Getting to Know St. Louis
St. Louis has a lot to offer! Here are some must-see attractions:
Top Attraction
Gateway Arch: This iconic monument is a symbol of St. Louis and offers stunning views of the city from the top. Free entrance, purchase ticket to go to the top.
Museums and Historic Homes
Saint Louis Art Museum: Located in Forest Park, it features an extensive collection of art from around the world. Anselm Keifer Exhibit opens in Oct. Museum entrance free, purchase ticket for special exhibitions.
City Museum: A unique museum with interactive exhibits made from repurposed architectural and industrial objects. Paid entrance.
Contemporary Art Museum: Museum for contemporary art. Known informally as the CAM St. Louis, the museum is located at 3750 Washington Boulevard in the Grand Center Arts District. The building is designed by the American architect Brad Cloepfil. Free Entrance.
Pulitzer Arts Foundation: Museum that presents special art exhibitions and public programs. Known informally as the Pulitzer, the museum is located at 3716 Washington Boulevard in the Grand Center Arts District. Free Entrance.
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum: Museum located on Washington University’s campus within the university's Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Founded in 1881 as the St. Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts, it was initially located in downtown St. Louis.
The Magic House: A children’s museum with interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family. Paid entrance.
Scott Joplin Residence: From 1900 to 1903, this was the residence of Scott Joplin (1868-1917), one of America's significant composers. His work with the musical genre later known as Ragtime provided important foundations for modern American music, combining elements of Midwestern folk and Afro-American melodic rhythmic traditions within the structural contexts of Western European musical forms. The house is located at 2685 Morgan St.
The Campbell House: Robert Campbell bought the house at what was originally 20 Lucas Place in 1854. The current address is 1508 Locust Street. The House was build for J.H. Hall in 1851 by architect William Fulton. It has three stories of red brick, and a stucco front. The house is designed in the Greek Revival style applied to a Victorian townhouse. The Campbell House was made a City Landmark in 1971.
Parks
Missouri Botanical Garden: One of the oldest botanical gardens in the U.S., it’s a beautiful place to explore nature. Free entrance.
Forest Park: Larger than Central Park in New York, it offers museums, a zoo, golf courses, and beautiful walking trails. The Jewel Box, a display greenhouse with both permanent and seasonal floral displays, is a prominent feature in Forest Park and definitely worth a visit.
Laumiere Sculpture Park: Founded in 1976, Laumeier is one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the country. In 1968, Mrs. Matilda Laumeier bequeathed the first 72 acres of the future Laumeier Sculpture Park to St. Louis County in memory of her husband, Henry Laumeier. In 1976, local artist Ernest Trova gifted 40 artworks, with an estimated market value of approximately one million dollars, to St. Louis County for the formation of a sculpture park and gallery. Laumeier Sculpture Park opened as part of the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation system on July 7, 1976. One year later, Laumeier Sculpture Park was officially incorporated.
Theater and the Arts
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: As the home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the acoustically renowned and visually stunning Powell Hall has inspired generations with the power of music. Paid entrance.
The Fox Theatre: A performing arts center located at 527 N. Grand Blvd. in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Also known as "The Fabulous Fox", it is situated in the arts district of the Grand Center area in Midtown St. Louis, one block north of Saint Louis University. Paid entrance.
Family Fun
Saint Louis Zoo: Located in Forest Park, this zoo is free and home to a wide variety of animals. Free Entrance.
St. Louis Aquarium: Fun for families and animal lovers alike, the St Louis Aquarium is located in the historic St. Louis Union Station. Paid entrance.
The St. Louis Wheel: Large-scale observation wheel with climate-controlled gondolas for views of the St. Louis area. Paid entrance.
The Delmar Loop: A vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Take a tour of this historic brewery and learn about the brewing process. Paid entrance.
And Finally, Shopping!!
Webster Groves: Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Webster Groves offers a unique blend of boutiques, specialty stores, and local artisans, making it an ideal destination for finding one-of-a-kind gifts, stylish apparel, and handcrafted treasures. Whether you're browsing independent bookstores, exploring art galleries, or indulging in gourmet treats, Webster Groves provides a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for unwinding!
Kirkwood: Located just outside St. Louis, Kirkwood offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of independent boutiques, specialty stores, and beloved local businesses. Stroll through Downtown Kirkwood to explore unique shops, cozy cafés, and inviting restaurants, all set against a backdrop of historic architecture.
Central West End: Located on the eastern edge of Forest Park, the Central West End is a vibrant, walkable district filled with upscale boutiques, independent bookstores, art galleries, and stylish cafés. Whether you're searching for unique gifts, designer fashion, or a cozy spot to unwind, this neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of shopping and dining experiences. Stroll along Euclid Avenue, the heart of the district, and discover charming storefronts, lively sidewalk cafés, and stunning turn-of-the-century architecture. Recognized as one of America’s top neighborhoods, the Central West End is a must-visit destination during your stay in St. Louis.
Clayton: Often called the "Manhattan of the Suburbs," Clayton blends a bustling business district with charming residential streets, creating a vibrant shopping and dining experience. This walkable neighborhood is home to high-end boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores, offering everything from designer fashion to unique gifts. Visitors can explore Downtown Clayton, where stylish storefronts sit alongside celebrated restaurants and cozy cafés. Whether you're browsing for luxury goods, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Clayton provides an upscale yet welcoming retreat during your stay in St. Louis.
South Grand: South Grand is a dynamic shopping and dining district known for its diverse international flair and eclectic mix of local businesses. Spanning six historic blocks, this lively neighborhood offers an array of unique boutiques, specialty shops, and ethically sourced artisan goods. Whether you're browsing for handcrafted jewelry, vintage finds, or gourmet treats, South Grand delivers a one-of-a-kind retail experience. The district is also home to some of St. Louis’ most celebrated global cuisine, making it the perfect place to explore, shop, and savor.
Restaurant Recommendations
St. Louis has a vibrant food scene with a variety of excellent restaurants. Here are some top picks:
Sidney Street Cafe: Known for its innovative American cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
Niche Food Group: Offers a range of dining experiences from Italian at Pastaria to fine dining at Sardella.
Pappy’s Smokehouse: A must-visit for BBQ lovers, famous for its ribs and pulled pork.
The Crossing: Features contemporary American dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
Brasserie by Niche: A French brasserie offering classic dishes in a relaxed setting.
Farmhaus: Known for its farm-to-table approach and seasonal menus.
Eleven Eleven Mississippi: Offers a unique blend of Northern California and Italian cuisine.
The Hill: This neighborhood is famous for its Italian restaurants, such as Charlie Gitto’s and Zia’s.
Please also refer to this link that shows restaurants within walking distance of the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Arch, which are grouped by neighborhood.
For more options, you can check out the latest reviews and recommendations on platforms like OpenTable, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.