72 Hours in St. Louis Missouri
If you are a Kansas Citian (like me!), you probably have some strong opinions on St. Louis. It can feel like they’re our rival for best city in Missouri! After spending 72 hours there, I am more torn than ever on who reigns supreme. The food, the culture, and the landmarks in St. Louis may have stolen my heart! If you’re planning a trip to St. Louis in the future, use this itinerary as a starting point for your adventures!
Day 1: Arrival and Dinner at Bowood by Niche
Morning:
Arrive in St. Louis, Missouri, and check in to your chosen accommodation. I recommend the Angad Arts Hotel - the first hotel in the world where you choose your room by emotion of color! We choose the "rejuvenation" green room for our stay but you can choose from “Free” Blue Rooms (feel the freedom to let go of your stress and worries to truly take in the calm, comfort, and creativity of the hotel), “Empowerment” Red Rooms (sparking strength, courage and power), or “Curious” Yellow Rooms (evokes feelings of wonderment and pushes those staying to explore the world deeper and thoughtfully.).
This hotel is centered around the arts and you can explore their rotating exhibits during your stay. Rated a top 20 hotel in the midwest by Conde Nast Traveler, this hotel is a great option for your St. Louis stay!
The Angad Arts Hotel is in the Arts District in St. Louis. You will want to spend your morning exploring the area before heading to lunch!
Lunch:
City Foundry in St. Louis is an innovative urban development that has transformed a former industrial site into a must-visit destination. Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, this space combines elements of entertainment, dining, shopping, art, and culture, making it the perfect spot on your St. Louis vacation!
Grab a bite at one of their 18 food concepts for lunch as you explore their outdoor spaces, art installations, and shopping options. There are also bars within City Foundry to grab a drink or two while you enjoy your afternoon! You could easily spend several hours here exploring all they have to offer.
Evening:
Prepare for a delightful evening at Bowood by Niche, a renowned fine dining restaurant in St. Louis. Be sure to make a reservation in advance through their website (https://www.bowoodbyniche.com/). Dining at this restaurant feels like you're sitting in a hidden garden with some of the best food you'll ever have. The ingredients are seasonal, and the menu is updated regularly, but I recommend the Bowood Pups (the best hush puppies I've ever had!) and the Clams to start. Both were divine! For your entrees, you have to try the rainbow trout and any of their pizzas. Be sure to save room for dessert!
After dinner, grab a late-night cocktail at the Arts Bar on the rooftop of Angad Arts Hotel. With views for miles and seasonal cocktails, this is THE spot to hang out any time of day!
Day 2: The Hill and Gioia's Deli
Morning:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast of donuts from World's Fair Donuts. This cash only establishment has some of the freshest donuts with a rotating selection of flavors. It's an unassuming building, but the donuts are amazing! I recommend the chocolate cake donut with chocolate glaze, the classic glazed, and one of their seasonal flavors!
After breakfast, head to The Hill, a historic Italian-American neighborhood known for its delicious Italian cuisine and charming atmosphere. You will have the best time just walking around the neighborhood checking out real estate and all the shops they have throughout. It's such a friendly place! Be sure to grab some pastries to take home with you.
Lunch:
Have lunch at Gioia's Deli, an iconic St. Louis institution famous for their hot salami sandwiches. Make sure to try one of their signature sandwiches, like the "Hot Salami" or "Roast Beef." I loved the Italian Trio served on garlic cheese bread as well. No matter what you order, you can't go wrong!
After Gioia's, grab a drink at a local bar on The Hill and ask everyone what their favorite Italian spot is for dinner. It's so fun to hear what everyone likes and make a decision on the fly! I recommend Milo's Tavern for cheap drinks and a bocce garden - such a fun way to spend an afternoon!
Evening:
For dinner, I recommend going to whatever restaurant the locals at the bar recommended most often. If you're looking to branch out of the Hill, try Katie's Pizza and Pasta for one of the best dinners you'll ever have. It's a great spot for a date or a group dinner and everyone will love it!
After dinner, grab a dessert at Clementine's Naughty and Nice Ice Cream (several locations) for some award-winning ice cream. I recommend the Gooey Butter Cake flavor - when in Rome!
Day 3: Gateway Arch and Departure
Morning:
After breakfast at your hotel or a local café, head to the Gateway Arch, one of St. Louis's most iconic landmarks. The restaurant at Angad is amazing and they serve breakfast until 11am. If you're looking for a new spot to try, I can't recommend Good Press Café enough! This new coffee shop located in the 21c Hotel is stunning and their coffee is amazing. Grab a pastry or two and head to the Arch.
Explore the Gateway Arch National Park, which includes the tram ride to the top of the arch for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River. The arch is a must visit and you can't miss the trip up to the top! It's a bit scary if you're afraid of heights, but well worth it for the views.
Lunch:
Grab a quick lunch at a nearby eatery or food truck to maximize your time in the park. We stopped by two food trucks for some variety and made a little picnic on the lawn. It was amazing to enjoy the views while eating some local fare! If time allows, spend your afternoon at the Old Courthouse, located next to the Gateway Arch. It's a historic site with interesting exhibits and a glimpse into St. Louis's history.
After a historic afternoon, hop in the car (or grab the train!) back to Kansas City as you plan your next visit to the other side of the state. We will be back soon!
My favorite part about travel is finding a way to combine cultural attractions, iconic landmarks, and fantastic dining options and this itinerary does just that! Be sure to make reservations for any meals you plan to have at specific restaurants to secure your spot. Enjoy your trip and let me know what you like the best!
