Planning Your Trip to St. Louis
Essential Information: Country and State
United States, Missouri
Essential Information: Timezone
GMT -5 (Central Daylight Time) / GMT -6 (Central Standard Time)
Essential Information: Languages Spoken
English
Essential Information: Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Weather & Climate in St. Louis: A Monthly Snapshot
Planning when to visit St. Louis? Here’s a quick look at the weather throughout the year:
- January: Coldest month, average temperatures around 30°F (-1°C). Pack your winter gear!
- April: Mild and pleasant, with average temperatures around 60°F (16°C). A great time to visit!
- July: Hottest month, average temperatures around 80°F (27°C), high humidity. Stay hydrated!
- October: Warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 60°F (16°C). Beautiful fall colors!
Discovering St. Louis: A City Overview
St. Louis, Missouri, affectionately known as the “Gateway to the West,” is a vibrant city packed with history and culture. Situated along the mighty Mississippi River, St. Louis perfectly blends Midwestern charm with urban excitement. The iconic Gateway Arch symbolizes the city’s crucial role in westward expansion, while diverse neighborhoods like The Hill (Italian), Soulard (historic), and the Central West End showcase the city’s rich heritage. From world-class museums and botanical gardens to lively music venues and a thriving culinary scene, St. Louis offers something for everyone. The city boasts an affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and many free attractions, making it a welcoming and accessible destination. Explore historic landmarks, sample local craft beers, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant arts and culture.
Best Time to Visit St. Louis: Seasonal Guide
Seasonal Pros and Cons
- Spring (April-May): Pros – Pleasant weather, blooming flowers, fewer crowds. Cons – Occasional rain showers.
- Summer (June-August): Pros – Warm weather, outdoor festivals, lively atmosphere. Cons – High humidity, potential for thunderstorms.
- Fall (September-October): Pros – Mild temperatures, beautiful foliage, harvest festivals. Cons – Potential for allergies.
- Winter (November-March): Pros – Fewer tourists, holiday festivities, cozy indoor activities. Cons – Cold weather, potential for snow.
Getting to St. Louis: Travel Essentials
Flights, Trains, Visa Details & Airport Transfers
- Flights: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) – search for the best flight deals here!
- Trains: Amtrak services to Gateway Transportation Center, 40 South 16th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102.
- Visa: Standard US visa requirements apply. Check the US Department of State website for details: travel.state.gov.
- Airport Transfers: Taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft), and MetroLink (light rail) are available for airport transfers.
Fun & Historical Facts About St. Louis
Did you know? St. Louis hosted both the 1904 World’s Fair and the Summer Olympics in the same year! This made it the first city in the United States to host the Olympics. The fair also introduced many now-common foods to the public, including ice cream cones, cotton candy, and Dr Pepper.
Famous Personalities from St. Louis
St. Louis has been home to many influential figures, including Chuck Berry (musician), Maya Angelou (author), T.S. Eliot (poet), Jon Hamm (actor), and Jenna Fischer (actress).
Top 10 Attractions in St. Louis
The Gateway Arch
Iconic monument symbolizing westward expansion, offering stunning views from the top. Book your tickets in advance to avoid lines! Get Tickets Now!
- 100 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102
City Museum
A truly unique and quirky playground for all ages, housed in a former shoe factory. Be prepared to climb and explore!
- 701 N 15th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Saint Louis Zoo
A world-class zoo with a diverse collection of animals and free admission! A must-see for families.
- 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
Missouri Botanical Garden
Beautiful botanical garden with themed gardens, a Japanese garden, and the Climatron. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
- 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Saint Louis Art Museum
An impressive art museum with a diverse collection spanning various periods and cultures. Free admission!
- 1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
Forest Park
A large urban park offering various attractions, including the zoo, art museum, and history museum. Great for picnics and outdoor activities.
- 5595 Grand Dr in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63112
Grant’s Farm
A family-friendly attraction with animal encounters, Clydesdale horses, and free beer (for adults!).
- 1050 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
A stunning cathedral with breathtaking mosaics and architecture. Don’t miss the interior!
- 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Home of Budweiser, offering tours and beer tastings. Cheers!
- 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum
An interactive museum designed specifically for children. Hours of fun for the little ones!
- 516 S Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122
Uncovering St. Louis: Hidden Gems
Laumeier Sculpture Park
An outdoor sculpture park with large-scale contemporary art installations. A unique and thought-provoking experience.
- 12580 Rott Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127
Crown Candy Kitchen
An old-fashioned soda fountain and candy store serving homemade treats. A step back in time!
- 1401 St Louis Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106
The Moto Museum
A privately owned museum showcasing a diverse and fascinating collection of motorcycles. A must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts.
- 3441 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Local Festivals & Events in St. Louis
- Fair St. Louis (July): A multi-day music festival held around the Gateway Arch.
- Great Forest Park Balloon Race (September): A hot air balloon race and festival in Forest Park.
- Taste of St. Louis (September): A food festival featuring local restaurants.
- Schlafly’s Art Outside (May): An art fair showcasing local artists.
Day Trips & Nearby Attractions from St. Louis
- Hannibal, Missouri (2 hours): Mark Twain’s hometown. Explore his boyhood home!
- Augusta, Missouri (1 hour): Wine country with vineyards and tasting rooms. Perfect for a wine-tasting getaway.
- Hermann, Missouri (1.5 hours): A historic German town with wineries and breweries. Experience German culture in Missouri!
Picture-Perfect St. Louis: Photography Spots
- The Gateway Arch: For iconic skyline shots, especially at sunset.
- City Museum: For unique and quirky photo opportunities. Get creative!
- Missouri Botanical Garden: For colorful and scenic garden shots.
- Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis: For stunning architectural photography.
- Laumeier Sculpture Park: For artistic and abstract shots.
Planning Your Stay: Where to Stay & How to Get Around St. Louis
Recommended Length of Stay
3-4 days is ideal for exploring the best of St. Louis.
Top Places to Stay in St. Louis (Sorted by Budget)
Budget-Friendly Options
- Red Roof Inn St Louis – Forest Park: 5823 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station: 2211 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103 – Check Availability
- Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis at Union Station: 201 S 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63103 – Book Now
Mid-Range Hotels
- The Cheshire: 6300 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117
- Angad Arts Hotel: 3550 Samuel Shepard Dr, St. Louis, MO 63103 – View Deals
- Hotel Saint Louis, Autograph Collection: 705 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63101 – Reserve Your Room
- Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch: 2 S 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102 – See Prices
Luxury Hotels
- Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis: 999 N 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63102 – Book Your Stay
- The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis: 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63105 – Check Availability
- The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis: 212 N Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 – Find Deals
Getting Around St. Louis: Transportation Options
- Public Transport: MetroLink (light rail) and MetroBus.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available.
- Bikes: Bike rentals are available; the city has bike lanes and trails.
- Walking: Walkable neighborhoods include the Central West End, Soulard, and downtown.
Preparing for Your St. Louis Adventure
What to Pack for St. Louis
Essentials based on weather and culture:
- Layers: Pack layers to adjust to fluctuating temperatures.
- Comfortable shoes: For walking and exploring.
- Sunscreen: Especially during summer months.
- Umbrella: For occasional rain showers.
Useful Apps for Your Trip
Navigation, local guides, food, translation, transport:
- Google Maps: For navigation.
- Yelp: For local restaurant and business reviews.
- Transit: For public transport information.
- Uber/Lyft: For ride-sharing services.
Local Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette
Do’s & Don’ts, scams to avoid, respectful behavior:
- Do: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Do: Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Don’t: Leave valuables unattended.
- Don’t: Walk alone in poorly lit areas at night.
Indulge in St. Louis: Food, Fun & Finds
Top Restaurants in St. Louis
Different cuisines, budgets, and experiences:
- Pappy’s Smokehouse: Renowned BBQ restaurant. 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
- The Hill: An Italian neighborhood with many excellent restaurants.
- Sidney Street Cafe: An upscale dining experience. 2000 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104
- Imo’s Pizza: St. Louis-style pizza. Multiple locations. Order Online
Must-Try Dishes in St. Louis
Local delicacies and street food:
- St. Louis-style pizza: Thin-crust pizza with Provel cheese.
- Toasted ravioli: Breaded and fried ravioli.
- Gooey butter cake: Sweet and buttery cake.
- BBQ ribs: Especially from Pappy’s Smokehouse or Bogart’s Smokehouse.
Nightlife & Entertainment in St. Louis
Clubs, bars, live music, night markets:
- Delmar Loop: An entertainment district with live music venues and bars.
- Soulard: A historic neighborhood with bars and live music.
- Ballpark Village: An entertainment district near Busch Stadium.
What to Buy in St. Louis: Souvenirs & Markets
Local crafts, street shopping, unique finds:
- Soulard Farmers Market: A historic market with local produce, crafts, and food. 730 Carroll St, St. Louis, MO 63104
- City Museum Gift Shop: Quirky and unique souvenirs. 701 N 15th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
- Local Breweries: Craft beer and merchandise from local breweries. Shop Local Beers
