So you're planning a trip to St. Louis? Let me tell you straight - this city surprised me when I moved here fifteen years back. It's not just about the Arch like most travel sites claim. I've taken dozens of friends around town and found what actually works for real visitors. This guide covers everything from downtown attractions to hidden neighborhood gems that make St. Louis special.
Essential St. Louis Landmarks
You can't talk about things to do in St. Louis MO without starting at these icons. But I'll be honest about what's worth your time and what's overrated.
Gateway Arch
Address: 11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
Hours: 9am-8pm daily (summer), 9am-6pm (winter)
Tickets: Tram ride $15 adults, $11 kids (reserve online!)
Parking: Metered street parking or $10 lots nearby
My Take: Yes, it's touristy. But that view from the top? Still gives me chills. Pro tip: Go at sunset when the Mississippi turns gold. The cramped tram cars aren't for claustrophobics though - I once saw a panicked tourist demand to get off halfway up.
Cathedral Basilica
Address: 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: 7am-5pm daily (museum 10am-4pm)
Tickets: Free (donations appreciated)
Hidden Gem: The mosaic collection covers 83,000 square feet - more than any church in the Western Hemisphere. I accidentally spent two hours here during a rainstorm last April. The gift shop has surprisingly good locally made candles.
| Landmark Comparison | Best For | Time Needed | Kid-Friendly | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Arch | First-time visitors | 2-3 hours | ✓ (over age 5) | Underground museum |
| Cathedral Basilica | Arts/architecture lovers | 1 hour | Limited | Byzantine mosaics |
| Old Courthouse | History buffs | 1 hour | ✗ | Dred Scott trial exhibits |
Free Attractions That Don't Suck
St. Louis does free better than any city I've visited. But not all free attractions are equal - here's where you should actually spend time:
St. Louis Zoo: Consistently ranked top 5 nationally. Pandas? Check. Penguin parade? Check. Parking costs $15 but you can street park in Forest Park for free if you don't mind walking. Arrive before 10am or animals nap during peak heat.
Citygarden: Downtown splash park kids love. Last Tuesday I saw businessmen eating lunch next to toddlers chasing fountains. Open 9am-10pm. Bring dry clothes if visiting with kids - they will get soaked.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: Free samples included. The Clydesdales stables smell surprisingly pleasant. Tours fill quickly - book 72 hours ahead.
Caveats About Free Attractions
Let's be real - the Science Center feels dated since its 2020 renovations got delayed. And Soulard Market? Great for produce but chaotic Saturday mornings when bachelor parties show up for bloody marys. Weekday afternoons are better.
Rainy Day Activities
Midwest weather can ruin outdoor plans. Here's what actually works when it pours:
| Venue | Address | Hours | Admission | Why It's Worth It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Museum | 750 N 16th St | Thu-Sat 9am-midnight | $20 all ages | Giant indoor playground made from industrial salvage |
| St. Louis Aquarium | Union Station, 201 S 18th St | 9am-6pm daily | $25 adults | Shark tunnel & touch tanks |
| Magic House | 516 S Kirkwood Rd | Wed-Sun 10am-4pm | $13 ages 1+ | Best kids' museum in Midwest (my nephew's words) |
The City Museum deserves special mention. That place is nuts - I got lost in a three-story hamster wheel last month. Wear closed-toe shoes and knee pads if you're over 30. Their roof access closes when lightning's within 10 miles though.
Where Locals Actually Eat
Skip the tourist traps by the Arch. These spots deliver authentic St. Louis flavor:
Gioia's Deli
Address: 1934 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Specialty: Hot salami sandwich ($12)
Hours: 10am-8pm Mon-Sat
My Order: The Dagget with extra giardiniera. Lines wrap around the block but move fast. Cash only - they've had the same ATM since 2015.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Address: 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109
Must-Try: Concrete with tart cherries ($6)
Hours: 11am-11pm daily
Warning: Summer lines stretch 45+ minutes. Go after 9pm or in shoulder seasons. Their gravel parking lot turns into mud wrestling after rain.
| St. Louis Food Checklist | Where to Find It | Price Range | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toasted Ravioli | Charlie Gitto's Downtown | $12-15 | Ask for extra marinara |
| Gooey Butter Cake | Park Avenue Coffee | $5/slice | Try seasonal flavors |
| St. Louis Style Pizza | Imo's Pizza (multiple locations) | $15-20 medium | Provel cheese divides visitors |
Controversial opinion: Imo's pizza tastes like cardboard with melted plastic. But you should try it once to understand our city's quirks.
Neighborhood Exploration
St. Louis isn't just downtown. These areas offer distinct vibes:
The Hill: Italian neighborhood where red sauce simmers in every third house. Best cannoli at Missouri Baking Co. (2205 Edwards St). Street parking only - don't block driveways.
Central West End: Trendy restaurants near Forest Park. Parking meters run until 9pm. Euclid Avenue has great people-watching from sidewalk cafes.
Soulard: Historic French district. Avoid gameday crowds near Busch Stadium. Farmers market Sundays 7am-5pm has amazing Amish pies.
Safety Considerations
Some areas north of Delmar Boulevard have significant blight. I stick to daytime visits north of downtown. Use MetroLink light rail after dark rather than walking.
Seasonal Activities
What to do based on when you visit:
| Season | Top Activity | Location | Cost | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Cherry Blossom Festival | Missouri Botanical Garden | Garden admission $14 | Weekdays before 11am for photos |
| Summer | Fair Saint Louis | Forest Park | Free | Bring blankets for fireworks viewing |
| Fall | Pumpkin Glow | Missouri Botanical Garden | $27 timed entry | Book 3 months ahead |
| Winter | Holiday Lights | Anheuser-Busch Brewery | Free | Hot chocolate cash-only stands |
Practical Information
Stuff you won't find in brochures:
Transportation: Traffic on I-64 is brutal 7-9am and 4-6pm. MetroLink trains connect airport to downtown ($2.50). Ride-sharing costs $25-40 from airport to downtown. Parking meters take coins or app payments - tickets start at $20.
Hotel Tip: Downtown hotels charge insane parking fees ($35/night). Stay in Central West End for free street parking near Forest Park attractions.
Weather Reality: July humidity feels like swimming through soup. Pack breathable clothes and portable fans for summer visits. January temperatures regularly dip below freezing.
Common Questions About Things to Do in St. Louis MO
What should I avoid in St. Louis?
The riverboat casinos feel depressing after 8pm. Chain restaurants near Union Station charge double downtown prices. And don't bother with the Arch museum if you're claustrophobic - the documentary film gives same history without the panic attack.
Are CityPASS tickets worth it?
Only if you'll visit all included attractions: $89 adult pass covers Arch, Aquarium, Zoo, and Science Center. Math check: Individual tickets total $115. But if weather ruins outdoor plans, you lose value.
Where can I find authentic blues music?
BB's Jazz Blues & Soups (700 S Broadway) has $5 cover after 8pm. Their smoked wings make me ignore basic nutrition guidelines. Avoid weekends when bachelor parties dominate.
What's the best free thing to do in St. Louis?
Forest Park - larger than Central Park. Rent bikes ($12/hour) or just wander. The Grand Basin area has paddleboats ($18/hour) that give perfect Arch photos from water level.
Final thought? St. Louis rewards explorers. That dive bar in Benton Park might have better toasted ravioli than the fancy place your hotel recommends. The free zoo might outshine paid attractions. And that view from the Arch? Still gets me every time.
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