St Louis holidays
Rich history mingles with a youthful spirit in the energetic Midwestern city of St Louis. This is the point from which the US began its westward expansion in the 19th century, marked by the glimmering Gateway Arch. Holidays in St Louis are all about exploring countless free museums, architectural landmarks and enormous leafy parks. By night the blues bars, jazz clubs and sizzling barbecue joints provide an endless line-up of entertainment.
St Louis holiday highlights
St. Louis
Missouri Division of Tourism
Sing the blues
The city that nurtured Chuck Berry and Miles Davis can teach you a thing or two about the blues. Get a musical history lesson at the National Blues Museum, where interactive exhibits take you through the genre’s evolution. Then dive into a blues bar. Check out Broadway Oyster Bar, a local institution where live bluegrass, soul and rock ’n’ roll go hand in hand with fresh seafood and craft brews.
Catch a game
Joining cheering baseball fans is a rite of passage on a St Louis holiday. Busch Stadium is the hallowed home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Tag along on the daily guided tours of the stadium, or book tickets for a night game. Want to save cash? Watch from one of the city’s legendary sports bars — you’ll find the liveliest in Ballpark Village near the stadium.
Where to stay
Central West End is ideally located between Downtown and the enormous Forest Park. Stays here range from artsy boutiques to budget-friendly apartments and luxe hotels overlooking the park. Make time for strolls through its leafy streets. Look out for an eclectic mix of turn-of-the-century architecture, trendy coffee houses and upscale eateries.
St Louis: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Things to do in St Louis
St. Louis
Missouri Division of Tourism
Free things to do
Snap a selfie at the Gateway Arch, built to commemorate America’s westward expansion in the early 1800s. One of the best photo spots is from the Old Courthouse steps. Then stroll around Forest Park, a sprawling green space nearly double the size of Central Park. It’s home to free attractions like the Saint Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Take in the culture
Delve into St Louis’ legacy at the free Missouri History Museum. You’ll find exhibitions on topics as diverse as the Civil Rights Movement and the 1904 World’s Fair. For something more lighthearted, head to the City Museum. This derelict factory turned offbeat attraction is made from old junk, including construction cranes and school buses. Spend a few hours exploring its maze-like passageways, caves and chutes.
Places to eat
From Italian delis to cajun burger bars and barbecue joints, St Louis is packed with good eats. Head to The Hill for local specialities like toasted ravioli and St Louis–style pizza, which captures the city’s fusion of Italian and American flavours. Room for dessert? Grab a slice of gooey butter cake — a St Louis treat as decadent as the name suggests.
FAQs about St Louis holidays
You'll catch most conversations in English. Picking up some local phrases and greetings can be a fun way to spark conversations and get to know people during your city break in St Louis.
No matter how many times you visit, no trip to this city is ever the same. If seeing the sights is on your list of things to do in St Louis, be sure to include The Gateway Arch and Forest Park.
St Louis is just as safe as any other major US city, especially if you stay around tourist-friendly areas. Neighbourhoods including Central West End, Lafayette Square and Downtown are considered the safest places to stay. Exercise caution at night by walking in a group and sticking to well-lit areas.
While on your trip to St Louis, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everything you buy. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to avoid any issues with payments.
Whether you're a discover-it-all traveller or a laid-back wanderer, the cost of your city break in St Louis will largely depend on how you want to experience it. You'll want to factor in everything from meals to entry fees, in addition to your St Louis flights and hotels.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 33ºC (91ºF), July is the warmest month in St Louis.
Organise your St Louis holiday for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. -8ºC (18ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Sports fans should visit in late spring and summer when the Cardinals play baseball and the city buzzes with life. For mild temperatures and minimal rainfall, plan a holiday to St Louis in spring or autumn. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, winter is the best time to visit.
Plan a three-day holiday in St Louis if you want to take in all the top sights, explore free attractions and check out foodie hotspots. If you’re considering day trips to nearby areas like Missouri wine country or Ste Genevieve, five days should do the trick.
The wettest month is May, which receives an average rainfall of 16 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your St Louis trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping, wandering through museums, or hanging out in restaurants.
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