Disclosure: Explore St. Louis hosted my visit. However, all opinions and photos are mine. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made on Amazon.com.
Are you ready to explore the top things to do in St. Louis?
Whether planning a first-time trip to St. Louis or returning for a visit, you will want to use this essential guide to the city to plan your vacation around the city’s must-see attractions and restaurants. In The Lou, its rave-worthy, award-winning destinations are not to be missed.
WHERE TO STAY
St. Louis Union Station Hotel
If you’re going to plan an overnight stay in St. Louis, the only place to reserve accommodation is at Union Station Hotel (1820 Market St.), part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The luxurious experience is beyond measure.
A train station designed by architect Theodore Link and opened in 1894, it served as the gateway to the West for passengers traveling by rail across the country. Beyond the opulent Grand Hall was a 75-room hotel for travelers or businessmen. On a typical day, 100,000 people stopped at the station, including celebrities like President Harry S. Truman, Joan Crawford, and Joe DiMaggio.
I was wonderstruck by Union Station Hotel’s detailed finishes, which included mosaic tile, stained glass, archways, and wrought-iron railings. I traveled via a gold elevator to my room above the Grand Hall, where the elegant decor and plush furnishings welcomed me. Artwork depicting historic railroad photos hung on the wall.
The room exceeded my expectations, from the full-length leaded glass mirror to the rain shower head and bathroom amenities.
My room stay included access to self-serve complimentary full breakfast in the Executive Lounge. The on-site Starbucks, on-site restaurants, and free Wi-Fi were added bonuses. I found the front desk staff accommodating, especially after learning that I neglected to pack a few essentials.
You’ll find your stay at St. Louis Union Station well worth the expense, as it is within walking distance of popular downtown attractions and offers access to the street for the city’s new soccer stadium, City Park. If you visit St. Louis for the first time, please feel free to do that in style and comfort. You look forward to returning to your room to relax after a fun-filled day exploring The Lou.
PRO TIP: Prepare to use valet service when arriving at the hotel with your car. Otherwise, schedule a Lyft or Uber to pick you up and drop you off at the main entrance.
SIP & SAVOR
The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern
One step inside The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (2 South 20th St.), and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a European pub made especially for soccer fans. The sports bar is an extension of the Union Station Hotel and is located directly across the street from City Park. If you don’t have tickets to the game or want to celebrate the team’s win, The Pitch is the ideal place to gather with soccer enthusiasts.
The food menu features pub fare ranging from nachos to sandwiches, and if arriving for breakfast on the weekend, you can count on the Irish Slinger or Biscuits & Gravy to curb your cravings. The Pitch’s drink menu features local, regional, and imported beers, as well as a lengthy list of wines and hard ciders.
PRO TIP: If you want to watch the City Park soccer game at The Pitch, arrive before game time, as you can expect a long line of people at the door to welcome you.
Budweiser Brewhouse at Ballpark Village
On a Cardinals game day at home, Budweiser Brewhouse (601 Clark Ave.) is the place to be. Since 2014, the multi-story complex has served ecstatic baseball fans with St. Louis-style classic fare and classic beer. The brewhouse opens three hours before the first pitch on Monday and Tuesday home games.
Why miss a chance to experience a Cardinals game celebration unlike any other place in the city? The kitchen serves sports bar fare from 11 am to 9 pm, and the drinks are always cold. Cheering on the Cardinals or celebrating a win is more fun from the Bud Deck Rooftop. I enjoyed the view of Ballpark Village, which offered access to a private bar and catered appetizers.
PRO TIP: If you’re hanging with a group of 8 or more people, reserve a table or lounge area. Otherwise, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food Hall at City Foundry
To dine at City Foundry’s Food Hall (3730 Foundry Way) is like dining in culinary heaven. Imagine 17 local-only restaurants under one roof. As they say, “Your stomach will thank you.”
The city’s first food hall offers a diverse selection of dining options, featuring authentic, local menus that range from Creole entrées and street-style tacos to cheesecake and popsicles. During my visit, I couldn’t resist trying “T-Ravs,” also known as toasted ravioli, a food staple in St. Louis. STL Toasted‘s buffalo chicken version with blue cheese dipping sauce lives up to the hype.
Don’t leave without enjoying a Berry Lemon Waffle at Press Waffle Company, topped with a mountain of whipped cream. I also recommend a Key Lime Cheesecake popsicle at Poptimism STL. I promise you will want to make the Food Hall at City Foundry a stop on your visit to the city for its variety of original, thoughtfully prepared food options.
PRO TIP: Go with friends – you’ll want to share one another’s lunch or dinner choices.
Olive + Oak
For restaurant-goers searching for an elevated dining experience where the wine and the food compete to be the star, Olive + Oak (216 W. Lockwood Ave.) in Webster Groves is the best choice. The James Beard Award-winning restaurant serves sought-after favorites, such as baked clams, beef tenderloin, and goat ragu. High-end shareable plates, such as the 32 oz. Prime Cowboy Ribeye takes dining to another level.
During our visit, we enjoyed a six-course meal with wine selected by Napa Valley winemaker Julien Fayard of Purlieu Wines. By far, the Dungeness Crab Rangoon paired with the 2021 Le Pich Sauvignon Blanc was my favorite moment of the meal, and Fayard’s personal visit to our table made it that much better.
PRO TIP: The venue features multiple seating areas, including a more casual section near the bar.
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
In the mood for artisan Italian food? The place to dine is Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria (2 Locations), a restaurant and bar operated by a husband and wife team. After living in Italy, chef and owner Katie Collier was inspired to open the award-winning restaurant’s first location, which earned “Best Pizza” and “Best Pasta” from Feast Magazine.
We dined on Roasted Chicken Pizza with arugula, an adequate size for two people to share at lunchtime.
PRO TIP: The patio at the Rock Hill location (9568 Manchester Rd.) was nearly full during the lunch hour, so arrive at 11 am to secure an outdoor table.
Billy G’s Kirkwood
Gioia’s Deli
A mainstay on the St. Louis foodie scene since 1918, Gioia’s Deli (4 Locations) evolved from a market to a deli. The original restaurant is on The Hill, a St. Louis neighborhood known for its Italian markets, restaurants, and boutiques.
Gioia’s Deli is famous for its Homemade Hot Salami Sandwich, made with fresh sausage sliced to order, which helped earn them a James Beard award in 2017.
During our visit, I asked the employee behind the counter how she preferred to place her order. I ordered the Hot Salami and Roast Beef sandwich on garlic cheese bread with melted provolone, mayonnaise, and pepperoncini peppers. I added Old Vienna Red Hot Riplets bbq flavored potato chips on the side to complete the local foodie experience. You will not regret eating at Gioia’s Deli.
PRO TIP: Remember their slogan, “We make our sandwiches your way.” Don’t hesitate to customize the sandwich; consider ordering it on garlic cheese bread.
Shaw’s Coffee
Also located on The Hill, Shaw’s Coffee (5147 Shaw Ave.) is a corner café specializing in sourced coffee from the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. The dark-roasted beans are uniquely strong in flavor. Although I love coffee, I craved hot tea on a rainy day.
My London Fog, made with Earl Grey Tea, was perfectly prepared with just the right amount of frothy foam. If you prefer a mid-day non-coffee drink like me, consider ordering an Italian Soda, Granita, or a fresh fruit smoothie.
PRO TIP: Save room for a pastry made by a local bakery, Breadsmith.
4 Hands Brewery Co.
If given the chance to try craft beers at a new brewery, I always say, “Yes!”4 Hands Brewery Co. (1220 S. 8th St.) has a welcoming taproom, event space, and production facility all on one site.
The brewery, founded in 2011, has expertly mastered craft beer and a line of spirits. They are methodical about how they’ve grown over the years and have recently announced the opening of a taproom in Kirkwood, a St. Louis suburb, and a brewpub in Chesterfield.
I was fortunate to sit in on a group tasting and tour led by brewery president and co-owner Kevin Lemp. I suggest reserving a similar experience.
We were ushered upstairs to an event space featuring a massive bar flanked by retro arcade games. Our group learned about the flagship, limited-release, and seasonal beers. We toasted one another with sample glasses of gin, vodka, and infused spirits from their line of craft spirits.
Afterward, we toured the 20,000-square-foot production space and listened to Lemp’s business story while employees operated the canning line. We learned that 4 Hands Brewing Co. also produces a non-alcoholic beverage, Hallogram Blonde Ale.
I’ve toured several breweries, but 4 Hands Brewing Co. exceeded my expectations for what a team can produce at the highest quality.
StilL 630
I promise you’ve never experienced a distillery like StilL 630 (1000 S. 4th St.). The distillery and tasting room are in a renovated Hardee’s fast-food restaurant. Although the space is modest, owner/founder Dave Weglarz produces best-in-class whiskey, bourbon, gin, and rum from grain to glass. Each one starts with a handcrafted recipe that is distilled, bottled, and packaged by hand.
One-hour Grain-to-Glass Distillery Tours are scheduled on Saturdays, offering visitors the chance to sample spirits of their choice. I appreciated a sample of a whiskey-rum hybrid. Aside from the production, you’ll be impressed by the Botanical Library, which consists of over 400 distilled samples of individual ingredients.
PRO TIP: Stop by for classic cocktail specials starting at $10/glass every Friday, 5 pm – 9 pm.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
For decades, St. Louis residents have happily stood in lines at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (6726 Chippewa St.) to enjoy thick, creamy “concrete” custard with flavor mix-ins for over 80 years. It’s customary to order at the window and then wait for your name to be called. On any typical day, the parking lot is filled with people sitting in their cars, eating frozen custard.
I ordered the iconic must-have dessert, savoring it down to the last bite. My micro cup of Twisted Caramel was plenty of custard for one person.
PRO TIP: Don’t worry. The line moves quickly. Preview the menu before getting in line, and look for seasonal specials posted near the window.
SPORTING EVENTS
St. Louis Blues
Sports are king in The Lou. St. Louis Blues takes to the ice from October through March to defend its hometown pride. The team competes against other NHL teams in a race for the Stanley Cup, an honor they won in 2019.
The atmosphere on game day was electric when we entered Enterprise Arena. A brass band welcomed fans as they entered the arena. We danced in place before navigating upstairs to the suites to watch the game. Arena fans went bonkers as each player took to the ice. Lights strobed, cheerleaders danced, and the place was abuzz with energy.
PRO TIP: If you don’t watch a game from a suite, consider reserving sections 101-106, 113-119, and 126 for the best game views, according to RateYourSeats.com.
St. Louis Cardinals
You can’t come to St. Louis without attending a Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium (700 Clark Ave.). Recognized as 11-time World Champions, fans converge on the ballpark to cheer on the hometown team with chants and roars of applause.
Fortunate to watch the Cardinals take on the Pittsburgh Pirates from a suite, the panoramic view was breathtaking. The energy from the crowd was off the charts between game announcements. Want to tour the stadium? One-hour guided tour tickets are available to purchase at Gate 3 – you’ll also want to see the public art.
PRO TIP: View the current game schedule, and don’t forget to review the purse/clear bag rule policy.
St. Louis CITY
Soccer fans will feel at home watching St. Louis CITY take on MLS rivals inside CITYPARK (35 Hunter Ave. St). Fans jump to their feet from 22,500 seats inside the newly built stadium, where every seat in the house gets you closer to the action. The open-air stadium hosts about 20 MLS season games yearly, collegiate sporting events, and summer camps.
Pre-game and post-game parties are the norm outside the stadium’s gates, where a DJ or live band is often present. Grab a bite from one of the multiple local food vendors or purchase grab-n-go bites at CityScan. James Beard award-winning Chef Craft designed the food experience.
PRO TIP: The Pitch Club offers a VIP experience, allowing attendees to meet players as they enter and exit the stadium. Twenty-eight premium suites and 32 pitch boxes offer an elevated experience.
TAKE A TOUR
St. Louis Aquarium
Saltwater fish. Sharks. Turtles. Stingrays. The St. Louis Aquarium (201 S. 18th St.), within walking distance of the Union Station Hotel, is home to over 13,000 sea creatures. Hands-on activity areas teach visitors of all ages about the native habitats of the animals. The rope bridge over Shark Canyon and Stingray Touch Tank are must-experience features, and the animal encounters led by aquarium ambassadors are worth the visit.
I recommend experiencing the interactive train ride that departs every 15 minutes. The virtual experience is like taking a Union Station train under the sea!
PRO TIP: Purchase aquarium tickets in advance to avoid disappointment when they sell out. Other family-friendly attractions nearby include a carousel, a mini golf park, an outdoor Ferris wheel, and a ropes course.
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
If touring the famous Gateway Arch, the most entertaining way to get there is by boat. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch offer one-hour daily cruises to the monument and back on the Mississippi River. Since the days of the Gateway Arch’s construction, onlookers have enjoyed the leisurely ride to admire the skyline and monument for photo-worthy views.
After a catered lunch in the dining room, our group climbed the stairs to the upper deck for the best view. The waters were calm, and the boat crew’s hospitality was top-notch.
PRO TIP: Check the website for themed river cruise excursions like PJs, Pancakes, Skyline Dinner Cruise, or the Blues Cruise.
Gateway Arch Museum & The St. Louis Arch
You can’t visit The Lou without a trip to the Gateway Arch Museum and a ride on the tram to the top of The Arch, America’s tallest monument spanning an awe-inspiring 630 feet. It’s a National Park (the smallest!) with 91 acres completed in 1965, which Thomas Jefferson envisioned as the Gateway to the West.
Take it from me, someone who is incredibly afraid of heights and small spaces, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll regret not doing at least once. Additionally, the 30-mile view to the east and west from the top of The Arch is worth the effort.
Opened in 2018, the Gateway Arch Museum features highly interactive and engaging displays that explain how the city was founded, the people who settled there, and how it evolved into a town noted for its innovative spirit.
PRO TIP: Buy your tickets online in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as tickets can sell out quickly.
City Museum
How do you describe a place that defies one’s imagination? City Museum (750 N 16th St.) describes itself as “weirdly wonderful,” but I’d call the multi-story building/outdoor attraction Whoville meets Willy Wonka meets a surrealist dream on steroids.
People of all ages love exploring its tunnels, slides, and thematic rooms. The entire complex includes adventure spaces except for a bar, gift shop, restaurant, and art gallery. Is it right for you and your kiddos? Review the website’s information page before purchasing tickets and paying for parking in the area.
PRO TIP: Visit on a cool day or dress in lightweight, comfortable clothing and wear shoes that are suitable for the weather. The museum heats up during the summer due to a lack of air conditioning and the use of indoor/outdoor tunnels.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Forest Park
When I learned that Forest Park is twice the size of New York’s Central Park, my mouth dropped open in shock. After a tour of part of it, it is worth experiencing first-hand. Consisting of 1,300 acres, every kind of outdoor activity you can imagine exists, from paddle boating and canoeing to court sports and cycling.
Several historic buildings, including the Jewel Box (pictured below) and the Saint Louis Art Museum, are in the park. A trip to the park is not complete without a picnic on scenic Art Hill adjacent to the art museum with views of the basin.
PRO TIP: Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the park to maximize the experience. View an interactive map.
Great Rivers Greenway
St. Louis is a community that values its residents and encourages them to stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors. Great Rivers Greenway connects communities with 120-plus miles of paved trails for walking, cycling, and green recreational spaces. Designed with each community in mind, each trail offers views you wouldn’t see from a car.
The greenways allow people to traverse adjacent to water through forested city areas and stop at locally owned businesses. The Brickline Greenway will connect The Foundry and The Amory (see below), allowing users to stop at each for a bite to eat, a concert, or some shopping.
INDOOR RECREATION
Armory at STL
Imagine an indoor playground designed for adults. Armory at STL is the largest bar in the city, offering endless entertainment opportunities, from playing games to watching a live concert. The 250,000-square-foot complex features interactive games, a two-story slide, TVs for watching games, over 92 taps behind the bar, and VIP spaces.
At Happy Hour, our group enjoyed a nacho bar with cocktails and beer before playing immersive foosball, mega ping pong, and arcade games. We jumped at the chance to ride an adult-sized tricycle and paired up to teeter-totter.
PRO TIP: Watch the website for upcoming news and event details. The owner plans on adding a second-story outdoor bar space as well.
Puttshack
Another new addition, Puttshack (3730 Foundry Way), is a must-stop during your St. Louis vacation for its high-tech 18-hole mini golf course.
The indoor course tracks your score for you while you play. Unlike a typical mini golf course, Puttshack’s holes are designed with a Carnival-like aesthetic. Depending on the hole’s design, your ball may need to travel through moving parts, bounce down a trail of snare drums, or pass through spiral paths.
It’s also an ideal place for hosting a party. The restaurant serves globally-inspired dishes, and you can expect sophisticated cocktails as the main attraction at the bar. Remember, it’s best to reserve your gameplay online before arriving, especially on the weekends.
PRO TIP: Keep track of your assigned player number. It corresponds to your score on the TV monitors.
BONUS PLACES TO EXPERIENCE
Football fans can root for the St. Louis Battlehawks at the Dome at America’s Center. The home of NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA, World Wide Technology Raceway is an adrenaline rush.
Art from six continents fills the Saint Louis Art Museum, while artifacts from days gone by make up displays at the Missouri History Museum.
Exploring nature within the city limits with the family? Missouri Botanical Garden and the Saint Louis Zoo are essential stops.
You’ll have a blast in St. Louis, and I hope this comprehensive city guide provides you with helpful resources to plan your vacation. As they say, there is always something new in The Lou.
Keep the road trip going! If you’re in the Kansas City area, I suggest checking out my blog post, 7 Ways to Explore Culture in Kansas City, for more urban adventures.
Another destination near St. Louis worth visiting is historic St. Charles, known for its charming downtown scene featuring boutique shops and patio dining. View a complete weekend itinerary. Don’t forget to pack like a pro with 5 Must-Have Travel Items for a Comfortable Hotel Stay.
The seaside restaurant is known for its extensive menu of rum drinks and fresh seafood, which have received rave reviews. It was incredibly windy, so we dined indoors near a window. The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to review the menu with us and give her recommendations.
We knew we were in the right place. I ordered a cucumber mojito and a seared tuna appetizer. Tossed in peanut vinaigrette, the chilled rice noodles, veggies, and herbs paired nicely with the seared tuna. It was a large meal for one diner, yet perfect for sharing for two people. The mussels appetizer was tasty but wasn’t nearly as large a portion.
If you can, visit Doc Ford’s near St. Pete’s Pier. It’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The deck seating area is a choice spot for snapping a photo with Tampa Bay in the background
We hopped on a free shuttle from the gateway to Pier Teak, a rooftop bar serving cocktails and beer. The view of the city’s skyline was in the background as sailboats and yachts sat docked near shore. We admired the city’s architecture noting a contrast between modern skyscrapers and Art Deco, brightly painted buildings.
Level 2 of the St. Pete Pier is the Driftwood Cafe. It is quaint in size and offers vast views of the bay in a cozy setting. We found ourselves inside Pier Gear & Gifts on Level 1. After purchasing new sunglasses, we headed outside to the fishing deck.
If you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the option to catch fresh seafood and clean it on-site. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells last-minute fishing supplies if you find yourself in need.
Further down the pier’s walkway, we discovered the Family Park with a splash pad nearby. Families stood in line for ice cream at a nearby creamery. The weather might have been windy, but the sun was shining, and everyone was enjoying themselves.
Whether relaxing in an Adirondack chair in the shade under a canopy of palm trees or watching children play on the beach, you’ll find more than enough to do on a good weather day. Adults can peruse the Marketplace to shop from local vendors, while art enthusiasts can seek out 
I particularly appreciated “Morning Stars,” a mosaic mural of geometric shapes created by artist Xenobia Bailey. As I walked back and forth, it appeared as if the shapes took their own movement.
A visit to St. Pete isn’t complete without spending time at the pier. Parking at St. Pete Pier requires payment, but it’s inexpensive. Once you park, make a note of the parking space number and walk to a payment kiosk to deposit $4 for two hours. It’s a small price for access to pristine beaches and the pier’s grounds.
We stopped by 
Known for serving craft beer, mead, and cider, Green Bench’s slogan is “It’s more than beer. It’s community.” If you’re unsure what to order, they’re happy to pour you a sample or two. The menu is constantly changing. The staff goes out of their way to make patrons feel right at home.
Several group members ordered the Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mayo, and mojo served on crusty bread. The sandwich’s flavor was no joke. I could’ve easily eaten another one. Latin pop music played over the stereo. It was a festive experience.
Pro Tip: When visiting Bodega, order at the window on the sidewalk. They will give you a number to take to the table, and servers will run your food. View the menu 
I settled for the Fish & Chips, which arrived at our table piping hot. The Garlic Steamed Middle Neck Clams didn’t last long either. Other good-looking menu items included Mahi Mahi Tacos and the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll.
I chose the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs served with fresh fruit and toast. Our family seemed just as happy with their menu selections ranging from chocolate chip pancakes for the kids to omelets and breakfast skillet meals. The server was a pro at managing a bustling restaurant, ringing orders, and attending to our needs. The restaurant experience was 5 stars.
Highlights of the world-class aquarium include listening to animal handlers as they feed turtles, fish, and dolphins. Also serving as an animal hospital, many exhibits showcase information on the walls about each animal in captivity and their rehabilitation story.
We took the aquarium at our own pace rather than booking an animal experience session. However, if you’d like to get an up-close look at what it is to care for dolphins or have a photo moment with one, you can book a hands-on Animal Care Experience 
Pro Tip: If you arrive in your vehicle, you can go ahead and park in the nearby parking garage. Ticketing is on the third level near the entrance. We parked in the neighborhood and walked to the aquarium’s third level to purchase admission. You can plan your visit and get directions to the aquarium 
A popular destination for anglers, you can fish from the pier if you pay for admission. It’s the spot to see dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and other fish like grouper and snapper. 
Pro Tip: Parking at Pier 60 requires depositing money at a pay station. Be prepared to deposit $4 per hour at nearby lots. A downtown-to-beach trolley runs every 30 minutes Monday-Thursday, and every 15 minutes Friday-Sunday.
Popular with tourists and locals, the restaurant is known for its fresh gulf grouper dishes, fish tacos, and Boom Boom Shrimp Bites. I opted for a House Salad with Blackened Mahi. The Stuffed Flounder and Clam Chowder were other menu items that caught my eye for a future visit.
Pro Tip: To get a sneak peek of the restaurant’s upper deck view, check out their live web cam 
