Top Things to do in Saint Louis
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Top 10 Things to do in Saint Louis, Missouri (MO)
The history of St. Louis has been heavily influenced by Westward expansion and blues music. The big "must-see" in this region is the Gateway Arch, while other important sites include the Museum of Westward Expansion, the St. Louis Cathedral and the Anheuser-Busch factory tour. The city offers plenty for the whole family. Children will enjoy the local zoo and the Magic House, while family members will also want to unwind at Forest Park, home to the World's Fair almost a century ago.
Restaurants in Saint Louis
1. Missouri Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,356 reviews
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw. Today, the Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display - widely considered one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. It features 79 acres of horticultural displays, including indoor conservatories and demonstration, formal and international gardens.
Reviewed By Buckeye-in-Jtown - Perryville, United States
The Missouri Botanical Garden (formerly Shaw's Botanical Garden) was founded in 1859 and is the country's oldest botanical garden in continuous operation. It is a National Historic Landmark with nearly 80 acres of gardens and historic structures. Outdoor and indoor displays include the Climatron tropical rain forest housed under a geodesic dome; the Kemper Center for Home Gardening; a Japanese Garden; the George Washington Carver Garden; historic Tower Grove House; the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum; and the seasonal Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden. This landmark is a horticulturist's dream!
2. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,034 reviews
The Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, the superstructure of the Cathedral was built between 1907 and 1914. The Cathedral's 100th Anniversary is being celebrated in 2014. It is known for its' beautiful interior mosaics, which took nearly 80 years to create using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The Cathedral is known for having one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere.
Reviewed By Kat26S - Plainfield, United States
The craftsmanship, the history, the reverence of the Cathedral is so very impressive. Take the free tour! We did go to the museum downstairs, and that helps put in perspective the talents, the time, and the vision that created the mosaic masterpieces you see in the cathedral. It's an amazing place to see no matter your faith is. I've been to St. Louis multiple times and never knew about this place.
3. Forest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,450 reviews
The site of the 1904 World's Fair, America's second largest urban park is a prime St. Louis recreation spot.
Reviewed By LC95 - Saint Louis, United States
Forest Park is one of the most beautiful and attractive parks around! First of all it is very large, so there is room for everyone. You don't have to be surrounded by other people if you don't want to. It is easy to find a nice quiet spot for reading, meditating, or resting! Or you can hang out with the crowd on Art Hill! Second, there is a lot to do! Picnicking, zoo, art museum, science center, history museum, golf, handball, tennis, picture taking, hiking, walking trails, special events, bird watching, duck watching, fishing, weddings, school outings, boating, baseball, soccer, restaurants, etc. Third, it is easy to get to. Either via street or highway and there is plenty of free on-street parking. You can drive, bike or take the train. However you get there, get there when you can!!
4. The Gateway Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,193 reviews
From the thrilling views to the amazing stories, a visit to the Gateway Arch is an experience that never fails to inspire. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you’ll find activities to please every member of your party. Attractions include the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the Museum at the Gateway Arch (opened July 3, 2018), a documentary film about the construction of the Arch, shopping at The Arch Store, a new Arch Cafe, and cruises aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Tickets sell out early and often - advance purchase strongly recommended. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Reviewed By PUDSEYCAT - Swadlincote, United Kingdom
A really awesome place to visit and a Must do in St Louis, the view from the top is amazing, It is so well organised and a truly unique experience you cannot possibly visit St Louis without a visit to the Gateway Arch.
5. City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,515 reviews
Don't take the name so literally. We're about fun. Not your white walls, walk around, and be quiet museum. If you want to climb around, get active with your kids or are a big kid at heart, we're the place. If you get freaked out easily, you might not want to come. We're four floors filled with miles of tunnels, a full cave system, over 30 slides, a circus, an arts area, a large outdoor climbing space, Architectural Museum, a Cabin that serves adult beverages, a Museum of Mayhem, Mirth and Mystery, and a ton more. Also, there's the roof with a Ferris Wheel and a bus hanging off its edge.
Reviewed By dachellek
City Museum is a must for anyone traveling to St. Louis! It's great for all ages and everyone!! Make sure you rest up and plan on spending the majority of your day here so you can explore the caves, the slides, the aquarium, the indoor skate park, the circus, the oddities, and everything else the museum has for you! There's plenty to do here all times of the year but you can really experience the fun of the outside attractions during the warmer months. This really is one of the best attractions in St. Louis. Oh, and if you're planning to really be active, wear jeans and maybe bring some knee pads.
6. St. Louis Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,479 reviews
Visitors are wowed by this zoo that has 6,600 animals and 15 major exhibit areas.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
As native Chicagoans, we are proud of our two zoos, Lincoln Park and Brookfield, that have earned national and international reputations over the years. My wife and I live a short walk from the Lincoln Park Zoo and regularly take weekend walks through the facility. So it is with admiration and respect that we take notice of the fact that the St. Louis Zoo was named "best zoo in the United States" in 2017 and 2018 by USA Today. I visited the zoo when I worked at the St. Louis Globe-Democrat in 1966-1868 and my wife and I have visited twice. There is always something to see, new attractions. The zoo covers 90 acres of St. Louis' massive Forest Park and annually attracts about three million people to see 18,700 animals. It is the most visited feature in Forest Park, which also includes the St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Science Center and Missouri History Museum. Admission is free. Founded in 1910, the city purchased its first exhibit, The Flight Cage or primate house, from the Smithsonian Institution following the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Before you begin strolling through the zoo and its five animal zones, be advised to take a spin on the park's two-foot narrow gauge Emerson Zooline Railroad than encircles the zoo, stopping at the most popular attractions. They include Lakeside Crossing or Caribbean Cove, which is open during warmer months and is a shallow touch-pool that features cownose rays, southern stingrays, bonnethead sharks and bamboo sharks; River's Edge, which displays rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas wild dogs, Asian elephants and giant anteaters; Discovery Corner, which displays birds, snakes, frogs, spiders and scorpions; The Wild, home to penguins, polar bears, grizzly bears, gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans; Historic Hill, the oldest facility in the zoo which features bald eagles, king vultures, sea lions, seals, alligators, iguanas, turtles, frogs, king cobras, Gila monsters, giant tortoise, river otters, monkeys, great egrets and wood ducks; and Red Rocks, home to several species of big cats such as African lions, Amur leopards, Amur tigers, jaguars, cougars and snow leopards. Also see a Bactrian camel, Grevy's zebra, giraffe, gazelle, wallaby and red kangaroo. Interestingly, one of the former directors of the St. Louis was Marlin Perkins, who also was a director of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago and gained fame as host of the TV show Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.
7. The Magic House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,283 reviews
This fun-filled attraction offers kids many hands-on learning activities and provides a special area for younger children.
Reviewed By sgisme
Took my grandson to the Magic House and we had a great time! He had a ball, loved playing with digging equipment, playing in the bubble room, putting on the Blues gear and well he loved everything. Can’t wait to go back, we purchased a yearly pass and he now asks his parents to go all the time. Great time for kids and family.
8. Busch Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,862 reviews
This stadium is one of the most visible symbols of St. Louis' success.
Reviewed By allisonl412
I’m not sure where to start ! I’ve been an avid fan of the Cardinals for only 15 years. I decided to take a tour of the stadium to show some important people in my lives why I love St. Louis. I learned so much. And our tour guide was awesome ! Very informative and funny ! This is a must for and baseball fan especially at Louis Cardinals fan !! Ticket to this also gets you into the hall of fame. Which is awesome as well
9. Grant’s Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,102 reviews
Reviewed By DeniseandEd - Granite City, United States
Grants Farm is part of our family traditions. We were able to enjoy the Halloween lights and displays in a safe manner from the car with us being at risk it was such a blessing. Growing up we climbed on the wagon (allowed back then) threw coins in the fountain, Grandpa and I danced polkas around the beer garden, enjoyed German sausages, tried to see every single animal on the tram ride, Even saw Mr. Busch on a wagon once (always wished we could see the house) , enjoyed Muir lake wish the swan paddleboats were there, enjoyed the animal shows I beieive it was Gus? that led the bird show, the camels, My family growing up all enjoyed sampling the free beer and it was the only time the older ladies in the family would drink and we especially enjoyed the new ones to try , The majesty of the Clysdale horses and grant museum are worth stopping to see as well across the street. It is a must see and can't wait until it is safe so we can visit again seeing all of the animals up close.
10. Saint Louis Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,418 reviews
Dedicated to Art and Free to All. Located in beautiful, historic Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum hosts a world-class and varied collection of original works of art and artifacts, spanning five millennia and six continents, in one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Admission to the Museum is free every day, and admission to special exhibitions is free on Fridays.
Reviewed By coachb2016 - Wilmington, United States
Wide selection in permanent galleries: pre-classical, Eastern, classical, western European, Romance, Impressionist, modern, post-modern ... Usually features a special exhibit on display: the Age of Rembrandt (Dutch masters) was just concluding. Also has a nice restaurant and gift shop. No entrance fee and even free parking available.
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