Is St. Louis Worth Visiting? 27 Awesome Reasons to Go in 2026

I’ll be honest. When I first had the opportunity to travel to St. Louis, Missouri for my husband’s work, I wasn’t that excited. I thought it would be a small, boring Midwestern city without much culture or things to do. Wow, was I ever wrong. (To all my St. Louisans out there, I’m so sorry.)

If you’re wondering if St. Louis is worth visiting, this post is for you! I had every reason in my head to not like St. Louis, but I’m not exaggerating when I say I was blown away by this city. It was such a pleasant surprise for me in every way.

💫 Funny how life happens: Since the time of my very first visit to St. Louis, my family has since moved here. Now that I call St. Louis home, I’m even more excited to share why it’s such a great place to visit!

⏰ SHORT ON TIME?
Essential things to know about visiting St. Louis

TOP 3 THINGS TO DO
𖼆 Visit Gateway Arch National Park
🌳 Explore Forest Park and its FREE attractions
🎪 Be amazed at City Museum (no place quite like this)

WHERE TO STAY
Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza

TOP GUIDED TOUR
STL’s Sights & Bites

BEST TIME TO GO
Anytime, but spring 🌸 and fall 🍁 are my favorite

Is St. Louis worth visiting?

You could probably already tell from my intro that my answer is a resounding “yes!” St. Louis is absolutely worth visiting. Known as the “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis has a surprising variety of things to see and do.

Whether you’re into history, art, music, theater, food, or sports, you’ll find something for you in St. Louis. 

27 Fun Things to Do in St. Louis

It feels like there’s an endless list of things to do in St. Louis, and many of them are FREE! In this post, I’ve narrowed the list down to the 27 top activities to consider.

I know lists like these can sometimes be overwhelming (so much to see, so little time), so I ordered these based on my personal favorites or what I’d consider a “St. Louis must-do,” especially if this is your first visit.

Disclaimer: I’ve marked the attractions with no entrance fee as “FREE” in the list below. However, note that there may be hidden costs, such as parking or paid exhibits. I try to mention these additional costs as much as possible.

1. Visit the iconic Gateway Arch National Park

At 630 feet, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. (even taller than the Washington Monument and the Seattle Space Needle!). It’s the first thing most people picture when they think of St. Louis.

The grounds and the museum underneath the arch are free to explore and learn about the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” For the ultimate experience, though, I recommend buying tickets for the tram ride to the top of the arch.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Planning a visit to Gateway Arch National Park with kids?
Check out this post with all my tips!

2. Explore the trails, fountains, and cultural sites at Forest Park (FREE!)

Forest Park covers about 1,300 acres, which makes it bigger than New York’s Central Park. It was the site of the 1904 World’s Fair, and today it holds the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, and Missouri History Museum, along with paved trails, lakes, and plenty of picnic spots.

You could easily spend a full day here without leaving the park. Rent a bike or paddle boats, walk the loop around the Grand Basin, or just stake out a spot on the grass.

3. Meander through caves, tunnels, aquariums, and more at City Museum

City Museum is hard to describe, and even harder to forget. When we flew to St. Louis for the first time, we had locals on board tell us we had to check this place out, and they weren’t kidding!

City Museum is housed in a former shoe factory, and all its features are built from reclaimed architectural pieces. You’ll find tunnels, caves, slides, and climbing structures indoors and out, plus a rooftop. It even has its own indoor circus.

This place feels more like an adventure playground than a museum, and it’s just as enjoyable for adults as for kids!

A few tips for the best experience: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, expect crowds on weekends, and buy tickets online to save time at the door.

4. Wander the galleries of the St. Louis Art Museum (FREE!)

The Saint Louis Art Museum sits on top of Art Hill in Forest Park, in a grand building left over from the 1904 World’s Fair.

General admission is free, and the collection spans ancient to contemporary art from around the world. There are also special exhibitions throughout the year available at an extra cost.

Must-do while you’re here: Walk up the front steps and look back over Art Hill for one of the best views in the park.

5. Admire the architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (FREE!)

This cathedral looks like it belongs in Europe. Inside, the walls and ceilings are covered with 41.5 million tiny glass tiles in an enormous mosaic collection, which is really stunning to see in person.

Admission is free, but it’s an active place of worship, so dress respectfully and check visiting hours and Mass schedules before you go.

6. Stroll through the Missouri Botanical Garden

Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country.

Some of the most popular features include a large Japanese garden and the Climatron, a geo-dome filled with tropical plants that’s especially welcome on a cold day. General admission is $16, but kids aged 12 and under are free.

Also worth checking out if you have kids: There’s a really cool children’s garden inside the botanical garden, complete with treehouses, a giant sandbox, and other interactive activities. Note this costs $5 for each child aged 3-12.

7. See a show at The Muny

The Muny has staged outdoor musicals in Forest Park for more than a century, and it’s the largest outdoor musical theater in the country. Summer evenings under the stars with a Broadway-style production are a St. Louis tradition.

The Muny offers 1,500 free seats at the back of the theater (the last nine rows) on a first come, first served basis. Come early to secure one of these spots! (It’s also a tradition for people to picnic while in line for the free seats. :))

8. Ride the St. Louis Wheel

Located at Union Station, the St. Louis Wheel is a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel with views of the downtown skyline and the Gateway Arch. This is a fun, low-effort stop that pairs well with dinner or a trip to the aquarium.

Evening rides are especially nice when the city lights up. Admission is $20.10 for adults and $13.40 for kids aged 3-12 (ages 2 and under ride for free).

9. Feed the koi and see a Fire and Light Show at Union Station

Union Station was once the largest train station in the country, and today it’s a mix of restaurants, shops, entertainment, and attractions. It’s fun to be inside the Grand Hall and look up at the ornate architecture.

Feeding the koi is a simple and fun activity while you’re at Union Station. Bring quarters with you to grab some fish food at the machines near the pond. There’s also a free Fire and Light Show on the pond that runs daily on the hour from 12 to 9 p.m.

10. Encounter over 12,000 animals at St. Louis Zoo (FREE!)

The St. Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the best in the country, with more than 12,000 animals and 450 species. General admission is free, so you can stay as long as you like, whether that’s a quick visit or the whole day.

Some rides and special exhibits cost extra. Arrive early on weekends and in summer, since the zoo is a local favorite.

Tip: There is a paid parking lot near the zoo, but parking is free along the roads in Forest Park. If you don’t mind walking a bit farther, you can usually find a space and save a few bucks.

11. Experience the exhibits at St. Louis Science Center (FREE!)

The Science Center is a hands-on museum that can keep kids (and adults) busy for hours. General admission is free, which makes it an easy rainy-day option. My daughter always loves the “Dream it. Build it.” room with the KEVA planks and the animatronic T. Rex!

Note: Special exhibits and some attractions, like the planetarium, cost extra.

12. Grab some barbecue at Pappy’s

Pappy’s Smokehouse is a St. Louis barbecue favorite (definitely one of mine!), known for its dry-rubbed, slow-smoked ribs. Lines can be long, and Pappy’s is known for running out when the day’s meat is gone, so I’d recommend going on a weekday or shortly after they open.

If you’re deciding between sides, don’t skip the sweet potato fries. Whatever you order, come hungry.

13. Dip into the concrete at Ted Drewes

A “concrete” is Ted Drewes’ signature frozen custard, blended so thick it’s served upside down. This Route 66 institution has been a local ritual for decades, and the lines in the summer prove it.

Pick a classic flavor or build your own with toppings. My personal top three flavors: Terra Mizzou, All Shook Up, and Hawaiian Delight.

14. Enjoy live entertainment at The Fabulous Fox

The Fabulous Fox, in the Grand Center Arts District, is a 1920s movie palace known for its over-the-top decor. It hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances.

Even if you don’t see a show, the building is worth a look.

15. Get up close with marine life at the St. Louis Aquarium

The St. Louis Aquarium is home to more than 13,000 animals, including a giant shark habitat. This is another great rainy-day option and an easy thing to do at the same time as the St. Louis Wheel and other activities at Union Station.

Admission is $31.75 for adults and $26.75 for children, with combo ticket options available if you’d like to do the ropes course, mirror maze, or other special exhibits.

16. Uncover St. Louis’s musical history at the National Blues Museum

St. Louis has a deep musical heritage, and the National Blues Museum, located downtown near Union Station and the Arch, tells the story of the blues, from its Mississippi Delta roots to rock and roll and beyond.

Tip: If you go here, I’d highly recommend stopping at Sugarfire next-door for lunch — another excellent barbecue place!

17. Bend reality at the Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions has about 50 interactive exhibits designed to trick your eyes and brain. This makes for a great photo-op stop.

Regular admission is $29.60 per person, but discounted tickets are available for families.

18. Catch a soccer match at Energizer Park

St. Louis has a major-league soccer team and an amazing stadium built for it (very close to Union Station). Match days have a loud, lively atmosphere even if you’re not a soccer person.

Check out the season’s schedule and ticket prices here.

19. Go to a St. Louis Cardinals game

Baseball is a big part of the city’s identity, and the Cardinals have won 11 World Series championships, second-most in Major League Baseball. A game at Busch Stadium downtown is a classic St. Louis night out, especially on a summer evening.

Arrive early to explore Ballpark Village next door. Get tickets here.

20. Watch the St. Louis Blues play

Another sports team to check out: The St. Louis Blues, part of the National Hockey League, won their first Stanley Cup in 2019, and the city turned out in force to celebrate. Winter nights at Enterprise Center are loud and energetic, and it’s a good way to experience the city’s passionate fans.

Check out the Blues website for schedule and ticket information.

21. Discover the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries (FREE!)

St. Louis is a major hub for chess in the U.S., and the World Chess Hall of Fame in the Central West End is dedicated to the game’s history and artistry. Look for the oversized chess piece outside. You don’t need to play to enjoy the exhibits, which mix history and contemporary art.

22. Glimpse the past at the Missouri History Museum (FREE!)

Located at the original entrance to the 1904 World’s Fair, the Missouri History Museum has free exhibits on St. Louis and Missouri’s past, from the World’s Fair and Olympics to the city’s music and cultural heritage.

It’s right in Forest Park, so it’s an easy add-on to a St. Louis Zoo or Art Museum visit.

23. Learn about civil rights history at the Old Courthouse (FREE!)

The Old Courthouse is part of Gateway Arch National Park and is best known as the place where Dred Scott sued for his freedom in the 1800s, a case that helped shape American history. Its dome and rotunda are worth seeing on their own.

Admission is free, and it’s an easy walk from the Arch grounds.

24. See the Budweiser Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and is now a family-friendly attraction with a tram ride, farm animals, and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

Admission is free, but parking isn’t: expect to pay $18 per vehicle if you buy online in advance, or $27 on site.

25. Get “that first sip feeling” at a local coffee shop

A good coffee shop is always an important attraction any place I visit, so here are my top three recommendations to check out in St. Louis:

• The Protagonist: In the historic Soulard neighborhood.
• The Antagonist: Also in the Soulard neighborhood, and run by the same owners as The Protagonist, as you may have guessed. 😉
• Comet Coffee: There’s a location within walking distance of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

26. Taste other St. Louis food inventions

St. Louis has other interesting local delicacies that are worth trying:

• Toasted ravioli (“toasted ravs”): Basically just breaded and fried ravioli.
• St. Louis-style pizza: Has a thin, cracker-like crust and is topped with Provel cheese (a mixture of cheddar, Swiss and provolone).
• Gooey butter cake: A very sweet, very dense treat.
• Fitz’s root beer: Made with the original 1947 recipe using all-natural cane sugar, barks and spices.

About St. Louis

St. Louis is a cultural crossroads in the heartland of the U.S. It’s well known as the “Gateway to the West,” where the famous Lewis and Clark expedition began in 1804. 

The explorers were tasked with scoping out the land that made up the Louisiana Purchase (everything west of St. Louis).

The city’s strategic location along the Mississippi River led to its rapid growth and prosperity throughout the 1800s. It became a music hub, home to famous Blues and Rock n’ Roll artists like Chuck Berry, Scott Joplin, and Miles Davis.

In 1904, St. Louis hosted the World’s Fair, a giant international exposition in Forest Park. That same year, St. Louis was also the first U.S. city (and third in the world) to host the modern Olympics. 

You can learn a lot more about the history of St. Louis and Missouri at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, located at the original entrance of the World’s Fair.

🇫🇷 How did St. Louis get its name?
The city was founded by French fur traders back in 1764, and they named the city after King Louis IX, the only French king to become a saint. The funny thing is they didn’t name it after the actual king of France at the time, Louis XV, but rather after a king who reigned more than 500 years prior.

St. Louis fast facts

Here are a few other quick facts about St. Louis:

• St. Louis consumes more barbecue sauce per capita than any other place in the U.S.
• St. Louis used to be one of the largest shoe manufacturing centers in the world.
• The Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S.
• Panera was founded in St. Louis, originally called the St. Louis Bread Company. You’ll still see it called by that name throughout the city.
• St. Louis City and St. Louis County have 92 different municipal governments, so it’s a city of cities.

Best place to stay in St. Louis

My favorite hotel in St. Louis is the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza. It’s a cultural landmark dating back to 1922.

The hotel has three awesome restaurants and a five-screen cinema, as well as an outdoor pool. 10/10 recommend this place for your visit to St. Louis!

➡️ BOOK A ROOM AT THE CHASE PARK PLAZA ⬅️

Other FAQs

Here are answers to other common questions about St. Louis: 

Why is St. Louis so popular?

For one, St. Louis is in a prime, central location in the U.S. Midwest, with easy access to other parts of the country. (I guess there’s a reason for its nickname “Gateway to the West.”)

St. Louis is also an affordable place to visit with several free attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, and St. Louis Science Center. The 1,300-acre Forest Park is home to many events and points of interest, drawing crowds from near and far.

The city’s rich music and food culture is another major selling point. Who doesn’t love a good barbecue and blues?

And sports fans love coming to St. Louis to watch the Cardinals, Blues, or St. Louis CITY SC play.

Is there a lot to do in St. Louis?

Yes, I am continuously blown away by all there is to do in St. Louis. Whether you want to see a live musical or show, cheer on one of the sports teams, tour one of the many museums, or delight your taste buds at the variety of restaurants, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your time.

What is the best month to visit St. Louis?

April, May, September, and October are great times to visit St. Louis, as the weather is warmer but not as hot as in the summer. (Summers can get really HOT.) 

While winter in St. Louis isn’t as extreme as the northern U.S. states, it still can get pretty cold. 

Spring and fall are the best times to take advantage of milder temperatures and enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities in St. Louis.

How many days should you spend in St. Louis?

You can hit a lot of the highlights in one day, but to get a really good feel for the city, I recommend spending at least three or four days here. 

Here’s an example of how you could spend four days in St. Louis:

Day 1: Explore Forest Park and its many attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and St. Louis Science Center.

Day 2: Tour City Museum and Union Station before watching a St. Louis CITY SC soccer game at Energizer stadium.

Day 3: Go on a St. Louis food tour to experience its many culinary delights and visit the Gateway Arch.

Day 4: Visit the National Blues Museum and walk next door for a delicious St. Louis-style barbecue at Sugarfire. See a musical at The Muny in the evening.

What food is St. Louis known for?

St. Louis is a foodie haven. Here are a few food items specific to St. Louis to add to your list (I really shouldn’t be writing this while hungry):

• St. Louis-style pizza: A thin cracker-like crust topped with sweet tomato sauce and Provel cheese.
• Provel cheese: A processed blend of Swiss, provolone, and cheddar cheese founded in St. Louis.
• Frozen custard concrete: This thick frozen treat was made most famous by Ted Drewes, a must-stop place in St. Louis.
• Gooey butter cake: A sweet, dense cake made with wheat cake flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, and topped with powdered sugar.
• Toasted ravioli: Breaded and fried ravioli served with marinara sauce.
• Slinger: This is a mixture of hashbrowns, over-easy eggs, and sausage patties topped with chili, American cheese, and raw onions – a staple in St. Louis diners.  

And one more St. Louis invention that doesn’t sound appealing to me at all but is fascinating: The St.Paul sandwich. This sandwich is commonly served in Chinese American restaurants in the St. Louis area and consists of an egg foo young patty served with dill pickle, white onion, mayo, and lettuce between two slices of white bread. 

Apparently, the St. Paul sandwich was invented by Chinese restaurants in the 1940s as a menu item that would be more palatable to a Midwestern American audience. Not sure why anyone would choose white bread over Kung Pao chicken, but that’s beyond me…

How should you spend a day in St. Louis?

If I only had one day in St. Louis, I would:

• Spend the morning in Forest Park and visit the St. Louis Zoo or the St. Louis Art Museum. 
• Head over to Sugarfire for a barbecue lunch before touring the National Blues Museum or City Museum nearby. 
• Visit Gateway Arch National Park and buy tickets to ride the elevator all the way to the top. 
• In the evening, grab dinner at Union Station and ride the Ferris wheel, or see an outdoor musical at The Muny.

Is St. Louis a beautiful city?

Yes, St. Louis is beautiful! I was not expecting there to be such lovely parks and architecture everywhere. History is preserved well in this city, and you can find traces of past eras anywhere you go. 

I also love how diverse St. Louis is, both in terms of its population and the array of things to explore. You have blues and rock n’ roll, root beer and frozen custard, theater and symphony, museum and stadium. 

St. Louis is a cultural melting pot that to me represents the soul of America. It’s a must-see destination on any U.S. bucket list.

Conclusion: Is St. Louis worth visiting?

I hope I’ve convinced you to add St. Louis to your travel wishlist. 

My first encounter with St. Louis was a great reminder about travel in general: Don’t misjudge a place based on preconceived notions. Give anywhere a chance, and you’ll often end up pleasantly surprised. 

That was most certainly the case for me with St. Louis. Do yourself a favor and go!

PLANNING A TRIP?
These are the resources I recommend:
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🛌 Hotels: Booking.com
​🚗 Rental cars: DiscoverCars
🎟 Tours: Viator or GetYourGuide