Canada & New England
Ships dock at the Gateway Arch riverfront terminal with direct access to the downtown area.
Choose the Right Port Day
Only 3-4 Hours
Walk directly to the Gateway Arch National Park, take the tram to the top if lines allow, then stroll the riverfront south toward Laclede's Landing for a beer or meal. That covers the best of St. Louis in a tight window.
Best Beach
Not relevant — St. Louis is an inland river city with no beach access.
With Kids
The Gateway Arch tram ride is genuinely exciting for kids, and the museum beneath it is free and well done. City Museum is a short ride away and is one of the most unusual and entertaining spaces in America for all ages.
Cheapest Option
Walk the riverfront, explore the free Gateway Arch museum at ground level, and grab lunch at Laclede's Landing or a local deli — budget $10-20 USD total for food, no entry fees required.
Best Overall
Ride the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch, spend 30 minutes in the free underground museum, then head to Soulard or the Central West End neighborhood for local food and a genuine feel for the city.
What To Avoid
The immediate casino strip near the riverfront is dull and adds nothing to your visit. Skip packaged horse-and-carriage tours near the Arch — overpriced for what they offer.
Quick Take
- Port Type
- Historic River City Port
- Best For
- History buffs, architecture fans, first-time visitors wanting iconic American landmarks and solid food and bar scenes
- Avoid If
- You want beaches, tropical atmosphere, or a compact strollable village — St. Louis is a full-scale American city
- Walkability
- Moderate. The riverfront and downtown core are walkable, but many top attractions require a short ride
- Budget Fit
- Good — many major sights are free or low cost, and food options range from cheap to mid-range easily
- Good For Short Calls?
- Yes — the Gateway Arch, riverfront, and Laclede's Landing can be done comfortably in 3-4 hours
Port Overview
St. Louis sits on the western bank of the Mississippi River and serves as a key port of call on American river cruise itineraries operated by lines including American Cruise Lines, Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, and Avalon Waterways. Ships typically dock at or near the St. Louis riverfront, placing you within easy walking distance of the Gateway Arch National Park and the historic Laclede's Landing district.
This is a proper American city — not a quaint village — so manage your expectations accordingly. The good news: the core riverfront area is genuinely interesting, the Gateway Arch is as impressive up close as it looks in photos, and the food scene across multiple neighborhoods punches above the city's modest tourist reputation.
For most river cruisers, St. Louis is either an embarkation point or a full port day stop. Either way, there's enough within a short radius of the dock to fill a half day well without needing a car or expensive excursions. Independent exploration is very realistic here.
Is It Safe?
St. Louis has a well-documented reputation for crime, but the tourist areas — the riverfront, Gateway Arch National Park, Laclede's Landing, and the downtown core near the pier — are generally safe during daytime hours with normal awareness. National Park Service staff and security maintain a visible presence around the Arch.
Avoid wandering off the main tourist corridors on foot, particularly heading north or west from the riverfront without a specific destination in mind. Use rideshare rather than walking long distances between neighborhoods. As with any large American city, stay alert, keep valuables secure, and you should have a trouble-free visit.
Accessibility & Walkability
The Gateway Arch riverfront area is paved and accessible, though the tram capsules at the top are extremely small and cramped — not suitable for those with claustrophobia or significant mobility limitations. The underground museum at the Arch base is wheelchair accessible. Laclede's Landing has historic cobblestones that can be difficult for wheelchairs and walkers. Rideshare vehicles are the most practical transport option for those with mobility challenges, as the light rail has limited coverage.
Outside the Terminal
Stepping off the pier, you're immediately alongside the Mississippi River with the unmistakable curve of the Gateway Arch visible above the treeline ahead of you. The riverfront promenade runs north and south, and within a few minutes of walking you'll reach the entrance to the Gateway Arch National Park grounds. It's an impressive first impression — one of the most recognizable pieces of American architecture and it looks better in person than in pictures. Laclede's Landing, a small historic cobblestone district with bars and restaurants, is a short walk north along the river.
Local Food & Drink
St. Louis punches well above its weight for food. The city has its own culinary identity — toasted ravioli (yes, that's a thing), St. Louis-style thin-crust pizza, and provel cheese are local staples worth trying at least once. For casual riverfront eating, Laclede's Landing has solid options. For a more authentic neighborhood experience, Soulard and the Central West End have concentrated stretches of good independent restaurants and bars.
Budget eaters will do well here — a filling lunch of local food can easily run $10-15 USD. Mid-range sit-down meals in the $20-35 USD range are easy to find. The craft beer scene is strong, with several local breweries operating taprooms accessible by rideshare.
Shopping
Shopping is not a primary draw in St. Louis on a short port day, but the Gateway Arch gift shop is solid for American-made souvenirs if you want something meaningful rather than generic. Laclede's Landing has a few independent shops worth a browse. For more serious shopping, the Central West End neighborhood has boutiques and independent retailers, but it's a rideshare away and may not be worth the time unless you're a dedicated shopper.
Money & Currency
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- USD Accepted?
- Yes
- Card Payments
- Cards accepted almost everywhere; contactless payment widely available
- ATMs
- ATMs readily available throughout downtown and at the Gateway Arch visitor center
- Tipping
- 15-20% standard for restaurants and bars; $1-2 per bag for porters
- Notes
- No currency exchange needed for US travelers; international visitors should check bank fees before using foreign cards
Weather & Best Time
- Best months
- April-June and September-October for mild temperatures and low humidity
- Avoid
- July-August can be hot and very humid; January-February is cold with potential for ice
- Temperature
- River cruise season typically runs spring through fall; expect 55-85°F (13-29°C) depending on month
- Notes
- Spring can bring heavy rain and river flooding; check conditions ahead of travel. Fall is generally the most pleasant season for Mississippi river itineraries.
Airport Information
- Airport
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Distance
- Approximately 13 miles northwest of the riverfront
- Getting there
- MetroLink light rail connects the airport to downtown St. Louis for a low flat fare. Rideshare and taxis also available; check locally for current rates. Journey time approximately 30-40 minutes by rail or 20-30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
- Notes
- Lambert is a practical pre- or post-cruise hub. The MetroLink connection makes it unusually affordable and straightforward for an American city airport transfer.
Planning a cruise here?
Viking River Cruises, Uniworld, AmaWaterways & more sail to St. Louis.
Getting Around from the Port
Walking
The riverfront, Gateway Arch National Park, and Laclede's Landing are all within easy walking distance of the pier
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Most reliable way to reach neighborhoods like Soulard, City Museum, or the Central West End
MetroLink Light Rail
St. Louis has a light rail system; the Convention Center station is nearest the riverfront and connects to midtown attractions
Taxi
Available near the riverfront and downtown hotels but less common than rideshare
Top Things To Do
1
Gateway Arch National Park
The 630-foot stainless steel arch is the defining symbol of St. Louis and genuinely worth the visit. Ride the unique tram capsules to the observation room at the top for panoramic views of the Mississippi and the city. The free underground museum covering westward expansion is surprisingly good.
Book Gateway Arch National Park from $15⚡ Popular — books out early. Reserve before you sail.
2
Laclede's Landing
A nine-block historic district on the cobblestone riverfront just north of the Arch. The 19th-century cast-iron buildings now house bars, restaurants, and a handful of shops. It's a pleasant place to grab lunch or a local craft beer and soak up some of the old riverboat-era character of the city.
Book Laclede's Landing on Viator3
City Museum
One of the most genuinely bizarre and entertaining attractions in America. Built inside a former shoe factory, it's part playground, part art installation, part architectural maze — with rooftop attractions, underground caves, and a school bus hanging off the edge of the building. Sounds weird, because it is. Worth it for almost any age.
Book City Museum on Viator4
Soulard Neighborhood
St. Louis's oldest neighborhood and home to Soulard Market — a working public market that's been running since 1779. The surrounding streets are lined with 19th-century brick rowhouses, local bars, and some of the best casual dining in the city. This is where real St. Louis life happens.
Book Soulard Neighborhood on Viator5
Missouri Botanical Garden
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the US and genuinely world-class. The Japanese garden alone is worth the trip. A peaceful, beautiful contrast to the urban riverfront and a good choice if you want something quieter.
Book Missouri Botanical Garden on ViatorPractical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Book your Gateway Arch tram tickets in advance online — the trams have limited capacity and lines can back up quickly, especially on weekends and summer days.
- The underground museum at the Gateway Arch is free and worth 30-45 minutes even if you skip the tram — it covers the Lewis and Clark expedition and westward expansion with good exhibits.
- Rideshare is your best friend here — Uber and Lyft work reliably across the city and keep costs predictable. Don't assume you can walk to attractions beyond the immediate riverfront.
- Try at least one toasted ravioli while you're here — it's a genuine St. Louis original, available at most casual Italian restaurants and even some bars.
- If you're embarking here, arrive a day early — St. Louis has legitimate things to do the evening before departure, and it takes the pressure off morning logistics.
- The riverfront can feel quiet and underwhelming beyond the Arch grounds — head to Laclede's Landing or a neighborhood like Soulard for actual energy and local life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the pier sits along the Mississippi riverfront and the Gateway Arch grounds are a 5-10 minute walk. It's the most logical first stop from the dock.
The tourist areas around the Arch, riverfront, and Laclede's Landing are safe during the day with normal awareness. Stick to destinations rather than open-ended wandering in unfamiliar areas and use rideshare to move between neighborhoods.
Allow at least 1.5 hours if you want to ride the tram to the top, including potential wait time. The free underground museum adds another 30-45 minutes if you want it.
American Cruise Lines regularly features St. Louis on Mississippi and Ohio River itineraries. Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Emerald Waterways also include it on select Mississippi river cruise routes.
A half day covers the riverfront and Arch comfortably. A full day makes sense if you add City Museum, Soulard, or a neighborhood meal — but most cruisers will feel satisfied after 3-4 focused hours.
Book your St. Louis cruise excursions in advance to secure the best selection of Gateway Arch tours and shore experiences available.
Compare sailings and book with no fees — best price guaranteed.
