5 Days in the Gateway: St. Louis on a Budget

Discover the charm of St. Louis without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the Gateway Arch, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and Forest Park during a trip to St. Louis on a limited budget. Take advantage of free admission to many of the city's top attractions, including the St. Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum. Save on accommodation by booking a budget-friendly hotel or hostel in the downtown or midtown areas.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to the Gateway City

  • -Check into Hotel Ignacio, a trendy boutique hotel in Midtown
  • -Visit the Gateway Arch, a monument that represents St. Louis’ role as the gateway to the West
  • -Relax at Kiener Plaza, a charming park in the downtown area
  • -Explore the City Museum, a surreal playground for all ages
  • -Indulge in St. Louis-style pizza at Imo’s Pizza, a local chain known for its Provel cheese
Day 2

Art & Culture

  • -Stop by the Missouri History Museum and learn about the city’s rich history
  • -Admire the contemporary art at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation
  • -Walk around the stunning campus of Washington University in St. Louis
  • -Stroll through Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US
  • -Grab a bite to eat at The Mud House, a cozy café offering delicious breakfast and lunch options
Day 3

Scenic Sights

  • -Drive to Jefferson City and see the Missouri State Capitol Building
  • -Stop by the Katy Trail State Park for a scenic hike or bike ride
  • -Visit the Daniel Boone Home and Heritage Center to learn about the famous pioneer
  • -Head back to St. Louis and enjoy a classic hot dog at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
  • -End the day with a spectacular view from the rooftop of the Moonrise Hotel
Day 4

Beyond the City Limits

  • -Drive to Augusta and tour the vineyards at Augusta Winery
  • -Head to the charming town of Hermann and visit the Stone Hill Winery
  • -Check out the iconic Route 66 murals in Cuba, a small town on the historic route
  • -Relax in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a breathtaking park with stunning waterways
  • -Enjoy a beer at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, a local brewery with two locations in St. Louis
Day 5

Local Flavors

  • -Explore the Delmar Loop, a vibrant neighborhood with shops, boutiques, and restaurants
  • -Check out the vintage treasures at the Antique Row district on Cherokee Street
  • -Grab lunch at Pappy’s Smokehouse, a popular BBQ spot with mouth-watering ribs
  • -Visit the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery and try a sample of their famous beers
  • -Indulge in a sweet treat from Ted Drewes Frozen Custard before heading home.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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