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 Hote l (~$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.