Two-Day St. Louis Missouri Itinerary

Morning

Start at Gateway Arch National Park around 9:00 a.m., when the riverfront is quieter and temperatures are usually more comfortable. Reserve the tram ride to the top ahead of time—tickets commonly run about $15–20 for adults, and timed departures can sell out. Allow roughly two hours for security, the museum, tram, and views; the tiny observation deck is worth it on a clear day. Park in a downtown garage rather than leaving valuables in a car on the riverfront, and bring water, especially if the forecast is warm.

Walk a few minutes west to the Old Courthouse, generally open late morning through the afternoon with free admission, though hours can vary by season. Give yourself about 45 minutes to see the restored courtroom and exhibits on the Dred Scott case. For lunch, keep it casual downtown before continuing west—Sugarfire Smoke House on Washington Avenue is a convenient barbecue option, but save room for dinner if you prefer to make that your main meal.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue to Citygarden Sculpture Park in the downtown west area, about a 10-minute walk from the courthouse or a short rideshare. The fountains and shaded paths make this an easy, unhurried stop; it is free and usually accessible from morning into the evening, although individual fountain operation is seasonal. From there, head back toward the Arch—by rideshare or a 15–20 minute walk—to Blues at the Arch, the free museum beneath the Arch grounds. Plan about an hour, and check the day’s posted hours before setting out since museum schedules can change. Finish at Pappy’s Smokehouse in Midtown, roughly a 10-minute rideshare from downtown. Arrive around 4:30–5:00 p.m. to beat the dinner rush; plates generally run $15–30 per person, and a line is normal once the evening crowd arrives. There is limited parking nearby, so rideshare is the least complicated option.

Morning

Begin at Missouri Botanical Garden in Shaw when it opens—typically 9 a.m.—to enjoy the gardens before the midday heat. Give yourself two to three hours for the Japanese Garden, Climatron conservatory, Victorian District, and whatever seasonal displays are running; admission is generally around $16–18 for adults, with parking available on nearby streets and at the garden’s lots. From here, drive about 10 minutes north to Forest Park; the #8 or #30 MetroBus can work, but driving is simpler, and parking near the zoo is usually free.

Late Morning and Afternoon

Spend the late morning and early afternoon at St. Louis Zoo, one of the country’s best free zoos. Enter through the historic 1904 World’s Fair-era architecture and prioritize a few major habitats rather than trying to cover everything; two to three hours is comfortable. General admission is free, though some attractions charge separately, and the zoo is usually open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (later seasonally). Walk or make the short drive across Forest Park to the Saint Louis Art Museum, where a grand building, strong African and European collections, and cooler galleries make an easy change of pace. Admission to the main collection is free; special exhibitions may cost extra, and allow at least 90 minutes. Check the museum’s weekly schedule before going, since it is commonly closed Mondays—but Wednesday hours are typically late morning through early evening.

Late Afternoon and Dinner

Head east to The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in the Central West End, about a 10-minute drive from the museum, for a quieter final stop. The immense mosaic interior is the highlight—look upward as you walk through the nave—and visiting is generally free, though hours can shift around Mass and special services, so aim for roughly 4 to 5 p.m. Afterward, walk or drive a few blocks to Café Mochi for sushi and Japanese dishes, budgeting about $20–40 per person. It is a popular dinner choice, so arriving early or accepting a wait is wise; the surrounding Central West End is pleasant for a short post-dinner stroll along Euclid Avenue.