St. Louis in 5 Days: Adventure, Culture, and Fun!

Experience the Gateway to the West in St. Louis.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in St. Louis, there are many exciting things to see and do. A trip to the iconic Gateway Arch is a must, where you can take a tram to the top for stunning views of the city. The city also offers a wealth of world-renowned museums, including the St. Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Gateway to Adventure

  • Check into the trendy Magnolia Hotel, perfectly located in downtown St. Louis
  • Take a ride up to the St. Louis Gateway Arch, a towering monument that boasts stunning views of the Mississippi River
  • Visit the Old Courthouse and explore the historical landmarks of the city
  • Join a brewery tour at the Anheuser-Busch brewery, one of America's finest beer makers
  • Take a leisurely walk through the antiques-filled Laclede's Landing for some souvenir shopping
  • Head to the vibrant Delmar Loop for some mouth-watering cuisine at the Blueberry Hill, a favorite among locals
Day 2

Culture and Creativity

  • Start the day with local delicacy Gooey Butter Cake, at the Park Avenue Coffee store
  • Visit the contemporary St. Louis Art Museum, one of the largest museums in America
  • Take a trip to the magical City Museum, an incredible indoor attraction that combines a playground with art installations
  • Roam around Missouri Botanical Garden and witness the intricate floral arrangements and wonderful Japanese gardens
  • Head to the eclectic Cherokee Antique Row for unique finds
  • Check out the vintage architecture and taste delicious pastries at the renowned Italian neighborhood of The Hill
Day 3

Wildlife Encounters

  • Have breakfast at the classic Missouri Baking Company, an establishment that's been around for over 100 years
  • Head to the world-renowned St. Louis Zoo, home to over 18,000 animals, for an unforgettable walk around
  • Visit the neighboring St. Louis Science Center and discover the interactive displays
  • Go for a hike and enjoy the scenic views of the massive Forest Park
  • Take a relaxing stroll around the peaceful Tower Grove Park, admiring the stunning trees and flowers
  • Head to the vibrant Central West End neighborhood for a meal at the beloved Mission Taco Joint
Day 4

Sporty Excursions

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House, a classic diner with a quirky atmosphere
  • Visit Busch Stadium and watch the Cardinals, the city's iconic baseball team, playing a game
  • Head to Enterprise Center to watch the Saint Louis Blues playing ice hockey
  • Take a tour around the Edward Jones Dome, the former home of the Rams NFL team
  • Sample some delicious St. Louis-style pizza at Pi Pizzeria
  • Bar hop at the lively Soulard neighborhood and down a few beers at Bogart's Smokehouse
Day 5

Historical District Tour

  • Have breakfast at Southwest Diner, an iconic establishment that serves up delicious American breakfast
  • Take a tour around the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, the largest pre-Columbian settlement in North America
  • Visit the Missouri History Museum and learn about the fascinating history of Missouri
  • Tour around the charming Lafayette Square neighborhood and admire the stunning Victorian-era architecture
  • Take a stroll around the historic and charming Soulard Market, one of the oldest farmers' markets west of the Mississippi
  • Visit the restored 1904 World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park and finish the day with a relaxing picnic

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

St. Louis

Welcome to the gateway of the west, where the arch is mighty and the barbecue is mightier.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

2 Days in St. Louis: Budget-Friendly Fun

Explore the Gateway Arch for free and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its top. Visit the St. Louis Zoo to see over 17,000 animals from around the world without spending a penny. Take a stroll through Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering free admission to its museums, gardens, and art exhibits.

St. Louis on a Budget: Explore and Enjoy

A trip to St. Louis on a limited budget offers a range of activities for travelers. With free admission to attractions like the Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Zoo, and beautiful Gateway Arch, visitors can explore the city's history and culture. Affordable dining options can be found in neighborhoods like The Loop and Soulard, and staying in budget-friendly hotels or hostels like the HoteLumière Suites and Casino or the HI St. Louis Hostel, allows for a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

4-Day Romantic Getaway: St. Louis Adventure

A trip to St. Louis is a perfect choice for a romantic getaway. Explore the charming city's famous Gateway Arch, indulge in delectable local cuisine, and take a slow stroll through the stunning Forest Park, all while creating lifelong memories with your loved one.

St. Louis FamilyFest: 5 Days of Fun and Adventure

St. Louis offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its array of exciting attractions and activities. You can start exploring the iconic Gateway Arch, which provides breathtaking views of the city and an engaging museum experience. The St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum are also must-visit destinations, offering endless fun and educational opportunities for the entire family.