As a St. Louis mom, I'm always the one friends text asking “what should we do in town?” So here's my go-to guide to the Lou: where to stay (starting with the gorgeous Last Hotel downtown), the can't-miss spots like the Arch and City Museum, family-fr...
Sections
6
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Where to Stay
Outdoor Activities
You can't visit the Lou without the Arch! Ride the little tram pods to the top for views of the whole city and the Mississippi, then check out the free museum underneath. Book tram tickets ahead, especially on weekends.
The Gateway Arch: 630 Feet of Pure St. Louis Pride
Restaurants
Can't decide where to eat? A guided food tour lets you sample a bunch of local spots in one go. Come hungry for St. Louis classics, and save room for toasted ravioli. A great way to see the city if you're visiting for the first time!
St. Louis Food Adventure Tour: Eat Your Way Through the Lou
Other Food & Drinks
A true St. Louis classic! Tour the historic red-brick brewery, see the famous Clydesdales up close, and grown-ups can enjoy a tasting at the end. Pair it with a stroll through Soulard for the full local experience.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: Meet the Clydesdales in Soulard
Arts & Entertainment
Part museum, part playground, all St. Louis. Climb through tunnels, slide down 10 stories, and explore the rooftop with a school bus hanging off the edge. Wear knee pads and comfy clothes, because the grown-ups will want to crawl through everything t...
City Museum: The Giant Jungle Gym Grown-Ups Love Too
Explore the creepy underground rooms of the old Lemp Brewery bottle works and hear the legends behind one of St. Louis' most famous haunted families. The perfect October date night or girls' night out (probably not for the little ones!).
Haunted Lemp Brewery Tour: St. Louis History With a Spooky Twist
Local Favorites
A perfect rainy-day adventure for little ones. See sharks, river otters, and touch pools inside the gorgeous old Union Station, then stay for the evening light show in the Grand Hall or a spin on the St. Louis Wheel next door.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: Sharks Under a Historic Train Shed
New to St. Louis or showing visitors around? Hop on a narrated trolley and see the Arch, historic churches, and neighborhoods in about an hour. Great with kids or grandparents, and it helps you decide where to go back and explore.
75-Minute St. Louis Trolley Tour: The Whole City Without the Sore Feet
Where to Stay
A boutique hotel in the beautifully restored International Shoe Company building downtown, with a rooftop pool and skyline views. You can walk right over to City Museum, so it's a fun home base for a family staycation or a girls' weekend.
The Last Hotel STL: A Rooftop Pool in a Historic Downtown Gem
Traveling with kids or a big group? A Vrbo gives you a full kitchen, separate bedrooms, and space to spread out, and these family-friendly rentals keep you close to the Arch, the ballpark, and City Museum.
Family Vacation Rentals in Downtown St. Louis: Room for the Whole Crew
Want more options? Compare downtown hotels in one place, from stunning historic stays near Union Station to spots with views of the Arch. Staying downtown means you can walk to Cardinals games, concerts, and dinner.
Downtown St. Louis Hotels: Wake Up Steps From the Arch