What to do in St. Louis, MO

Activities, attractions and tours

St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis

St. Louis Attractions

Despite its famous skyline, St. Louis is so much more than an arch amid blue Missouri skies. In fact, this Midwest city is loaded with food, entertainment, and even adventure sports. Fun things to do in St. Louis seem to wait around every corner, including professional baseball games, children’s museums, and elaborate outdoor art installations. Whether the nature of your trip is leisure or adventure, St. Louis activities deliver an appealing itinerary.

Areas & Neighborhoods

St. Louis is brimming with culture, entertainment, and lots of places to get some grub. Whether you’re in town for a short weekend getaway or extending your stay for longer, you won’t be bored. Thanks to the diverse group of neighborhoods in The Lou, there really is something for everyone.

Cherokee Street — This street has boasted a strong commercial reputation since the late 1800s. To this day, Cherokee Street and the surrounding area hold the keys to some of the most historic and intriguing attractions in St. Louis, including the haunted Lemp Mansion. Of course, it’s also a hub for local Mexican restaurants, so it’s a great place to visit around dinner time.

Downtown — Go downtown if you seek bustling crowds, 5-star restaurants, and lots of shopping. When it comes to nightlife in the city center, you’ll find everything from pubs and lounges to piano bars.

Grand Center — Often considered the lifeblood of St. Louis’ arts community, Grand Center boasts thousands of theater seats within a few short blocks. Given its reputation, it’s no surprise that a visit here yields dozens of opportunities to experience art galleries, plays, and live music.

South Grand — Situated just north of Grand and Arsenal, South Grand is a smorgasbord of culture. It is in this St. Louis district you will find plenty of authentic, ethnic cuisine. Try out a new Japanese or Vietnamese restaurant while you’re in the neighborhood.

Things to See in St. Louis

Yes, a trip to the Gateway Arch might seem like one of the more cliché things to do in St. Louis. But if you work up the nerve to head to the top, you’re rewarded with unparalleled panoramic views of the city. Don’t forget to bring your camera. Other things to see in the Gateway City include the bounty of butterflies at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, a St. Louis Cardinals™ game, and remarkable performances at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. If it’s wildlife that sounds most appealing, consider a stop at Lone Elk Park, where you’re invited to look for bison, wild turkey, and other animals.

Things to Do & Attractions in St. Louis

Once you’ve taken advantage of the top photo opportunities and shows, you can begin to explore the city in a more active way. Some of the best attractions for tours include the Anheuser-Busch brewery, St. Louis Science Center, The Magic House, and St. Louis Zoo. For athletic visitors, Creve Coeur Park and other outdoor spaces in the area offer trails, archery fields, ziplines, and more. There are things to do in St. Louis, MO for just about anyone.


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What to do in St. Louis


Discover the most popular places to visit in St. Louis

Where to stay in St. Louis

Find the best St. Louis areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about St. Louis
Learn more about St. Louis

Downtown St. Louis

Ample dining options, fascinating museums, and great live music are just a few top things to explore in Downtown St. Louis. A visit to Busch Stadium or Gateway Arch might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at 8th and Pine Station or Stadium Station to get around town.

Central West End

The ample dining options and lush forests are just a few popular features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by World Chess Hall of Fame or Blue Strawberry while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Central West End Station to get around town.

Soulard

You'll enjoy the bars and churches in Soulard. You might want to make time for a stop at Anheuser-Busch Brewery or Soulard Farmer's Market.

The Grove

The Grove might not have many top sights, but St. Louis Zoo and St. Louis Science Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lafayette Square

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Lafayette Square. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit St. Louis Union Station and Busch Stadium, a few notable attractions nearby.

 

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Day trip destinations from St. Louis

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Louis worth visiting?
With a blend of dining and culture, there are plenty of things to do in St. Louis. While you're here, visit Forest Park, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in St. Louis?
Forest Park and Museum at the Gateway Arch are two good places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in St. Louis while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in St. Louis?
The top tourist attraction in St. Louis is Forest Park, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in St. Louis?
Three days in St. Louis is plenty of time to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Forest Park, Fox Theatre and Anheuser-Busch Brewery are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Maryland Heights.
Is St. Louis a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to see and do in St. Louis. Several key attractions, such as Fox Theatre and Anheuser-Busch Brewery, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of St. Louis's best neighbourhoods, Downtown St. Louis is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Downtown West is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in St. Louis with kids?
What to do in St. Louis for adults?
There are lots of things to do in St. Louis, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Anheuser-Busch Brewery or Enterprise Centre.
Are there free things to do in St. Louis?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in St. Louis is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. Forest Park is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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