St. Louis is worth the curiosity and the trip. It has many claims to fame, and they’re pretty cool when you piece them together. This is a city where history and innovation meet, where music legends got their start, and where iconic food and sports traditions run deep.
From its role as the Gateway to the West to its deep roots in blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll, St. Louis has shaped American culture in ways you might not even realize. Add world-class (often free!) museums, sprawling parks, and a food scene, and you’ve got a city that’s more than ready to show you a good time.
Let’s see what makes St. Louis so famous and why it might be your next favorite destination.
The Many Things That Make St. Louis Famous (and Why You’ll Love It Too)
The Gateway Arch – “Gateway to the West”
So, you know the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. That massive silver arch by the river? It’s not just there because it looks cool (though it does look cool). It marks the start of Lewis and Clark’s big expedition in 1804.
No one knew what was out there after the U.S. bought this massive chunk of land from France (the Louisiana Purchase). So, Lewis and Clark were like, “Let’s go figure this out.” They left St. Louis, right by where the Arch stands today, and spent two years exploring the Pacific Ocean. The Arch is a giant reminder that this was the Gateway to the West, where the whole adventure of exploring America really kicked off.
It’s kind of wild to think about when you’re standing under it!
Sports Town, USA
You know how some cities are just crazy about their sports? St. Louis takes it to another level. They call it Sports Town, USA; honestly, it earns the title.
First off, the Cardinals. St. Louis is baseball-obsessed, and the Cardinals are like royalty there. They’ve won 11 World Series titles, only the Yankees have more and even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, going to a game at Busch Stadium is such a vibe. Everyone’s into it, and the fans are seriously die-hard (but super friendly).
Then there’s hockey. After decades of heartbreak, the Blues won their first Stanley Cup in 2019, and the whole city threw the biggest party ever. People still talk about it like it just happened.
And now they’ve got a Major League Soccer team, St. Louis CITY SC. Their fans? I’m already wild about it. Sold-out crowds, chanting, scarves waving—all the good stuff.
It’s not just about the pro teams, either. They’re all about sports at every level—college basketball, hockey leagues, even kids playing soccer in the parks. It’s like everyone grows up with sports in their DNA.
If you’re into sports, St. Louis is one of those places where you feel the energy. People live for game day; even if you’re visiting, they’ll make you feel like part of the crowd.
Iconic Food
St. Louis has some seriously unique food you’ve got to try.
First up is toasted ravioli, basically, ravioli that’s breaded, fried, and served with marinara. It’s a total local favorite.
Then there’s St. Louis-style pizza, known for its super thin crust and gooey Provel cheese. People either love it or aren’t sure what to make of it, but it’s worth a taste.
And you can’t leave without trying gooey butter cake. It’s rich, sweet, and melts in your mouth. You’ll find it at bakeries and diners all over the city.
St. Louis knows how to do comfort food, and it’s the kind of stuff you’ll want to take home with you.
Birthplace of Blues and Jazz Legends
St. Louis has deep music roots, especially in blues and jazz. It’s where legends like Chuck Berry got their start. He invented rock and roll, and you can still visit Blueberry Hill, where he used to perform.
Back then, musicians traveling up the Mississippi brought their sound here, which stuck. St. Louis blues has a smooth but gritty vibe, and you can still hear it live in clubs around town, especially in Soulard.
If you’re into music history or love live shows, St. Louis is the place to catch that old-school blues and jazz energy.
World’s Fair & Innovations
St. Louis hosted the 1904 World’s Fair, a huge deal. People came from all over the world, and many things we take for granted today became super popular there. Things like ice cream cones, hot dogs, and even Dr Pepper made a splash at the fair.
They also held the 1904 Olympics simultaneously—the first in the U.S. It was wild, with events like tug-of-war and questionable marathon moments.
The fair put St. Louis on the map as a place of big ideas and new inventions, and much of what started there stuck around.
Free Museums & Huge Parks
One of the coolest things about St. Louis is that many of its museums and attractions are completely free. You can spend a whole day at Forest Park, which is even bigger than Central Park in New York, and check out places like the Saint Louis Zoo, the Art Museum, and the Science Center without paying a dime.
Forest Park itself is amazing. There are trails, lakes, and open spaces to relax or go for a paddleboat ride. It’s like the city’s backyard, and locals love hanging out there.
St. Louis offers easy access without breaking the bank if you’re into history or art or want a chill outdoor spot.
Beer Capital Origins
St. Louis has a long history as one of America’s great beer cities. It’s home to Anheuser-Busch, the brewery behind Budweiser, which started here in the mid-1800s. They helped make St. Louis the country’s beer capital for a long time.
You can visit their original brewery, tour, and even see the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. And if craft beer is more your thing, the city has a fantastic scene with local breweries popping up everywhere. Places like Urban Chestnut and Schlafly are crowd favorites.
Mighty Mississippi
The Mississippi River is a huge part of what makes St. Louis special. The city sits right on its banks, and back in the day, it was a major hub for trade and travel. Steamboats used to line the river, significantly making St. Louis a gateway to the West.
Today, you can walk along the riverfront, take a riverboat cruise, hang out by the water, and watch the boats go by. It’s a big part of the city’s history and a great place to explore.
If you’re into Mark Twain, this is the same stretch of river he wrote about when he worked as a steamboat pilot nearby.
Best things to do in St. Louis
- Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for skyline and river views.
- Explore Forest Park, which has free attractions like the zoo and art museum.
- Catch a St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.
- Visit the City Museum for hands-on fun and quirky exhibits.
- Tour Anheuser-Busch Brewery and sample local craft beers.
- Stroll the Missouri Botanical Garden for peaceful landscapes.
- Taste local favorites like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake.
- Experience live blues music in the historic Soulard district.
- Walk along the Mississippi Riverfront.
- Visit the Cathedral Basilica to see its stunning mosaics.
For more details, check Action Tour Guide’s St. Louis Tour.
Best Time to Go
- Spring (April-May): Gorgeous weather, blooming flowers in Forest Park, and fewer crowds.
- Fall (September-October): Perfect temps, colorful foliage, and extraordinary events like Oktoberfest in Soulard.
Final Thoughts: Why Is St. Louis Worth Visiting?
St. Louis stands out with its perfect history, culture, and fun mix. You’ll find iconic sights like the Gateway Arch, plus amazing free attractions in Forest Park, including a world-class zoo and museums. The food scene delivers local favorites like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake while live blues music fills the historic Soulard district. Sports fans love the energy around Cardinals baseball and Blues hockey. St. Louis offers something exciting for every type of traveler.
