Easy to reach and impossible to forget, St. Louis blends rich history, vibrant culture, outdoor adventure and outstanding value.
In the heart of the U.S., the city’s iconic Gateway Arch rises above the Mississippi River, marking its place at the crossroads of America. St. Louis also sits along Route 66, where nostalgic stops capture the spirit of the open road.
With more free attractions than any U.S. city outside the nation’s capital, visitors can explore must-see attractions and offbeat gems without spending a penny.
One of the country’s great food cities, St. Louis feeds off creativity, inspiring bold cuisine as well as groundbreaking art, music and theatre.
Beyond the diverse neighbourhoods, exhilarating sports and renowned beer, St. Louis hospitality sets it apart. Welcoming, friendly and deeply rooted in community, St. Louisans make the city not just a great place to visit, but a unique place to remember and return.
With a British Airways nonstop flight from Heathrow Airport beginning 19 April 2026, there’s no better time to discover a new corner of America.
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ATTRACTIONS SOUNDS OF ST. LOUIS
Instrumental in the foundation of American music, St. Louis isn’t known for just one sound. From blues, jazz and soul to rock ‘n’ roll, punk and hip-hop, St. Louis artists helped create many of the genres that the world now enjoys.
Today, St. Louis honors its legacy with a vibrant music scene that encompasses annual festivals such as Music at the Intersection and hundreds of live music venues, including the newly renovated Powell Hall, home of the second oldest orchestra in the country.
Blueberry Hill, where Chuck Berry consistently played, remains a pilgrimage site for music lovers, while The Pageant and Delmar Hall host national touring acts in an intimate yet electric atmosphere.
Just south of downtown, Broadway Oyster Bar and Old Rock House keep the beat all week, and in Grand Center, The Sheldon presents global icons in a concert hall known for its acoustics, while Jazz St. Louis and The Dark Room at The Grandel embrace the unexpected.
Affordable and inclusive, St. Louis boasts an impressive array of free attractions, including the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which brings 200 years of U.S. history to life.
Minutes away, Forest Park – almost twice the size of New York City’s Central Park – is home to a remarkable collection of free cultural institutions.
Peruse masterpieces at the Saint Louis Art Museum, dive into the past at the Missouri History Museum and visit one of the world’s top-ranked zoos, where immersive habitats bring you closer to wildlife from around the globe.
In summer, theatregoers can even snag free seats at The Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre.
Art and architecture shine at Citygarden, Laumeier Sculpture Park, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and the St. Louis Central Library, while animal encounters at Grant’s Farm and baseball highlights at the Rawlings Experience add even more to the experience, leaving extra room in your budget for the rest of your trip.
" FOREST PARK IS HOME TO A COLLECTION OF FREE CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS"
From top: The expansive Forest Park; Saint Louis Art Museum; Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis; Gateway Arch National Park
Pictured: City Winery, an all-in-one wine bar, restaurant, comedy and live-music venue
An artist-designed playground. An open-concept escape room. A hands-on makerspace. A sky-high obstacle course. In St. Louis, playtime possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.
Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, the city’s most astounding attractions invite your family to let loose and make memories in inspiring spaces.
head to City Museum, RYZE Adventure Park and Six Flags St. Louis.
Little ones will love The Magic House, Saint Louis Science Center and Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, where every room redefines discovery. For bigger thrills,
At Union Station, the excitement keeps coming. The National Historic Landmark features the St. Louis Aquarium, St. Louis Wheel, three amusement rides and miniature golf – plus, a ropes course, mirror maze, selfies express and carousel! On sunny days, wander the Missouri Botanical Garden or the National Museum of Transportation, both perfect for all-ages exploration.
In St. Louis, the only limit is how much fun your family can pack into a single day.
" ST. LOUIS IS A PARADISE FOR KIDS BECAUSE THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO"
FLAVOURS OF ST. LOUIS
St. Louis’ culinary scene is as dynamic as the city itself. Award-winning chefs shape local flavour at farm-fresh, fine-dining destinations such as Mainlander, Robin and Vicia, while hip, offbeat spots such as Menya Rui, No Ordinary Rabbit and Stew’s Food & Liquor serve vibes with every thoughtfully crafted dish.
The city also has its fair share of emblematic eats, from Provel-topped thin-crust pizza and toasted ravioli to gooey butter cake and the legendary Ted Drewes concretes along Route 66. With more than 65 craft breweries, the nation’s fourth most awarded distillery and The Gin Room, run by the only American inducted into the Gin Hall of Fame, St. Louis offers experiences for every palate. Generous, unpretentious and distinctive, St. Louis dining isn’t just a part of the trip; it is the trip.
Plan around special exhibits and events celebrating the Route 66 Centennial at the Missouri History Museum and the National Museum of Transportation. Stroll along the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, the original Mississippi River crossing on Route 66. Indulge in Americana flavors at retro diners along Route 66, including Carl’s Drive-In, Crown Candy Kitchen and Spencer’s Grill.
From top: Busch Stadium; Saint Louis Zoo; Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
From bottom: Katie’s; Rockwell Beer Co. in the Botanical Heights neighborhood; Fitz’s in the Delmar Loop
Nikki Glaser, St. Louis resident, comedian and actress
GATEWAY TO THE U.S.
Centrally located, St. Louis is the ideal starting point for a cultural road trip through the heart of America. Nestled along Route 66 and Highway 61 – dubbed the Blues Highway – the city is a bucket-list stop for travellers seeking history, music and adventure. Train enthusiasts can easily connect to Chicago, Kansas City and Dallas via Amtrak, while those with access to a car can enjoy day trips to Augusta, the country’s first American Viticultural Area; Meramec Caverns, the oldest tourist attraction on Route 66; and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, where the remains of the most advanced prehistoric indigenous civilization north of Mexico are preserved.
Journey beyond downtown to discover the soul of St. Louis. Home to Anheuser-Busch, Soulard hosts the nation’s second-largest Mardi Gras celebration, while The Hill specializes in Italian-American cuisine. Cherokee Street combines Hispanic culture and vintage shops, while the Central West End balances elegance with eclectic charm. Maplewood and Kirkwood evoke Route 66, and Grand Center packs in the arts. Here, every street tells a story – and this is just the beginning.
Along with St. Louis’ plethora of free attractions, overall travel costs – from hotels to transportation to dining – are lower than in other major U.S. cities. That means visitors can explore more and maybe even extend their stay to soak up everything this vibrant city has to offer.
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Insider tips
Time your visit to Gateway Arch National Park and book the tram to the top early. Beyond barbecue, sample local cuisine – think ćevapi at Balkan Treat Box and pho at Mai Lee – which reflects St. Louis’ multiculturalism. Consider winter travel to catch the city’s ice hockey team in action.
For more information visit explorestlouis.com or contact stlouis@blackdiamond.co.uk
Use a rental car or rideshares to explore more neighbourhoods. Plan around special events such as Celebrate St. Louis or the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow.
Pictured: A view of Lafayette Square and the city skyline
