When I visited St. Louis earlier this year for a work conference, I knew I wouldn’t have as much time to explore the city as I would have liked. On the day that I stepped out to explore the place known as the “Gateway to the West”, I was surprised at how vacant it felt. When I walked for half an hour to the Gateway Arch from where I was staying, I saw maybe three people in downtown. Granted, it was an incredibly cold and windy day for February, but that didn’t change how empty it felt. But it had its unspoken charm at the same time. If you do happen to find yourself in this remarkable, historic city (work conference or not), here are a few things to do in St. Louis:
Walk the Gateway Arch
If there’s only time to do one thing in St. Louis, make it a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch and the surrounding national park. Even if you don’t take a tram ride up to the top (I didn’t), just seeing it from the ground below is a spectacle. Built in the 60s, it’s an architectural marvel that stands 630-feet tall along the west bank of the Mississippi River, and is significant to the city’s moniker “The Gateway to the West”. It’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, or you could spend an entire day here if you choose to do so.
You can also check out the Old Courthouse, which is one of the city’s oldest buildings, the state’s tallest habitable building from almost three decades in the late 1800s, and now part of Gateway Arch National Park.
Walk the Riverfront/Waterfront and Take a Riverboat Cruise
While you’re in the area, there’s no better time to stroll along the Mississippi River waterfront, the third-longest river in the entire world and the longest in North America. You can also take a riverboat cruise (and do a combination ticket with the Arch) for a fun experience. They offer a few different cruise options, including a dinner cruise, a Sunday brunch cruise, and a blues cruise if any of those appeal to you.
Visit Union Station and the Soda Fountain
If you’re looking to ride a Ferris Wheel, get ice cream, and explore some great restaurants, you have to visit St. Louis Union Station. It was once the busiest passenger rail terminal in the entire world, and is now a family-friendly indoor/outdoor mall with activities, dining, and more. There’s mini golf, amusement park rides, and light shows. And you can’t leave without getting an ice cream float from the Soda Fountain. They have a vegan flavor!
Explore City Museum & Art Museum
If it’s a rainy day, there are a few museums you can check out in St. Louis, including the City Museum and Art Museum. According to their website, the City Museum is an architectural playground for all ages. There are a ton of different attractions and interactive activities, and you can even see the world’s largest pencil. You also save 10% on general admission tickets if you purchase them online.
You can then also explore the St. Louis Art Museum, or SLAM. They were founded in the late 19th century, and house a vast art collection that spans nearly 5,000 years of history. They also partner with and are supported by local St. Louis community organizations. Admission is free on Fridays.
Unfortunately, as of March 26, 2026, the National Blues Museum has ceased operations.
Explore Forest Park
Ideal for both sunny and inclement weather days, Forest Park is a 1,300-acre urban park that includes SLAM and the Saint Louis Zoo. In addition to those, you can walk along Post-Dispatch Lake, visit the World’s Fair Pavilion, explore the Boeing Aviation Field and St. Louis History Museum, and stargaze at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. There’s also a skating rink and plenty of tennis courts if you’re keen.
Wander Through the Missouri Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for another outdoor adventure, spend the day at the Missouri Botanical Garden. One of the Garden’s highlights is the Japanese Garden, where you can feed koi fish (though I’m not an advocate for holding animals in captivity). But even without that, you can spend hours and easily get lost. Unable to walk? Check out one of the tram tours, available from the months of April to October. Save time by purchasing your tickets beforehand; general admission tickets cost $16 USD. St. Louis City and County residents also get dedicated free visiting hours.
Attend a Sporting Event
St. Louis is a quiet sports hub, with many professional teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), the St. Louis Blues (NHL), and St. Louis City SC (MLS), as well as many minor league teams. And though this is likely seasonally dependent, you should check out at least one sporting event. The sports community here is tight-knit and incredibly passionate.
Visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery
I don’t drink, so I can’t give you a firsthand account of this recommendation, but St. Louis has been the home of Anheuser-Busch since the 1850s. So, if you like beer or are interested in the history of beer even just a little bit, you should take a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery here. Tours are available from 11AM – 5PM each day, which includes beer tasting, and their Biergarten is open for the same hours but stays open an hour later.
Visit the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
If you’re interested in history, stop by the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, the largest pre-Columbian site north of Mexico. The grounds are currently open to the public daily (from dawn until dusk), but at the time of this publication, the Interactive Center/Museum is currently closed for renovations. They are currently holding indigenous markets. As far as I can tell, admission is free.
Walk the Delmar Loop
One of the country’s 10 greatest streets according to the American Planning Association (according to the street’s website), stroll along Delmar Loop for good food and greater vibes. It’s a historic street named over a century ago, and home to iconic spots like the Moonrise Hotel and Blueberry Hill. Catch a show at the Tivoli Theatre, watch live music at The Pageant, or stroll along the St. Louis Walk of Fame. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the loop with options for everyone.
Did I miss one of your favorite things to do in St. Louis? Let me know in the comments down below!
Looking for vegan food options in St. Louis? Check out this post.
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