Top Things To Do in St Louis: A Messy, Honest Guide

St. Louis. The “Gateway to the West.” A city that feels like it’s half Midwest, half South, and also kind of its own thing entirely. I’ll be honest: the first time I went, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I mean, yes, you’ve got the famous Arch (everyone knows that part), but beyond that? I thought maybe it would be just another city with a few museums and some BBQ. But, well, actually… it surprised me. Big time.

There are so many things to do in St Louis, and not in that polished travel-magazine way. I mean real stuff. Random stuff. Weird stuff. Stuff that makes you go, “Oh, okay, this is… kinda cool.” So, let’s just dive in.

Things To Do in St Louis That Aren’t Just the Arch

Okay, yes. The Arch. The Gateway Arch is the obvious one. It’s 630 feet tall, and the first time you stand under it, you will probably say out loud, “Wow, it looks fake.” At least I did. And then you look up until your neck hurts.

You can ride the little pods (they’re like tiny space capsules, slightly claustrophobic but fun if you’re not afraid of small spaces). The view from the top? Pretty great.

You see the Mississippi, the stadium, the spread of the city. It’s a must-do, even if it’s touristy.

But after you’ve done the Arch, the city has… layers. Like an onion. Or maybe a cake. (I like cake more than onions, so let’s go with cake.)

Forest Park Adventures

Forest Park is huge. Like, really huge. Bigger than Central Park in New York (I always bring this up because it blows my mind). You can spend an entire day here and not get bored. There’s the zoo (free, yes, actually free—who does that anymore?). The art museum. The history museum. The science center. All scattered around this massive green space.

The zoo, by the way, is excellent. I’m not even a “zoo person,” but I liked it. The penguin exhibit is icy cold, which feels amazing in the summer. The sea lions are kind of show-offs, but in the best way.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, pick the zoo + art museum combo. That way, you get animals and culture in one go.

City Museum (Not What You Think)

I have to mention this one because it’s the most “St. Louis” thing I’ve ever seen. The City Museum is not… really a museum. It’s like if a playground and a junkyard had a baby and then gave it a sugar rush. There are slides (the 10-story one is wild), tunnels, caves, random art installations, and an old school bus hanging off the roof.

I went with a friend once, and we kept saying, “Wait, is this even safe?” while also climbing through holes in the floor. It’s chaotic and amazing. Definitely wear sneakers.

Baseball at Busch Stadium

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, going to a Cardinals game is kind of a rite of passage. Busch Stadium sits right in the middle of downtown, and the energy is… contagious.

I’m not a huge sports person, but sitting there with a hot dog in hand, hearing the crowd cheer, with the Arch peeking out in the skyline—yeah, it feels iconic.

(Also, Cardinals fans are serious. They’ll talk stats with you even if you have no clue what they’re saying. Just nod and smile.)

Food in St. Louis (Yes, Toasted Ravioli Is a Thing)

Okay, food. Let’s be real: this is where St. Louis gets weird. And good.

Toasted Ravioli – It’s basically fried ravioli with marinara sauce. Sounds odd, tastes incredible.

St. Louis-style pizza – Super thin crust, Provel cheese (which melts weird, but you either love it or you hate it).

Gooey Butter Cake – This one’s dangerous. It’s basically butter + sugar baked into happiness.

I remember eating toasted ravioli at some random dive bar and thinking, “Why doesn’t every city do this?”

The Mississippi Vibe

The Mississippi River runs along St. Louis, and it’s not the prettiest river in the world, but it has a vibe.

You can do riverboat cruises (yes, the old-timey kind with the big paddle wheels). Or just walk near the water and watch barges go by. There’s something calming about it… although sometimes it just smells a little muddy.

The Quirky Neighborhoods

St. Louis is a patchwork of neighborhoods. Each has its own flavor.

The Delmar Loop – Artsy, eclectic, full of romantic restaurants and shops. They have a “Walk of Fame” with stars for famous St. Louisans (Nelly has one, of course).

Soulard – Old buildings, French vibes, and one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans.

Central West End – Fancy-ish. Great coffee shops, bookshops, and leafy streets.

Pro Tip: Drive or Uber between neighborhoods. St. Louis isn’t exactly a “walk everywhere” city.

Music & Nightlife

Did you know St. Louis has a jazz and blues history? Yeah, I didn’t either until I stumbled into a little bar where a saxophone player absolutely owned the night. BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups is a solid pick if you want live music and a plate of something tasty.

And if you’re into the modern scene, there are craft breweries everywhere. Urban Chestnut, 4 Hands, Schlafly—pick one, and you’ll be fine.

For the Kids (or the Kid in You)

If you’re traveling with family, don’t worry. There’s plenty. The Magic House is a hands-on children’s museum that adults secretly love too.

Grant’s Farm has animals and beer (yes, both). And honestly, even the science center is fun as an adult—I once got way too into building a little race car there.

Street Murals and Random Art Everywhere

St. Louis has this habit of surprising you with art when you’re not even looking for it. You’ll be walking down some random street (probably looking for food, let’s be honest), and suddenly—bam—giant mural on the side of a brick building.

Some are colorful, some are a little weird, but they make the city feel alive. Cherokee Street especially has a ton of street art, plus vintage shops and taco spots. It’s like every corner wants to show off a little.

Quick List: Other Things Worth Mentioning

The St. Louis Art Museum (the building itself is gorgeous).

Missouri Botanical Garden (super peaceful, amazing in spring).

Cahokia Mounds (technically across the river in Illinois, but wow—ancient Native American site, really impressive).

Tower Grove Park (laid-back, good for picnics).

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour (Clydesdales! Beer samples!).

Final Thoughts on St. Louis

So, here’s the thing. St. Louis is one of those cities that sneaks up on you. You go in with low-ish expectations, maybe thinking, “It’s flyover country,” and then suddenly you’re climbing through a giant ball pit at the City Museum, eating butter cake, and cheering for the Cardinals like you’ve been a fan your whole life.

It’s messy. It’s proud. It’s got history and quirks and a river that just keeps rolling by. If you’re making a bucket list of Things To Do in St Louis, trust me, this city won’t disappoint.

And if you’re still asking yourself, “Should I go?” — well, yes. Go. Even if just for the toasted ravioli.

FAQs About St. Louis

1. What is St. Louis most famous for?

The Gateway Arch, Cardinals baseball, and toasted ravioli.

2. Is the Gateway Arch worth visiting?

Yes, even if it feels touristy—it’s iconic.

3. What food is St. Louis known for?

Toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and thin-crust pizza with Provel cheese.

4. Is St. Louis safe for tourists?

Mostly, yes—stick to well-known areas and use common sense.

5. Can you visit St. Louis on a budget?

Definitely. Many attractions (zoo, museums) are free.

6. What’s the best time to visit St. Louis?

Spring and fall—summers are hot and humid, winters can be chilly.

7. How do you get around St. Louis?

Car is easiest, but you can Uber/Lyft or use the MetroLink.

8. What’s the vibe of the city?

Friendly, a little quirky, and surprisingly lively.

9. How long should I spend in St. Louis?

At least 2–3 days to see the highlights.

10. Is St. Louis good for families?

Yes—tons of free, kid-friendly attractions.