St. Louis Travel Guide: Exploring the Gateway City
That is a fantastic idea! St. Louis, MO, is perfect for this kind of multi-faceted guide, as it has iconic tourist spots, rich cultural institutions, and a vibrant local scene.
The St. Louis Weekend Warrior Guide (2-3 Days)
This guide focuses on the must-see, iconic, and most easily accessible attractions, perfect for first-time visitors who want the core St. Louis experience.
Day 1
Gateway Arch National Park:Ride the tram to the top for panoramic views and explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch.
City Museum: Spend hours climbing, sliding, and exploring this massive, one-of-a-kind architectural playground built from salvaged city materials.
Union Station: Dinner and drinks, perhaps check out the St. Louis Wheel or the St. Louis Aquarium.
Day 2
Forest Park: Visit one of the park's free attractions, such as the Saint Louis Zoo or the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Explore one of the world's premier botanical gardens, including the magnificent Climatron dome.
The Hill: Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner in St. Louis's historic Italian neighborhood.
Day 3 (Optional)
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour:Take a tour to see the historic grounds and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
The Delmar Loop: Stroll and shop along the Walk of Fame. Stop for a famous concrete (frozen custard) at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
The Robust St. Louis Deep Dive (5-7 Days)
This itinerary includes all the core tourist sites while adding deeper cultural immersion, historic neighborhood exploration, and a couple of day-trip options for those with more time.
Core Attractions (Days 1-3)
Arch & Downtown: Gateway Arch, City Museum, National Blues Museum, and a show at the historic Fox Theater.
Forest Park Immersion: Dedicate a full day to Forest Park: Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, and a visit to the beautiful Jewel Box greenhouse.
Gardens & Great Food: Missouri Botanical Garden, followed by dinner on The Hill.
Deeper Exploration (Days 4-7)
Day 4
History & Architecture
Morning: Tour the stunning Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis to see one of the largest mosaic collections in the world.
Afternoon: Explore the historic districts of Soulard (oldest neighborhood) and Lafayette Square (Victorian homes).
Evening: Enjoy a local brew and live music in Soulard.
Day 5
Arts, Culture, and Modern St. Louis
Morning: Visit Laumeier Sculpture Park for a walk among massive outdoor art installations.
Afternoon: Spend time at City Foundry STL, a renovated industrial building now housing a food hall with local vendors and retail.
Evening: Dinner and drinks in The Grove or Central West End, known for their lively nightlife.
Day 6
Day Trip – Across the River
Visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Illinois, the site of an ancient Native American city.
Alternatively, visit Historic St. Charles for colonial architecture and shops.
Day 7:
Catch a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium or spend time exploring an area of the city you loved most.
The "Living Like a Local" St. Louis Guide
This guide avoids the most heavily touristed spots and focuses on neighborhood life, local institutions, unique shops, and outdoor recreation that St. Louisans truly enjoy.
Eat Like a St. Louisan
Breakfast/Brunch: Get a classic slinger (a local diner dish) at a spot like Courtesy Diner or enjoy brunch in the Central West End.
Lunch: Grab a world-famous BBQ plate at Pappy's Smokehouse or Bogart's Smokehouse.
Dinner: Explore Cherokee Street for authentic Mexican or other global cuisine. Try Toasted Ravioli—the St. Louis appetizer staple—at a local pub.
Dessert: Get an oversized donut at World's Fair Donuts or a concrete at Ted Drewes (yes, it's touristy, but everyone goes).
Neighborhood Life & Unique Finds
Soulard Farmers Market: Spend a Saturday morning browsing the oldest continuously operating public market in the US.
Maplewood/Kirkwood: Head to the suburbs for charming, locally-owned boutiques and shops.
The Delmar Loop: Skip the Walk of Fame, but definitely check out the unique, independent shops and music venues like Blueberry Hill.
Tower Grove Park: Stroll, picnic, or enjoy one of the many community events in this Victorian-era park (separate from Forest Park).
Local Sips & Entertainment
Craft Beer Scene: St. Louis has a massive craft beer scene beyond Anheuser-Busch. Visit local breweries like Urban Chestnut Brewing Company or Side Project Cellars.
Music & Nightlife: Check out a local band at Off Broadway or a cozy jazz/blues club in the Grand Center Arts District.
Catch a Sporting Event: If not a Cardinals game, go for the St. Louis Blues (NHL) or St. Louis City SC (MLS)for a real local sports experience.
Hidden Outdoor Gems
Lone Elk Park: A free, drive-through wildlife preserve where you can spot elk and bison.
Grant's Farm: Home to hundreds of animals and the famous Clydesdales (free admission, parking fee).
Castlewood State Park: Get out of the city for hiking and biking trails along the Meramec River.
