St. Louis, Missouri, sits on the western bank of the Mississippi River and is known as the "Gateway to the West." Its character blends Midwestern warmth with a strong sense of culture, and visitors can spend a few days here without running out of things to do.
The Gateway Arch and the riverfront
The Gateway Arch is the city's best-known landmark and the reason many visitors come. It stands on the riverfront and gives a clear sense of the city's place on the map of American westward travel. The surrounding riverfront area is a natural place to walk, look at the water, and get a sense of how the city grew.
Museums in Forest Park
Forest Park is home to several museums, and many of them are free to enter. They make a good half-day or full-day outing, and the park itself offers space to stroll between visits.
Food and drink
- Toasted ravioli, a local specialty worth trying at least once
- Barbecue, a regular feature of the city's dining scene
Music and baseball
St. Louis has a lively music scene, and jazz and blues are part of the atmosphere along the Mississippi River. If you are here during baseball season, a Cardinals game is a classic local outing, with the crowd and the ballpark making the evening memorable.
Taken together, the arch, the museums, the food, and the music make St. Louis a city that suits a visitor who enjoys history, good meals, and an easygoing pace by the river.
