St Louis Destination Guide
St Louis Holidays
Curving against the St. Louis skyline, the iconic Gateway Arch is no doubt the focal point of Missouri’s largest city, not to mention a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. Standing proud beneath the arch, the vibrant city of St. Louis is credited with creating some of the biggest stars in jazz and blues music, establishing leading universities, and fostering an excellent museum, food and arts scene.
Top Attractions »
What better way to take in gorgeous views of St. Louis than 630 feet in the air in the Gateway Arch? Get acquainted with the key players in St. Louis history at the Old Courthouse before stepping on board an enclosed tramcar and taking a thrilling journey to the top of the 630-foot tall stainless steel arch. Once at the top, take some time to enjoy the most magnificent views across St. Louis and surrounds.
Next, a trip to City Museum. Set across 600,000 square feet inside a former shoe factory, this action-packed and truly interactive museum is bursting with colour, atmosphere and hands-on activities and exhibitions.
For a touch of stunning architecture, make Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis your next stop. Completed in 1914, this stunning basilica houses the world’s largest collection of mosaics. An incredible 41.5 million glass tesserae pieces in 7,000 colours cover the walls, domes and arches – 83,000 square feet in total. The intricate mosaic work took a whopping 76 years to complete, so be sure to stop by and admire the incredible beauty and craftsmanship of this unique building while you’re in town.
Eat and Drink »
St. Louis is home to a diverse mix of cultures, so naturally there is a colourful mix of excellent cuisine on offer. The Central West End is a great spot to find trendy cafés and eateries, the downtown area boasts an assortment of international cuisine, grills, bars and steakhouses, while the hip Loop neighbourhood serves up a range of tasty ethnic eats. Lovers of Italian fare should make a beeline for the Hill neighbourhood where delicious pizza, pasta and handmade Italian specialties reign supreme.
The best way to experience St. Louis nightlife is to embrace the city’s musical roots. Head to the jazz and blues clubs located around Laclede’s Landing, the Loop and Soulard and get set to experience some truly excellent live performances. To find out what’s on pick up a copy of the complimentary Riverfront Times, which circulates throughout the city’s restaurants and bars.
Where to Stay
Downtown offers close proximity to Gateway Arch and other popular attractions, as well as a good selection of mid-range and up-market hotels, some of which are housed inside charming historic buildings. A little further out of the city centre, the elegant Clayton neighbourhood with its gorgeous mansions, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and ritzy 4-star accommodation, is a lovely alternative for those looking for a chic and romantic escape. Access to the centre is easy on the MetroLink.
Shopping »
Take a relaxed stroll along Washington Avenue in the city centre and enjoy browsing or buying at a range of charming boutiques. Head to the Delmar Loop in the University District for trendy arts and quirky shopping, or make your way to Plaza Frontenac for a luxury retail experience at Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. to name a few. For a more local vibe, be sure to seek out the historic Soulard Farmers’ Market where you’ll find fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, flowers and eateries. It’s open Wednesday through to Saturday all year round.
St Louis Like a Local
To eat like a local, get your hands on a St. Louis-style thin crust pizza topped with Provel cheese, before digging into a popular frozen custard treat or mouth-watering gooey butter cake. For something a little more adventurous, head to the magnificent Forest Park or catch a ball game at Busch Stadium and cheer on the beloved local team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
