Looking for a neighborhood guide to downtown St. Louis, MO, and the best places to eat and drink, or top things to see and do in town? You’ve come to the right place: St. Louis is located in the heart of the Midwest, and downtown STL is one of many beating hearts of activity to be found in the city itself. Not only is the area a top hub for business, but it’s also one of the best places in town to stay, home to some of the city’s most memorable attractions, and a fine place to dine. Stay for a few days, or even a week, and you’ll still find that you have more on your to-do list than actually gets done. Here’s a neighborhood guide to downtown St. Louis, MO that can help you start planning your stay.
Where to Stay
What are some of the best hotels in downtown St. Louis, MO to visit? Glad you asked: You’ll find that the Westin St. Louis is just walking distance away from most of the city’s famed attractions, and its rooms are light and airy. (Some of which come complete with stadium views.) You’ll also find a modern, warehouse-style restaurant on-site. For five-star luxury, check out The Four Seasons St. Louis, with its outdoor pool, tranquil spas, and some of the city’s best views. Don’t miss the St. Louis Union Station Hotel either, which is built right into the old, sumptuous Union Station, noting that its Grand Hall boasts a nightly light and music show. As any neighborhood guide to downtown St. Louis, MO should point out, the Embassy Suites Downtown St. Louis isn’t just an all-suites hotel either – it’s also LEED certified and luxurious for vacationing families of every size. Originally built in 1924, the Magnolia Hotel was the first hotel to put chocolates on pillows in the area as well, and today, it retains its historic charm while adding signature amenities like milk and cookies at bedtime.
Where to Eat
St. Louis is home to many great restaurants, and as you might expect, many are located downtown. Sugarfire Smokehouse offers great barbecue and alcohol-spiked shakes, for example. You can hit Sushi Ai for all-you-can-eat dining, as well as inventive rolls and a salad bar. Mango Peruvian Cuisine serves up great Latin American fair alongside amazing cocktails. With its wall of wine and delectable Italian cuisine, Tony’s is an iconic St. Louis destination. The Old Spaghetti Factory will please kids and teens. And Porano Pasta serves up delectable Italian in a catch fast-casual dining format.
Where to Shop
While you’re checking out the Arch or catching a Cardinals’ game, you might also want to do a little shopping while you’re in town. One of the best streets for browsing is along Washington Avenue. If you’re into books and architecture, check out the AIA Bookstore. For more than a century, Levine Hats has been topping the heads of stylish men. In the market for one-of-a-kind art? Then head to CeCi Unique Gallery, where you can truly find unusual pieces. And if you’re a woman who is size 12 or up and fancy yourself a fashionista, then head to Honey’s Child Boutique.
What to Do
There’s plenty to do in downtown St. Louis. Among the top items on our neighborhood guide to downtown St. Louis, MO is the Gateway Arch, which is not only the symbol of the city, but also recently underwent a $380 million renovation and boasts an inviting park grounds. The National Blues Museum not only offers educational exhibits, but also jam sessions on Thursday nights and concerts on Friday nights as well. The City Museum provides an indoor-outdoor wonderland of crazy slides and tunnels for kids of all ages to explore, especially on weekend nights when you can navigate its wonders by flashlight. If you want to catch a flick, head to MX Movies, or swing by Flamingo Bowl if you’re in the mood for cocktails and bowling. And even if the Cardinals are out of town at an away game, you can still tour Busch Stadium.
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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