Best Travel Experiences to have in the Gateway to the West
St. Louis, Missouri is located in the center of the US and right along the mighty Mississippi River. It is one of the best cities to visit in the Midwest and borders the states of Missouri and Illinois. It is renowned for its gargantuan Gate Way Arch, which symbolizes America’s westward expansion. St. Louis is also famous for its barbecue, historical sites, and innovative culture. A Three or four day trip is good enough to hit the main attractions around downtown. Here’s the top 10 best things to do in St. Louis!
10. Citygarden Sculpture Park
Citygarden Sculpture Park is an open air art exhibition located directly in front of the city’s most iconic monument. Enjoy a serene stroll through the garden’s unique architecture and fountains as you gaze upon the eccentric art collection. It’s open daily from 6am – 10pm.
9. World Chess Hall of Fame
Even if your chess skills max out at knowing how the knight moves, this quirky museum is worth a visit. The exhibits explore the game’s rich history and cultural impact, and the gift shop is a treasure trove of clever chess-themed items. In front of the museum you’ll find the world’s largest chess piece. Across the street you can even play a few quick games at the St. Louis chess club.
8. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
This opulent cathedral is adorned with over 41 million breathtaking mosaic tiles and colorful artwork throughout its ceilings. As soon as you step inside, its feels as if you’ve been transported to Europe. The Cathedral is an impressive edifice that rivals the divine structures of Spain or France.
7. Anheuser-Busch Brewery
You don’t have to be a beer lover to enjoy this iconic tour, but it helps! Even without an affinity to watered down light beer, you can see the famous Clydesdales in their stables, learn about the brewing process, and finish with free samples! Tours last about an hour and you can sign up online here.
6. Forest Park
Forest Park is a sprawling green expanse packed with hidden gems and it’s free to enjoy! With an area of about 1,300 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, even bigger than New York‘s Central Park. Inside you’ll find some of city’s largest cultural institutions including the St. Louis Art Museum, Science Center, a zoo, The Muny, and the Missouri History Museum. The best way to get around inside is by electric scooter or renting a bike.
5. St. Louis Blues Club
St. Louis is steeped in blues history, and its live music scene keeps the tradition alive. One of our favorite spots which was recommended was the Broadway Oyster Bar. Enjoy a night out with some toe-tapping tunes as you knock back some drinks (and maybe a few oysters) with the locals. The nightlife scene is generally safe as long as you take your usual precautions.
4. Missouri Botanical Garden
Another marvelous outdoor space to indulge in is the Missouri Botanical Garden. This manicured Eden contains a Japanese garden, a domed Climatron, and even light shows during the winter season. General admission is $16, but also includes a guided tour departing at 10am and 1pm.
3. St. Louis Style Barbecue
If there’s just one reason to visit St. Louis (besides the Arch of course), then it has to be for its barbecue. St. Louis style bbq might not be as hyped as Texas or Kansas City, but it should be. The delicious meats and sauces are smoky, sweet, and vinegary. Head to Pappy’s Smokehouse for melt-in-your-mouth ribs or Sugarfire for inventive takes on the classic. And definitely try the pork steak!
The St. Louis food scene is an underrated gem worthy of a visit from any serious foodie. With tons of delectable signature meals to try, here are just a few of our favorites to taste while exploring the city! Stay tuned our our epic St. Louis food tour vlog for an in depth look of our favorites.
- Toasted Ravioli – Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill
- Slinger – Courtesy Diner
- St. Paul Sandwich – Park Chop Suey
- St. Louis Style Pizza – Imo’s Pizza
- Breakfast – Rooster Diner
- Pork Steak, Ribs, & BBQ – Pappy’s Smokehouse or Sugar Fire
2. The City Museum
This is probably one of the most eccentric exhibits in the world, being less of a traditional museum and more of a whimsical labyrinth of hidden tunnels, slides, and secret passageways. The City Museum encourages visitors to run, crawl, and climb through a playground of art installations and architectural creativity. The rooftop also has great views and a few other unique surprises. Despite the questionable safety concerns of the slides, both kids and adults alike will find their inner adventurer here. We highly recommend purchasing the kneepads and to watch your head!
1. The St. Louis Gateway Arch
No trip to St. Louis is complete without visiting the Gateway Arch. The iconic structure is the country’s tallest monument & rises 630ft into the sky. This symbolic emblem of westward expansion is a marvelous feat of engineering and also the smallest national park in the USA. Purchase tickets and you can ride a capsule-elevator all the way to the top for amazing views of the city. As one of the most recognizable landmarks in America, it made our trip to St. Louis 100% worth it. Although the amount of time at the top felt rushed, be sure to embrace your moment of mindfulness!
St. Louis is a great city with a surprising amount of unique attractions, delicious food, and architectural innovations. Plan a trip to visit during the spring or fall for great weather and more affordable prices. Even with just 3 or 4 days the city is a lot of fun and you can experience most of the sights. Stay tuned for more of our adventures as we visit all 50 states in America! Until then, thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Check out our visit to the top of the Gateway Arch in this travel vlog!
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