3 Days in St. Louis: City, Art, Beer & Nature
Experience the Gateway to the West in St. Louis.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
St. Louis is a bustling city located in the heart of the American Midwest, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. As a tourist, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do, from visiting iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch and Forest Park, to exploring lively neighborhoods like The Delmar Loop and Soulard. With its vibrant food scene, world-class museums, and friendly locals, St. Louis is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a memorable American adventure.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in at Hotel Saint Louis, a modern and quirky space in the heart of Downtown St. Louis.
- Go on a self-guided tour to explore the city's landmarks including the Gateway Arch, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and Forest Park.
- For lunch, head over to Pappy's Smokehouse for some finger-licking BBQ ribs and brisket.
- Visit the City Museum, an interactive playground that will bring out the kid in you.
- Take a stroll in the historic Soulard district, where you can find some of the best bars and music clubs in St. Louis.
- Start the day with breakfast at Rooster, known for their fluffy pancakes and crepes with a St. Louis twist.
- Spend the morning admiring the contemporary art collections at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation.
- Visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery for the "Biergarten Experience," a guided tour of the brewery followed by tastings of the iconic Budweiser beer.
- Have lunch at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, where you can enjoy some German-inspired beer and hearty sandwiches.
- End the day by watching a live show at the famous Fox Theatre, an opulent venue that hosts Broadway productions and concerts.
- Have breakfast at Cafe Osage, a charming restaurant located in an urban nursery.
- Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the US.
- Explore the historical sites in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial park, which includes the Old Courthouse and the Museum of Westward Expansion.
- Have lunch at Blues City Deli, a cozy spot serving delicious sandwiches with live blues music.
- Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the St. Louis Zoo, which features over 18,000 animals from all over the world.
- St. Louis is a city full of surprises and hidden gems that will make your stay unforgettable. Don't forget to snap some iconic photos, sample some local beer, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Gateway City.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to St. Louis is by flying into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) which serves multiple airlines and offers direct flights from major cities across the country.
Car
Driving to St. Louis is an option, with major highways such as I-70 and I-55 connecting to the city. However, traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours.
Train
While there are no direct train services to St. Louis, taking the Amtrak train to nearby cities such as Kansas City or Chicago followed by a connecting bus or rental car may be an option.
Boat
St. Louis is located on the Mississippi River, but there are no regular passenger boat services to the city. Private boat charters may be available for those looking for a unique travel experience.
Bus
Greyhound offers bus services to St. Louis from various cities across the United States, with the St. Louis Greyhound station located downtown.