Located along the Mississippi River, St Louis is an upscale and modern city in Missouri with fascinating cityscape, delightful attractions, and a lot of activities to try. As visitors, you will also get to enjoy amazing accommodations like lofts and other vacation rentals. While you are in the city, you might want to visit the Missouri Botanical Gardens and take amazing photographs of nature. You must also check out Forest Park and spend some quality time with your family in this peaceful and quiet sanctuary. Also, bring the kids to Gateway Arch Park and enjoy an afternoon of boating and making memories. There are so many things in store in St Louis waiting for its visitors, but what is St. Louis really famous for? For better understanding, read on for a list of the things St. Louis is famous for.
1. Central West End
Nestled on the eastern end of Forest Park, Central West End is a vibrant district that is one of the best places to visit in St. Louis. It is home to a wide array of amenities and attractions, not to mention lovely dining scenes. Here, visitors can have their caffeine fix in cozy coffee houses, acquire art paintings from world-class galleries, and skim through the pages in bookshops. Cinemas and clubs are also available for visitors looking for entertainment.
Euclid Avenue, the neighborhood’s main artery, features several hotels and apartments for tourists who want to experience the area a little longer.
2. Delmar Loop
Delmar Loop is the place to be if you want to enjoy an eclectic mix of entertainment, music venues, art, and international food all in one area. Simply known as The Loop by locals, this suburb is ideal for visitors of any age. Browse a plethora of galleries and clothing boutiques or check out the St. Louis Walk of Fame which features the names of Maya Angelou and Betty Grable.
You can also head to the Delmar loop station and hop on the iconic Loop Trolley for a fun way of getting around the district - for free!
3. Missouri Botanical Garden
Bring yourself closer to nature with this St. Louis oasis. A place of beauty and family fun, Missouri Botanical Garden is a center for botanical research and science education for all ages. The garden is home to unique, rare, and endangered species of plants that are beautifully arranged into lush panoramas and exhibits. It is open to visitors who want to discover a stronger appreciation and understanding of the world’s botanical heritage.
With its tour packages, programs for kids and families, and special exhibitions, Missouri Botanical Garden seeks to highlight the importance of plants in our everyday life. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets online.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
Website: Missouri Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 14 USD
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4. Scott Joplin House
Scott Joplin, one of America’s famous ragtime composers, took residence in this modest apartment from 1900 to 1903. This house on Delmar Boulevard is witness to the musical brilliance of the King of Ragtime. His work in this musical genre paved way for the fundamentals of modern American music. In this humble home, an antique player piano immortalizes Joplin’s unique music and compositions such as The Entertainer and Easy Winners.
Tours on the Scott Joplin House are made available to commemorate his lingering contribution to the music industry. The site is open for private and group tours and welcomes guests of any age.
Scott Joplin House
Address: 2658 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103
Website: Scott Joplin House
5. Location
St. Louis is a major city situated near the Mississipi River and Missouri river. It is popular for its location being proximate to the rivers and for featuring rich vegetations and marvelous landscape. Also, St. Louis experiences extreme temperatures, most often with a damp and subtropical temperature and a hot and humid continental climate during the summer. At present, it is considered the cultural and economic hub of Missouri with its majestic cityscape and fascinating architecture.
6. Finest beers
If there’s one thing you should know about St. Louis, it is the fact that this city is big on beers. Its production of beer products is overwhelming and they are sold locally, nationally, and globally. It is basically home to more or less 22 various brewing companies, each producing a wide array of products in massive volumes. It is also known as the North American home of Anheuser-Busch InBev which is considered one of the world’s biggest brewing companies. They even hold a festival dedicated to the beer culture of St. Louis, the Centennial Beer Festival.
7. The Gateway Arch
One of the most iconic symbols of St. Louis is the Gateway Arch. The Gateway Arch lies on the west bank of the Mississippi River. It monumentalizes its role of being the gateway to the west that started in the westward expansion of the United States era and a symbol of commemoration for the late president Thomas Jefferson’s purchase of Louisiana in the early 1800s. You’ll learn all this and more at Museum at the Gateway Arch, which is found on the mezzanine level.
The construction of the Gateway Arch was finished on October 28, 1965. It stands 630 feet (190 m) tall. While here, you can also purchase tickets for the tram ride, which takes you all the way up to the top of the monument.
The Gateway Arch
Address: 200 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA
Website: The Gateway Arch
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Art festivals
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Artwork is selling!!!!!!! #augustamopleinairartfestival #artworkselling #pleinairpainting
Posted by Augusta Plein Air Art Festival on Friday, April 29, 2022
St Louis is a fascinating city with a rich heritage and vibrant culture. Aside from its marvelous cityscape, fantastic tourist attractions, and exquisite beer, St Louis also boasts of wonderful art festivals. If you are a natural artist or an artist by heart, you will appreciate the art scene of this wonderful city. If you visit in late April to early May you will get to take part in the annual Augusta Plein Air Art Festival. If you’re interested in the gathering of local artists together with the sound of music and good food, take part in the Richmond Heights ArtFest. If you like wines, visit during the Fine Art Fair and Winefest festival. These and a lot more festivals are waiting for you in St. Louis.
9. Baseball
Home to the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis is a city that is extra proud of their baseball. The Cardinals is their professional baseball team that competes in Major League Baseball. It is an active member of the Central Division of the National League. If you want to catch them in action, head over the Busch Stadium and watch them as they play an exciting game of baseball. On record, the Cardinals have 11 wins in the World Series Championships and 13 division titles in the Central and East categories.
10. Toasted ravioli
The locals of St. Louis can’t get enough of their toasted Ravioli. It is a delicacy that was invented and popularized specifically in St. Louis. You can see it on every menu of most restaurants in the city. Basically, it is made of deep-fried ravioli with marinara sauce and sprinkles of parmesan. If you want a taste of the best-toasted Ravioli recipes in St. Louis, you should check out Charlie Gitto’s, Kemoll’s Italian Restaurant, Lombardo’s Trattoria, Mama’s On the Hill, Trattoria Marcella, and others. While you’re at it, make sure to check out the best fancy restaurants and vegetarian restaurants in the area as well.
11. City Museum
If you’re done with all the sights, sounds, and eats of St. Louis, why don’t you check out the City Museum? It is a fantastic establishment that showcases fascinating exhibits of repurposed industrial and architectural things. This charming museum was established a hundred years way back. It features slides, tunnels, castles, bridges. and other structures made by artists with resources limited to scrap materials. In the museum, there are playgrounds for kids with a train and a Ferris wheel. The adults can marvel at the beauty of art in the Grand Galleries.
City Museum
Address: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Website: City Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: 18 USD + tax (online); 20 USD + tax (in person)
12. Mosaics at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
One of the famous things in St. Louis is the world’s largest collection of mosaics at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. This was completed in the early 20th century, and Pope John Paul declared it a basilica in 1997.
The church interior is adorned with objects from its rich history and there is a museum in the basement that contains more artifacts. It showcases a Neo-Byzantine and Romanesque Revival style, and it’s most famous for the 41.5 million glass tesserae pieces forming a huge mosaic art installation.
On the other hand, St Louis also has an initiative called the Mosaic Project. They aim to transform the city into a cultural mosaic as they believe that one of the primary factors that make the city thrive is its immigrants.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Address: 209 Walnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
Website: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Tip from tour guide
St. Louis, Missouri, has 2 Cathedral Basilicas. The "old" cathedral is located next to the Gateway Arch National Park in the Downtown neighborhood. The "old" cathedral is the oldest parish in St. Louis, dating back to 1767. The "new" cathedral is located in the Central West End neighborhood. The "new" cathedral is the building that houses the astounding mosaic collection. It was completed in 1988.
13. The St. Louis Zoo
Considered one of America’s top attractions the St. Louis Zoo aims to teach Americans a better understanding of animals and wildlife. In total, approximately three million tourists visit this zoo per year. It is a safe haven to approximately 17000 animals, with most of them endangered and rare. If you have spare time in your hands, don’t miss out visiting this paradise and bring your kids to see these friendly fellows. Watch them marvel at different exhibits in the zoo and also enjoy shopping and dining with the family.
The St. Louis Zoo
Address: Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Website: The St. Louis Zoo
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 8am - 7pm; Tue: 8am - 5pm; Wed - Thu: 9am - 5pm
Price: Free admission
14. World Aquarium (from USD 300.0)
If you are thinking of a wonderful activity to enjoy with your family, why don’t you book this fantastic tour package of Saint Louis’ World Aquarium? It is an activity that both the kids and the kids at heart will surely love. Experience a good time of getting to know some friendly fellows and understanding their lifestyle. Plus, you can customize your package and get up close and personal with the lovely animals. This tour includes a customized tour for 10 guests and the admission fee.
2 Hour Private Tour of World Aquarium in Saint Louis
Fascinating St. Louis
St Louis is definitely a modern city with lots of attractions and activities to offer to its guests. You’ll have plenty of non-touristy things to do ahead of you. Coupled with rooftop bars and other dining options, St. Louis will make a lovely tourist destination. Before visiting this fascinating city, however, you should know what it really is known for. You can use this knowledge as a guide for your visit to the city. So, here is a list of the famous things in St Louis that you should know about. Remember them by heart, and have a wonderful vacation ahead.
Frequently asked questions about the things St. Louis is famous for
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