions on Fridays.
One of the best free things to do in St Louis, the St. Louis Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers everywhere. For a place to stay nearby, the charming Cheshire is styled after a traditional British Inn and offers a warm welcome.
6. Missouri History Museum
Address: 5700 Lindell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63112
The stunning Missouri History Museum offers more than a glimpse into the region’s past. Sitting on 17 acres of land, it opened its doors in 1866 and over 400,000 annual visitors come to admire some 175,000 exhibited items.
The primary collection includes national, Missouri, and Saint Louis pieces, including an extensive Native American section. One of the most popular permanent exhibitions contains Lewis and Clark artifacts, where you can learn about the legendary duo and their historic expedition.
Operated by the Missouri Historical Society, the museum was opened in 1913 as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson. There’s an on-site research center for delving deeper into the state’s history, and admission to the museum is free.
The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is also under the MHS banner. Located close to downtown, it’s a great place to learn about US military history from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
7. Sporting Events
Address: 700 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102
St. Louis has a lot going on when it comes to sports, and it has previously been voted the nation’s best sporting city. The most popular sports with three major league teams are baseball, ice hockey, and soccer.
Busch Stadium is a must-visit St. Louis attraction for baseball fans. Home of the legendary St. Louis Cardinals, it was opened in 2006, with a capacity of over 45,000 people. Stadium tours are available, but watching a game is even better. Pick up a St. Louis Cardinals ticket here.
For ice hockey, look no further than the St. Louis Blues. They get their skates on over at the Enterprise Center, and you should too if you want to secure a ticket. With a capacity of around 22,000, the Enterprise Center is also used for concerts, functions, and events, including live music and wrestling.
St. Louis City SC is the local MLS team for fans of the beautiful game. They play at Citypark, a dedicated soccer stadium with over 22,000 seats. Grab yourself a St. Louis City SC ticket if you happen to be in town on match day.
8. Historic Trolley Tour
Whenever I visit a new city, I consider taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. They can be invaluable for seeing the sights, learning about the town, and getting bearings. These tours are particularly useful if you don’t have much time.
In St. Louis, you can see the city with a guided trolley tour. The tour covers 23 miles of notable attractions and points of interest – more than most people can manage daily! With fascinating insights delivered by a knowledgeable guide, it’s the ideal way to become acquainted with the city.
Each tour lasts 75 minutes, and once it’s over, you and your group can decide which attractions you’d like to return to. See the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, the Old Courthouse, the St. Louis Walk of Fame, and more.
Check out the informative St. Louis trolley tour here, which runs rain or shine so you can explore the city no matter the weather. The meeting point is at the Four Seasons Hotel, which is very handy if you’re staying there.
9. St. Louis Union Station
Address: 1820 Market St, Saint Louis, MO 63103
Exploring Union Station was perhaps the most surprising and unexpected of all the top attractions in St. Louis. A National Historic Landmark, it’s a beautiful Beaux-Arts structure that was once the busiest train station in the world.
Opened in 1894, the station saw its last train in 1978, and it was repurposed into a luxury hotel, shopping, entertainment, and dining complex in 1985. St. Louis Aquarium was added to the basement in 2019. The 200-foot-high St. Louis Ferris Wheel opened the same year.
We had the most fun at the ‘Whispering Arch,’ an original piece of architecture that has stood since the station opened. Stand facing one wall while someone else faces the other 40 feet away. Thanks to the acoustics, you can whisper to and hear each other as if standing side-by-side.
Today, Union Station is a community hub and entertainment center that attracts locals and tourists alike. For the full experience, stay in the exclusive St. Louis Union Station Hotel, but it’s not for anyone traveling on a budget!
10. St. Louis Zoo
Address: 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
The official name is the Saint Louis Zoological Park, and it’s home to home to over 16,000 animals. That makes it one of the largest zoos in the US, and it’s recognized as a leading animal conservation and education facility.
Covering 90 acres within the borders of Forest Park, the zoo is considered one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. Here you can discover animals ranging from polar bears to sea lions, tigers to turtles. Rest assured, all your favorites will be here.
Other activities and attractions include a 4D theater, a small gauge railway, and the popular Dinoroarus, which features animatronic dinosaurs. Behind-the-scenes tours are also available, and the zoo has plenty of places to eat and drink and a well-stocked gift shop.
The zoo costs nothing to enter, which means it’s one of the best free attractions in St. Louis. Note that there might be fees for special attractions. Guests typically spend four to seven hours at the zoo, so be sure you have plenty of time to see it all.
11. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Address: 30 Ramey Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
As we were on a partial Route 66 road trip coming down from Wisconsin, the Cahokia Mounds were our first stop when visiting St. Louis. That’s because they’re not in St. Louis, located a short 10 miles away, across the Mississippi in Illinois.
A must-see for anyone interested in ancient history or archaeology, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is the location of a pre-Colombian Native American city. At its apex, between 1100 and 1350 AD, it covered approximately six square miles.
The site features several mounds used for everything from homes to burial sites. Monks Mound is the largest, over 100 feet tall, covering 14 acres.
Whenever a European jokes that the United States has no history, ancient sites like the Cahokia Mounds can be your answer. It’s a shame that even many Americans don’t know they exist. For more information, check out our dedicated article on the Cahokia Mounds.
12. Grant’s Farm
Address: 7385 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123
Grant’s Farm is a 281-acre estate once built and owned by former President Ulysses S. Grant. It’s among the top places to visit in St. Louis for families, especially if you love animals.
Located in Grantwood Village, just over 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, this historic farm makes for a great day trip outside the city center. Once home to members of the prominent Busch family, it now houses over 900 animals, including the majestic Clydesdales.
Feeding time is viral when visitors can help feed the animals. You can enjoy tram and carousel rides and explore the historic buildings on-site. Free beer tastings are offered to anyone over the age of 21.
The farm is open daily throughout the year and offers a regular seasonal program. Admission is free, although there might be a fee for some tours and events, and booking in advance is highly recommended. Check the Grant’s Farm website for details.
13. Missouri Botanical Garden
Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
The Missouri Botanical Garden is another great place to visit in St. Louis, especially if you love nature and plants. Founded in 1859, the garden covers 79 acres and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States.
You can enjoy an evergreen Japanese garden, a herb garden with over six million specimens, and a tropical rainforest-themed conservatory – the Climatron. This geodesic dome is a temperature-controlled greenhouse containing over 400 species of plants and trees.
There are some 6.6 million specimens here, and only the New York Botanical Garden comes close with the sheer size and scope of the collection. There’s also a dedicated children’s garden for the young, and the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum is located within the grounds.
A National Historic Landmark, the gardens are open daily, with the last admission at 4.30 PM. Cultural events, festivals, and classes are offered, and tram tours are available to take the weight off your feet. For a place to stay, this gorgeous townhome is right next door.
14. The MUNY
Address: 210 Hazel Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63119
One of St. Louis’ most popular performance venues, the Municipal Opera Theatre has been delivering top-quality shows for over 100 years. If you’re a fan of musicals, ballets, and operas, this is a great option to finish off your day exploring the city.
The theatre is affectionately known as The MUNY and is the oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre in the US. It has a capacity of 11,000 people and offers 1,500 free seats for each performance on a first-come-first-serve basis. Honestly, as a city, St. Louis might take the crown when it comes to the best free things to do.
Located in Forest Park, the theatre season runs from June to August and is a delightful way to spend a summer’s evening with your loved ones. The whole family will enjoy this magical experience after a day of exploring.
Check the theatre’s website for season details, performances, and tickets. For some pre-theatre dining, head to Delmar Blvd, which offers a selection of eateries dishing up world cuisine.
15. St. Louis Aquarium
Address: 201 S. 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Are you traveling with your kids? The St. Louis Aquarium is the ideal spot to take curious and inquiring minds, offering an educational and fun destination.
The aquarium cares for over 13,000 aquatic creatures, and you can have the chance to see many of them during your trip. Highlights include stingrays and sharks, and the piranhas are always a popular attraction – no matter your age. Just don’t stick your hand in!
For a more hands-on experience, the aquarium offers touch pools where you can find out what a jellyfish feels like. There’s a special kid’s tour, which begins in the station’s Grand Hall, and behind-the-scenes tours to learn about what it takes to run the facility.
Plan around one to three hours to visit the aquarium, and if you’re still keen on keeping the kids entertained, take them to the Union Station Mirror Maze. Entry to the maze is included in the aquarium ticket, but just make sure you can find the exit!
16. The National Blues Museum
Address: 615 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63101
Opening its doors in 2016, the National Blues Museum is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and commemorating the history of blues music.
Along with New Orleans, Memphis, and Chicago, St. Louis can lay a claim to being the blues capital of the world. The museum showcases a series of rotating exhibits exploring the genre and its impact on other forms of music.
Reading about the blues isn’t quite as good as listening to it, and live music and jam events are popular – when in season. Who knows? You might witness the next Lonnie Johnson, Miles Davis, Chuck Berry, or Little Milton.
Entry to the museum is ticketed and will take approximately 45 minutes to do a self-guided tour. Check their website for more information and a program of live entertainment. If you can’t dig the blues, you’ve got a hole in your soul.
17. Tower Grove Park
Address: 4257 Northeast Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
There’s just something so therapeutic about being surrounded by plants and flowers. If you love spending time in nature and escaping city life, visiting Tower Grove Park is among the best things to do in St. Louis.
This Victorian-style park covers 289 acres and is one of the largest in Missouri. Its historic gardens date back to the 1850s, with formal tree avenues and winding paths. Ornate gates, Victorian pavilions, and historic buildings are dotted around its trails.
The gardens offer free admission and are open daily from sunrise to sunset. It’s the perfect place to go for a walk, take a picnic, and relax. Visit on a Saturday from early April to early November to catch the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market.
Right opposite the park is the charming B&B we lodged in. Casa Magnolia is one of the best places to stay in St. Louis, and the super-friendly owners make a delicious breakfast. Taking the dog for a walk in Tower Grove Park in the mornings was delightful, although we had to keep the little pupper on a leash.
18. Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis
Address: 3750 Washington Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108
One of the leading art museums in the Midwest, the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis showcases cutting-edge pieces from local and international artistic talent.
The museum displays six gallery exhibitions annually and has exhibited more than 260 artists, mounting over 120 exhibitions. The work is often experimental, which can be a thought-provoking experience for the 40,000-plus visitors it attracts annually.
Some famous artists whose work the museum has exhibited include Rosa Barba, Richard Aldrich, Leslie Hewitt, and Lutz Batcher. No permanent exhibitions exist, and special talks and events are scheduled throughout the year to explore the ever-rotating works on display.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. It doesn’t cost a bean to enter, which ensures it’s one of the best free attractions in St. Louis.
See Related: The Best Art Museums in the US
19. Pulitzer Arts Foundation
Address: 3716 Washington Blvd, St Louis, MO 63108
Not to be confused with the literary award of the same name, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation was created by Emily Rauh Pulitzer, an American philanthropist and arts patron. The building was designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
Inside, galleries are flooded with natural light, giving the place a warm and inviting atmosphere. The glass-enclosed terrace offers striking views of the Grand Center neighborhood and the St. Louis skyline.
Its 2001 inaugural exhibition featured lovely works specially curated for the museum. During the inauguration, some of the most notable pieces included work by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Mark Rothko.
Unlike other museums in the city, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation is a non-collecting museum. That means it only presents temporary exhibitions, which makes it one of the “loveliest places to see art in the country.” Every visit to this museum presents you with a new and unique experience.
20. Citygarden Sculpture Park
Address: 801 Market St, Saint Louis, MO 63101
We rather stumbled upon this by chance, but as the late, great Bob Ross would say, it was a happy little accident. Citygarden Sculpture Park is just under three acres of art installation in downtown St. Louis’s heart.
The park features 24 sculptures set amidst a series of fountains and gardens. Some notable sculptures in this park include Igor Mitoraj’s “Eros Bendato” and Keith Haring’s “Double Mirror Tetrahedron.” I particularly enjoyed “The Head” (pictured), as I’d seen the original in Krakow, Poland.
We visited in the spring when the blossoms were blooming, but if you come during the summer, the spray plaza and rain gardens will help cool you off in the heat.
Head to the Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills for more public art. A short drive outside the city center, the park boasts 105 acres with around 70 sculptures spread throughout. Keep an eye out for “the eye.”
21. St. Louis Science Center
Address: 5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
There are so many fun things to do in St. Louis for kids, and this is no exception. Not your ordinary science museum, the Saint Louis Science Center is known to be one of the best in the country.
The center was originally built solely as a planetarium in 1963 and has expanded to include over 700 interactive exhibits and experiences. Situated just outside Forest Park, it can entertain kids and adults for hours.
The center offers a rotating program of exhibitions that explore everything from dinosaurs to popular culture. But that’s barely scratching the surface. You’ll also find the OMNIMAX theater on-site, a state-of-the-art cinema boasting mind-blowing visuals and sound.
Like many of the best St. Louis attractions, admission to the Science Center is free. For younger children, the Healthworks Kids Museum is just around the corner.
22. The Magic House
Address: 516 S Kirkwood Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63122
As if there weren’t enough things for kids to do in St. Louis! Otherwise known as the St. Louis Children’s Museum, the Magic House allows curious minds to explore, imagine, and create until their hearts are content.
The Magic House has over 150 hands-on exhibits to entertain your little ones for hours. They can dress like their favorite book characters, play in an enormous treehouse, or even cook up a storm in a kid-sized kitchen.
A section is dedicated to toddlers, where they can explore and play in a safe and comfortable environment. And if your kids need to burn off some energy, they can do so at the outdoor playground, swinging, sliding, and climbing themselves to exhaustion.
Regarded as one of the finest children’s museums in the country, the Magic House attracts an astonishing 560,000 visitors a year. It has expanded several times since it opened in 1979 and now boasts 55,000 square feet of fun things to do with kids.
23. Soulard Farmers Market
Address: 730 Carroll St, Saint Louis, MO 63104
Trying to prevent my wife from visiting a farmer’s market is like attempting to stop a stampede of wild buffalo. While I was having a lie-in, she headed down to Carrol Street on a chilly but sunny spring morning.
Since 1779, the Soulard Farmer’s Market is the oldest in St. Louis and one of the oldest in the United States. Located in the historic Soulard district, the area features charming brick buildings and cobblestone streets.
Today, the market is held in a building that dates back to 1929 and offers three floors of shops and stalls. It runs Wednesday to Saturday, but Saturday is the best day to attend with the most vendors operating.
The market has everything you could hope for when stocking your larder. Fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, artisan eats, sauces, spices, and more. There are freshly cut flowers, crafts from local artists, and plenty of places to grab a bite to refuel if you’re peckish.
24. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Address: 4431 Lindell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108
St. Louis is home to some of the most stunning churches in the country, but the jewel in the crown surely has to be the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. You don’t have to be religious to admire its impressive architecture.
This Roman Catholic church was founded in 1914 and designated a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1997. One of three Basilicas in St. Louis, it was built to replace the similarly named Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, which resides next to the Mississippi River.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is located in the central west-end neighborhood of the city, and tours are available if you wish to learn about its history. The Cathedral is famous for its lofty, gilded mosaic art, which is breathtaking.
A museum on the lower level of the Basilica explores the creation of mosaics. The crypt is also worthy of note and contains the remains of prominent Archbishops of the Catholic faith. Check the Cathedral website for opening times, as you need to wait until Mass is over before exploring.
25. The Dome at America’s Center
Address: 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101
The Dome at America’s Center is a large multi-purpose arena located in downtown St. Louis. With a staggering capacity of over 80,000 people, it’s the place to watch concerts and sporting events and attend trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences.
The Dome is perhaps best known as the former home of the St. Louis Rams. The NFL team played here from 1995-2015 before moving back to Los Angeles. Don’t worry if you still want to catch some American Football; the St. Louis Battlehawks UFL team has been playing at the Dome since 2020.
The Dome is part of a wider complex called America’s Center. This is a sprawling convention area with plenty of hotels, dining options, and attractions close by.
If you’re attending a conference, concert, or event, the Holiday Inn at America’s Center offers convenient and comfortable accommodation. But for a more unique place to stay, the quirky Luck Dragon Loft is a nearby vacation rental that makes a nice alternative to a hotel.
26. Six Flags Theme Park
Six Flags St. Louis is the place to go for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies when visiting the St. Louis area. A big hit with kids, this sprawling theme park is located on the city’s outskirts, just under 40 minutes from downtown.
Here, you’ll find 10 exciting rollercoasters for anyone who loves having their stomach left behind. Attractions are themed with popular culture icons, including DC comic superheroes, villains, and Warner Bros. characters.
Some rides cater to all ages, so even the little ones won’t miss out on the fun. And don’t forget your swimming costume, as Hurricane Harbor is an exciting on-site waterpark full of thrilling waterslides and features.
A great destination for family fun, Six Flags St. Louis is a seasonal attraction and opens in March every year. Check their website for tickets and passes, and if you want to stay close by, the Holiday Inn at Six Flags is your best bet and offers shuttles to the theme park door.
27. Attend a Fair or Festival
St. Louis is renowned for hosting some of the largest festivals in the Midwest. It’s worthwhile researching what’s taking place during your trip, or even planning your vacation around events in the city.
Festivals like the St. Louis Art Fair, the St. Louis Blues Week, and the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival attract people from all over the country. They are a great way to experience the city and its culture,
The International Film Festival is a great choice in St. Louis during the fall. Here, you will see some of the most innovative films and shows at the independent landmark theaters in St Louis.
The city’s European roots are celebrated during Soulard Oktoberfest, where you can enjoy Germain food & drink, live music, and culture. No matter your tastes, you’re sure to find something interesting at a St. Louis festival.
28. World Chess Hall of Fame
Address: 4652 Maryland Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63108
For anyone who has ever been remotely interested in chess, the World Chess Hall of Fame should be at the top of your list of things to do in St. Louis. Located in a historic building in the Central West End neighborhood, you can spot it with the giant king outside.
The landmark is worth visiting in its own right since it’s officially the world’s largest chess piece. But most people come for the Hall of Fame, which has explored the link between art, chess, and culture since 1984.
Formerly located in New York, the World Chess Hall of Fame moved to St. Louis in 2011. It contains chess-themed exhibits, educational programs, and a rotating collection of featured chess sets. Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation that goes towards educational events.
29. Ghost Tours
With a long and tumultuous history, you would expect St. Louis to have its fair share of ghost stories and spooky tales. Thankfully, it does, and no sooner had we arrived than we were being told about the city’s creepy past.
Perhaps the most notable of these chilling legends is the story behind the Lemp family. Supposedly cursed, the family owned and operated the Lemp brewery for years before tragedy struck. Learn all about their mysterious woes on this Lemp neighborhood ghost walk, which includes a visit to the sinister Lemp Mansion.
True crime aficionados will want to try this walking tour of the Soulard neighborhood. In one of the most historic areas of the city, you will hear tales of armed robberies, gangsters, riots, and duels that took place in and around its streets.
In the downtown area, the Gateway Ghouls and Hauntings tour will whisk you around eight of the most spooky spots in St. Louis. To continue the theme, book a room at Lehmann House Bed & Breakfast – which has previously documented paranormal activity. Stay there if you dare!
See Related: The Most Haunted Places in the US
Places to Say in St. Louis
This hotel is adjacent to the Gateway Arch, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and it is also situated in the heart of the city centre. The rooms at this hotel are all spacious and feature 50-inch flat-screen TVs, free WiFi access, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
This hotel offers a free hot breakfast each morning, as well as a 37-inch flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi in every guest room. Other amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre, and same-day dry cleaning service. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Saint Louis University are also nearby, making this an ideal hotel to stay at.
This hotel is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Saint Louis Union Station and the Scottrade Center, making it the perfect place to stay for business or pleasure. Each guest room features flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected during your stay. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each day, and a microwave and small refrigerator are included in each room. Guests at Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station can enjoy a swim in the indoor pool or work out in the fitness center.
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