The best things to do in St. Louis span the Arch, Forest Park, free museums, brewery tours, blues music, and world-class gardens.
Landing in the Gateway City and want a tight list that actually helps you plan? You’re in the right spot. Below you’ll find a curated top ten with quick wins, pro tips, and a two-day plan that strings everything together. No fluff—just what’s worth your time in and around downtown, Forest Park, and nearby neighborhoods.
Top Ten Things To Do Around St. Louis: Local Picks
Here’s the fast take before we dig into the details. Use it to sketch your route, then jump down for timing, transit, and food stops that fit each spot.
| Attraction | Why Go | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway Arch & Museum | Iconic skyline view; tram ride, free museum | 1.5–2.5 hrs |
| Forest Park | 1,300 acres of trails, lakes, and marquee museums | 2–4 hrs |
| Saint Louis Art Museum | Strong collections; free general admission | 1–2 hrs |
| Saint Louis Zoo | Nationally ranked; free entry to the grounds | 2–3 hrs |
| Missouri Botanical Garden | Historic garden, Climatron, Japanese Garden | 1.5–3 hrs |
| City Museum | Slides, tunnels, rooftop oddities; all-ages playground | 2–3 hrs |
| National Blues Museum | Interactive exhibits and live sets | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Anheuser-Busch Brewery | Tours, tasting, Clydesdales sightings on select options | 1–2 hrs |
| Busch Stadium Tour | Behind-the-scenes look at Cardinals’ home | 1–1.5 hrs |
| The Muny (Summer) | America’s oldest outdoor musical theatre | Evening |
Gateway Arch: Views, Riverfront, And A Smart Plan
Book the tram early on weekends and holidays; peak slots sell out. Do the free museum first while you wait, then ride to the top. If riverboats fit your vibe, time a cruise at dusk for the best light. On hot days, aim morning or late afternoon. The walkable park grounds and Old Courthouse views round out the stop nicely.
Forest Park: Big Greenspace, Bigger Payoff
This park anchors the city’s museum row and outdoor time. The paved paths make it easy to connect the Art Museum on the hill, the Zoo in the southwest, the boathouse for a quick paddle, and the World’s Fair Pavilion overlook. If you have only an hour, pick one museum and a short lakeside stroll; if you have a half day, pair two museums and a picnic.
Saint Louis Art Museum: Free Masterworks With A View
Set on Art Hill, the museum blends European, American, African, and Asian collections in an airy layout. Fridays run late, which pairs well with a relaxed dinner afterward. Grab a quick look at the sculpture garden, then step inside for the hits and a special exhibition if time allows.
Saint Louis Zoo: A No-Ticket Classic
Entry to the grounds is free, which makes this stop easy to add even on a tight budget. Penguins, big cats, and the children’s area pop with families. Arrive near opening for easy parking and lighter crowds, then loop north to Forest Park’s inner drives for your next stop.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Historic Beauty Year-Round
From spring tulips to fall color, the displays shine in every season. The Climatron offers lush scenes even on a rainy day. If you prefer quiet paths, go early; if you’re after photos, golden hour light works wonders at the Japanese Garden bridges.
City Museum: Pure Play For All Ages
Wear grippy shoes and clothes that can handle slides. Adults love it as much as kids. The rooftop (seasonal) adds a Ferris wheel and more climbing. It’s easy to spend more time than planned here, so set a soft cap if you have timed tickets elsewhere.
National Blues Museum: Sound, Story, And Live Energy
An easy walk from downtown hotels, this spot brings the genre’s roots to life. Check the calendar for an evening set and pair it with dinner on Washington Avenue. If you’re new to the music, the interactive stations make the history stick.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Classic Tour, Fresh Pour
Head to the historic campus in Soulard for a guided walk through brewing spaces and tasting rooms. Some experiences include time near the Clydesdales. Book online, bring an ID, and plan a rideshare if you’ll sample.
Busch Stadium: Cards Pride, Cool Backstage Access
Non-game days are the sweet spot for tours that dip into the dugout, broadcast booth, and memorabilia spaces. If you’re catching a game instead, arrive early for skyline photos from the outfield concourse and local eats inside the park.
The Muny: Summer Nights Under The Stars
From June through August, grab a seat in Forest Park for big musicals with clever staging. Free seats in the back rows are a local tradition; paid seats bring you closer. Picnic first near the Grand Basin, then stroll over at curtain time.
Neighborhood Detours: Delmar Loop And City Foundry
Between marquee stops, plug in a bite or a browse. The Delmar Loop blends music history, diner classics, and venues. City Foundry STL mixes a modern food hall with local shops and a theater. Both are easy add-ons if you’re already near Forest Park or Midtown.
Beyond The City Line: Cahokia Mounds Day Trip
Ten miles east in Illinois, this World Heritage site centers on Monks Mound and sweeping views over the floodplain. It’s a quick hop over the river, and the interpretive center puts the pre-Colonial city in context. Bring water and sun protection; the walk up the mound is short but open.
Timing, Tickets, And Simple Logistics
Best Order In One Day
Morning: start at the Arch before crowds build, then walk the riverfront. Midday: head to Forest Park for the Art Museum or Zoo. Late afternoon: City Museum. Evening: blues set or a ballgame.
Best Order In Two Days
Day one: Arch, downtown lunch, City Museum, evening music. Day two: Forest Park museums, garden in late afternoon, nightcap in the Central West End or a show at The Muny (summer).
Parking And Transit
Downtown garages work for the Arch and City Museum; Forest Park has multiple surface lots near each museum; rideshares are abundant. The MetroLink line connects the airport to downtown and to the Delmar Loop.
Budget Tips Without Cutting The Fun
- Free heavy hitters: the Art Museum, the Zoo grounds, and Forest Park itself.
- Evening value: free seats at The Muny (summer) and late Fridays at the museum on the hill.
- Pack a picnic for Art Hill or the Grand Basin; save dining dollars for a food hall sampler later.
What To Pair And When
Rain Plan
Swap outdoor time for the Arch museum, the Art Museum, the City Museum, and brewery tours. The garden’s Climatron keeps a tropical vibe even during a drizzle.
Hot Day Adjustments
Start early in Forest Park, break midday inside, then roll into evening with a river cruise, blues set, or a night game.
Before you go, check the official Gateway Arch guidelines for tram availability and hours, and confirm that the Zoo’s free entry policy aligns with your visit window.
Eat Near Each Stop
Downtown And Riverfront
For a quick lunch between the Arch and City Museum, look around Washington Avenue and the convention district. Coffee, tacos, and casual grills are all within a short walk.
Forest Park And The Hill
Near the park, go classic St. Louis with toasted ravioli and thin-crust pies in The Hill. If you’re short on time, grab a bite at the boathouse or pick up a picnic and linger on Art Hill.
Midtown And Delmar Loop
City Foundry’s food hall makes it easy for groups to split tastes. Over on Delmar, mix Fitz’s root beer floats with live music venues and record shops.
Visitor Etiquette And Quick Safety Notes
- Museums and gardens welcome photos, but flash rules vary—check signs.
- Stadium bag policies change; go small and clear to speed entry.
- Brewery tours require valid ID and closed-toe shoes on some routes.
Two-Day Itinerary You Can Copy
| Day | Morning & Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Gateway Arch & museum → walk the riverfront → lunch downtown → City Museum | National Blues Museum set or ballgame at Busch Stadium |
| Day 2 | Forest Park loop: Art Museum → Zoo → lakeside break → Missouri Botanical Garden | Dinner at City Foundry STL or Delmar Loop → The Muny (summer) or night views |
How To Fit Everything In A Weekend
Pick seven items that match your style: views, outdoors, music, sports, or family play. Stitch them by geography to cut driving. Downtown day pairs the Arch, City Museum, and blues; park day pairs museums, the Zoo, and the garden; nights swing between baseball, theatre, and riverfront lights. That mix delivers a tight, memorable run without rushing every hour.
Final Picks: What To Skip And What To Save
Short trip? Keep the Arch, one Forest Park museum, the Zoo grounds, City Museum, and a single night plan. Back soon? Add the garden, brewery, and Cahokia Mounds. Coming in summer? Lock in The Muny early. Coming with kids? City Museum and the Zoo jump to the top. Traveling with a foodie crew? Make City Foundry and the Delmar Loop your anchors between marquee stops.