Located in the state of Missouri, St. Louis is a culturally rich riverside city known for its iconic Gateway Arch, legendary food scene, and deep musical heritage, making it the perfect introduction to the region for first-time visitors.
In partnership with Explore St. Louis, we have listed all the reasons to visit this US hotspot, as well as the top places to visit this summer.
St. Louis now boasts Missouri’s only direct flight from London, creating the only non-stop link between the UK and the American Midwest. This means smoother travel, no layovers, and effortless access to one of the US’s most authentic and culturally rich cities.
For UK travellers, it's a fresh gateway to explore the beating heart of America, from the mighty Mississippi River to the iconic Gateway Arch, all without the usual airport hopscotch. You can also explore Forest Park (one of the largest urban parks in the US), home to the St. Louis zoo, art museum, history museum, and science centre.
With FIFA World Cup excitement in full swing, St. Louis is perfectly positioned for fans heading to the US. England’s matches will take place in nearby Kansas City, and St. Louis offers a brilliantly practical base:
• Direct transatlantic flights
• Easy onward travel to Kansas City via train, car, and plane
• A lively sports culture with iconic American sports such as baseball and ice hockey.
St. Louis is also affordable. With the most free attractions of any US city outside of Washington, D.C., along with accommodations for every budget, you can have a blast before heading to Kansas City for the tournament’s must-see moments.
St. Louis doesn’t just have great food, it lives it. Local ingredients, family recipes and bold creativity combine to create feasts that defy expectations. We have spotlighted some of the city’s best hotspots to add some unbeatable flavour to your trip.
Dig into the legendary slow-smoked staples at Bogart’s Smokehouse, Pappy’s Smokehouse, and Salt + Smoke, where St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork and brisket bring big flavour.
Originating in The Hill, the city’s Italian American neighbourhood, toasted ravioli is a St. Louis original. Pull up a chair at family-run icons like Charlie Gitto’s or Favazza’s to try it where it was perfected.
For something fresher, lighter, and award-winning, Vicia offers one of the US’s most celebrated vegetable driven menus. It’s inventive, elegant, and proudly local.
For a chill thrill, stop by Ted Drewes Frozen Custard along the historic Route 66 for a “concrete,” invented at the sweet stand in 1959. A malt or shake so thick that it’s served upside down, concretes can be customised based on your favourite mix-ins.
St Louis is one of America’s great beer capitals. From the historic Anheuser Busch Brewery to craft innovators like 4 Hands Brewing Co., Side Project Brewing, and Urban Chestnut, St. Louis blends heritage with experimentation, all best enjoyed alongside live blues or smoky barbecue.
Whether you’re a lager loyalist or an IPA adventurer, there’s a pint here with your name on it.
Beer is woven into St. Louis’s cultural DNA, blending centuries-old brewing heritage with a thriving modern craft scene. From historic lagers to experimental small-batch brews, the city offers something for every kind of beer lover, all backed by a deep sense of local pride.
Home to Budweiser, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is one of St. Louis’ most iconic landmarks. Visitors can tour the historic red‑brick complex, learn about traditional brewing methods, and see where one of the world’s most famous beers has been made since 1876, marking the 150th anniversary this year.
Just outside St. Louis, Old Bakery Beer Company takes a refreshingly different approach, specialising in organic, small‑batch beers with sustainability at their core. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, it’s a favourite for thoughtful brews that pair quality craftsmanship with a strong sense of community.
Historic yet trendy, St. Louis’s coolest enclaves are walkable, full of character and waiting to be explored. Stroll along café-lined streets, browse vintage shops, sip cocktails at chic bars and unwind in lush parks. Areas such as the Central West End, Cherokee Street, the Delmar Loop, the Grand Centre Arts District, Soulard, and Webster Groves also boast iconic attractions and hidden gems. As you discover new neighbourhoods, you’ll get a better sense of the soul of St. Louis.
Stylish, walkable, and full of personality, the Central West End is one of St. Louis’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Lined with café terraces, independent boutiques, and standout restaurants, it’s the perfect place for laid‑back brunches by day and lively evenings after dark.
Downtown St. Louis is where the city’s energy comes to life, combining landmark attractions with lively entertainment and riverfront views. Home to the iconic Gateway Arch, major sports venues, and a growing dining and nightlife scene, it’s a must‑visit hub for first‑time visitors.
Bigger than New York’s Central Park, Forest Park is the green heart of St. Louis and a cultural powerhouse. With world‑class attractions including the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, and Science Centre, many offering free entry, it’s the perfect place to soak up nature, culture, and local life in one setting.
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and for St. Louis, this milestone hits close to home.
Sitting along the early stretch of the “Mother Road,” the city became one of the first major stop‑offs for westward travellers chasing freedom, opportunity, and big American horizons. Meander across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, follow the tracks to the National Museum of Transportation, and dive into the subterranean wonders of Meramec Caverns. The Gateway Arch, the most iconic symbol of US expansion, embodies that sense of adventure.
The centennial is the perfect excuse to experience St. Louis’s rich Americana, its pivotal role in US history, and the timeless spirit of the open road.
If you're ready to soak up the stunning spots that St. Louis has to offer, then explore direct flights with British Airways. With more flights and so much to discover, now’s the perfect time to plan your journey.
