The allure of Saint Louis is undeniable, especially since it offers museums and attractions, family-friendly activities, food, and nightlife.
Beyond the Gateway Arch (a tribute to the early 19th-century explorations of Lewis and Clark and America's westward expansion), St. Louis is home to a number of monuments, museums, parks, and other attractions unique to the city. The St. Louis Zoo, for example, is recognized as one of the top five zoos in the nation. It is located in Forest Park, one of the nation's largest city parks with 1,293 acres, open to the public for activities like golf, tennis, baseball, bicycling, boating, fishing, handball, ice skating, in-line skating, jogging, cricket, rugby, and more. The park is also home to the St. Louis Science Center and the Missouri History Museum, and was historically the site of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase World's Fair.
Other top sights include the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (known especially for its mosaic art), the City Museum (which is more of an architectural playground with mazes, obstacle courses, tunnels, airplanes suspended in midair, and chutes and ladders), and the St. Louis Art Museum.
In addition to exploring some of the top attractions - museums, parks, and architecture included - St. Louis is a great place to get lost in the cultures of each distinctive neighborhood. The descriptions above give some insight into the top districts, the Central West End, Laclede's Landing, and Soulard being especially popular with visitors. Additional parks worth visiting include the one at Lafayette Square (the oldest in the city, chartered in 1806), Laumeier Sculpture Park, and South Grand and Tower Grove Park (which features bike paths, playgrounds, a wading pool, several restored Victorian pavilions, and seasonally hosts a Farmer's Market and festivals).
Other activities including movies, Mississippi River cruises, sporting events, and musical performances from jazz to folk, classical, and more.
Museums and Attractions:
When people think of Saint Louis, they often think of its famous museums and landmarks. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.
A nice way to explore destinations in Saint Louis is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries) in St. Louis for $129 details
- St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium for $89 details
- St. Louis Christmas Spectacular Tour for $239 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Saint Louis, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.