40 Best Things to Do in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, a stunning city in Missouri, is not only known for its barbeque ribs but also its love of baseball and beer.

This city never forgets its past, evidenced by how they honor African-American natives who not only suffered but succeeded despite suffering.

Here, you'll see excellent attractions, including parks, peculiar restaurants, bars, and many more!

Interested to know more about this city?

Here are the 40 best things to do in St. Louis, Missouri:

Admire Gateway Arch's Architecture

The Gateway Arch, also known as ‘The gateway to the west,’ is this city's most iconic historical monument.

It was designed by architect Eero Saarinen in 1947 and opened publicly in 1967.

This monument is dedicated to the American people and is the world’s tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the Western hemisphere.

You visit to St. Louis would be incomplete without visiting this majestic arch.

Explore the Exhibits at the World Chess Hall of Fame

World Chess Hall of Fame hosts world-class exhibitions highlighting the relationship between chess and art, history, and culture.

On September 2011, the World Chess Hall of Fame formally opened its doors in Saint Louis' thriving Central West End neighborhood.

An old home-turned-business with 15,900 square feet serves as the home of the World Chess Hall of Fame.

It has exhibits of items from the permanent collection, American and World Chess Halls of Fame displays, and seasonal exhibitions showcasing the great players, classic matches, and cultural significance of chess.

In collaboration with the Scholastic Center and the Chess Club, they offer cutting-edge programs and engagement to local, national, and worldwide audiences.

Have Fun at the Ballpark Village

If you’re a bona fide sports enthusiast, then a sports-themed district in downtown St. Louis will be on top of your list.

Ballpark Village was opened by the basketball team ‘St. Louis Cardinals’ and houses a museum showcasing their memorabilia at their hall of fame museum.

It is not compulsory to be a basketball fan to enjoy this place as it is bustling with numerous restaurants, live entertainment, and the Budweiser Brewhouse.

It does not get more American than this.

Enjoy the Music of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

One of the greatest orchestras on the planet is the Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève.

They are praised for their appealing music, extensive and well-regarded record, frequent domestic and international touring, and notable dedication to charitable, civic, and educational initiatives.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has provided the musical score for significant moments in the development and history of the St. Louis region for more than 140 years.

They have consistently brought their viewers happiness, inspiration, and relaxation.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra aspires to artistic quality, a positive educational influence, and community involvement.

Feel Your Heart Pound at the Busch Stadium

Busch Stadium is one of the city's most loved areas, especially by the locals, because it is home to the Major League Baseball franchise.

Here, you can enjoy a pint of beer and some classic hotdogs while watching a game that defines American sports.

The Ballpark Village is situated inside the stadium, so you can imagine how much space it must occupy.

The stadium has a seating capacity of around 45,000 people and has witnessed many historic sports moments.

Become a Wizard of Knowledge at the Magic House

Magic House is a wonderland for children and parents who can pay a day’s visit to this wondrous place.

Here, numerous activities are performed with the help of the staff, such as the math path, nature play, an art studio, and a children’s village.

These activities will help spark their imagination and curiosity and teach them that learning can be fun!

See the Animals at St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is home to more than 17,000 animals and uses innovative research and wildlife conservation methods to maintain the integrity of the animals housed in the gigantic zoo.

Here, you can visit six zoo zones where you can see animals such as grizzly bears, penguins, leopards, pumas, sea lions, and otters.

You will not get bored because of the wide variety, but you might be tired after walking around and are welcome to eat at one of their many restaurants, including the Ice Cream Oasis and the Safari Grill.

Get a Peek at Countryside Life at the Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm is a historical area dating back to the nineteenth century when it was given to the former president, Ulysses S. Grant, by his father-in-law as a marriage gift.

This farm is home to numerous animals, such as lemurs, elephants, and kangaroos.

Here, you can also frolic around the carousel ride and beat the heat with a snow cone.

For thirsty adults, the farm has a beer garden.

Don’t we all envy Mr. Grant for having such a generous father-in-law?

Live Your Musical Dream at the Forest Park

Forest Park isn’t just one location, but numerous places to visit within one area, and many of the spots mentioned in this list are part of the Forest Park.

This area is the heart of the city and has one of the more culturally significant locations.

The Muny is a St. Louis tradition that has been taking place since 1917.

Here, Broadway musicals with big dance numbers are showcased in the summer, accompanied by all the glamour and glitz.

On the more somber side, you can also visit the grand basin, which has eight fountains and a boathouse.

Celebrate the Past at the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum

Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum has one of the world's biggest team-specific holdings of artifacts and collectibles, including stadiums, players, and championship events.

The seven exhibits of the museum send you on a chronological tour through the Cardinals' amazing history.

Engage with fantastic displays while learning about the franchise's beginnings and revisiting iconic moments.

See unique models of the Redbirds' stadiums, including Sportsman's Park and the present Busch Stadium.

In the "Holding History" section, you may hold an actual bat used by a legendary Cardinals player, and in the "Championship Gallery," you can commemorate the Cardinals' 11 World Series victories.

Experience the thrill and heritage of Cardinals baseball by visiting the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum.

Become One With Nature at the Citygarden

Citygarden is a sculpture and urban park in this city and was opened by the Gateway Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, in the year 2009.

A tourist can spend a lovely day roaming around the lush green gardens and surveying the breathtaking sculptures built by numerous artists.

Botany holds a special place here as it contains many native plants and trees.

Participate in a Food Trip with EAT Saint Louis Food Tours

Pete Manzo launched EAT Saint Louis Food Tours because of his profound appreciation for all cuisines.

The delectable food and drink sampling is mixed with the walking excursions conducted by local guides.

Tours provide an insider's perspective of the neighborhood and are packed with information on the architecture and background of the area.

EAT Saint Louis Food Tours are developed to provide residents and tourists with an unmatched opportunity to explore artisan producers and restaurant owners.

Food tours are a great way for groups to learn about a place and develop a sense of community while also savoring food, drink, and company.

EAT Saint Louis Food Tours can accommodate parties of 10 to 120 people.

Calm Your Soul at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis was built in 1914 and is the seat of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

In 1997, it was designated as a basilica by Pope John Paul II.

Here, visitors can either fulfill their religious sentiments or admire the stunning architecture from the 20th century, including arches, crypts, and a museum.

The cherry on top is the fact it is located along the Mississippi River, which adds calmness to the mesmerizing experience.

Take in a Performance Held at The Dome at America's Center

In the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, lies a multi-use stadium called The Dome at America's Center.

It was once known as the Trans World Dome and the Edward Jones Dome over the years.

Major conferences, trade exhibits, concerts, motocross competitions, and other events have all occurred at The Dome at America's Center.

Additionally, the venue has hosted several major professional and recreational athletic events.

The Dome at America's Center can be easily converted into an exhibition space, field, concert hall, and event space thanks to its innovative engineering, architectural layout, and physical connectivity to the rest of America's Center convention facility.

Additionally, it has two permanent special event halls that can host a range of galas, parties, and receptions.

Experience the Extraordinary at the City Museum

The City Museum of St. Louis is unlike any museum in the world owing to the unusual items on display for the public.

Beginning with the life-size bow head Whale, which is kept in a large water tank, a visitor encounters a skate park and a circus for all ages known as the Everyday Circus.

Things only get more bizarre with the world’s largest underwear and an old-fashioned Ferris wheel.

Grab Some Beers at the Many Breweries around the City

St. Louis is experiencing a resurgence of craft breweries and pubs with a vigorous enthusiasm only seen in the 1800s.

Visitors can choose from several spots, including the cozy atmosphere of the civil life brewing company, the handcrafted on-site production of Morgan street brewery, and the unconventional urban chestnut brewing company, among many others.

You can also choose from numerous pubs, such as Blueberry Hill and Three Kings Public House.

Beat the Heat at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a local St. Louis gem that, despite its popularity, is not a nationwide franchise.

It was started by Ted Drewes, Sr., in 1929 and is a family-owned frozen custard company.

In the days leading up to Christmas, Ted Drewes also sells Christmas trees.

Their famous frozen dish is called the ‘concrete,’ which is so thick with custard; it is presented to the customer upside down, which is also the way you might have to sit after eating it to speed up the digestion process.

Wander around the  Museum of Contemporary Religious Art

The Museum of Contemporary Religious Art was opened in 1993 and is the world’s first interfaith art museum, which houses numerous artworks by people of different religious backgrounds.

It is not unique in its approach, but it is a place for people to explore different religious and spiritual themes.

It is a museum unlike any other for its liberality and is an example of tolerance in a time of hate.

See the Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse used to be a federal and state courthouse for Missouri from 1864 to 1894.

Still, it was later converted into a museum and monument under the Gateway Arch National Park.

It houses historical exhibits, memorabilia, and events all year round.

With the help of several renovations, the old courthouse is known for its history, which can sometimes be a reminder of darker times, such as the slave auctions held here in the year 1861.

Admire the Life of a Legend at the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site has been designated a National historic landmark by the American government and is also known for its beautiful architecture built in 1860.

This was the residence of composer Scott Joplin and is a hallmark of African-American heritage.

Scott Joplin is known as the King of ragtime and wrote some of his greatest hits in this residence, including ‘The entertainer,’ which earned him recognition and remains a timeless classic.

Pay a Visit to Soulard

Soulard is a neighborhood in the city that sells fresh produce and hot foods and has a festive feel.

Thanks to the King of Spain, in 1770, two of his fellow citizens came to America to survey the land for him and established the city’s first grocery market.

Soulard is not only famous for its fresh greens but is also home to mouth-watering food served in its many restaurants, including Bogart’s smokehouse and Capitalist pig BBQ.

Remember the Past at the Jefferson Memorial

Jefferson Memorial is also known as the Gateway arch national park. It was built as the starting point of the expeditions by Lewis and Clark from 1804 to 1806, when they became the first people to cross the country's western portion.

It is a beautiful open area commemorating the first civil government west of the Mississippi River and the debate over slavery sparked by the Dred Scott case.

History merged with nature at its finest.

Experience the Fun at Six Flags St. Louis

Six Flags St. Louis is a definite family favorite.

It is one of the biggest theme parks in the country and offers a range of amusements for children and parents alike.

This park was built in 1971 and had eight themed locations, including the Studio backlot, DC comic plaza, and a French-themed Chouteau market.

After a tiring yet fulfilling day, you can calm your hunger pangs by visiting the Mooseburger lodge or Primo’s pizzeria, among many others.

See the Nature at Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical institution in North America, having been founded in 1859 by philanthropist Henry Shaw and is also known as Shaw’s garden.

It includes a Japanese strolling garden, a children’s park, a fountain, and a water-locking system.

It has a preserved plant collection of 6.6 million species making it the second-largest botanical garden in North America.

See Art at the Laumeier Sculpture Park

Laumeier Sculpture Park is an open-air sculpture park located outside the city at Sunset hills and has over 60 sculptures and a walking trail.

This is a way to review the relationship between contemporary art and the natural environment it is put in and, later, becomes an artificial part of it.

Laumeier Sculpture Park is a unique initiative that educates someone about art and gives them a breathing space to admire it freely.

Get Inspired at the Campbell House Museum

Campbell House Museum is dedicated to the family of Robert Campbell, an immigrant who built a successful business in the 19th century through hard work and perseverance.

The museum houses all the original architecture, fixtures, furniture, and clothing. It also contains more than 1,000 photographs as well as numerous original documents of the family.

Campbell House Museum may inspire anyone who believes in the American dream and wants to be a successful entrepreneur.

Explore the Saint Louis Science Center

Saint Louis Science Center was founded in 1959 and is home to more than 700 exhibits, including models of T-Rex and triceratops, as well as a fossil lab.

The planetarium was opened in 1963 and is named after James Smith McDonnell, where you can virtually travel into space and have your adventure.

You can also visit the Center stage, where you can view experiments and learn practical science.

Learn while you travel and help your mind expand with information.

Admire the Greats at the St. Louis Art Museum

St. Louis Art Museum dates back to 1879 when it was started as the St. Louis school and museum of fine arts and is currently situated inside forest park.

The museum is a landmark site of St. Louis as it contains more than 30,000 artworks by various well-known artists, including Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Picasso, among many others.

Here, a visitor gets a taste of everything from Mesoamerican and Islamic to Contemporary works of art.

Experience the Adventure Valley Zipline

With the help of universal zipline technology, Adventure Valley Zipline has recently been set up in the city.

It has ten zip lines for a visitor to enjoy and, for an adventure enthusiast, a 1,100 feet long zipline that travels at 50 miles per hour.

Accompanying the thrill of zip lines, the adventure valley also has a paintball field to add fun to your trip.

After all, a little bit of adrenaline never hurt anybody.

Visit Missouri Wine Country

The significant credit here goes to the German immigrants from the Rhine river valley that planted vineyards and created a culture where the only solace after a long day lies in a forgiving glass of wine.

You can choose from the many wineries present around St. Louis, such as the little hills winery and stone hill winery, among many others.

Here, you can enjoy live music with a glass of red or white.

Read a Book or Two at the Public Library

The most striking aspect of the St. Louis Public Library is its history where a woman named Ira Divoll, in 1865, believed a subscription library should be created, which should work in tandem with the public education system.

This idea developed into 17 locations in the public library system, including the central library.

This library has been expanded by generous donations and is home to more than 4 million books.

Follow the Beat at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre may look like an average concert venue.

Still, it had witnessed some very iconic music moments, such as when Axl Rose from Guns and Roses tackled an audience member for clicking pictures of the concert.

The band was subsequently banned from playing in St. Louis until 2017 when the band Kings of Leon had to stop their show because of pigeon feces.

Watch a Play at The Fabulous Fox Theatre

The Fabulous Fox Theatre was built in 1929 by William Fox to showcase the films of the Fox movie corporation.

At the time, it was the second-largest theatre built in the United States.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre was shut down in 1978 and was renovated in 1982, after which; the Broadway musical Barnum was performed there.

Since then, the theatre has been reserved for live performances and is no longer used to showcase feature films.

Party the Night Away at Delmar Loop

The nightlife of St. Louis can be found in the eclectic area of Delmar Boulevard, known as the Delmar Loop.

Here, you can satiate your taste buds from a wide variety of eateries, including BBQ restaurants, cocktail lounges, and pubs.

There is also a local hall of fame, including the African-American author Maya Angelou and Chuck Berry.

A night out in the city will include the strip of Delmar loop.

Visit the Pulitzer Arts Foundation

Pulitzer Arts Foundation was started by Joseph Pulitzer, Jr., and his wife Emily, who commissioned it to the self-taught Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

It is situated in the Washington Boulevard area of the city and contains artwork by Kiki Smith, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol.

While this museum was being constructed, Mr. Pulitzer lost his life to cancer, but his wife took his vision forward.

Temporary art exhibitions also take place here from time to time.

Test Your Luck at the River City Casino

The only way to end this memorable trip would be to dress fancy and enjoy an evening, putting your luck to the test at the River City Casino.

This was opened in 2010 and had 2,000 slots along with 55 gaming tables, plenty of space to win some easy money.

It also includes a large velvet lounge and a sports bar.

No place is complete without food joints, and this casino has some of the best in the city, including the 1904 steakhouse and the excellent food exposition.

Other Things to Do Nearby

See the Meramec Caverns

Many of you might not know this, but Missouri is known as the Cave state because of the 6,000 caves found in the region.

One of the caves is perfectly persevered and presents mineral formations that are unique and striking.

This is a must-visit area recommended by the St. Louis Cardinals, and you will know why after visiting.

The Meramec Caverns are situated beneath the hills of the Meramec valley and have taken thousands of years to form.

Final Thoughts

St. Louis is a city full of joy, glamour, and festivities.

No one who visits this place leaves disappointed, and after reading this list, I hope you know why.

The city’s hospitality and history enhance its beauty and make it one of the unique places in North America.

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