13 Must-Visit Attractions in St. Louis

Famous for its 630-foot Gateway Arch, St. Louis is one of the most iconic cities in Missouri. Over the years, the city has developed into a major entertainment and tourist destination. With great restaurants, shopping destinations, parks, zoos, museums, and orchestras,  visitors have a lot to explore. The city also boasts of an active nightlife and has several clubs, fine dining venues, and theaters. The bars in St. Louis are among the best bars in Missouri and attract tourists and locals in equal numbers. With no dearth of places to experience, guests are in for an enriching and fun experience in the city. Here’s a list of things that totally deserves to be on your must-do list, when in St. Louis. 

Fun Things to do in St. Louis

Immerse in the Adventurous Spirit at Six Flags 

Six Flags at St. Louis is one of the most family-friendly attractions in the city. Some of the popular activities at the park include looping on the Batman Ride, enjoying the thrills of speed at Eagle wooden coaster, and unleashing the water baby in you at whitewater rapids adventure of Thunder River. Not only is the park famous for its rides, but it is also popular for its live shows and concerts. Besides, adventure rides the park also lets children meet their favorite cartoon characters. Well, the rides and thrill of the park can tire out even the most enthusiastic visitors. Post exploring the park, visitors can enjoy some delicatessen food at a large number of dining venues and food joints in the vicinity. 

Imbibe the Beauty of Forest Park

Spread over 1326 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The scenic beauty and the sheer length of biking trails attract more than 12 million visitors a year. Floral displays, golf courses, and a beautiful greenhouse make it the perfect place to host a private party or a company picnic. As a matter of fact, the World Fair of 1904, Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and the Summer Olympics of 1904 were held at the park. 

Things to do with Kids in St. Louis

Visit the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum 

Known for its extensive collection of telephones, Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum is one of the most popular kid-friendly attractions in St. Louis. Kids are sure to enjoy their hearts out with a large number of hands-on displays, telephone-related equipment, and memorabilia at the museum. The younger enthusiasts can also have a glimpse of Military telephones from WWI through the Gulf War, a sculpture of Alexander Graham Bell and replicas of his 1876 Liquid Transmitter, 1877 First Commercial Telephone, operator Switchboards from the 1920s and 1960s, and telephone-related remnants from the 1880s through the 2000s. Guests can also buy telephone-related merchandise, souvenirs, and toys at the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum gift shop.

Pet Animals at the Critter Lane Petting Zoo 

Spread over 10 acres, Critter Lane Petting Zoo Is a walk-through and self-guided petting zoo. The zoo is home to more than 100 species of exotic animals.  Kids are sure to enjoy getting face to face with a parakeet and a budgie. Moreover, there is a playground area and a bouncy house for the kids. While the kids enjoy at the park, adults can take a long stroll on the 45-foot bridge and see mute swans and koi fish.  Some of the animals at the include eland antelope, scimitar oryx, donkeys, camels, sheep and goats. The zoo provides an exciting experience while following the highest safety standards, making it a must-visit for the families.  

Museums in St. Louis

Attend Exhibitions at Contemporary Art Museum 

Contemporary Art Museum in St Louis is a must-visit for modern art lovers. With plush interiors, guests can expect to see five or six different collections of work. Each of which has been curated around an artist or a theme. The artworks at the museum redefine the spirit of modern art with works that help visitors delve deep and ponder.  The museum has conducted more than 120 exhibitions and exhibited over 260 artists. Some of the most popular exhibits at the museum include artworks by Richard Aldrich, Layla Ali Rosa Barba, and Amy Sherald.  The museum also hosts a wide range of eclectic events which include galas like Dada Ball to art openings. 

Explore the Different Facets of Art at Saint Louis Art Museum

St. Louis Art Museum is one of the most popular art museums in the city. The museum is home to some of the rarest cultural objects, paintings, sculptures, and ancient masterpieces from all around the world.  The museum offers visitors an opportunity to absorb over 5000 years of history and culture. Artworks by Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Matisse attract more than half a million people each year. Besides exhibitions, the museum also offers rotating exhibitions and installations.

Free things to do in St. Louis

Explore the Divine World of Chess at World Chess Hall of Fame

Known for hosting world-class exhibitions, the World Chess Hall of Fame is the only museum in the United States to offer programs that help establish a connection between chess and art. The mission of the institution is to cater to the likes of visitors and help them learn about the game of chess and its cultural importance. Some of the popular members of the World Hall of Fame include Anatoly Karpov, Boris Spassky, including José Raúl Capablanca and Garry Kasparov. 

Visit the St. Louis Zoo

With a wide assortment of animals, St. Louis Zoo is one of the best zoological parks in Missouri. Moreover, admission to the zoo is free. Spread over 90 acres, the zoo is home to more than 13,000 animals representing 555 species. The museum attracts more than 3 million visitors annually and is the most-visited attraction in St. Louis. Some of the popular residents of the zoo include Sloths, swans, turtles, gators, tarantulas, stingrays, and armadillos. It is suggested that a visit to the park is planned on a weekday to avoid crowds. 

Nightlife in St. Louis 

Enjoy Live Irish Music at John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden 

Built-in 1978 as a one-room pub house, John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden is one of the best Soulard Bars in the US. McGurk’s with its exposed brick walls, live Irish Music, and comfortable hardwood floors provides a homely experience to all its visitors. Visitors are often seen roving to Celtic rhythms and enjoying performances by authentic Irish Bands. The bar also offers a traditional Irish menu which includes corned beef and cabbage, barley soup, and the signature potato soup.

Gay Bars St. Louis

Spend a Fun-night at Bastille Bar 

Bastille Bar in Soulard is one of the best gay bars in the city to spend a fun evening. While the bar imposed a smoking ban in 2011, it has since then hung giant cigarette sculptures outside the bar which read “This house is A’Smokin.” With polite staff, a wide variety of drinks and walls covered in flair makes Bastille Bar, one of the most beautiful bars in the city.

Make New Friends at Hummel’s Pub 

Hummel’s Pub is one of the best bars in St. Louis to make new friends and new memories. Moreover, the menu at the pub is reasonably priced and the staff is extremely friendly. Undoubtedly, Hummel’s Pub is one of the most happening bars in the city and attracts tourists and locals alike. 

Sports Bars St. Louis

Eat Your Heart Out at The Post Sports Bar & Grill 

The Post-Sports Bar & Grill offers the best combos of bar food and games. With myriad screens, football lovers are sure to enjoy themselves at the Sports bars while enjoying the best of drinks and food. Some of the best items on the menu include pizzas, cheesesteaks, new street tacos, and a fried pancake brownie sundae. 

Enjoy Hockey at OB Clark’s

Known for being the best hockey bars in St. Louis, OB Clark’s Bar & Grill is popular for its pizza and chicken wings. The bar offers a wide- variety of beer, whiskeys, and scotch. Moreover, the bar has two- big-screen TVs, 17 new flat panels and free wifi, so that guests can get the best view wherever they are sitting at the bar. 

With the best of entertainment options, there is hardly a dull moment at St. Louis. Be it an adventure lover, a solo traveler, a nocturnal, or a solace seeker, the city has something for each of them. So take that leave, pack your bags, and get going for St. Louis already for that trip you always wanted.