How to Spend a Weekend in St. Louis, Missouri

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Planning a weekend in St. Louis? This quirky and vibrant city is the perfect spot for a quick getaway! As someone on a mission to check off all 50 states, I spent a summer weekend exploring St. Louis, and we had so much fun! From mouthwatering food to unique attractions, we loved every moment. The weather was fabulous, baseball was in full swing, and we soaked up all the city had to offer.

Whether you’re catching a game, trying the city’s iconic toasted ravioli, or exploring quirky neighborhoods, St. Louis knows how to give you a weekend to remember. Let’s dive into the best things to do, places to eat, and spots to stay for your trip!

Fun Activities for Your Weekend in St. Louis

1. The Gateway Arch National Park

Of course, you can’t spend a weekend in St. Louis without visiting its most iconic landmark! The Gateway Arch stands tall at a whopping 630 feet and holds the title of the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. The park spans 91 acres!

Enjoy a picnic, visit the free museum, or take the tram to the top of the arch. Tram ticket prices range from $11–$15 depending on age. If you do want to take tickets to the top of the arch, snag tickets online in advance—they can sell out during busy weekends!

2. Central Library

If you’ve got a thing for jaw-droppingly beautiful libraries (guilty as charged!), the St. Louis Central Library will have you swooning. This Beaux-Arts masterpiece is like stepping into a storybook, with its grand staircases, intricate mosaics, and marble-lined halls.

Take advantage of the free one-hour guided tours on Mondays and Saturdays to learn about the building’s rich history and stunning design. Don’t miss the Rotunda or the Rare Books and Manuscripts Room, which houses some seriously cool artifacts.

The library is open from 9 AM to 8 PM, so you’ve got plenty of time to explore its nooks and crannies!

Similar to libraries, I also seek out cute local bookstores. My research led me to Left Bank Books! Its charm proves why it’s been a local favorite for 50-plus years. They are the oldest and largest independently-owned full-line bookstore in St. Louis!

3. Museum of Illusions St. Louis

If you’re spending a weekend in St. Louis, the Museum of Illusions is an absolute must-visit! This place is packed with mind-bending exhibits that will have you questioning reality in the most fun way possible.

From rooms that play with perspective to optical illusions that mess with your mind, enjoy a world where nothing is ever quite as it seems. And don’t think this spot is just for kids—it’s the perfect playground for adults too! The Museum of Illusions is a great rainy day activity or a fun escape from the ordinary.

You’ll leave with tons of photos and even more memories. Get ready to have your mind blown!

4. Citygarden

Citygarden is a park that blends nature and art with its whimsical sculptures, fountains, and lush greenery. It’s the perfect spot to relax or snap some Insta-worthy photos while soaking in the creative energy of St. Louis.

The park often hosts events like concerts and movie screenings, but even on a quiet day, it’s worth a stroll. We didn’t spend too much time here—just passed through on our way to the library—but it’s a lovely little detour to add to your weekend in St. Louis itinerary.

5. City Museum

Let me just say, the City Museum is not your typical museum. Housed in a former shoelace factory, this 100,000-square-foot wonderland is a playground for all ages, packed with slides (some 10 stories tall!), tunnels, caves, secret passageways, and jaw-dropping sculptures made from recycled materials.

This is a place where imagination runs wild—literally! You can climb through a giant whale, explore a treehouse maze, or even venture out onto the rooftop for breathtaking views of St. Louis. Tickets are a steal at $20 per person, and trust me, it’s worth every penny.

One tip: wear comfy clothes and shoes you can move in because this place will have you crawling, sliding, and climbing like a kid again. Pro Tip: Get your tickets online to skip the lines and make the most of your visit!

6. City Foundry STL

City Foundry STL is such a fun stop! It has a cinema, a VR experience, tons of amazing dining options, and Putt Shack. This high-tech miniature golf course is unlike any other! Add this to your list of fun things to do in St. Louis with kids!

Putt Shack takes mini-golf to the next level with augmented reality technology that tracks your score in real time while you navigate creative obstacles and challenges. And don’t even get me started on their cocktails—the spiced pineapple mezcal margarita is an absolute must-try!

7. Forest Park

Forest Park is the crown jewel of St. Louis outdoor spaces! This massive park spans 1,300 acres and is home to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and the Jewel Box.

You can spend hours exploring the park’s scenic lakes, picnic areas, and walking trails—or rent a bike for an even faster way to soak it all in. While the Saint Louis Zoo is free, keep in mind that parking can be tricky, so aim to get there early for the best spots.

Quick tip: Visit the zoo earlier in the day when the animals are most active. We went later in the day and missed out on some of the action, but even then, it was worth it for the gorgeous park vibes!

8. Anheuser-Busch Brewery

Even if beer isn’t your drink of choice, the tours at Anheuser-Busch Brewery are packed with fascinating stories, cool brewing processes, and a chance to experience the iconic Budweiser legacy.

Remi and I went on the Day Fresh Tour, which was just $15. For a little over an hour, we learned all about how beer is brewed, got a peek into the company’s rich history, and, of course, enjoyed a sampling of their most popular beers. The tour even ends with a free take-home beer to sip and savor later.

There are multiple tour options available if you’re looking for something more in-depth, but even the basic tour is a fun and educational way to spend part of your weekend in St. Louis.

Urban Chestnut Brewing Company and 4Hands are two other breweries you should check out if you have time!

9. Check Out Some Fun Bars

First up, Venice Cafe in the Benton Park West neighborhood. Live music, eclectic art installations, and a vibe that’s impossible to describe but unforgettable once you’re there. Heads up: it’s cash-only, so come prepared. Oh, and before you leave, make sure to check out the bathrooms—yes, even those are part of the adventure!

For a sweeter twist, Bailey’s Chocolate Bar in Lafayette Square is calling your name. This cozy spot specializes in chocolate-inspired cocktails and desserts that are downright heavenly. We ordered the salted caramel martini, and WOW. Sweet, boozy perfection! It’s also the perfect spot for an intimate date night or a late-night dessert run.

Some other bars in St. Louis that sounded cool but I didn’t get to were: Sasha’s on Shaw (a trendy wine bar), Narwhal’s Crafted (fun crafted frozen cocktails), and Thaxton Speakeasy (who doesn’t love a good speakeasy?!).

10. Try the Famous Toasted Ravioli

You simply can’t leave St. Louis without sinking your teeth into the city’s pride and joy: Toasted Ravioli! Born right in the historic Italian neighborhood of The Hill, this crispy, golden, meat-filled pasta is a local legend. It’s fried to perfection, sprinkled with parmesan, and served alongside a dreamy house-made marinara for dipping.

We tried ours at Mama’s on the Hill and paired it with a Caprese salad to balance out our carb-filled weekend. While the ravioli was delicious, the real star for me was their espresso martini—easily one of the best I’ve ever had! If you love Italian food and cocktails, this spot is a must!

11. Soak in the Views at 360 Rooftop Bar

Perched atop the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 360 Rooftop Bar is the perfect spot to sip cocktails while soaking in breathtaking views of the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium.

Even though we weren’t starving, we couldn’t resist ordering the Bialy—a unique flatbread topped with goat cheese, onion, garlic, walnut, and sesame honey. The flavors were bold and perfectly balanced, and honestly, we’re still thinking about it.

If you can, carve out time for a full meal here because the cocktails and bites are just that good! Trust me, this rooftop gem is a must for any weekend in St. Louis.

Bonus Things to Do for Your Weekend in St. Louis:

• Go to a baseball game at Busch Stadium
• Missouri Botanical Garden
• Union Station
• Grant’s Farm
• Root beer float from Fitz’s
• Try Ted Drewes’s frozen custard

More Awesome Restaurants in St. Louis

Ivy Coffee Tartines & Things

Nestled in Benton Park, Ivy Coffee Tartines & Things is the spot for fresh, artisan sourdough creations! Their tartines—open-faced sandwiches topped with things like hummus, goat cheese, or avocado—are a must-try. We couldn’t resist their French toast, served on housemade sourdough, and it was every bit as heavenly as it sounds.

Pair your pick with one of their incredible specialty coffees. Remi’s vanilla lavender cappuccino and my vanilla caramel latte were both smooth and flavorful—plus, their syrups are all made in-house. It’s cozy, stylish, and perfect for a morning hangout.

Latte Lounge + HG Eatery

Just steps from the City Museum, Latte Lounge + HG Eatery has up a brunch menu that ranges from classic pancakes to creative bites like the crab and crawfish benedict with a blackberry jalapeño jam. Naturally, coffee is a highlight here too!

We tried the Owner’s Favorite latte and a vanilla cold brew. I’m super picky about cold brew, but this one was rich, smooth, and downright delicious. A coffee flight is also an option if you’re feeling adventurous! Stop by for great food and even better vibes.

Salt + Smoke

I feel like getting BBQ in St. Louis is a must! And of course, we couldn’t leave without trying some St. Louis ribs. Salt + Smoke was the move. The ribs legit fell right off of the bone. The menu has a variety of other smoked meats, including brisket and pulled pork, as well as classic sides like mac and cheese and green beans.

Each entree comes with a bacon cheddar popover too! Splitting one entree was more than enough food for us, but it was SO good! I suggest the “my sweet bestie” sauce for your meat. They are about the 3 B’s here, so pair your barbecue with a local beer or bourbon for the ultimate experience.

Another local BBQ favorite that could be worth checking out is Sugarfire Smoke House.

Planter’s House

Over in Lafayette Square, Planter’s House is the go-to for craft cocktails that are next level. Every drink is made with house syrups, bitters, and super fresh ingredients. The food menu is just as impressive. We tried the pork osso bucco, and wow—so good!

Remi went with the Locust cocktail, and I was shocked I liked it! Mezcal plus a wild mix of ingredients shouldn’t work, but somehow, they totally nailed it.

City Foundry STL

Food hall lovers, rejoice! City Foundry STL is like a Midwestern cousin to Tampa’s Armature Works, with 17 kitchens and 14 local shops. It’s a dream if your group can never agree on food—though fair warning, you might still struggle to choose because everything sounds amazing!

We dabbled in a bit of everything: tostones from Buenos Aires Cafe, tacos from Kalbi Taco Shack, and a mini cheesecake from Patty’s Cheesecakes. Honestly, no matter what you’re craving, this spot has you covered!

Where to Stay for a Weekend in St. Louis

If you’re planning a trip to St. Louis and wondering where to stay, there are plenty of great options to choose from. During our trip, we loved the Pennywell Hotel for its budget-friendly rates and convenient location, but there are great options for every budget:

• Budget: Pennywell Hotel is cozy, clean, and in the heart of the action—just a short walk to the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. For our weekend. in St. Louis, it was under $250 for two nights!
• Mid-Range: Hotel Saint Louis is a chic boutique hotel with stylish rooms, modern amenities, and a prime downtown location.
• Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis is great if you’re in the mood to splurge. This stunning hotel delivers top-notch luxury with unbeatable views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis.

Check out all of the hotels in the St. Louis area here!

How to Get Around in St. Louis

If you’re planning a trip to St. Louis, renting a car is a super convenient way to explore! We found parking to be affordable and stress-free, with a garage near our hotel costing just $21 per night. Plus, street parking in many neighborhoods was either free or very budget-friendly.

Having a car made it easy to bounce between iconic spots like The Hill, Forest Park, and beyond downtown. If you’re looking to see as much of the city as possible, it’s totally worth it!

Compare rental car prices here!

Are you ready for an epic weekend in St. Louis?!

Whether you’re diving into a plate of toasted ravioli, sipping cocktails with skyline views, or strolling through unique neighborhoods, St. Louis has something for everyone. Our weekend in St. Louis was full of flavor, charm, and a few too many carbs—and we wouldn’t have had it any other way!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other US blog posts:

Exploring the Twin Cities

LA to Joshua Tree road trip

3 days in Portland, Oregon