St Louis Illinois Map
Introduction
St Louis, Illinois is a city that has a lot to offer. From its vibrant nightlife to its historical landmarks, there is something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you make the most of your time in St Louis.
Top Attractions
St Louis is home to several iconic attractions that are a must-visit for any traveler. The Gateway Arch is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and offers stunning views of the city from the top. The City Museum is another popular attraction that is perfect for families, with its interactive exhibits and unique architecture. The St Louis Zoo is a great place to spend a day, with its wide variety of animals and beautiful park setting. Other top attractions include the Missouri Botanical Garden, the St Louis Art Museum, and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.
Hidden Gems
St Louis is full of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. The Tower Grove Farmer’s Market is a great place to sample local produce and artisanal goods. The Soulard neighborhood is home to some of the city’s oldest and most historic buildings, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. The Citygarden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of downtown, with its stunning sculptures and serene fountains. For a unique dining experience, check out the Guerrilla Street Food food truck, which offers a Filipino-inspired menu that is sure to delight.
Food Scene
St Louis has a thriving food scene that is sure to please any palate. For classic St Louis-style pizza, head to Imo’s Pizza, which has been serving up thin crust pizza since 1964. The barbecue at Pappy’s Smokehouse is another local favorite, with its tender meat and tangy sauce. For a more upscale dining experience, try Vicia, which uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious, seasonal dishes. The city is also known for its craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering tours and tastings.
Budget-Friendly Tips
St Louis can be an affordable destination if you know where to look. Many of the city’s top attractions, such as the Gateway Arch and the St Louis Zoo, are free to visit. The MetroLink light rail system is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city. For a cheap and delicious meal, head to Gioia’s Deli, which serves up some of the best sandwiches in the city. The Missouri History Museum and the Old Courthouse both offer free admission and are great places to learn about the city’s rich history.
Outdoor Adventures
St Louis is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Katy Trail State Park is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with its scenic views of the Missouri River. Forest Park is another great outdoor destination, with its miles of walking and biking paths, as well as its many attractions, including the St Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, with its lush gardens and peaceful Japanese Garden.
Family-Friendly Activities
St Louis is a great destination for families, with its many kid-friendly attractions. The Magic House is a hands-on children’s museum that is sure to delight kids of all ages. The St Louis Science Center is another popular attraction, with its interactive exhibits and planetarium. The Grant’s Farm animal park is a great place to see a variety of animals up close, including bison, elephants, and camels. The Butterfly House is a beautiful indoor sanctuary that is home to hundreds of butterflies and other insects.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those looking for something a little different, St Louis has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. The Lemp Mansion is a historic home that is said to be haunted, and offers ghost tours and other spooky experiences. The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow is a magical experience, where the gardens are lit up with thousands of lights during the holiday season. The City Museum’s rooftop Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the city, while the rooftop bar at the Four Seasons Hotel offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River.
Natural Wonders
St Louis is home to several natural wonders that are worth exploring. The Meramec Caverns are a series of underground caves that are filled with stunning rock formations and underground lakes. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a beautiful park that is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. The Shaw Nature Reserve is a peaceful oasis that is home to a variety of plants and animals, as well as several hiking trails and picnic areas.
Vibrant Nightlife
St Louis has a vibrant nightlife scene that is sure to keep visitors entertained. The Delmar Loop is a popular destination for bar-hopping, with its many bars and clubs offering live music and drink specials. The Central West End is another great spot for nightlife, with its trendy bars and restaurants. The Broadway Oyster Bar is a local favorite, with its live music and Cajun-inspired menu. For a more upscale experience, check out the rooftop bar at the Four Seasons Hotel, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River.
Local Markets
St Louis is home to several local markets that are worth exploring. The Tower Grove Farmer’s Market is a great place to sample local produce and artisanal goods. The Soulard Farmers Market is another popular destination, with its wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. The Central West End Farmers Market is a smaller market that offers a more intimate shopping experience, with its selection of handmade crafts and baked goods.
Cultural Immersion
St Louis is a city that is rich in culture and history. The Missouri History Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s past, with its many exhibits and artifacts. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, and offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The St Louis Art Museum is another great destination for art lovers, with its impressive collection of American and European art.
Art and Music Scene
St Louis has a thriving art and music scene that is worth exploring. The Contemporary Art Museum is a great place to see cutting-edge contemporary art, while the Pulitzer Arts Foundation offers a more traditional art experience. The Fabulous Fox Theatre is a beautiful venue that hosts a variety of concerts and theater productions. The St Louis Symphony Orchestra is another local treasure, with its world-class musicians and impressive repertoire.
Walking Tours
St Louis is a city that is best explored on foot. The Gateway Arch National Park offers several walking tours, including a tour of the Old Courthouse and a tour that explores the history of the city’s riverfront. The Laclede’s Landing neighborhood is another great spot for a walking tour, with its many historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The Soulard neighborhood is a great place to explore on foot, with its many bars, restaurants, and shops.
Architectural Marvels
St Louis is home to several architectural marvels that are worth seeing. The Gateway Arch is a stunning example of modern architecture, while the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The Eads Bridge is another local landmark that is worth seeing, with its impressive steel arches and ornate details. The Old Courthouse is another beautiful building that is worth exploring, with its imposing dome and stunning interior.
Historical Sites
St Louis is a city that is steeped in history. The Old Courthouse is a great place to learn about the city’s history, with its many exhibits and artifacts. The Jefferson Barracks Historic Site is another important historical site, with its many military artifacts and historic buildings. The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is a must-visit for music lovers, as it is the former home of the famous ragtime composer.
Biking Routes
St Louis is a great city for biking, with its many scenic routes and dedicated bike lanes. The Riverfront Trail is a popular route that offers stunning views of the Mississippi River. The Katy Trail State Park is another great spot for biking, with its flat, scenic route that passes through several small towns. The Tower Grove Park route is a more urban option, with its many tree-lined paths and beautiful park setting.
Wellness Retreats
St Louis has several wellness retreats that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Four Seasons Hotel offers a variety of spa treatments, as well as a rooftop pool and fitness center. The Float Center offers float therapy, which is a relaxing and meditative experience that involves floating in a sensory deprivation tank. The Yoga Buzz organization offers outdoor yoga classes in some of the city’s most beautiful parks, including Forest Park and Tower Grove Park.