Welcome to St. Louis, America’s Gateway City
Influencing everything from westward exploration to rock ‘n’ roll and civil rights to modern aviation, St. Louis knows how to leave a mark. Here, historic sites and monumental landmarks anchor creative neighborhoods, where culinary traditions meet contemporary dining. Accessible attractions showcase the city’s soul, from arts and culture to history and innovation, offering itinerary ideas for every interest and budget. First-time visitors can’t miss Gateway Arch National Park, where sweeping views from the top of the downtown icon set the stage for your exploration of the city’s unique energy.
Getting Around Town
If you’re riding the rails, Amtrak’s River Runner drops you in the heart of the action. From the Gateway Transportation Center in downtown, you can access the city’s public transportation, including the MetroLink light rail and the local bus network.
Prefer your own set of wheels? St. Louis is large enough to feel dynamic but compact enough to easily navigate. Driving or biking, you’ll quickly find your rhythm in this welcoming city.
Rideshares are another convenient option, and once you arrive in one of the region’s vibrant neighborhoods, you can stroll between boutiques, galleries, restaurants and attractions. For a deeper dive, consider joining a guided tour and see St. Louis from a fresh perspective.
Treat Your Tastebuds
Toasted ravioli, Provel cheese, gooey butter cake – St. Louis staples are the stuff of legend. Their surprising origins and irresistible flavors are the perfect starting point for a culinary journey that also includes inventive newcomers and award-winning chefs redefining the local dining scene.
Barbecue and beer always hit – after all, this is the home of St. Louis-style ribs and Anheuser-Busch. But discerning diners will also want to try the tasting menus at Mainlander and Robin. Esquire named the former one of the Best New Restaurants in America in 2025, while The New York Times featured the latter on The Restaurant List 2025. For a global flavor tour, head to the Delmar Loop or South Grand Boulevard, where the restaurant scenes reflect St. Louis’ diverse communities.
The city’s thriving beer scene also boasts internationally celebrated craft breweries, including Side Project Brewing, which RateBeer ranks as the No. 2 brewer in the world. Located in the Maplewood neighborhood, the brewery brings funky experimentation to a bustling stretch of historic Route 66.
Generous, unpretentious and distinctive, St. Louis dining isn’t just a part of the trip; it is the trip. It’s no wonder Food & Wine heralds it as the next great food city.
See the Sights
Journey to the top of the Gateway Arch. Cheer for a home run at Busch Stadium. Get lost for fun at City Museum. Paddle the Mississippi River with Big Muddy Adventures. Hear the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at Powell Hall. What will make your St. Louis bucket list?
Consistently ranked among the country’s best urban parks, Forest Park is a must-visit. Among miles of walking and biking trails, world-class institutions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum and Saint Louis Zoo, are not only free and open to the public but also rich with experiences for visitors of all ages. Summer guests can also catch Broadway shows at The Muny – winner of the 2025 Regional Theatre Tony Award, it’s the oldest and largest outdoor musical theater in the U.S.
Traveling with kids? Family favorites – think Grant’s Farm, The Magic House, National Museum of Transportation, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and St. Louis Union Station – keep the fun going with animal encounters, hands-on exhibits and plenty of ways to play.
Looking for something a little bit different? St. Louis also celebrates the unusual. Explore the storied Lemp Mansion, step into communications history at the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum or discover tiny treasures at the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis. When it’s time to refuel, quirky local spots such as Terror Tacos and Venice Café serve up flavor with plenty of personality.
More to Explore
St. Louis blends rich history with constant evolution – and there’s always something fresh on the horizon. From new hotel developments and expanded air service to cutting-edge attractions, culinary hotspots and revitalized districts, the Gateway City is investing in visitor appeal like never before.
Recent renovations include the Old Courthouse in Gateway Arch National Park and Powell Hall in the Grand Center Arts District, while immersive activities such as the Rawlings Experience in Westport Plaza and amusement rides at St. Louis Union Station create even more reasons to visit.
Looking ahead, St. Louis will welcome the AC Hotel St. Louis Downtown in 2026. The European-inspired hotel will feature multiple food and beverage concepts with chef-driven menus, stylish cocktail lounges and café-style dining.
In 2027, the region will again steal the spotlight with the debut of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The 425-acre conservation center and safari park will offer guided tours, a nature trail and an observation tower with panoramic views of giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras and other endangered animals.
College/University
- Fontbonne University
- Harris-Stowe State University
- Lindenwood University
- Logan University
- Maryville University
- Missouri Baptist University
- Ranken Technical College
- Saint Louis University
- University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Webster University
Local Transit & Amtrak Arrival Times
Metro Transit – St. Louis
EB: 2:20 PM, 9:45PM
WB: 8:10 AM, 3:11 PM
Ride The Rail
Ride the Missouri River Runner and experience Missouri like you never have before.






