Set on the banks of the Mississippi, St. Louis, Missouri, offers an engaging introduction to America’s sporting traditions, distinctive cuisine, music heritage and legendary beer culture. With so many things to do in St. Louis, from free cultural attractions to exploring its walkable neighbourhoods, the city makes an appealing and affordable choice for a standalone break or the starting point for a wider journey through Missouri. Direct flights from Heathrow Airport to St. Louis Lambert International Airport also make it more accessible than many travellers might expect.

Icons on the riverfront

No visit to St. Louis is complete without experiencing Gateway Arch National Park. As the tallest human-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, the Gateway Arch offers bucket-list views from its summit, accessible by a unique tram system. Back on the ground, the historic Old Courthouse provides a profound look into the American civil rights and women’s suffrage movements.

For a fresh perspective of the city’s working riverfront, board a replica 19th-century paddle steamer, where captains from the National Park Service bring the history of the Mighty Mississippi to life, or pile into a 10-person canoe for an adventurous paddle along the great river with Big Muddy Adventures.

A cultural powerhouse

Considered one of the best urban parks in the world, Forest Park spans a whopping 1,326 acres – almost double the size of New York’s Central Park. Among the walking and biking trails, a wellspring of cultural institutions and all-ages activities awaits.

Attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis Science Center, offer something for every interest. Perhaps the best part? They’re all open to the public and free of charge. Even The Muny, the country’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, has free seats to every performance.

Beyond Forest Park, the city is a collection of vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods. From the beating soul of Soulard and the creative energy of the Grand Center Arts District, to the historic architecture of Downtown, the electric live music venues of the Delmar Loop and the independent shops of the Central West End, there is a pocket of the city to suit every traveller.

The spirit of the game

Sports fans seeking action now that the World Cup is over shouldn’t overlook the Gateway City. Celebrated for having “the best fans in baseball”, St. Louis Cardinals games offer affordable tickets, lively ballpark vibes, stunning skyline views, frequent mascot appearances, and some of the best hot dogs and local brews in town.

For football enthusiasts, Energizer Park is home to Major League Soccer’s St. Louis CITY SC. Stadium eats are entirely local, curated by a James Beard Award-winning chef, and the atmosphere is amplified by clever original chants and striking public art.

A feast for the senses

St. Louis is known for emblematic eats with surprising origins, including toasted ravioli, St. Louis-style pizza topped with Provel cheese, St. Louis-style ribs (grilled rather than slow-cooked), and gooey butter cake.
A local favourite, the ‘concrete’ features ultra-thick frozen custard blended with your choice of mix-ins – think toffee, peppermint, cookie dough, pecans, tart cherry, and hot fudge. The concoction is so dense, it’s served upside down, and there’s no place quite like Ted Drewes Frozen Custard along Route 66 to savour it.

The contemporary dining scene is equally impressive, with nationally recognised restaurants like Vicia, Mainlander, and Robin all serving innovative dishes that focus on local ingredients.

If you’re looking for something to wash it all down, remember that St. Louis is a beer town. The home of Anheuser-Busch and the Budweiser Clydesdales, the city also encompasses approximately 65 craft breweries, including Side Project Brewing, currently ranked as the second-best brewer in the entire world. Craving something stronger? The only American in the Gin Hall of Fame runs The Gin Room on South Grand Boulevard, and she’ll help you find a gin you’ll adore.

Photos: Explore St. Louis