Discover St. Louis: Gateway to the West

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you discover St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, ensuring reliable communication while exploring the city’s historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and iconic attractions.

In the heart of the USA, on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, St. Louis beckons with a perfect balance of urban energy and Midwestern charm. This vibrant city is known as the “Gateway to the West”, symbolized by the famous Gateway Arch. But beyond this 630-foot stainless steel icon, St. Louis offers an abundance of attractions, activities and neighbourhoods waiting to be explored. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, food or sports, Missouri’s largest city delivers.

As you plan your itinerary, consider getting an international roaming pack from Airtel to stay connected during your trip. With data and calling benefits in over 181 countries, you can look up directions, make reservations, and share your St. Louis adventures on social media without worrying about connectivity.

Let’s dive into some of the top things to do in St. Louis and the best areas to explore:

1. Gateway Arch National Park

• At 630 feet, the Gateway Arch is the world’s tallest arch and a symbol of St. Louis. Take the tram to the top for panoramic city views.

• The expanded park grounds include green spaces, walking trails, and spots to relax by the Mississippi River. Don’t miss the Old Courthouse, where the infamous Dred Scott case was tried.

• Visit the museum under the Arch to learn about America’s westward expansion through interactive exhibits.

2. Forest Park

• Larger than NYC’s Central Park, Forest Park in St Louis, Missouri, is a lush urban oasis with cultural institutions, lakes, trails and sports facilities.

• Top free attractions include:

  • Saint Louis Art Museum

  • Saint Louis Zoo

  • Missouri History Museum

  • The Muny outdoor musical theatre

• Rent paddleboats at the Boathouse, play golf at one of three courses or take a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking Jewel Box greenhouse.

3. Missouri Botanical Garden

• Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the USA’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation. Its 79 acres include indoor conservatories and themed outdoor gardens.

• Must-see areas:

  • 14-acre Japanese Garden with cherry trees, bridges and traditional structures

  • Climatron geodesic dome housing a tropical rainforest

  • Victorian District with formal gardens and the Tower Grove House

• Check the schedule for special events like the Japanese Festival and Garden Glow holiday light display.

4. City Museum

• The quirky City Museum defies categorization. Housed in a former shoe factory, this indoor-outdoor playground and funhouse is made entirely of repurposed architectural and industrial objects.

• Explore the eclectic multilevel space filled with slides, climbing structures, tunnels, bridges and interactive art installations. Highlights include a rooftop Ferris wheel and a school bus extending off the roof!

• The museum is open late and popular with both kids and adults. Get your hand stamped for same-day re-entry.

5. Soulard

• Soulard is one of St. Louis’ oldest neighbourhoods, with a distinct French heritage and architecture dating to the mid-1800s. It centres around the Soulard Farmers Market, which has been operating since 1779.

• Browse the market’s produce, baked goods, flowers and local specialties Wed-Sat. Then enjoy a meal in the adjacent dining area.

• Stroll the streets to see the neighbourhood’s restored townhouses and quaint brick alleys. Visit in February for the raucous Mardi Gras festivities.

6. The Delmar Loop

• The six-block Delmar Loop is one of the coolest things to do in St Louis. This buzzing entertainment and shopping district is lined with indie boutiques, music venues, galleries, restaurants and nightlife spots.

• See the St. Louis Walk of Fame, honouring famous residents with sidewalk stars. Pose with the Chuck Berry statue, commemorating the hometown rock pioneer who often played at Blueberry Hill.

• Catch a concert at The Pageant or a movie at the historic Tivoli Theatre. Grab a bite at Fitz’s Root Beer, known for its floats and pub fare.

7. The Hill

• The Hill is St. Louis’ Italian neighbourhood, packed with family-owned markets, bakeries, trattorias and bocce gardens.

• Dine on authentic Italian pastas and wood-fired pizzas on the patios along Columbia and Marconi streets. Top picks include Charlie Gitto’s, Cunetto House of Pasta, and Zia’s.

• Visit the childhood homes of baseball greats Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola. Shop for Italian imports like olive oil, cheese and salumi to take home.

8. Route 66 & Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

• Route 66 runs through St. Louis, and a top stop is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on Chippewa Street. Since 1929, this iconic shop has served decadent custard treats.

• The signature “concrete” is so thick you can turn it upside down without spilling! Choose from dozens of mix-ins like fruits, cookies, and candies.

• Take a picture with the shop’s retro neon sign. Visit in December to pick out a Christmas tree from the adjoining lot.

9. Anheuser-Busch Brewery

• See how Budweiser is made at the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery complex. Free tours take you through the Clydesdale stables, beechwood ageing cellars, packaging plant, and tasting room.

• Sample beers in the Biergarten and browse Anheuser-Busch memorabilia in the gift shop. Visit around the holidays to see the brewery decked out in festive lights.

• Check the schedule for special events like Oktoberfest and the Bud Light 5K run.

10. Coffee and Dining in St. Louis

• Get your caffeine fix at some top St Louis coffee shops:

  • Blueprint Coffee – single-origin pour-overs in a minimalist space

  • Sump Coffee – upscale coffee “lab” with rare beans and brew methods

  • Comet Coffee – craft lattes and locally baked scones and croissants

• Signature St. Louis foods to try:

  • Gooey butter cake – a dense cake with a buttery, chewy topping

  • Toasted ravioli – breaded, deep-fried beef ravioli served with tomato sauce

  • St. Louis-style pizza – crispy thin crust made with Provel cheese

• Other top restaurants:

  • Pappy’s Smokehouse – Memphis-style BBQ known for dry-rub ribs

  • The Crossing – upscale French-Italian fare in a converted drugstore

  • Niche Food Group – five acclaimed restaurants by local chef Gerard Craft

Where to Stay in St. Louis

Looking for accommodation in St. Louis? Here’s a quick guide:

Getting Around St. Louis

• St. Louis is very car-friendly, with ample parking and minimal traffic compared to larger cities. You’ll likely want to rent a car, especially to visit areas like Forest Park and the Delmar Loop.

• Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and convenient for reaching restaurants, bars and main attractions.

• Downtown is relatively walkable, with many hotels within a 10-15 minute stroll of the Arch.

• To really explore the city, consider purchasing a Metro Adventure Pass. This day pass offers unlimited rides on the MetroLink light rail and MetroBus system. Key routes connect downtown, Forest Park, the Delmar Loop and Lambert Airport.

When to Visit St. Louis

The best times to visit St. Louis are spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). You’ll enjoy mild temperatures, outdoor festivals, and blooming gardens or colourful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, but it’s a busy time, thanks to school breaks and Cardinals baseball games. Winter is chilly but festive, with holiday light displays and fewer crowds at top attractions.

No matter when you visit St. Louis, you’re sure to find a wealth of things to do in St Louis, Missouri. This historic gateway city offers a perfect blend of urban culture, green spaces, sports, family fun and food. Start planning your St. Louis getaway today – and don’t forget your Airtel international roaming pack to stay connected during all your adventures!