Danielle Jeanjaquet
There are plenty of amazing things to do, eat, and experience in Saint Louis, Missouri!
I recently took my first trip to St. Louis. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was blown away by the amount of fun activities to do and all the nuggets of history, culture, and FOOD you can find throughout the city.
Sitting right on the border between Missouri and Illinois, St. Louis is known as the Gateway to the West.
You’ll find yourself close to many other middle American cities too, like Chicago, Kansas City, and even Nashville.
Still, St. Louis is worth the visit! Here’s 10 cool, exciting things to do while on your travels to, or through, St. Louis.
#1. Eat toasted ravioli at Mama’s on The Hill.
You can’t leave Saint Louis without trying one of their famous food delicacies: toasted ravioli.
This breaded, deep-fried ravioli appetizer was invented in St. Louis, and it’s super delicious. Often filled with meat and/or cheese, and coupled with some marinara dip, it’s one of the best ways to get acquainted with the cuisine of the city.
And, what better place to try toasted ravioli than its birthplace: Mama’s on The Hill?
The Hill is an Italian-American neighborhood in St. Louis that’s home to some amazing Italian restaurants and delis.
Mama’s is one of the many yummy places to eat in the area, where you can find the “Original” Toasted Ravioli recipe on their menu. I’m also a big fan of their Roasted Red Pepper Quattro Cheese Ravioli – if you’re looking for an entree to order as well!
#2. Lay underneath the Gateway Arch.
The Gateway Arch is probably the most iconic St. Louis symbol, and with good reason!
Head to the Gateway Arch National Park to get some stunning up-close views of this sleek monument.
There’s also a museum and a tram ride to the top that you can check out for a small fee. But, it’s free to walk around the park as well.
You can even lay down on the grass below the arch and watch it sway ever so slightly in the wind, or just to view the clouds going by.
It’s quite lovely, and perfect for a photo op.
#3. Ride scooters around Forest Park.
Forest Park is a massive public park in St. Louis – even bigger than Central Park at a whopping 1,300 acres!
That’s why it’s a great idea to ride electric scooters around these big green spaces, and to check out all the sights in between.
It’s a beautiful area with old historic homes and many free museums and cultural institutions to visit, such as the Missouri History Museum, the Muny Outdoor Theatre, and the Saint Louis Zoo (keep reading if you want to know more about the animals).
You can also get around on the Forest Explorer bus, which is typically free to ride on weekends!
#4. Check out the contemporary art at the Saint Louis Art Museum.
One of the many free attractions in Forest Park is the incredible Saint Louis Art Museum.
They feature some amazing rotating and permanent exhibits from all eras of art, past and present, and cultures and civilizations from around the world.
Just the architecture of the building itself is beautiful to view, but definitely grab a map to see which exhibits grab your interest the most!
I’m a big fan of the contemporary art section. They have some really wacky and unique pieces, and they are constantly incorporating fun new exhibits from fresh artists there as well!
#5. Eat the world’s best ice cream at Ted Drewes.
If you’re craving something sweet while in St. Louis, head over to Ted Drewes!
It’s a local frozen custard chain that was named the World’s Best Ice Cream by SoolNua.
And, you know that Dairy Queen trick where they turn your blizzard upside down as they serve it to you? That tradition started at Ted Drewes!
If you order a “concrete” at Ted Drewes, they will turn your ice cream upside down as they hand it to you. It’s a guarantee!
They have some really delicious specials – like their Muddy Mississippi and Caramel Apple Sundae – but I’m also a big fan of their classic cookie dough concrete. You really can’t go wrong with any of their flavors!
#6. Watch a baseball game at the Cardinals Stadium.
Another fun thing to do in St. Louis is get tickets for a baseball game at Busch Stadium, home of the Cardinals.
There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a baseball stadium, and the Cardinal fans are sure to give you a good time!
Before a game, you might even check out Ballpark Village for some yummy dining, drink options, and live music.
And, if you’re not into sports, the Stadium often hosts concerts and other live events as well!
#7. Explore the halls of the Cathedral Basilica.
Something that really blew me away in my visit to this city was the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
This is a functioning Catholic church in the heart of downtown St. Louis. You can attend Mass, but it is also open to visitors for free during the day, and they offer guided tours if you want the behind-the-scenes info for all the Cathedral’s history.
Just walking into the main sanctuary is an incredible experience in itself. The vaulted ceilings and intricate murals are truly jaw-dropping. Be sure to look up at the impressive domes as you walk underneath them.
You might even head down to the lower level to check out the Mosaic Museum and the Cathedral Crypt.
Many call it the “Rome of the west,” and rightly so. It’s truly one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever visited in the United States.
#8. Stargaze at the Saint Louis Science Center.
One of my favorite things that we did in St. Louis was explore the Science Center.
Here, you’ll find hundreds of interactive experiences for all ages, with exhibits on oceans, dinosaurs, space, and more. And, general admission is always free, but they also offer ticketed events and experiences. One of those is a viewing at the McDonnell Planetarium.
The Planetarium offers some amazing shows to view the stars, galaxies, and constellations inside an 80-foot dome.
It’s a fun experience for the whole family that’s still educational. I really like the Live Sky Tonight show, as they share with you the stars that will be shining over St. Louis that very evening!
#9. Eat famous St. Louis-Style BBQ.
While I’m a big fan of the Carolina-style BBQ I grew up eating, Saint Louis offers their own delicious version of barbecue that you’re sure to love.
St. Louis BBQ ribs is the dish they are really known for, and their style of BBQ sauce is thick, sweet, and smoky. You’ll also find yummy pulled pork, brisket, and even burgers at many of their famous barbeque joints.
There are lots of barbecue restaurants you might want to check out in St. Louis. Sugarfire Smokehouse is a famous local chain that also offers delicious sides, specialty sandwiches, and a plethora of sauce options, including a really unique Alabama white BBQ sauce.
Pappy’s Smokehouse and Salt + Smoke are also local favorites that you might like to try!
#10. Walk through the Sea Lion Tunnel at Saint Louis Zoo.
The St. Louis Zoo is another free attraction, and offers some great exhibits of living creatures from all over the world.
I’d definitely check out the feeding time schedule so that you can really see the animals in action.
And, don’t forget to check out the Sea Lion Sound, where you can walk through a 35-foot underwater tunnel that gives you an up-close look at the sea lions and seals swimming around.
There are so many animals to say hey to, but you will really enjoy stopping by the penguin and puffins exhibit, the grizzly bears, or even the lemurs!
That’s all for my list of the top 10 things to do in St. Louis!
This blog just scratches the surface of all the activities and sights to see in the Gateway City. So, if you want more St. Louis content, let me know in the comments below!
In the meantime, you might check out this other Midwest travel post on the Best Coffee Shops in Wichita, Kansas.
