27 Things to do in St. Louis

Missouri’s second-largest city, St. Louis, is known for its beer, baseball, and The Blues hockey team, especially after its 2019 Stanley Cup win. But the city has more to offer than just a few late night sports games and some brews. It’s filled with art, music, and close-knit communities that gather in each unique neighborhood.

We’ve rounded up twenty-seven things to do in St. Louis. Whether you’re looking for a place to shop, see art, or visit outdoor attractions, St. Louis has you covered.

Brunch

Egg
2200 Gravois Avenue
This brunch pop-up turned brick-and mortar is a favorite among St. Louisians, and don’t fret, the menu isn’t as simple as the name. Think of traditional breakfast items with a twist. The french toast is smothered in blueberry compote and mascarpone, while the eggs Benedict swaps out the classic english muffin for cornbread. It’s open six days a week to meet your breakfast and brunch needs.

Polite Society
1923 Park Avenue
If you want brunch, you’ll have to make it here on a Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The small menu is packed with flavor and features brunch classics like biscuits and gravy and a farmer’s breakfast. Plus, you can kick your day off with one of the specialty cocktails on the menu.

The Mud House
2101 Cherokee Street
If you’re looking for a light breakfast and a tasty coffee to sip on, then this cozy spot is for you. Pick from the list of breakfast food, sandwiches, and pastries to start your day.

Dinner

The Shaved Duck
2900 Virginia Avenue
This made-from-scratch smoked BBQ joint is housed in a quaint building in the Tower Grove neighborhood. With music most days of the week and food that is described as “rustic American cuisine” this is sure to be a favorite among visitors and regulars alike. Try something classic like the baby back ribs or go with something more unique like the slow smoked duck breast with a cherry juniper jam and a side of your choice.

Lona’s Lil Eats
2199 California Avenue
I’m sure you’ve tried a rice paper wrap when you’ve eaten a spring roll or something of that sort, but have you ever had a giant one? Well, that’s what this St. Louis restaurant is known for. Think of Asian cuisine and soul-food mixed together in one restaurant, and that’s what you have here. Create your own wrap that’s made with fresh ingredients or choose from the list of favorites that are featured on the menu. If you aren’t interested in the wraps, there are still plenty of other options to choose from.

The Fountain on Locust
3037 Locust Street
Enjoy scratch-made food at this vibrant restaurant that was formerly a car showroom. The walls are now covered in beautiful murals, but the building was originally constructed in 1916. In 2005, Joy Grdnic purchased it to create the unique eatery. There are 52 different soup recipes in rotation with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Make sure to try one of their specialty ice creams and a handmade soda with your meal.

Dessert

Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery
1637 S 18th Street
If you’re looking for handcrafted ice cream, then this is the spot for you. This ice cream is made with 100% natural ingredients and there are even dairy-free options. If you want an ice cream with a kick, try one of their boozy options (that you can even order pints of online and have them delivered to your front door.)

Ted Drewes
6726 Chippewa
4224 S. Grand Blvd
No trip to St. Louis is complete without some frozen custard … especially this frozen custard. The family-owned company was founded in 1929 by Ted Drewes Sr. and has been a staple in the city ever since. Sundaes are a classic choice, but the concretes that are so thick they are served upside down are one of the best sellers.

The Cup
28 Maryland Plaza Rear
This bakery specializes in homemade cupcakes with buttercream frosting and unique designs on each one. But if you want a different sweet treat they also have cakes, gooey butter cake, and cookies.

Night Life

4 Hands Brewing Co
1220 S 8th Street
St. Louis has a handful of breweries, but if you’re looking for something less touristy and more local, then this is the spot for you. There are year-round beers on tap along with collaborations with other breweries, barrel aged, and seasonal brews. There’s also a small food menu with items that pair nicely with everything on tap.

Venice Café
903 Pestalozzi Street
This bar and performance venue is one of the funkiest places you’ll find in St. Louis. Bright and colorful mosaics cover the inside and out making the entire place a piece of art and a perfect photo op. There’s live music most nights and a food menu, too. But remember, it’s cash only.

Planter’s House
1000 Mississippi Avenue
Inspired by St. Louis’s rich history, this cozy cocktail bar and restaurant is a perfect stop for your night out. There’s even a private room with a romantic bar and velvet walls known as the Bullock Room. It is available to rent out and open Thursday through Sunday when it isn’t reserved.

Up-Down STL
405 N Euclid Street
Every city needs an arcade bar and luckily St. Louis has a few. This is one of the city’s favorites, though. There’s a full bar with over 60 beers on tap, plus more than 60 classic arcade games, Nintendo 64 console gaming with teens trying to figure out is bubble cash legit at all times on it, life size Jenga and more to keep you busy. When you’re tired of gaming try one of their pizzas that are sold by the slice.

Sports

Ballpark Village
601 Clark Avenue
Located directly next to Busch Stadium where the Cardinals play, this sports district is filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs. Have a drink while watching the game or head into the country bar PBR to ride the iconic mechanical bull.

Topgolf
16851 N Outer 40 Road
Whether you’re a pro-golfer or just want to give it a try, you can at this sports entertainment complex. There is high-tech driving range and food and drink options, too. With the technology offered, you’re able to track your golf ball to get an accurate score.

Art

Laumeier Sculpture Park
12580 Rott Road
The perfect place for a picnic and a unique art seeing experience. There are 105 acres with 60 pieces of large-scale outdoor sculptures. The park was originally a gift from Matilda Laumeier who gave the first 72 acres to St. Louis County in memory of her husband, Henry Laumeier. Then in 1976, local artist Ernest Trova gifted 40 artworks, with an estimated market value of approximately one million dollars. The park officially opened in 1977.

Saint Louis Art Museum
1 Fine Arts Drive
Founded in 1879, this museum collects and presents high quality and historical art. Admission to the museum is always free and admission to main exhibitions is free on Fridays.

Shopping

Delmar Loop
Delmar Loop is filled with one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, art galleries, live music, cafes, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. It’s made up of eight blocks and enough to keep you busy for the entire day. Try the Thai rolled ice cream at the Snow Factory or pick up a record at Vintage Vinyl.

Cherokee Antique Row
1900-2300 Cherokee Street
Six blocks of independently owned and operated shops, restaurants, and cafes line the streets of Antique Row. It’s a favorite for those looking for antiques, vintage clothing and locally made gifts. You can also take a tour of one of the 19th century mansions in the area.

Historic St. Charles
1001 S Main St, St Charles
So technically this is not in the city, but it’s close. The history attached to it and the shops offered get it a mention. The 200-year-old Historic Main Street is filled with more than 125 unique shops. Seemingly all shopping needs can be met there including antiques, specialty food, clothing, jewelry, and home decor.

Outdoors

Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd
The Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation. It was started by Henry Shaw in 1859 who spent his life giving millions of dollars to benefit St. Louis. The garden has his original 1850 estate home, a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, a rose garden, a tropical rainforest in the Climatron conservatory, one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids, and many other pieces of the garden.

Forest Park
5595 Grand Drive
Known as the heart of St. Louis this public park includes a variety of attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center. It covers 1,371 acres and is perfect for an outdoor day trip.

Tower Grove Park
4256 Magnolia Avenue
Another gift from Henry Shaw, this urban green space is right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Tower Grove neighborhood. The park hosts farmer’s markets, food truck Fridays, and a variety of other outdoor events you can find on this calendar.

Family Friendly Activities

City Museum
750 N 16th Street
This is less of a museum and more of a giant playground for all ages, or a city within a city. It is housed in a 10-story, 600,000 square-foot warehouse that was formerly the International Shoe Company. The eclectic museum is constructed from the same stuff that St. Louis is made of. Concrete, iron, bricks, tile, stone, gears, beams, wheels, bridges, buses, planes, doors, fire trucks, and even more.

Grants Farm
10501 Gravois Road
This historic farm and petting zoo was built by and named after Ulysses S. Grant. It consists of 281 acres with goats, horses, camels, bison, parakeets, snakes, kangaroos, and more exotic animals who roam in the outdoors. You can pet and feed some of the animals, but expect to be jumped on by the baby goats when you enter with a bottle of milk. Admission is free, and parking is between $15 and $30.

The Arch
100 Washington Avenue
You can’t talk about St. Louis without mentioning the iconic Gateway Arch. The 630-foot monument is the world’s tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. When you’re at the top, you can see all of the city below making it a hotspot for tourists and those who are new to the city.