5 Things To Do In St. Louis For A First Trip

If you’re hunting for things to do St Louis style, here’s my promise: you can hit the city’s big icons without spending your whole weekend in lines or in the car.

I’ve done St. Louis in both warm weather and deep winter, and the sweet spot is mixing one huge landmark, one quirky indoor stop, and a couple of easy neighborhoods. Hours and prices can change (especially in February), so I always double-check before I head out. For extra ideas once you’ve got the basics down, I like skimming Time Out’s St. Louis guide to see what’s happening right now.

Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch (and don’t skip the museum)

The Gateway Arch is the postcard, but it’s also a great first stop because it sets your bearings. I try to arrive close to opening, then ride the tram while I’m fresh. The view makes the city click: river, bridges, and downtown blocks laid out like a map.

After the tram, I walk through the Museum at the Gateway Arch (it’s inside the Visitor Center). Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s an easy, well-done way to understand why St. Louis feels like a crossroads.

My biggest “wish I’d known” tip: book the tram ahead when you can, because time slots fill up on weekends.

• Address/area: Downtown riverfront, Gateway Arch National Park
• Estimated time: 2 to 3 hours
• Cost range: Museum free, tram tickets vary (often around the mid-teens for adults, confirm when booking)
• Insider tip: The Visitor Center is typically open 9 am to 6 pm, and the last tram runs about an hour before close, so don’t cut it too close.

Get weird (in the best way) at City Museum

City Museum is hard to explain until you’re inside it. Think part playground, part art project, part indoor jungle gym made from reclaimed stuff. I’ve watched kids sprint for slides while adults squeeze through tunnels laughing like they’re ten again.

It’s also a clutch February stop because you can stay warm while still feeling like you’re “doing” the city. If you’re visiting with friends, it’s an instant mood-lifter. With little kids, I’d keep a closer eye since there are tight passages and high climbs.

• Address/area: Downtown West (Washington Avenue area)
• Estimated time: 2 to 4 hours
• Cost range: Paid entry (often around $20 per adult, with add-ons, confirm before you go)
• Insider tip: Wear grippy shoes and bring a small bag. I skip bulky coats and use a locker if needed.

Spend a few hours in Forest Park (and pop into the St. Louis Zoo)

Forest Park feels like St. Louis’ front porch. Even on a cold day, I like walking a short loop for fresh air, then ducking into something fun. The Saint Louis Zoo is the easiest win because general admission is free, and it’s right in the park.

In winter, the zoo runs shorter hours, so I plan this earlier than I think I need to. I also treat it like a “greatest hits” visit: pick a few animals you care about and don’t try to cover every path.

Photo by Amicia Short

• Address/area: Forest Park (Central West End side)
• Estimated time: 2 to 3 hours
• Cost range: Zoo admission free, parking and special exhibits cost extra
• Insider tip: Winter hours are often about 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 4 pm on weekends (last entry shortly before close), so check the zoo’s schedule the morning you go.

Warm up at the Missouri Botanical Garden (a winter-friendly favorite)

When the wind bites, I head for the Missouri Botanical Garden. The outdoor paths are pretty, but the real winter magic is indoors. The conservatory spaces feel like stepping into a different climate, with green leaves and humid air that makes your shoulders drop.

I also like this stop because it’s calmer than the Arch or City Museum. It’s a good reset, especially if you’re traveling with someone who wants a slower pace for an hour or two.

• Address/area: Shaw neighborhood (south of Forest Park)
• Estimated time: 1.5 to 3 hours
• Cost range: Paid entry (often in the teens per adult, confirm current pricing)
• Insider tip: Go earlier in the afternoon for better light in the conservatory, then you’ll still have energy for an evening neighborhood stop.

End your day on the Delmar Loop for murals, music, and an easy dinner

For my last stop, I like the Delmar Loop because it’s simple. You can park once, stretch your legs, and let everyone choose their own adventure: a record store, a quick dessert, a live show, or just a photo walk past street art.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, it’s worth checking what’s on the calendar before you commit. I’ve found good timing ideas on Explore St. Louis’ events listings. If you want a broader “what else am I missing?” list, St. Louis Magazine’s must-do roundup is a fun rabbit hole.

• Address/area: Delmar Boulevard, University City and western St. Louis border
• Estimated time: 1.5 to 3 hours
• Cost range: Free to stroll, spending depends on food and tickets
• Insider tip: If you’re seeing a show, aim to arrive early. Street parking can be tight during peak dinner hours.

A simple 1-day mini-itinerary that strings it all together

Here’s the route I use when I want minimal backtracking. This order keeps you mostly moving west, then finishes in a lively spot for dinner.

Time	Stop	Why this order works
9:00 am	Gateway Arch	Best chance at an easy tram time slot
11:30 am	City Museum	Indoors, high-energy before lunch
2:00 pm	Missouri Botanical Garden	Warm, slower pace, great afternoon light
4:30 pm	Forest Park and St. Louis Zoo	Quick highlights before closing (winter hours)
6:30 pm	Delmar Loop	Dinner, murals, and nightlife without a strict schedule

The takeaway: start downtown early, save your most flexible stop (the Loop) for last, and your day won’t feel rushed.

Final thoughts for a first St. Louis weekend

If I only had one day, I’d still choose these five because they show off St. Louis’ personality: big views, oddball fun, a world-class park, a warm indoor garden, and a neighborhood that stays up after dark. For more “backup plans” (like tours if the weather turns), I sometimes browse Viator’s St. Louis activities to see what has same-day availability.

Whatever you pick, keep your plan loose enough to wander a little. That’s usually when the best things to do St Louis memories happen.