What to do
Anheuser-Busch brewery tours Free tours include product sampling if you’re 21 or older, plus a peek at the brewhouse and the Clydesdale stables. See reviews and ratings. (314) 577-2626; budweisertours.com
Busch Stadium The newer but vintage-style home of the world champion Cardinals has served as a centerpiece for downtown revival. See reviews and ratings. (314) 345-9600; cardinals.com
Citygarden A slice of St. Louis’ downtown has become a free interactive, family-friendly mecca of sculpture, fountains and greenery. See reviews and ratings. (314) 241-3337; citygardenstl.org
City Museum Yes, it’s surreal, but the mishmash of a ball pit, the world’s largest pair of men’s briefs and a serious exhibit on architect Louis Sullivan works. See reviews and ratings. (314) 231-2489; citymuseum.org
Forest Park Larger than New York City’s Central Park, Forest Park brims with free activities, including the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Art Museum, The Jewel Box greenhouse and the St. Louis Zoo. Rent a peddle boat at The Boathouse or stretch your legs on trails that attract joggers, walkers, bicyclists and skaters. (314) 367-7275; forestparkforever.org
The Gateway Arch The cozy ride up the Gateway Arch is a Jetsons-like hoot. Examine historical exhibits beneath the Arch in The Museum of Westward Expansion. See reviews and ratings. (877) 982-1410; coreofdiscovery.com
Blueberry Hill Head to the Delmar Loop music club and eatery to nosh on burgers, sip brews and perhaps catch a show; Chuck Berry performs monthly. See reviews and ratings. (314) 727-4444; blueberryhill.com
Bridge Tap House and Wine Bar A long wine list complements the inventive salad and entree options. See reviews and ratings. (314) 241-8141; thebridgestl.com
Charlie Gitto’s (on The Hill) The restaurant serves famous toasted ravioli. (314) 772-8898; charliegittos.com
Cheese-ology Macaroni and Cheese Choose from more than a dozen mac and cheeses, including the Mediterranean with olives and goat cheese, in the Delmar Loop. See reviews and ratings. (314) 863-6365; cheese-ology.com
Crown Candy Kitchen Established in 1913 and still going strong, it’s a destination for luscious sundaes. See reviews and ratings. (314) 621-9650; crowncandykitchen.net
Molly’s in Soulard Alligator rangoon is popular at a place known for Cajun and Creole food and live music. See reviews and ratings. (314) 241-6200; mollysinsoulard.com
Mosaic Modern Fusion Slide into high-backed booths for tapas, including butter-poached lobster with mushrooms and black truffle emulsion. See reviews and ratings. (314) 621-6001; mosaicrestaurants.com
Trattoria Marcella Fresh, honest-to-goodness Italian comfort foods—pasta, risotto, seafood and steak—fill the menu. See reviews and ratings. (314) 352-7706; trattoriamarcella.com
Winslow’s Home A 1926 building that was originally a general store has become a gift shop-cafe. Try the spinach, egg and cheese breakfast burrito or brisket sandwich. See reviews and ratings. (314) 725-7559; winslowshome.com
Where to stay
Chase Park Plaza Hotel Stay in a landmark with a pool, and stroll to nearby Forest Park. From $189. See reviews and ratings. (314) 633-3000; chaseparkplaza.com
Dwell Nine Twelve Your two-story apartment in an 1885 home has its own entrance, a balcony and full kitchen. From $150. See reviews and ratings. (314) 599-3100; dwell912.com
Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark You’ll love being near Busch Stadium and the Arch. From $139. (314) 421-1776; hiltonstlouis.com
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch Great views are easy to come by when your hotel sits across the street from the Arch. From $169. See reviews and ratings. (314) 655-1234; stlouisarch.hyatt.com
Moonrise Hotel New in 2009, the boutique hotel near Blueberry Hill reflects a cool retro lunar theme throughout. From $149. See reviews and ratings. (877) 872-1122; moonrisehotel.com
