Must See Things in St. LouisSee the best of St. Louis with can’t-miss attractions like the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and unique neighborhoods. Enjoy local food, music, and culture while exploring the city's top sights. AuthorsAlanaInWanderland
DestinationsSt. LouisItinerary

Sights to See

The Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch National Park is home to the iconic 630-foot stainless steel Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the US; it is a must-see for stunning riverfront views, fascinating history of westward expansion, and the unforgettable tram ride to the top with sweeping city panoramas! Pro tips: budget extra time on weekends (1.5-2hrs) and set aside extra time for the fantastic museum before taking the tram up
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The Walls Off Washington
WOW transforms St Louis’ urban alleys and walls into an immersive, open-air art gallery with 26+ murals; the art here is accessible, deeply engaging, and reflective of the city’s creative spirit. Pro tip: Walls Off Washington is located in the Grand Center Arts District which is also worth exploring for cool bars and restaurants
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City Foundry STL
If you want a great mix entertainment and dining options to suit all tastes you have to check out City Foundry STL, a 15-acre adaptive-reuse development in Midtown St. Louis. There’s live music, plenty of seating, and several entertainment venues including Puttshack and Museum of Illusions.
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Puttshack - St. Louis
No more having to keep track of score sheets and pencils while trying to show your significant other who is the reigning mini golf champion; Puttshack makes mini golf high tech with courses that track your score automatically. It feels futuristic and fun and truly elevates this humble game!
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Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is one of St. Louis’s most charming historic neighborhoods, known for its beautifully restored Victorian era homes, tree-lined streets, and picturesque Lafayette Park (the oldest public park west of the Mississippi!). I absolutely love how tranquil this area and park are in the mornings with doggos on walks and the sun shining brilliantly through the trees. Pro tip: take a moment to put away your phone and enjoy peaceful Lafayette Park Pond - heaven on earth!
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Missouri Botanical Garden
This massive 79 acre nature escape is a St. Louis must see, renowned for its seasonal displays and gorgeous themed gardens (Climatron Dome, Japanese Garden, and Chinese Garden are my favorites). Pro tip: absolutely do not miss the Chihuly glass installations both inside the Climatron and at the water feature directly in front!
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Laumeier Sculpture Park
This outdoor sculpture park was one of my favorite FREE activities in St. Louis with enjoyable paths showcasing 70+ impressive outdoor sculptures. There are many walking paths to explore and the signs here remind you to put away your phone and enjoy the peaceful vibes (highly recommend this!) Pro tip: this park is dog friendly
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Lone Elk Park
Absolutely love spaces where animals are protected yet free to roam and Lone Elk Park is absolutely incredible — I was lucky enough to be here during mating season and the elk were very active (with several babies in tow!). You may also see bison, and other wildlife up close here using the driving route or hiking the trails. Pro tip: the 3.1 White Bison Trail is a stunning forest hike and you’re sure to see plenty of elk!
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Union Station
St. Louis Union Station is a historic train terminal converted into an entertainment destination with stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, a grand atrium, and a mix of hotels, restaurants, and attractions under one roof. You can see seasonal light shows inside the Hilton property here and get your heart racing on thrill rides like the Wave Swinger or enjoy gorgeous views on the St. Louis Wheel ferris wheel!
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Forest Park
3 hours at Forest Park wasn’t nearly enough time to explore this massive urban oasis spanning over 1,300 acres, but I did get to enjoy several highlights like paddle-boating on the lake and marveling at the art deco beauty of the Jewel Box greenhouse. Pro tip: study the map of the park and create a plan of attack with 2-4 locations or attractions that you really want to see
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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Mind you I’ve been to the Vatican and yet I couldn’t help but pick my jaw up off the floor when I stepped inside — this stunning Romanesque-Byzantine church has over 83,000 square feet of intricate mosaics (one of the largest mosaic collections in the world!), as well as soaring domes, marble floors, and ornate chapels. You could have seen all the great churches of still be absolutely wowed by this one!
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City Museum
I dare you to find a place more unique than City Museum City Museum, an incredibly imaginative all ages playground housed in a repurposed 600,000-square-foot warehouse with tunnels, slides, climbing structures, and surreal installations made from reclaimed architectural and industrial objects. Want to wake up your inner child? This is the place! Pro tip: City Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays after Labor Day so plan accordingly
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Venice Café
If the Basilica is the “nice” version of mosaics, Venice Cafe is the “naughty” version with outspoken, quirky mosaics and folk art filling up every nook of this cash-only bar and performance venue in St. Louis’ Benton Park neighborhood. If Venice Cafe is not already on your St. Louis must-see list add it immediately! Pro tip: the inside bar area is small but the outdoor patio is vast and has even more mosaics and art!
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Where to Eat

Yellowbelly
I may have been in the Midwest but Yellowbelly transported me to the islands with its tropical flavors and airy aesthetic. Highly recommend trying the nashville hot fried oysters, watermelon salad, coconut fried shrimp, brussel sprouts with granny smith apple kimchi, and the grilled salmon with a spicy green thai curry, jasmine rice, and parsnip, peppers (AMAZING!)
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Polite Society Restaurant and Bar
I checked out Polite Society in the historic Lafayette Square neighborhood for brunch and it immediately captured my heart with its Victorian reading room aesthetic, book nooks, and friendly service (the vibe is refined yet approachable). Pro tip: get the Shrimp & Grits and thank me later
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Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Ted Drewes is a St. Louis institution that’s been around since 1929 delighting locals and visitors alike with rich, creamy frozen custard in a variety of delicious forms like their 1959 innovation: the signature “concretes” (custard + mix-ins so thick that it can allegedly be served upside down — a fact I decided not to test because it was a hot day, ha!) Pro tip: try the Muddy Mississippi concrete if you love peanut butter or the Strawberry Shortcake sundae
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Billy G's Kirkwood
Billy G’s is a causal sports bar with a diverse menu and a lovely patio to catch the game (if there’s a sports match on, chances are Billy G’s is showing it!). Pro tips: (1) I know most people don’t go to a sports bar to eat salad but the salads here are truly fantastic (try the house salad), (2) the patio has a fire pit to keep you cozy on cool nights
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Collina Eatery
There are many Italian restaurant options on The Hill, but for me, Collina Eatery is the perfect blend of innovative Italian dishes (there’s even vegan gnocchi!) and a friendly, local ambiance. I recommend the elite caprese salad and any of the homemade pastas.
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Bowood by Niche
If you’re a plant lover like me DO NOT MISS Bowood by Niche located inside Bowood Farms in the Central West End and combining the culinary expertise of James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft with a serene garden setting. I am still dreaming about the uniquely delicious cheddar waffle while my man still raves about the crab cake benedict, Pro tips: don’t sleep on the niçoise salad (one of the best I’ve had), and after you’ve fueled up, check out Bowood Farm’s plants and plant-related merch
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Arzolas Fajitas + Margaritas
St. Louis’ Benton Park neighborhood is a foodie mecca and Arzola’s Fajitas should be high on your list when you’re here looking for a neighborhood vibe, friendly service and top tier Tex-Mex. They’re known for the fajitas, but I also loved the fish tacos and ensalda + shrimp with homemade dressing, pineapple, shaved apples and veggies (why are the salads in St. Louis so good??)
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Tour to Take

St Louis Arch Small Group Walking Tour and Arch Entrance Ticket
Grab your walking shoes and explore the city. See things like the Old Courthouse, Kiener Plaza, and more. This tour will also give you the VIP experience at the Gateway Arch. Learn about the history and architecture, as well as see the most breathtaking views.
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Private Tour of St. Louis's Iconic BBQ Joints & Breweries
Explore some of the best barbecue places to eat and grab a drink in St. Louis. See small boutique places to those that are world-renowned.
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St Louis Premium Driving Tour With St Louis Arch & River Cruise
Explore St. Louis on a Gateway Boat Cruise. See sights like the Basilica of Saint Louis, Busch Stadium, Tower Grove Park and more. You will also get to see the Arch and get to go to the top, and look over the city from high above.
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A Place to Stay

St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
This National Historic Landmark is one of the most unique and mind-blowing hotels I’ve ever stayed with a visually delicious blend of architectural grandeur and railroad heritage. Housed in the 1894 Beaux-Arts building designed by Theodore Link, the hotel features a majestic Grand Hall with a 65 ft barrel vaulted ceiling, gold-leaf detailing, and 3D light shows. If you love historic properties, impressive architecture, trains or all 3, you need to stay here!
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