Alright, let’s talk about St. Louis. You might have heard about the famous arch and maybe toasted with some local brew, but this city is so much more than a single monument.
This is the true “Gateway to the West,” where Mississippi River history, world-class culture, and Midwestern charm shake hands.
It’s a city of free world-class museums, beautiful green spaces, and a food scene that’ll have you loosening your belt. If you think you know what the Midwest is about, St. Louis is ready to surprise you in the best way.
Get ready to discover a city that’s packed with personality and history. We’re going way beyond the postcard view to show you the absolute best things to do in St. Louis, Missouri.
This is your local’s guide to experiences that make this city special, from standing under an architectural marvel to exploring neighborhoods where the real soul of the city lives.
Whether you’re a history buff, a family on an adventure, or a foodie looking for the next great bite, St. Louis is your kind of town. Let’s dive into the top St. Louis attractions.
1. Reach for the Sky at the Gateway Arch
You can’t come to St. Louis and not see The Arch. It’s not just a landmark; it’s a symbol of the nation’s westward expansion, and seeing it in person is a genuine “wow” moment.
Standing 630 feet tall, it’s the tallest man-made monument in the United States. The sleek, stainless steel curve against the sky is simply stunning. But here’s the real secret: the experience is so much more than a photo op.
You can take a unique tram ride to the very top. These small, pod-like trams travel up the legs of the arch to a narrow observation deck at the peak. The view of downtown St. Louis and the mighty Mississippi River is unbeatable.
Below ground, the fantastic Gateway Arch Museum tells the powerful stories of the explorers, pioneers, and rebels who shaped America’s westward journey. Visiting the Arch and its museum is the definitive must-do in St. Louis.
2. Get Wild for Free at the Saint Louis Zoo
Here’s something you don’t hear every day: one of the best zoos in the entire country is completely free. That’s right, the Saint Louis Zoo in beautiful Forest Park doesn’t charge a single penny for general admission.
And we’re not talking about a small, simple zoo. This is a world-class, 90-acre animal kingdom that’s home to over 14,000 animals from around the globe. The commitment to conservation and animal care is top-notch.
You can see everything from majestic big cats and playful penguins to impressive elephants and curious chimpanzees. Highlights include the immersive Penguin & Puffin Coast and the dynamic Big Cat Country.
While entry is free, some special attractions like the train or the children’s zoo have a small fee. Spending a day here is a fantastic, budget-friendly family activity in St. Louis that everyone will love.
3. Explore a Palace of Art at the Saint Louis Art Museum
Another crown jewel of Forest Park, and another free institution, the Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) is a treasure trove for art lovers. The museum is housed in a magnificent Beaux-Arts building, originally constructed for the 1904 World’s Fair.
Just walking up the grand stairs feels special. Inside, the collection spans 5,000 years of human creativity, from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary works.
You’ll find masterpieces by European greats like Monet and Van Gogh, an incredible collection of Oceanic art, and fascinating modern pieces. The best part? You can explore these global galleries without spending a dime on admission.
Special exhibitions sometimes have a fee, but the permanent collection is always free. Wandering through SLAM is a sophisticated and enriching top cultural attraction in St. Louis.
4. Discover Science and Fun at the City Museum
Forget everything you think a museum should be. The City Museum is a wild, imaginative, and utterly unique playground housed in a former shoe factory.
Created by artist Bob Cassilly, it’s built from repurposed urban and industrial materials. This isn’t a “look, don’t touch” place—it’s a climb-on, crawl-through, slide-down wonderland of pure fun for kids and adventurous adults.
You can crawl through miles of tunnels in a giant cave system, climb a jungle gym that stretches ten stories high, and whoosh down a multi-story slide.
There’s an outdoor area with a school bus and a Ferris wheel hanging off the roof! It’s chaotic, creative, and unlike anything else on earth.
A visit to the City Museum is easily one of the most unique and fun things to do in St. Louis. Wear clothes you can climb in and bring your sense of adventure.
5. Find Serenity in the Missouri Botanical Garden
Need a peaceful escape from the city buzz? The Missouri Botanical Garden, or “Shaw’s Garden” as locals call it, is a breathtaking 79-acre oasis.
Founded in 1859, it’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the nation and a leader in plant science. It’s not just a bunch of pretty flowers; it’s a living museum with landscapes from around the world.
The centerpiece is the stunning Climatron, a geodesic dome conservatory housing a steamy, tropical rainforest. The serene Japanese Garden (Seiwa-en) is the largest of its kind in North America.
You can stroll through a Victorian district garden, a fragrant rose garden, and a children’s discovery garden. Visiting this green sanctuary is a beautiful and relaxing must-see in St. Louis, especially in spring and summer.
6. Cheer on the Cardinals at Busch Stadium
In St. Louis, baseball isn’t just a sport; it’s a religion. And the faithful worship at Busch Stadium, home of the 11-time World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, experiencing a game here is a slice of pure Americana. The energy of the crowd, the view of the downtown skyline and the Gateway Arch from the seats, and the seventh-inning stretch are all part of the magic.
The fans are knowledgeable and passionate, creating an electric atmosphere. Grab a classic ballpark hot dog or a local treat, and join in the cheers.
In the off-season, you can take a stadium tour to see the press box, dugout, and Cardinals Hall of Fame. Catching a Cardinals game is a quintessential St. Louis activity that connects you to the heart of the city.
7. Wander Through History at the Missouri History Museum
How did St. Louis become the city it is today? The Missouri History Museum has the answers.
Located on the edge of Forest Park, this museum dives deep into the stories of the region, from the early days of Native American cultures and French fur traders to the 1904 World’s Fair and the civil rights movement. The exhibits are engaging, well-designed, and full of fascinating artifacts.
A major highlight is the 1904 World’s Fair Exhibit, which brings to life the incredible spectacle that put St. Louis on the global map. Best of all, like its Forest Park neighbors, general admission is completely free.
It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours understanding the context of everything else you’ll see in the city. This museum is a key educational stop in St. Louis.
8. Enjoy the View from the St. Louis Union Station
Once one of the busiest passenger rail terminals in the world, St. Louis Union Station has been magnificently restored as a hub for entertainment, dining, and fun.
The Grand Hall, with its stunning barrel-vaulted ceiling, stained-glass windows, and gold leaf detailing, is worth the visit alone. It’s a breathtaking piece of living history.
Now, the complex features a fantastic St. Louis Aquarium, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel (The St. Louis Wheel), a mirror maze, and a carousel. You can wander through the old train shed, now a vibrant marketplace.
At night, a spectacular light and music show illuminates the Grand Hall. Exploring the revitalized Union Station is a fantastic family-friendly attraction in St. Louis that blends past and present.
9. Explore the Delmar Loop Neighborhood
For a taste of St. Louis’s eclectic, creative side, head to the Delmar Loop (“The Loop”) in University City.
This vibrant, six-block entertainment and shopping district is packed with independent boutiques, record stores, art galleries, and some of the city’s best and most diverse restaurants. It’s a hub for music and culture, with several live music venues.
You can’t miss the St. Louis Walk of Fame, with stars embedded in the sidewalk honoring famous St. Louisans like Chuck Berry, Maya Angelou, and Tina Turner. The vibe is young, artsy, and energetic.
Exploring The Loop is the perfect way to spend an afternoon shopping, eating, and soaking up local flavor. It’s a top neighborhood to visit in St. Louis.
10. Get Hands-On at The Magic House
If you’re traveling with younger kids, The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum is an absolute dream. This massive, interactive museum is designed to make learning a blast.
Kids can crawl through a three-story beanstalk, experiment with electricity and water, play in a child-size village, and even experience the sensory wonder of a giant bubble room.
It’s incredibly well-designed to spark curiosity and imagination through play. While it’s geared toward children, parents will have just as much fun watching their kids explore.
It’s a place where they can touch everything and learn by doing. For a guaranteed fun-filled day, The Magic House is the premier children’s museum in St. Louis.
11. Take a Scenic River Cruise
To see the city from a whole new angle, get on the water. Several companies offer Mississippi River cruises that depart from the landing near the Gateway Arch.
A narrated sightseeing cruise gives you a fantastic perspective of the iconic St. Louis skyline and teaches you about the river’s crucial role in the city’s development as a major port.
You’ll learn about the riverboats of the past, see the historic Eads Bridge, and understand why the Mississippi is called the “Mighty Mississippi.” It’s a relaxing and informative break from walking the city streets. Taking a river cruise is a classic and serene sightseeing activity in St. Louis.
12. Visit the Soulard Neighborhood and Market
To experience the city’s oldest historic district and its French roots, wander through Soulard. This neighborhood is famous for its beautiful, well-preserved brick homes with wrought-iron balconies.
The heart of the area is the Soulard Farmers Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers market west of the Mississippi, dating back to 1779.
On a market day (Wednesday through Saturday), the place is buzzing with vendors selling fresh produce, local meats, cheeses, flowers, and artisan goods.
The surrounding streets are lined with cozy pubs and restaurants, many housed in historic buildings. Exploring Soulard gives you a true taste of local life and is a delicious historic thing to do in St. Louis.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your complete guide to a city that’s full of surprises, from free world-class attractions to quirky, unforgettable adventures.
You’ve gone from the heights of the Arch to the depths of a cave at the City Museum, from the quiet of a Japanese garden to the roar of a baseball stadium. St. Louis proves that the heart of America is vibrant, creative, and incredibly welcoming.
Now the adventure is in your hands. Will you start with a tram ride to the sky or a free day with lions and tigers? Will you explore French history at a market or let your kids run wild in a museum? The best trip mixes a little bit of everything St. Louis has to offer.
Don’t just read about these amazing things to do in St. Louis, Missouri—start planning your Gateway City getaway today.
Check those baseball schedules, book your Arch tram ride, and get ready to discover one of America’s most generous and fascinating cities. Your unforgettable St. Louis experience is waiting. What will you explore first?