10 Things to do in St. Louis for First Time Visitors

St. Louis is a port and city in Missouri that is located on the banks of the Missouri River. It is the largest metropolitan area and the economic and cultural center of Missouri. This is a fantastic place to visit as there are so many things to see and do during your stay. If this is your first time visiting the city, then you should try to include the following ten things in your vacation itinerary.

1. Stay in a Great Hotel

The first step to enjoying your stay in St. Louis is to find the right accommodation to meet your needs. Some of the best hotels in the city include Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, Moonrise Hotel, Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station, The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta, and Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park.

2. Visit the Museums

St. Louis is filled with museums that each focuses on a different era or specific type of history. No trip to St. Louis is complete without absorbing the local culture and history by visiting a selection of these museums. Some of the options include City Museum, Cahokia Mounds, Old Courthouse, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Missouri History Museum, and The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum.

3. Take a Boat Ride

The riverside location of this port city means that a riverboat ride is a perfect way to view the St. Louis from a different perspective and have a fun and unusual experience at the same time.

4. Go to the Parks and Gardens

Although St. Luis is an urban area, it is filled with many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spots. Many of these make you feel as though you are in the countryside rather than a large city. Amongst the best spots to visit are Forest Park, Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri Botanical Garden, Citygarden, Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, and Tower Grove Park.

5. Sample the Local Cuisine

If you enjoy eating out, then you will find a great selection of restaurants, cafes, and bistros in this city. While some serve traditional local dishes, there are plenty that serve cuisine that is inspired by various locations in the world. There are places to eat that will suit all occasions and budgets. Many of the best eateries are located in an area of the city called the Delmar Loop. If you enjoy Italian food, you might also like to visit an area of the city known as The Hill.

6. Go to the Local Zoo

A great day out for all the family is a trip to St. Louis Zoo. This is one of the most popular local attractions and it is both fun and educational. This is a particularly good choice of activity if you are visiting the area with children.

7. Have Fun at the Casinos

While St. Louis is known for its culture and arts, there are plenty of fun things to do in this city during a stay. One of the best ways to spend your evening is with a visit to one of the local casinos. You can try your hand at roulette or poker, play on the slot machines, enjoy the entertainment that the casinos provide or simply watch the action with a drink at the bar. One of the best to visit is at the Lumiere Place resort.

8. Enjoy Some Retail Therapy

As the largest metropolitan area in Missouri, St. Louis is a shopping lovers’ dream. From boutique shops to large shopping malls, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a spot of retail therapy in this city.

9. Explore the Art

St. Louis is famous for its art scene and there are plenty of places you can visit to admire some of the art. Amongst the best are St. Louis Art Museum, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Art Hill, and Pulitzer Arts Foundation.

10. Go Out on the Town

This is a city that comes alive at night and you can enjoy the vibrant buzz of St. Louis once the sun has gone down. The options on offer at night range from sophisticated cocktail bars to live music venues. Take the time to walk around the city in the evening and you will find many fantastic spots for enjoying your time in St. Louis well into the night.