St. Louis Travel Guide

Thinking of planning a trip to St. Louis? The Gateway City is best known for the Gateway Arch and its prime location on the Mississippi River. Visitors to St. Louis often take a tour to the top of the Arch, which was built to recognize the city's spot along the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century. Then, enjoy a riverboat cruise aboard a paddlewheel riverboat that hearkens back to the city's early days as a center of trade and westward expansion. These iconic classic American things to do make St. Louis a top tourist destination in the United States.

Today, St. Louis is brimming with world-class attractions, top-notch resorts and some of the best blues and barbecue you'll find anywhere along the Mississippi. We're here to help you plan the perfect trip--whether you're heading to St. Louis for relaxation, history or a little of both. Not sure what to pack, where to stay, or how to get around once you arrive? You'll find everything you need to know in our St. Louis travel guide.

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St. Louis receives a hefty amount of tourists each year, and the city's layout makes it fairly easy to navigate. Your primary options are renting a car or MetroLink, a light rail with two lines connecting the city's biggest attractions.

There are some cities where car travel just isn't that practical or enjoyable--but St. Louis isn't one of them. Though you can expect dense traffic at rush hour, it's nothing like you'd find in larger, more population-dense cities.

You'll find street and garage parking throughout the city at reasonable rates. Street parking in downtown St. Louis is metered and has a 2-hour maximum in many spots, but it's often the best deal if you're just grabbing lunch or making a stop on your way to another destination. Street parking is free on Sundays and state holidays.

St. Louis's public transportation system is dominated by MetroLink and MetroBus, a user-friendly light rail and bus line that makes it easy to get where you want to go. MetroLink is a light rail with two lines that connect the airport and major destinations in the downtown area. Both MetroLink lines have stations that stop at the Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Science Center and Busch Stadium, while the red line connects to the airport.

But the MetroLink doesn't go everywhere. Suppose you're hoping to visit some of the city's popular neighborhoods for shopping, dining or other adventures. In that case, you'll have better luck on the MetroBus, a city bus with more than 70 routes that run on both sides of the Mississippi River. You can find schedules for the MetroLink and MetroBus here, along with maps and help planning your trip.

Most downtown hotels have taxi stand services on-site, and it doesn't usually take long for a cab to arrive to take you to your destination. Rideshare services are also available here, making it easy to get a private ride when you want one.

Depending on where you're staying, a walking tour of the city might be in order. St. Louis is very pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of crosswalks and bike lanes for those on foot or two wheels. You can also rent bikes through Lime, a dockless bike and electric scooter service. Scooters aren't allowed in downtown St. Louis, but bikes are--and grabbing a rental is an affordable way to see the city while getting some movement in.

iStockphoto / JByard

For the mildest, pleasant weather, it makes sense to plan your trip for either the spring or the fall. In April-May, you can expect gorgeous weather: temperatures in the 60's and 70's. This is also the time to visit for a profusion of life and color as the city's landscaping starts to really shine. During April and May, as well, you'll find stunning blooms on display at the Missouri Botanical Gardens--well worth a stop while you're in the city.

The autumn months are also spellbinding in their own way; visit St. Louis in September to October for weather that's starting to cool down, along with a plethora of events for foodies, audiophiles and everyone in between. This is festival season in St. Louis, and thousands flock to the city for events like the St. Louis Art Fair, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the Taste of St. Louis, and the Best of Missouri Market, to name a few.

Of course, that isn't to say that you won't find events happening throughout the year; you can take in the sights and book a private gastronomy tour or take a day trip to some of the many nearby wineries practically all year long. Planning your trip to St. Louis during the off-season can make things a little more budget-friendly, as well.

Explore St. Louis / Mark McElroy

You'll find plenty of things to do in St. Louis, whether you're traveling with family, looking for the best food and drinks or just wanting to make the most of a work trip.

The Gateway Arch is the city's most iconic architectural feature, and it's practically de rigueur to visit it on a trip to the Gateway City. An elevator takes riders to the top of the 630-foot arch, widely considered to be the tallest manmade monument in the western hemisphere. Book a VIP walking tour and Gateway Arch experience, and you'll enjoy an engaging walking tour of some of the city's most history-changing sights. The tour culminates in a trip up to the top of the Gateway Arch, where you'll be able to see panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River snaking its way through the country.

The National Blues Museum is a must-stop for music lovers, particularly those with an interest in the history of American music. This beautifully-curated museum takes you on a journey well into the history of blues: from the "field hollers" to the recording studios that are now St. Louis landmarks. You'll also find historical photographs, memorabilia, and exhibits showcasing various aspects of the city's history. Check their schedule before you go; you might be able to stick around for a live evening blues show.

Busch Stadium is one of St. Louis's most-visited landmarks along with the Gateway Arch. The 46,000-seat ball park is home to the St. Louis Cardinals, and on days when no games are scheduled, you can book a behind-the-scenes tour to glimpse parts of the stadium that the general public doesn't ever get to see. You can purchase tickets at the park or online; check the online schedule in advance to see what games are scheduled during your visit.

Not all botanical gardens are made alike--but most who have stopped by this jewel agree that the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the best. The Missouri Botanical Garden holds claim to being the oldest continuously-operating botanical garden in the U.S., and it is listed as a National Historical Landmark. The garden spans 79 acres and is home to a sprawling orchid garden, a Japanese strolling garden, and over 4,800 trees. Parking is free, and the garden is a great spot for families with kids, couples, or anyone wishing to get a little break from the hustle of the city.

A narrated trolley tour is one of the best ways to kick off a visit to St. Louis, if only because it will let you take in the sights and give you plenty of ideas for places to visit during your trip. You'll hear about the best historic barbecue and blues hangouts, the off-the-beaten-path museums and attractions, and other sights to see that might otherwise escape your attention. The entire tour covers a 23-mile loop of downtown St. Louis and takes just about an hour, so you'll come away with a picture of the city's colorful history and plenty of ideas for how to spend your time.

iStockphoto / Ray Tan

Find the top hotels in St. Louis, whether you're looking for a luxury, A Four Diamond experience, a contemporary spot in the middle of the city's nightlife or a family-friendly destination that feels like home.

The Magnolia is a historic, upscale hotel that has hosted some big names since it was built in 1924. Lyndon B. Johnson and Cary Grant are just a couple of the stars who have stayed here; there's even a Cary Grant Suite on site. Expect gorgeous architecture, thoughtful touches around every corner, and classic, old-world-luxury hotel styling with all the amenities, right in the heart of St. Louis.

If you're looking for a contemporary hotel a hop, skip, and a jump away from Busch Stadium, Live! by Loews might be the perfect spot. This hip hotel features two restaurants and a full bar, a rooftop hangout spot, all the amenities you'd expect from a Four Diamond hotel, and an incredible location: it's right across the street from Busch Stadium, and a quick two-block walk from Gateway Park.

The St. Louis Union Station Hotel boasts a AAA Inspector's Best Social Scene designation, thanks to its gorgeous community areas and events. Expect a classic hotel feel with impressive historical architecture. The building was built to be a train depot over 100 years ago, so features like the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the lobby are to be expected. Guest rooms and suites offer luxury and convenience; thoughtful additions like robes, slippers and carefully-appointed details make each space refreshingly welcoming. Stop by the lobby to take in the projected light shows on the ceiling after dark.

The Hyatt Regency St. Louis has a bit of everything: classic hotel amenities, a coffee shop, gift shop and multiple restaurants on site, as well as a great location. It's within easy walking distance of the Gateway Arch, the riverfront, Busch Stadium and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in downtown St. Louis.

The Hotel Saint Louis brings style to the forefront, proclaiming itself as a "Hip-storical" hotel with loads of amenities that appeal to practically any traveler. Modern furnishings, a restored stained-glass roof, oversized bathtubs in the guest rooms and exceedingly high-quality bedding check all the boxes for luxurious details that leave a lasting impression. The Hotel Saint Louis is located within walking distance of Gateway Park and Busch Stadium, as well as many of downtown St. Louis's most popular bars and eateries.

iStockphoto / Lauri Patterson

St. Louis is known for its barbecue, but that's certainly not all. The best places to eat in St. Louis include oyster houses, pizzerias, creole-style eateries and upscale steakhouses, to name a few. Here are a few of the most popular spots.

The Broadway Oyster Bar is one of the city's most popular restaurants for good reason. This Cajun-style restaurant is located on the corner of Broadway and Gratiot, making it an easy hop over after a visit to Gateway Park or Busch Stadium. You'll find oysters on the menu, yes, fresh from the Gulf, but you'll also enjoy other classic Cajun favorites like jambalaya, etouffee, and red beans and rice. Try the crawfish enchiladas or gator bites for a meal you won't soon forget.

Sidney Street Cafe has the feel of an intimate bistro serving upscale American food. Located in the posh Benton Park neighborhood, Sidney Street is just a short walk away from the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Expect a big atmosphere and a charming, intimate dining environment with incredible food. The menu changes regularly, but you will be sure to find familiar American favorites with an ingenious culinary twist.

The Fountain on Locust is something like an upgraded deli with delightful style. Located in what was once a high-performance sports car showroom, The Fountain serves up art deco style, incredible sandwiches and subs, and specialty ice cream and drinks; this is the place to try an ice cream martini. Even the most picky diners will be able to find something to enjoy here, making it a great choice for families and diverse groups--and the dining room design (not to mention the bathrooms!) will leave a lasting impression

iStockphoto / Perry Spring

Aside from the obvious photo op at Gateway Arch, you'll find plenty of spots throughout St. Louis to grab a stunning snapshot. Here are some of the most popular.

Location: Chouteau And S Leonor K Sullivan Blvd. in St. Louis

Graffitti Wall is a heavily-graffitied, curved alleyway of color that makes the perfect backdrop for a contemporary selfie or group shot.

Location: Swansee, IL, a ten-minute drive from downtown St. Louis

Perfect for nature-lovers, this is the spot to go for natural backdrops, ponds, and a glimpse of the area's organic beauty. It's a bit of a drive from downtown St. Louis, but it's worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and scenery.

Location: 1424 Washington Ave Ste 100 in St. Louis

This spot was literally designed for out-of-this world photos, so it's a no-brainer to stop by if you want a one-of-a-kind photo.

Location: 8TH and Market St. in downtown St. Louis

The Citygarden brings modern landscape art and architecture together to create a gorgeous strolling space--and a great place to snag a memorable photograph.

Location: Lucas Ave. and Morgan Street; look for the Old Spaghetti Factory

For eye-catching urban shots with glimpses of the Gateway Arch in the background, it's hard to beat this historic neighborhood area. You'll find cobblestone streets, brick architecture, and a decades-old bridge nearby, all of which are favorites among local photographers.

iStockphoto / Lana2011

St. Louis is a great starting spot for countless road trips, whether you're into the local viticulture scene, scenic, historic drives or other historical landmarks in the area.

Spend a day taking a guided tour to Missouri's wine country, enjoying the countryside and the wines and craft beers along the way.

Drive out to see the Cahokia Mounds, the fascinating remains of a pre-Columbian Native American settlement located just opposite the Mississippi River from St. Louis. This is a 15-minute drive that takes you to what feels like another world.

Literature buffs might enjoy a trip to Hannibal, Missouri (a two-hour drive from St. Louis), the boyhood home of Mark Twain and home to the Mark Twain Museum.

Traveling with the family? Take the 30-minute drive to Eureka, Missouri, a welcoming little town whose claim to fame is Six Flags St. Louis.

iStockphoto / Dave Adams

St. Louis can be a luxurious city, but it also offers plenty of budget-friendly ways to experience the culture and area. Here are our top tips for saving some dough while planning your trip to St. Louis.

Visit the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Arts Museum or the Missouri Botanical Gardens (if you visit on Wednesday or Saturday mornings).

Forest Park and Gateway Park are two favorites for leisurely, picturesque walks that cost zero dollars but result in plenty of memories. Laumeier Sculpture Park is another great destination that doesn't require admission.

Look up Castlewood, Lime Kiln Trail, or Cliff Cave Park for fairly easy hiking trails within easy access of downtown.

Select the restaurants you absolutely must visit while you're in St. Louis, and then purchase groceries ahead of time to save a little money.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream St. Louis trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.