Things To Do
THINGS TO DO
Gateway Arch National Park
The defining landmark of St. Louis, known as The Gateway to the West. And yes, you can go inside and up to the top.
Forest Park
For the fourth time in six years, Forest Park was just named Best City Park in America per USAToday. Forest Park encompasses around 1,300 acres of land, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States — over 1.5 times the size of NYC's Central Park - and includes attractions such as the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, The Jewel Box, and The Muny - America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859, a National Historic Landmark and widely considered one of the best botanical gardens in the world!
Saint Louis Zoo
A staple in Forest Park. Consistently ranked as one of the nation's best zoos (#6 for 2026), and has FREE ADMISSION!
Saint Louis Art Museum
The final remaining structure from the 1904 World's Fair, the St. Louis Art Museum boasts world-class fine art and has FREE ADMISSION! Located in Forest Park.
Missouri History Museum
Explore the rich history of the St. Louis region from the Mississippian people up to the present day. Located in Forest Park with FREE ADMISSION!
Saint Louis Science Center
In addition to FREE ADMISSION and hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the St. Louis Science Center boasts one of just nine OMNIMAX Theaters in the world and the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere, located at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, which was named the best planetarium in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Located adjacent to Forest Park.
Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery
A St. Louis icon, tour the brewery, visit the Clydesdales, and even taste beer straight from the finishing cellars.
City Foundry STL
This century-old industrial site has been transformed into a brand new mixed-use development featuring an indoor Food Hall, City Winery, local merchants, interactive attractions, plus plenty of space to roam around and explore.
Restaurant Recs - St. Louis Landmarks
Charlie Gitto's On the Hill
Located in one of America's last remaining, most intact, authentic Italian-American neighborhoods, "The Hill", Charlie Gitto's is John's choice for old-school charm and St. Louis's most famous delicacy - Toasted Ravioli. (Strongly recommend booking ahead)
Louie
Louie delivers consistent excellence and earns its top spot among Clayton's best restaurants. Refined, seasonal approach to Italian in an effortlessly cool spot. (Strongly recommend booking ahead).
Trattoria Marcella
Trattoria Marcella is a St. Louis staple that leans more classic and cozy than trendy, with a warm, neighborhood feel and consistently excellent Italian comfort food. Leave the gun, take the toasted ravioli.
iNDO
From 6x James Beard Award Nominee + Semi-Finalist Nick Bognar, iNDO brings unique Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine + high-end sashimi to STL, earning widespread acclaim.
Sado
Also from James Beard Award Semi-Finalst Nick Bognar, Sado is quite simply the best sushi in the city.
Little Fox
Selected to the New York Times prestigious "The Restaurant List", Little Fox is an award-winning, intimate neighborhood restaurant inspired by Brooklyn bistros, serving sophisticated yet approachable dishes and drinks rooted in St. Louis.
Peacemaker Lobster & Crab
Led by James Beard Award Winner Kevin Nashan, Peacemaker offers fresh lobster and crab flown in every day from the east coast in a rustic, neighborhood atmosphere.
Pappy's Smokehouse
Pappy's has some of the best BBQ in St. Louis. With meats smoked daily, don't wait until close because "when they're out, they're out".
Menya Rui
One of Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants, Menya Rui serves the city's best ramen. The restaurant is small, and lines are common, but for ramen like this it's worth the wait.
Balkan Treat Box
Boasting the largest population of Bosnians in the U.S., the Bosnian refugee community is deeply integrated into the fabric of St. Louis. Balkan Treat Box, led by James Beard Finalist, Chef loryn Nalic specializes in Balkan staples such as pide, lahmacun, döner & ćevapi. One of the best casual spots in St. Louis.
Blues City Deli
Cranking out St. Louis's Finest Po-Boy's and Muffuletta's, Blues City Deli might just be the best sandwich shop in town.
Gioia's Deli on The Hill
Established in 1918, this Italian deli on The Hill was named a James Beard "America's Classic" and is locally famous for their hot sandwiches.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
A tradition founded in 1929, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is the instant choice for any locals with a sweet-tooth and a true local landmark.
More Restaurants Recs (Focus on Near Hotels)
Avenue
New American
Oceano Bistro
Upscale Seafood
801 Fish
Upscale Seafood
801 Chophouse
Steakhouse
Cafe Napoli
Italian
The Block Restaurant & Butcher Webster Groves Missouri
American
Dressel's Pub
Pub
Sushi Ai
Casual/AYCE Sushi
Almonds Restaurant
New American
801 Local
New American