Famous for music and a landmark monument, St Louis is a lively city set amid the Great Plains with plenty to keep you entertained. The Mississippi River holds the key to understanding the fabric of the place, meandering as it does through its beating heart.
There's a healthy smattering of architectural attractions, meaning you won't be lost for things to do. Rent a car in St Louis and you’ll be able to explore it all at your own pace.
A monumental spectacle
No trip to St Louis is complete without a visit to the Gateway Arch. Towering above the city, the stainless-steel structure was built in the 1960s as a tribute to the city's role as the 'Gateway to the West'.
A genuinely iconic sight, the arch soars above a picturesque national park. You can take a tram ride to the top, allowing you to savour the breathtaking views below. There's also a fascinating museum, giving you the chance to absorb the history of this famous attraction.
Take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi for a unique perspective on what's above. It's worth buying tickets in advance to be sure of a spot.
Singing the blues
A short drive from the Gateway Arch brings you to the National Blues Museum, a modern attraction celebrating the history of the city's music scene. Local hero Chuck Berry features heavily as the museum lovingly traces the history of the blues scene, remembering the likes of Miles Davis and exploring the legacy and influence on the contemporary music scene.
There are several parking lots nearby, including one at 6th Street and Lucas just a brief walk from the entrance. The museum is open every week day with tickets available from its box office.
Green and pleasant land
If you're ready for a bit of peace and quiet after all that music take a short drive west to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden on Shaw Boulevard. Founded in 1859, the 79-acre garden is now a National Historical Landmark and is recognised as one of the finest botanical gardens in the world.
You can explore a beautiful Japanese Garden or try and find your way out of a hedge maze. There's also a mini tropical rainforest housed in a climate-controlled conservatory. You can buy tickets online or when you arrive.
Attractive architecture
A 10-minute drive north of the botanical garden takes you to the Cathedral Basilica, a magnificent domed structure boasting stunningly intricate interior mosaics. Many of these took almost 80 years to refine and are thought to contain more than 40 million pieces of glass.
You can take a guided tour around the cathedral as well as stroll around its beautiful grounds. Completed in 1914, the cathedral is one of several architectural gems the city has to offer.
With car rental in St Louis, you can explore all of this and everything else that the city has to offer. Reserve your vehicle online now.