Things to Do in St. Louis: A Local-Inspired Guide for Visitors and Newcomers
August 6, 2025
Planning a trip or settling into the Gateway City? Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or just unpacked boxes in your new home, St. Louis has no shortage of exciting things to do. From world-class attractions and historic sites to quirky museums and legendary eats, the city has a little something for everyone.
Before you dive in, it's always helpful to get organized, especially if you're relocating. If you need a place to store your belongings while exploring the city or moving into your new home, consider using self storage near St. Louis for convenient and secure options.
What Makes St. Louis a Great Destination
St. Louis is more than just a flyover city. It's packed with rich history, diverse neighborhoods, passionate sports fans, and one of the best urban parks in the country. It's also one of the most affordable big cities in the U.S., making it easy to explore without breaking your budget. Whether you're here with kids, friends, or on your own, there's something to keep you inspired around every corner.
Must-See Landmarks and Attractions
Gateway Arch and Museum
You can't visit St. Louis without seeing the Arch. Ride to the top for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. At the base, you'll find the Gateway Arch Museum, which offers interactive exhibits about the westward expansion.
Union Station
This historic train station has been transformed into a full-on entertainment hub. Ride the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, catch the Fire & Light Show in the Grand Hall, visit the St. Louis Aquarium, or grab a bite at one of the station's unique restaurants.
Forest Park
Bigger than Central Park and just as iconic, Forest Park is home to a free zoo, art museum, science center, and history museum. It's a favorite for joggers, families, and picnickers alike.
City Museum
This is one of the most unusual and fun museums you'll ever step into. It's part art installation, part playground, and 100% memorable. Kids and adults can climb through tunnels, crawl through caves, and slide down a 10-story slide.
Where to Eat and Drink in St. Louis
Iconic Eats
Start with a gooey butter cake, it's a local must. Toasted ravioli is another regional staple, and if you're adventurous, try Provel cheese on a thin-crust St. Louis-style pizza.
Best Local Spots
Pappy's Smokehouse is your go-to for ribs, while Salt + Smoke is great for brisket and bourbon. Crown Candy Kitchen has been serving up retro vibes and malts since 1913. For a modern food hall experience, head to City Foundry STL for a diverse selection of options.
Breweries and Distilleries
St. Louis has a rich brewing history, and the craft scene is booming. Don't miss Urban Chestnut for German-style beers, 4 Hands for creative seasonal brews, and StilL 630 for award-winning whiskey.
Fun Neighborhoods to Explore
The Delmar Loop
This eclectic area blends art, music, food, and shopping. It's home to the St. Louis Walk of Fame and venues like The Pageant and Blueberry Hill.
The Grove
This vibrant neighborhood is filled with colorful murals, lively nightclubs, and LGBTQ+-friendly bars and restaurants. Great for an evening out or Sunday brunch.
Soulard
Known for its blues bars, Mardi Gras celebrations, and the iconic Soulard Farmers Market. It's a great mix of old-school charm and buzzing nightlife.
Central West End
Chic and walkable, the CWE is perfect for a date night or shopping spree. It borders Forest Park, offering the best of both worlds—urban sophistication and lush green space.
Free or Budget-Friendly Things to Do
You don't need to spend a dime to enjoy some of the best parts of St. Louis:
- Visit the St. Louis Zoo, one of the top zoos in the country—and it's completely free.
- Explore the Science Center, Art Museum, and Missouri History Museum, all located in Forest Park.
- Take a free tour of the
Anheuser-Busch Brewery and say hello to the famous Clydesdales.
Things to Do with Kids in St. Louis
St. Louis is incredibly family-friendly, offering hands-on experiences and outdoor fun:
- Magic House (Children's Museum) in Kirkwood
- Citygarden Sculpture Park in downtown
- Grant's Farm, home to animals and free beer samples for adults
- St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
- Myseum, an indoor STEM-based play space in the suburbs
Sports and Stadium Stops
You'll feel the hometown pride no matter what team is playing:
- Busch Stadium is where the St. Louis Cardinals call home—catch a game with skyline views.
- Enterprise Center hosts St. Louis Blues hockey games.
- CITYPARK, the brand-new soccer stadium, is buzzing with energy thanks to STL's Major League Soccer team.
Unique Experiences You'll Only Find Here
- Take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River.
- Visit the
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, home to one of the largest mosaic collections in the world.
- See a show at the historic Fabulous Fox Theatre, a restored 1929 movie palace.
- Cruise a portion of Route 66, which runs right through the city.
Best Time to Visit and How to Get Around
Spring and fall are the sweet spots, mild weather and plenty of events. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold but not unbearable.
Downtown and Forest Park are easily accessible on foot, but for most neighborhoods and attractions, a car is recommended. The MetroLink light rail is a reliable option for traveling between the airport, downtown, and key areas, such as the Delmar Loop.
Final Thoughts on Exploring St. Louis
Whether you're a weekend visitor or making St. Louis your new home, the city's mix of iconic landmarks, local cuisine, family-friendly activities, and neighborhood charm makes it a place worth discovering again and again. You don't have to pack your itinerary with only the big-name attractions, some of the best experiences are the ones you stumble into along the way.
And if you're relocating and need a bit of extra space, don't forget to check out
self-storage options around St. Louis. It's a convenient way to stay organized while you enjoy everything the Gateway City has to offer.
