St. Louis

Home to the iconic Gateway Arch, this historic riverfront city blends Civil War heritage, excellent museums, and a thriving cultural scene. The City Museum and unique neighborhoods make it a distinctive Midwest gateway.

Things to do

• Gateway Arch — Ride to the top of this 630-foot monument for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
• City Museum — Explore this one-of-a-kind museum housed in a repurposed shoe factory, featuring caves, slides, and interactive sculptures.
• Saint Louis Science Center — Visit this free world-class science museum with planetarium shows, OMNIMAX theater, and hundreds of interactive exhibits.
• The Delmar Loop — Stroll through this vibrant neighborhood known for vintage shops, live music venues, street art, and local restaurants.
• City Museum Roof — Navigate the eccentric rooftop features including slides, climbing structures, and the iconic airplane fuselage.
• Missouri History Museum — Discover St. Louis's pivotal role in westward expansion, the Civil War, and African American history through comprehensive exhibits.

Food to try

• St. Louis-style Pizza — Thin-crust pizza cut into small squares and topped with Provel cheese, a local favorite at establishments like Charlie Gitto's and Imo's.
• Gooey Butter Cake — A rich St. Louis dessert with a gooey, custard-like filling on a thin yeast cake, available at bakeries throughout the city.
• Toasted Ravioli — Local appetizer of breaded and deep-fried ravioli served with marinara sauce, found at Italian restaurants and casual dining spots.
• St. Louis-style Ribs — Spare ribs cut thin and seasoned with dry rubs, slow-smoked and popular at BBQ restaurants like Pappy's Smokehouse.
• Frozen Custard — Rich dessert creamier than ice cream, served fresh daily at local shops like Ted Drewes with seasonal flavor rotations.

Local customs & good to know

• Gateway Arch Tram Hours — The arch's tram system operates seasonally with varying hours; book tickets online in advance during peak summer months.
• Free Museum Fridays — Many major museums including the Science Center offer free or discounted admission on select Friday evenings—a local tradition.
• Blues Heritage — St. Louis has deep roots in blues music; respect the cultural significance when visiting live music venues in neighborhoods like Soulard.
• Weather Extremes — Pack layers for seasonal extremes—hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional ice storms that can disrupt travel plans.