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City Editor Bella here. Fun fact: I lived in the St. Louis area from 2003 (yes, I was two years old) to 2022 before heading west to KC. While I love the 816, the 314 will always hold a special place in my heart. From spending summer nights at Busch Stadium, to eating plenty of toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake — I’ve got you covered on all things STL.
Why go?
- Unleash your inner child at the City Museum — an all-ages architectural playground that was once a shoe factory. With 25,000+ artifacts from around the globe + a Ferris wheel on the roof, there’s not a trace of boredom in sight.
- The Soulard neighborhood’s annual Mardi Gras celebration is hard to beat — which includes the Purina Pet Parade, the largest pet parade in the world.
- Check out this visitor’s guide and STL Bucket List for more recommendations.
- Calling all soccer fanatics — St. Louis is now home to the newest MLS team, St. Louis CITY SC. The brand new open-air stadium is centrally located in downtown with the closest seat views just 15 ft from the touchline.
Act like a local:
- Food: The easy answer is Imo’s, but I raise you my personal favorite spot to eat — Blueberry Hill. Plus, this place is rich with music history, specifically thanks to STL native Chuck Berry, with a performance venue in the basement called The Duck Room.
- Drink: If you are looking for a grade A experience alongside a grade A+ cocktail, The Golden Hoosier is the place to be. I highly recommend trying the Space Mutt — their take on a mule that’s even served in a garbage can-esque glass.
- Outdoors: There is truly no place like Forest Park. While its green spaces are a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the park is also home to iconic spots like the Saint Louis Zoo, The Muny, and the Saint Louis Art Museum — all which you can attend for free.
- Sports: While the MLS team is new, STL is a historic sports town home to Cardinals baseball and Blues hockey. Can’t find tickets to a game? No worries — hit up Ballpark Village for a high energy watch party for every single game.
- Arts: Besides the free museum, there are plenty of ways to experience live art in St. Louis. See a touring Broadway show at The Fabulous Fox (or go on a ghost tour), watch the St. Louis Symphony perform at Powell Hall, or go to a rock concert at The Pageant (my favorite concert venue).
- Shop: There’s no lack of retail therapy options here. Shop high-end at Plaza Frontenac, check out a local biz on South Grand, or head over to Cherokee Antique Row for vintage galore.
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: This private downtown loft is just steps away from the Arch (~$65/night)*
- Airbnb: Sleep soundly in this bungalow with an enclosed porch + hot tub (~$176/night)
- Save hotel: Angard Arts Hotel (~$150/night)
- Splurge hotel: The Moonrise Hotel (~$250/night)
Have I convinced you yet? If not, I’ll leave you with a rapid fire must-do list: The Record Exchange, The Jewel Box, and Blues City Deli. Safe travels.
