Downtown St. Louis starts at the banks of the Mississippi River, where you’ll find Gateway Arch National Park.

Downtown St. Louis

How many major cities have a national park in their downtown neighborhood? Just one, and you’re looking at it.

Starting at the banks of the Mississippi River, where you’ll find Gateway Arch National Park, downtown St. Louis encompasses architectural wonders, world-class attractions, all-day entertainment, public art and more. It’s a thriving hub where people work hard and play harder.

Walking around downtown, you might hear blues notes wafting down Washington Avenue or see fireworks exploding after a Cardinals home run. Here, tugboat horns reverberate down the river and children’s squeals echo around the City Museum, an architectural playground fit for adults, too!

The diverse – and delicious – food-and-drink scene in St. Louis also comes to life downtown. If you want to try some of our emblematic eats, we suggest ordering toasted ravioli to start, followed by St. Louis-style pizza and a craft beer. You can also savor a fine-dining experience with exquisite dishes and impeccable service if that’s more your speed.

Throughout the year, downtown St. Louis hosts massive events, as well. Annual highlights include Fair St. Louis, which celebrates the Fourth of July, and Winterfest, which features ice skating, s’more stations and igloos positioned under 70,000 twinkling lights in Kiener Plaza.

As you explore the neighborhood, you can certainly walk to and fro, but there are also MetroLink stations located near key attractions and bike lanes throughout the area.