20 St. Louis Tourist Attractions That Are Actually Worth a Visit

Crown Candy Kitchen’s old-timey frozen malts and shakes are legendary, but there is so much more here to put a smile on your face. If the cozy booths, the variety of chilis and the bacon-heavy “Heart Stopping BLT” don’t satisfy, this soda fountain that has been open since 1913 also sells some of the best sweets in the city out of their Willy Wonka-worthy candy counter.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

If you’re looking for something special, Antique Row on Cherokee Street really does have everything. If you need a souvenir or a fantastic gift, these cute antique shops have you covered. And if antiques aren’t your bag, just roll north of Jefferson Avenue on Cherokee where a variety of modern goodies are available, too.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

Yes, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is legendarily gorgeous. But you can’t appreciate just how gorgeous it is until you see it in person. This Roman Catholic cathedral is breathtakingly, achingly beautiful. Its soaring ceilings and incredibly detailed mosaics are stunning enough to make any visitor a believer.

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Black history is St. Louis history. And to discover more about black history in the Gateway to the West, the best place to stop in is the Griot Museum. The museum collects and shares the stories of black lives in the region — using displays, memorabilia, gallery talks and presentations to illustrate these important (and essential) histories.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

This 1,371 acre park is easily one of the most impressive things we have to offer in St. Louis. And we’re right to brag about it. It’s gone from being the location of the 1904 World’s Fair to being the center of everyday life in St. Louis. The park hosts the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum and wide expanses of green that offer city-dwellers a refreshing dose of nature.

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Don’t assume that the Gateway Arch — St. Louis’ majestic and sexy symbol to the world — is overrated just because it is famous. This mid-century marvel has been impressing visitors since it first opened up in 1067. And trips to this monument recently got even more extraordinary recently with the unveiling of the Museum of Westward Expansion. Located beneath our beautiful boomerang, this subterranean exhibit features displays about St. Louis’ past as a trading post, its riverboat heyday and the construction of the Arch itself.

Photo credit: Daniel Hill

We’re blessed with not one but two distinguished art museums here in St. Louis. The Contemporary Art Museum is like the cool cousin of the St. Louis Art Museum. It’s much smaller and generally just a bit more hip. Stop in here to see anything from a hot cultural happening to an exhibit of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

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Located just west of downtown St. Louis, the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is a must-see for fans of St. Louis history, music history or black history. This beautifully preserved building was once the hope of Scott Joplin, the legendary ragtime performer famous for writing “The Entertainer.” But Joplin was much more than just a performer and this museum helps to put his big, impressive life into context.

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This shopping, entertainment and dining hub has maintained much of its cool-factor despite being decades into its growth. This small stretch of commerce along Delmar Boulevard is still one of the best places in town to stop in for a concert or a tattoo or to buy some records. There’s also no shortage of restaurants, resale shops and plenty to do to keep a tourist entertained and delighted.

Photo credit: Paul Sableman / Flickr

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a wonderland. Even if you don’t care about flowers at all it is still totally worth a visit. Exploring the calming gardens will make you feel like you’ve transported to another place and time. You’ll feel like royalty surveying your land. The Japanese strolling garden and the Climatron conservatory (located in a geodesic dome) are particularly impressive.

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This is a relatively new attraction in St. Louis but it’s quickly become a favorite. Opened in 2016, the National Blues Museum is a celebration of the style of music that put St. Louis on the map. The museum tells the story of the impact of the blues and the cultural history attached. They have some choice relics on display, including vintage records, instruments and clothing.

Photo credit: Paul Sableman / Flickr

The St. Louis Art Museum a major source of pride for people from St. Louis. It hosts major collections and owns a huge selection of world-class art that ranges from current time all the way back to the time before Christ. It’s peaceful and spacious and — most importantly — it’s free.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines