To be honest, I thought it was just going to be a flat Midwestern city with old brick buildings and a famous arch I’d probably be done with in five minutes.
But I was wrong.
Just like Johannesburg surprised me with its urban vibe and historical roots, Saint Louis came through with its own unique flavor of America — Midwest charm, deep history, and some big-ticket attractions that made it well worth the visit.
If you’ve never been to Saint Louis, or if you're trying to figure out what to do once you get there, I got you covered.
Here’s the Passport Kings-style guide on things to do in Saint Louis, Missouri — where history, beer, and sky-high monuments all collide.
Things to Do in Saint Louis
Saint Louis is not just a place you pass through on a road trip. It’s a city with roots that go deep into America’s past and culture that still moves the needle today.
From iconic structures to major league vibes, here's what you shouldn’t miss when you touch down in the STL.
1. Stand Under the Gateway Arch
You’ve seen it in textbooks, commercials, and maybe on random license plates, but standing under the Gateway Arch in person is a whole different experience.
At 630 feet tall, it's the tallest man-made monument in the U.S.
But it’s not just for selfies — you can actually ride to the top of the arch in this little egg-shaped tram that feels like it came from the Jetsons. Once you're up there, the view of the Mississippi River and downtown Saint Louis is unreal.
It’s the kind of thing you only do once in life, but it’s definitely worth doing.
Bonus tip: Walk around the park surrounding the Arch — it’s clean, peaceful, and perfect for drone shots if you’re into that.
2. Catch a Game at Busch Stadium (The Budweiser Stadium)
Even if you’re not a baseball fan, going to a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is an experience.
They don't call Saint Louis one of the greatest baseball towns in America for nothing.
The stadium is beautiful, the crowd is passionate, and the beer (unsurprisingly) is flowing. I’m talking cold Budweisers, craft brews, and barbecue nachos that hit way harder than expected.
You’ll be surrounded by die-hard fans wearing red, high-fiving strangers, and singing along with the organ music like it's a local holiday.
Tip: Try to grab a seat with a view of the Arch in the background — it makes the vibe feel extra legendary.
3. Visit the Old Courthouse – Dred Scott’s History Lives Here
This one caught me off guard — in the middle of all the baseball and BBQ, you’ve got one of the most important civil rights landmarks in U.S. history sitting right in downtown.
The Old Courthouse is where the Dred Scott case went down — a lawsuit that tried to win freedom for an enslaved man and ended up helping ignite the Civil War.
When you walk inside, it’s quiet, heavy, and humbling.
They’ve preserved the courtrooms and built exhibits around the case, including the life of Dred and Harriet Scott. It’s the kind of place where the past feels way too close — like you can almost hear the arguments echoing off the walls.
Definitely one of those "know your history" type of stops.
Other Cool Things to Do in Saint Louis
While those 3 are the big hitters, Saint Louis has more in the tank.
-
Forest Park – It’s actually bigger than Central Park and holds the art museum, zoo, and science center all in one area. And it’s free. Yes, free.
-
Delmar Loop – Funky strip with restaurants, record shops, tattoo parlors, and the Chuck Berry statue. Great for foodies and street-style photos.
-
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour – You can tour the original Budweiser factory. Yes, you’ll see the Clydesdale horses and yes, they give out beer samples at the end.
Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?
Saint Louis doesn’t have beaches or palm trees, but what it does have is soul.
It’s a city that tells you stories — about America’s westward expansion, about beer empires, and about legal battles that reshaped the nation. It mixes gritty Midwestern energy with iconic landmarks you’ve seen all your life but never really felt until you were standing there in person.
You’re not going to get a tropical tan, but you will get a deeper understanding of American history and culture.
And a buzz from local brews.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Saint Louis?
If you're flying or driving in, I’d say 3 days minimum to do it justice.
-
Day 1: Hit the Arch and the Old Courthouse
-
Day 2: Baseball game and brewery tour
-
Day 3: Forest Park and Delmar Loop
Anything over 4 days and you’re pushing it unless you’ve got family or a convention. But those 3 days? Gold.
Saint Louis vs. Kansas City?
This is like comparing two cousins at a BBQ. Both cool, but different flavors.
Saint Louis has more history and iconic landmarks.
Kansas City is more known for jazz and arguably better BBQ.
If it’s your first time in Missouri, start with Saint Louis. The Arch alone makes it feel like a bigger deal.
Book Your Trip to Saint Louis Like a King
Don’t sleep on cities that don’t hype themselves. That’s what makes them even better — fewer tourists, lower prices, and more authentic vibes.
Saint Louis may not be flashy, but once you’ve stood under that Arch, sipped a fresh Bud at Busch Stadium, and learned about Dred Scott’s fight for freedom, you’ll realize:
This city tells a story — and it’s worth listening to.
Add a Comment