Exploring St. Louis, Missouri: Attractions, Culture, Food and More

Exploring St. Louis, the Gateway to the West

St. Louis, Missouri is a vibrant Midwest city with a rich history and culture all its own. Nicknamed the "Gateway to the West", St. Louis has plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. From world-class attractions and museums to great dining and nightlife, St. Louis provides an authentic glimpse into the heart of America.

The Neighborhoods of St. Louis

St. Louis is made up of many unique neighborhoods, each with its own flair. The Central West End is home to beautiful Victorian architecture, independent shops and restaurants. Soulard hosts a lively farmer's market and French colonial buildings. The Loop, located in University City, features music venues, boutiques, and a youthful vibe near Washington University. South Grand offers international foods and cultural diversity. Lafayette Square contains some of the city's oldest homes and largest parks.

Signature Attractions

No trip to St. Louis is complete without visiting the iconic Gateway Arch. This 630-foot tall monument was designed by architect Eero Saarinen and commemorates St. Louis's role in westward expansion. For an unforgettable experience, take a tram ride to the top of the Arch for panoramic views. The surrounding Gateway Arch National Park also includes the Old Courthouse where the famous Dred Scott case was heard.

The Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park is another top attraction, home to over 18,000 animals and offering free admission. Forest Park itself contains museums, trails, lakes and outdoor recreational opportunities across its 1,300 acres. Other highlights include the Missouri Botanical Garden, City Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Grants Farm, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

St. Louis is a major sports town through and through. Baseball fans know Busch Stadium as home of the beloved Cardinals with 11 World Series titles. For hockey lovers, Enterprise Center hosts the St. Louis Blues. Sports enthusiasts can also catch the St. Louis City SC professional soccer team at their new downtown stadium.

Outdoor recreational options abound, especially in Forest Park. Paddle boats at Post-Dispatch Lake, biking, tennis and festivals at Art Hill, and hiking along the park’s trails are popular ways to enjoy the outdoors. Tower Grove Park offers botanical gardens, lakes, and pavilions for gathering. Outdoor concerts and events take place year-round across various neighborhood parks and plazas.

Arts and Culture

As a regional culture hub, St. Louis places great value on the arts, music, and creativity. The municipally-supported Grand Center district contains performance halls for the symphony, opera, theater and dance companies. Live music reigns on the Delmar Loop and in Soulard bars. Local artists show their work at community art walks, craft fairs, and galleries throughout the city.

For history buffs, the Missouri History Museum traces the state’s past including the Lewis & Clark expedition. Pulitzer Arts Foundation and Contemporary Art Museum showcase modern visual arts. Other museums cover art, transportation, science, and more. Cultural events and ethnic festivals happen nearly every weekend in St. Louis.

Dining and Nightlife

Known for gooey butter cake and frozen custard, St. Louis offers tempting treats and so much more. Downtown and neighborhood eateries showcase everything from farm-to-table new American cuisine to Bosnian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian and fusion foods. Favorite local dishes include toasted ravioli, pork steaks, and snoots.

Nightlife options range from swanky cocktail lounges to laidback blues clubs and brewpubs. Live music is always on tap in St. Louis. Hip concert venues like The Pageant draw big-name bands while smaller local shows happen in jazz clubs. For laughs, comedy clubs provide an evening of humor and entertainment.

Living and Relocating to St. Louis

Greater St. Louis comprises 16 counties in both Missouri and Illinois. Approximately 2.8 million people call it home. The city contains diverse neighborhoods suitable for singles, families, and retirement. Housing ranges from urban lofts to historic homes to suburbia.

Job markets are strong in healthcare, biotechnology, financial services, manufacturing, and transportation. Cost of living is below the national average. Transportation options include an international airport, public bus and metro systems, and major interstate highways.

Outdoor recreation, arts and culture, sports teams, job opportunities, and Midwestern hospitality make St. Louis an attractive place to live. For anyone thinking of relocating, St. Louis offers big city amenities alongside small town charm.

Relocating Resources

Newcomers will find many resources to ease their transition. The St. Louis Regional Chamber provides links to community profiles, schools, real estate agencies, and more. United Way offers tips on navigating neighborhoods, culture and nightlife. Missouri's Secretary of State website assists with obtaining a driver license, vehicle registration, and voter registration.

Health care services include high-quality hospitals within Barnes-Jewish, SSM Health, Mercy and St. Luke’s networks. There are options for outdoor activities through the Great Rivers Greenway trails and recreation centers. Transit services like MetroBus and MetroLink help navigate the region.

Finding a Home

Housing options in St. Louis range from urban apartments to historic homes to new suburban construction. Popular neighborhoods include Central West End, Soulard, The Grove, Lafayette Square, Clayton and Maplewood. Walkability, amenities, school districts and commutes play into choosing a location.

Resources for finding homes include online real estate sites, specialized relocation agencies, and local realtors. Rental properties can be searched at sites like Apartments.com. New homes are available through builders and developers.

Settling into the Community

From festivals to farmers markets to free attractions, there are endless ways to experience St. Louis culture. Checking event calendars and local websites leads to community events. Public libraries host lectures, concerts and family activities. Parks contain hiking trails, sports leagues, and summer camps.

Connecting with neighbors, coworkers, places of worship, and activity groups helps create a local network. Following @explorestlouis on social media provides insider perspectives. Enrolling kids in local schools connects parents with PTOs and classmates.

St. Louis offers countless opportunities to put down roots. With hometown pride, Midwestern hospitality, and cultural diversity, newcomers can feel right at home in the Gateway to the West.

FAQs

What is St. Louis known for?

St. Louis is known for the iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis-style pizza, Budweiser beer, baseball's Cardinals team, and blues music.

What neighborhoods should I explore in St. Louis?

Top neighborhoods to explore include the Central West End, The Loop, Lafayette Square, Soulard, and The Grove. Each has its own unique restaurants, shops, architecture and culture.

Is St. Louis a walkable city?

Parts of St. Louis are very walkable, especially neighborhoods like Soulard, Lafayette Square, and The Loop. The metro area also has an extensive trail system for biking and walking.

Is St. Louis safe?

Like any major city, visitors should take normal safety precautions in St. Louis. The downtown area and most attractions are generally safe and have a police presence.

What is there to do in St. Louis for families?

Top family-friendly activities include the Zoo, Science Center, City Museum, Gram Tour boat rides, Grant's Farm, and parks like Forest Park and Tower Grove. There are also many kid-friendly restaurants.