10 Best Things to Do in St. Louis

Looking for what to do in St. Louis? Known as the “Gateway to the West,” this iconic Midwestern city is a captivating blend of monumental history, world-class cultural institutions, lush urban parks, and a vibrant, resilient spirit. From the soaring stainless-steel curve of its legendary Arch on the Mississippi riverfront to the sprawling beauty of Forest Park, St. Louis offers a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate American expansion, artistic achievement, and scientific discovery. With its distinct neighborhoods, deep musical roots, and a welcoming, community-focused energy, St. Louis provides a rewarding and surprisingly diverse urban adventure.

From exploring the landmarks that define the nation’s westward journey to wandering through free, top-tier zoos and museums, discovering whimsical artistic playgrounds, and savoring the city’s famous culinary and brewing traditions, planning a visit reveals a city of both grand scale and intimate charm. To help you discover the very best of the Mound City, here are the 10 best things to do in St. Louis to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Visit the Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch is far more than a postcard image; it is a profound symbol of American ambition and the centerpiece of the revitalized Gateway Arch National Park. Designed by Eero Saarinen, this 630-foot stainless steel monument commemorates St. Louis’s role as the staging point for westward expansion in the 19th century. The journey to the top is an experience in itself—a unique tram ride in small, egg-shaped capsules that travel up the curved leg of the Arch to a narrow observation room at the apex. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the city skyline, the winding Mississippi River, and the Illinois plains.

Beneath the Arch, the extensive Museum of Westward Expansion has been completely reimagined, offering engaging, interactive exhibits that explore the complex stories of explorers, Indigenous peoples, pioneers, and settlers who shaped the nation. A walk through the park’s landscaped grounds to the Old Courthouse completes this essential St. Louis pilgrimage, connecting you to the city’s foundational narrative.

2. Explore Forest Park

At 1,300 acres, Forest Park is not only larger than New York’s Central Park but also one of the greatest urban public spaces in the United States. Created for the 1904 World’s Fair, the park is a verdant masterpiece of meadows, waterways, grand basins, and winding paths. It is a recreational paradise for walking, jogging, cycling, paddle boating, and golf. More remarkably, it is a cultural campus, housing many of the city’s crown jewel institutions, all within its borders.

Beyond its physical beauty, Forest Park embodies the city’s generous civic spirit, as admission to the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and St. Louis Science Center is completely free. Whether you’re picnicking by Art Hill, visiting the cascading Jewel Box greenhouse, or simply enjoying a serene moment by the water, Forest Park is the lush, beating heart of St. Louis.

3. Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum

Perched majestically on Art Hill in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) is housed in the magnificent Beaux-Arts Palace of Fine Arts, the only permanent building left from the 1904 World’s Fair. Its grand architecture is a fitting home for an encyclopedic collection that spans 5,000 years and six continents. The museum is particularly strong in its holdings of Oceanic art, pre-Columbian works, European Old Master paintings, and modern American art.

Thanks to the city’s museum district tax, general admission is free, allowing visitors to return again and again. The contemporary addition, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, seamlessly blends with the historic building and houses modern galleries and a sleek restaurant. A visit to SLAM offers a world-class art experience in an accessible and awe-inspiring setting, solidifying St. Louis’s status as a major cultural destination.

4. Explore the Missouri Botanical Garden

Founded in 1859 by philanthropist Henry Shaw, the Missouri Botanical Garden (Shaw’s Garden) is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest botanical institutions in continuous operation in the United States. This 79-acre urban oasis is a living museum of stunning beauty and scientific importance. Its most iconic structure is the Climatron, a breathtaking geodesic dome conservatory that recreates a lush, lowland rainforest environment.

p>Highlights include the 14-acre Japanese Garden (Seiwa-en), one of the largest of its kind in North America, with serene streams, koi ponds, and a traditional tea house; the meticulously patterned Victorian District; and the immersive English Woodland Garden. The Garden is a place of tranquility, education, and year-round beauty, from the blooming orchids inside to the vibrant fall colors and festive holiday lights outside.

5. Visit the St. Louis Zoo

Consistently ranked among the top zoos in the world, the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park is a marvel of animal care, conservation, and visitor experience—and it offers free general admission. Its innovative, naturalistic habitats are organized into themed zones like River’s Edge (featuring elephants and hippos), Discovery Corner, and Historic Hill, home to the stunning, century-old 1904 Flight Cage. The Penguin & Puffin Coast allows you to walk through a chilly habitat as birds swim overhead, while Big Cat Country provides awe-inspiring views of lions and tigers.

The zoo’s commitment to conservation and education is evident throughout. While entry is free, fees for special attractions like the Zooline Railroad or the Sea Lion Show help support its mission. A day at the Zoo is a fun, educational, and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, perfectly representing St. Louis’s family-friendly and generous character.

6. Explore the City Museum

To call the City Museum a “museum” is a drastic understatement. It is a monumental, ever-evolving piece of folk art, an architectural marvel, and an immersive jungle gym for all ages. Housed in a former shoe factory, artist Bob Cassilly and his crew constructed this wonderland almost entirely from reclaimed urban materials. Visitors can climb through miles of repurposed tunnels, pipes, and slides, explore a rooftop Ferris wheel and school bus suspended over the edge, and wander through caves and enchanted forests—all crafted from concrete, metal, and imagination.

There is no map and no correct path; the experience is one of pure, joyful discovery. While it’s a paradise for children, adults are equally captivated by the sheer creativity and daring of the installations. The City Museum is a testament to St. Louis’s quirky, artistic soul and is arguably one of the most unique and exhilarating attractions in the entire country.

7. Walk around the Delmar Loop

Voted one of America’s “10 Great Streets,” the Delmar Loop is a vibrant, eclectic six-block entertainment and cultural district that pulses with energy. It’s a celebration of St. Louis’s diversity and creative spirit. The sidewalk is embedded with the St. Louis Walk of Fame, featuring stars for famous locals like Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, and Tennessee Williams. Independent boutiques, record stores, and art galleries sit alongside legendary music venues like The Pageant and Blueberry Hill, where Chuck Berry performed for decades.

The area is also a global culinary tour, with restaurants serving Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, and classic St. Louis fare. At the western end, the whimsical Loop Trolley connects to Forest Park. An evening on the Delmar Loop, filled with live music, great food, and people-watching, captures the contemporary, youthful heartbeat of the city.

8. Visit the National Blues Museum

Located in the heart of downtown, the National Blues Museum is a dynamic tribute to the musical genre that forms a root of American popular music. St. Louis has a deep and vital blues history, and this modern museum brings that story to life through interactive technology, historical artifacts, and engaging exhibits. You can try your hand at composing a blues track, see guitars played by legends, and learn about the Great Migration’s role in spreading the blues from the Delta to urban centers like St. Louis and Chicago.

The museum doesn’t just look at the past; it celebrates the living tradition of the blues with regular live performances in its intimate theater. A visit here provides a rich, sensory understanding of the blues’ cultural impact and St. Louis’s important place in its enduring story.

9. Tour the Anheuser‑Busch Brewery

For over 160 years, the name Anheuser-Busch has been synonymous with St. Louis. The Anheuser‑Busch Brewery campus is a landmark of industry and history, and taking the complimentary Budweiser Brewery Experience Tour is a classic St. Louis activity. The tour guides you through the stunning, castle-like Brewhouse, the historic Stable Complex where the world-famous Clydesdales reside, and the modern packaging facilities.

You’ll learn about the beer-making process, the company’s history, and its role in the city’s development. The tour concludes with a tasting of their classic beers. Even for non-beer drinkers, the scale of the operation, the beautiful architecture, and the chance to see the majestic Clydesdales make this a fascinating and uniquely St. Louis experience.

10. Stroll the Mississippi Riverfront & Laclede’s Landing

Reconnect with the mighty river that made St. Louis a strategic hub by exploring its revitalized Riverfront. Start at the Gateway Arch grounds and walk north along the riverfront trail for beautiful views of the Arch and the Eads Bridge. This leads you to Laclede’s Landing, a historic district of cobblestone streets and 19th-century brick warehouses that have been converted into restaurants, nightclubs, and entertainment venues.

While quieter than in decades past, the Landing retains its historic charm and offers a glimpse into the city’s early days as a bustling river port. For a different perspective, consider a sightseeing or dinner cruise on a riverboat. The riverfront is a place to appreciate the constant, powerful flow of the Mississippi and its undeniable role in shaping the city’s identity and destiny.