Travel

BEST Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri

Below is everything you need to know to make the most out of your time in STL!

Contents of this blog post:

  • Youtube Video
  • Places to Eat
  • Things to Do
  • Ultimate St. Louis Checklist
  • Photo Ideas
  • Pin it for later

CHECK OUT MY VIDEO RECAP:


Best Places to Eat:

1. Foundry Bakery

Foundry Bakery offers a mix of traditional Taiwanese baked goods and Taiwanese-inspired products with a unique twist. Like their Portuguese-style egg tart, a treat popular in Taiwan. If you are looking to try something new, Foundry Bakery is the perfect place to go! On my first trip there, I was unsure of what to get and the employees were quick to help give recommendations and advice to a first-time visitor.

2. Three Sixty – Rooftop

Three sixty is one of my favorite places to eat in St. Louis! It is located on top of the Hilton hotel and it has amazing food and drinks as well as – you guessed it – 360 degree views of the city from above. We went as soon as they opened at 4PM so that we would be there for sunset and so we could have first dibs on seating! It is 100% seat yourself and you can sit anywhere unless the area is reserved. We were even able to sit in our own private patio because it was empty.

3. Crushed Red

We visited Crushed Red due to the great things we read about it online. Although they are most well known for their amazing salads, Crushed Red also has many customizable and healthy options perfect for any type of diet.

4. La Bonne Bouchée

La Bonne Bouchée, is an authentic French patisserie in Creve Coeur. They have so many amazing pastries with unique flavors that I have never seen anywhere else! With lots of indoor seating and dine-in or takeout options, you can make your trip short and sweet or sit and stay a while!

5. Fratelli’s Ristorante

Fratelli’s was a great spot for dinner! The menu includes Italian comforts crafted in small batches, & served in a rustic and cozy atmosphere. They also have an extensive wine list and a full-service bar. I got a special cocktail with lemon sorbet and mint with champagne poured over it!

6. The Food Hall at City Foundry

City Foundry Food Hall brings chefs from around the city and the region together for their biggest and most unique food ideas. Anything you want- the Food Hall’s got it. Pick from quick snacks or a gourmet meal. It is also a great place to grab a drink with a friend or dessert on the go. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, you’ll find food to do the trick!

7. The Soda Fountain

The St. Louis Union Station Soda Fountain is a great place to stop by when you’re at Union Station! They have sweets, treats, and eats for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to try the massive milkshakes!

8. Westport Social

One of the best places for night or day drinks! They offer handcrafted cocktails as well as great food and to top it all off, you are surrounded by games from shuffleboard to basketball to ping pong to bocce ball. Live music is also an amazing feature of Westport social, but don’t worry the band isn’t there, you can sing in the karaoke suite. This is by far one of the best places to watch the game on tv or play a game!

9. Picasso’s Coffee

Picasso’s Coffee is a locally owned coffeehouse that has amazing coffee and two locations in the St. Louis area. There is a Main Street location, in historic St. Charles, Missouri or at The Streets of St. Charles on Beale Street.

10. Mama’s on the Hill

The hill is St. Louis’ historic Italian neighborhood and one of the biggest landmarks, Mamas on the hill, is certainly worth visiting. They have amazing Italian food and wines and it is the birthplace of STL famous toasted ravioli!

11. Moonrise Hotel Eclipse Restaurant and Twilight Room Rooftop Bar

Moonrise hotel eclipse restaurant and twilight room rooftop bar are definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. The moon on top of the boutique hotel initially drew us in and we decided to have some drinks at the rooftop bar after dinner and we were not disappointed.

12. Blueberry Hill

Blueberry hill is a St. Louis landmark where music history gets made. Walking around you will see all the photos of the great musicians that have been to Blueberry hill as well as tons of pop culture memorabilia. The jukebox inside had also been named the #1 jukebox in the world, oh and the food was great too!

13. Clementine’s Ice Cream

For some of the most unique ice cream flavors, stop by Clementines. With both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ice cream as well as many vegan/dairy free options, there is something for everyone. Try the lavender ice cream in the lavender cone!

14. St. Louis Bread Co.

You might be thinking “wait isn’t that just Panera Bread?” and you would be right! Panera Bread is originally from St. Louis so be sure to try the original while you’re in St. Louis!


Places to Experience

1. The Gateway Arch

The gateway Arch is a must-see attraction when visiting St. Louis! Be sure to buy your tickets to the tram ride to the top online before visiting since they typically sell out fast the day of. If you do not want to ride a tram to the top of the arch, there is an entire museum about the history of the arch as well as a gift shop and a cafe. If you do go to the top of the arch, you will ride up for about 4 minutes in a tram and then you will get to the top to see the view of St. Louis and the Mississippi River from 630 feet in the air!

The best place to park Is the garage that says arch parking across from ballpark village on the corner!

2. Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

The Sophia M Zach’s butterfly house is a great activity! This is an exciting and educational space with over 60 species of butterflies  and 100 species of tropical plants within the indoor enclosure. There are also interactive activities for children of all ages.

3. Ballpark Village

Ballpark village, located in downtown St. Louis, it is your one stop shop for all things cardinals baseball. With several restaurants and bars that have both indoor and outdoor seating as well as the cardinals hall of fame, there is fun for everyone. You can even watch a cardinals game from the rooftop of cardinals nation or Budweiser Brew House and feel like you are watching from the stadium. But if you really want the best view, head into Busch stadium and sit behind home plate! No matter how high up , you’re guaranteed to have a great view of the gateway arch and the skyline behind the outfield!

4. Grant’s Farm

Grants farm is an amazing hidden gem that you do not want to miss! After paying the $18 admission price to park, you will get on the tram where you will pass the free roaming animals such as zebra, water buffalo, and longhorns and you will arrive at the petting zoo! There is an area where you can give milk to goats for an added cost or just pet them! On top of that there is camel riding, a parakeet experience, cow milking demonstration – and for those 21 and older, you can get 2 free samples of Anheuser-Busch beer or seltzers while relaxing in the German inspired beer garden or looking at Anheuser Busch memorabilia. To end your trip to Grant’s farm, check out the stables by the exit of the parking lot to get up close and personal with the Budweiser clydesdales you may have seen in commercials!

5. Anheuser-Busch Brewery

Anheuser-Busch Brewery is a can’t miss destination when visiting St. Louis, regardless of whether or not you enjoy their products such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, or shock top. The brewery tour is a great opportunity to marvel at the 1850s architecture, enjoy the history, get educated about the brewing process, or even meet the world famous Budweiser clydesdales. The perfect way to end a visit to the anheuser Busch brewery is by heading to the brewhouse with your free sample – from your tour of course and grabbing an amazing meal.

6. Laumier Sculpture Park

A great activity for a sunny day is a visit to the Laumeier sculpture park with nearly 70 unique larger than life sculptures which is open daily and pet friendly.

7. St. Louis Aquarium

The aquarium is the perfect activity for visitors of all ages. With many interactive exhibits and different types of animals, we spent hours in the aquarium and enjoyed learning new things.

8. Union Station

One great place to stop during your time in St. Louis is Union station! Not only does union station have a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a min golf course but they also have the St. Louis aquarium.

9. St. Louis Zoo

The Free St. Louis Zoo is a can’t miss! Yes, that is right, it is free to enter the zoo! Also, here is a quick money saving tip: park at forest park for free and walk over to the zoo to save on the $15 parking to spend on other goodies inside the zoo such as piña coladas served in a pineapple!

10. Forest Park

If you are in the mood for some fresh air, forest park is an amazing place to go! Forest park is 1300 acres and has a natural playground, walking paths and they also have bikes, canoes, kayaks and more to rent!


Bonus spots not to miss!

  • Meramec Caverns
  • The Missouri Botanical Gardens
  • City Museum

Click here for a list of events happening in St. Louis!

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