Everything to Know About St. Louis
Here's how to plan the best possible trip to the Gateway City.
Like many cities throughout the United States, St. Louis has seen a resurgence of urban living. Its vibe is young and energetic, with classic Midwestern hospitality mixed in for good measure.
When to Go
St. Louis enjoys all seasons, and along with them, seasonal weather—mild springs and falls, rising temperatures and humidity in the summers, and winters that can be mild or a little tough, depending on what Mother Nature has in mind. The city comes alive even more when the St. Louis Cardinals play ball in the spring through late summer, when baseball fans crowd the streets, restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Celebrate
St. Louis likes to throw a party, and everyone’s invited. The largest of all of the city’s parties may be Fair St. Louis, which is held annually over the Fourth of July holiday and returns to the grounds at the Gateway Arch this year. A few others to consider include PrideFest, one of the largest LBGT events in the Midwest, and the Big Muddy Blues Festival, one of the biggest blues festivals in the U.S.
What to Eat
When you’re hungry, head to the Hill, St. Louis’ Italian neighborhood comprised of a traditional collection of authentic Italian bakeries, grocery stores, and mom-and-pop trattorias. One to try is a St. Louis specialty: toasted ravioli. For sweet treats, aside from cannoli on the Hill, dig into a slice of Gooey Buttercake, considered a staple in the world of St. Louis desserts, or heave your spoon into a cup of frozen custard known locally as a concrete.
Souvenir to Take Home
Aside from a Gateway Arch keychain, if you want to take home a memento of your time in St. Louis, consider something locally made. Union Studio is an independent boutique that features handmade items—from clothing to fine art and more—all created by local crafters.
- Nat Geo Expeditions
Sustainable Travel Tip
Save on gas, and save the planet at the same time, when you opt to get around the city by MetroLink, St. Louis’ light-rail network which has been called “one of the best mass transit systems in the country.” MetroLink stops at major attractions such as the Gateway Arch, Union Station, and Busch Stadium, and travels from St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) into the city.
Instagram-Worthy View
When it comes time to ‘gram your trip to St. Louis, why not do it from nearly 400 feet above the city? Three Sixty sits atop the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark and offers, well, 360-degree views of the city and beyond, including the Arch, and it remains open well into the night so that you can capture the golden hour.
