St. Louis, Missouri: A Weekend Itinerary

St. Louis, the Gateway City, is known for it’s famous Gateway Arch, sports teams, and the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States! St. Louis, Missouri, is a city full of dedicated sports fans, a rich history, diverse culture, and plenty of attractions to explore. This weekend itinerary will help you make the most of your time in St. Louis.

Hotel Suggestions

Hotels Near to the Arch and Busch Stadium

Friday: Arrive for Night 1

Check into your hotel and get ready for a fun evening in downtown St. Louis.

Then, head downtown for an early dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants the city has to offer. Some recommendations include:

• Sugarfire Smoke House: Known for its delicious barbecue.
• The Old Spaghetti Factory: A classic choice for Italian cuisine.
• Salt + Smoke: Another great spot for barbecue lovers, located in Ballpark Village.
• Sports & Social: Perfect for a lively dining experience, located in Ballpark Village.

After dinner, enjoy some drinks at one of the many bars in the lively Ballpark Village, right next to Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Some recommendations include:

• PBR St. Louis: A spot full of line dancing, country music, and mechanical bull riding!
• Shark Bar: This retro surf themed bar has an amazing balcony view of the baseball field.
• Crown Room: Dance the night away at this night club that features live DJ’s and fun cocktails.
• Sports & Social: Watch sports on TV or play some games such as bowling, ping pong, and darts.

Try to catch a Cardinals baseball or St. Louis Blues hockey game if either team is playing in town during your visit!

Saturday: Day 2

Breakfast

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast! For those looking to get a morning buzz, several downtown spots offer bottomless mimosas, including Sports & Social, Wheelhouse, The Midwestern, and Tin Roof.

The Gateway Arch

• After breakfast, head to the iconic Gateway Arch, America’s tallest monument. For stunning views of the city, ride the tram 630 feet up to the top of the Arch. (If you don’t do well in small spaces or with heights, you may want to wait at the bottom.) You can also check out the free museum underneath the Arch that explores the history of St. Louis and the westward expansion.
• If the weather is pleasant, having a picnic under the arch is a relaxing choice for breakfast or lunch.

The best photo spot

• Take a short 5-10 minute walk to Kiener Plaza to find my favorite photo spot in front of the fountain with the old courthouse and arch in the background. This park was named after former Olympian, Harry J. Kiener.

St. Louis Zoo

• Head over to the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park. It has been voted one of the best zoos in the country due to it’s diversity of animals, educational presentations, layout, and exhibits. The zoo plays a crucial role in conservation efforts by actively participating in breeding programs for endangered species and promoting habitat protection. It also serves as a center for research to advance conservation knowledge. There are also several food stands throughout the zoo, if you are wanting a quick lunch or snack.
• Rainy/Snowy day alternative: The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

Travel: 10-15 minute drive from the Arch
Cost: FREE entry, donations accepted
Parking: Find parking locations and prices here.
If you’re willing to do some extra walking, you can find a nearby place to park for free.

Lunch on the Lake

• If you chose to skip lunch at the zoo, consider enjoying a scenic meal at Boathouse in Forest Park, just a 10 minute walk from the zoo. Here, you can dine with a view of the lake and even rent a paddleboat for a fun outing on the water.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

• Take a tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Learn about the brewing process, visit the stables of the famous Clydesdales, and enjoy some free samples. Be sure to check the website to see if they are putting on any events during your visit! If you aren’t up for a tour, you can also just enjoy some drinks and/or snacks at the biergarten.

Travel: 15 minute drive from the zoo/Forest Park
Cost: Check here for various tour options
Parking: Free parking in at the tour center or across the street

Evening Drinks

For a lively crowd, enjoy drinks in the Soulard district, where Mardi Gras is celebrated every year! From cozy neighborhood pubs to music venues, the area offers many options. Enjoy local craft beers, signature cocktails, and live music in the lively atmosphere of Soulard. Here’s a little bit about just some of what Soulard bars have to offer:

• Molly’s in Soulard: Known for its lively atmosphere, plenty of seating, and very large outdoor patio.
• John D. McGurk’s: A cozy atmosphere with a variety of beers, whiskeys, and Irish food.
• Hammerstone’s: Provides a friendly neighborhood vibe with live music.
• Duke’s: Ranging from a sports bar to a dance club, this three story bar will keep you entertained.
• Big Daddy’s: A lively bar and patio with fire pits and cornhole.

Sunday: Day 3

City Museum

• After breakfast, head over to the City Museum, a one-of-a-kind attraction for people of all ages. The museum is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm and 9:00pm on Friday/Saturday. Getting there at opening will help to beat the buzzing weekend crowds. The City Museum is a giant indoor/outdoor playground including caves, art installations, hands-on interactive activities, unique architecture, and more. You could easily spend a full day here!

Cost: Find prices here and save 10% on general admission by pre-purchasing tickets online
Parking: $15 on site

Other Activities for Families with Kids

• The Magic House: Children’s Museum – The magic house is geared towards kids and has many interactive and educational activities. Find pricing here.
• Saint Louis Science Center – A free indoor spot for the family that offers engaging and educational activities. The wide range of exhibits include space exploration, dinosaurs, energy, and more.

Dinner and Activities at Union Station

• There are several places to enjoy dinner at the St. Louis Union Station, offering everything from burgers and seafood to tacos.
• After dinner, you can choose from one of the many attractions offered, including shopping, mini golf, a carousel, a free fire and light show, and more!
• The aquarium features a large collection of marine life and interactive exhibits, including both educational and engaging experiences for visitors. Individual ticket prices vary by day. You can check the daily prices here.
• Be sure to grab your ticket to ride The Wheel for a fantastic city view! Open from 10am – 10pm, it costs $17.00 for adults, $12.00 for kids, 2 and under ride for free.
• Save money by choosing multiple activities to do in Union Station and purchase tickets in a bundle!

Other Suggestions:

• Spend a morning or afternoon exploring Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
• Learn some history at the Missouri History Museum or the Saint Louis Art Museum
• Enjoy an adventurous day at Six Flags Theme Park
• See a concert at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
• Watch a live production at the Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, or the Fabulous Fox Theater
• Explore the shops, restaurants, and entertainment at the Delmar Loop, a vibrant entertainment district
• Indulge in Italian culture on The Hill, where you will find Italian restaurants, shops, bakeries, and gelato! Toasted ravioli was also invented here!
• Visit the Soulard Farmers Market. Closed Sunday – Tuesday, Open 8:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday – Saturday
• Play a few games at Top Golf