St. Louis isn’t a city that whispers — it announces itself. The gleaming silver arc of the Gateway Arch rises 630 feet above the Mississippi, visible long before you step ashore, a monument to ambition that still takes your breath away up close. This is America’s crossroads, and arriving by river feels exactly the way it was always meant to.
Arriving by Ship
River cruises along the Mississippi dock directly at the St. Louis riverfront, typically at the Laclede’s Landing area or the Gateway Arch National Park waterfront — no tenders required. You step off the ship and straight onto the cobblestone streets of one of America’s most storied waterfronts, with the Arch looming immediately above you.
The city centre is essentially right there. Within five minutes on foot, you can be standing beneath the Arch or exploring the historic Laclede’s Landing entertainment district, which makes St. Louis one of the most effortlessly accessible river ports on any Mississippi itinerary.
Things to Do
St. Louis packs remarkable variety into a compact, walkable downtown — history, culture, wildlife, and sport all within easy reach of the riverfront. Whether you have four hours or a full day, you won’t run out of reasons to stay ashore.
History & Landmarks
- Gateway Arch National Park — Ride the iconic tram to the top for panoramic views of the Mississippi and the city skyline; tickets are around USD 15 for the tram ride and can sell out, so book ahead.
- Old Courthouse — The site of the landmark Dred Scott case is free to enter and houses compelling exhibits on St. Louis history and the westward expansion era.
- Narrated Trolley Tour — Cover the city’s highlights with expert commentary aboard a classic trolley; a great way to orient yourself quickly. 🎟 Book: St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour
- St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Arch & River Cruise — This three-hour experience combines a driving tour with time at the Arch and a Mississippi river cruise, giving you maximum coverage in a single outing. 🎟 Book: St Louis Premium Driving Tour With St Louis Arch & River Cruise
Culture & Fun
- City Museum — Housed in a converted 10-storey shoe factory, this wildly creative space blends art installation, playground, and circus; adults love it as much as kids (entry around USD 20).
- Museum of Illusions — Optical illusions, mind-bending rooms, and great photo opportunities make this a surprisingly entertaining stop for a couple of hours. 🎟 Book: Museum of Illusions St Louis Admission Ticket
- St. Louis Zoo — One of the best free zoos in the United States, home to over 14,000 animals across 90 acres in Forest Park — and admission really is free.
- Scavenger Hunt at St. Louis Zoo — Turn your zoo visit into a self-guided adventure with a structured scavenger hunt that kids and competitive adults both thoroughly enjoy. 🎟 Book: A Spectacular Scavenger Hunt at St Louis Zoo
- Forest Park — Larger than New York’s Central Park, this green lung contains the zoo, the art museum, the history museum, and miles of walking paths, all free.
What to Eat
St. Louis has a culinary identity that’s proudly its own — think toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and slow-smoked barbecue that rivals anything Kansas City produces. The dining scene around downtown and Laclede’s Landing keeps you close to the ship without sacrificing flavour.
- Toasted Ravioli — St. Louis’s signature snack: breaded, deep-fried ravioli served with marinara; try it at Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill (around USD 12 an order).
- Gooey Butter Cake — A St. Louis original: dense, sweet, and utterly indulgent; pick one up at Park Avenue Coffee for around USD 4 a slice.
- St. Louis-style BBQ — Pork ribs with a sweeter, tomato-based sauce; Sugarfire Smoke House on Olive Street is a local legend with plates from USD 14.
- Concrete (frozen custard) — Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has been a city institution since 1929; a regular concrete will set you back about USD 5.
- Provel Cheese Pizza — A St. Louis original using a processed white cheese blend; Pi Pizzeria downtown does an excellent version from around USD 16.
Shopping
Laclede’s Landing offers souvenir shops and quirky independent retailers clustered within walking distance of the dock — good for Gateway Arch memorabilia, Missouri-made hot sauces, and locally designed apparel. For something more upscale, the St. Louis Galleria and Central West End neighbourhood have boutique shopping, though these require a short ride.
Avoid generic souvenir shops selling items that could have been bought anywhere in America. Instead, look for local craft spirits from Square One Brewery, Missouri pecans, or artisan goods from the Soulard Farmers Market if your timing allows.
Practical Tips
- Currency: US dollars everywhere; credit cards accepted almost universally downtown.
- Tipping: Standard 18–20% at restaurants and for tour guides — it’s expected, not optional.
- Transport: The riverfront and Forest Park are walkable, but a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is cheap and efficient for reaching The Hill or Soulard neighbourhoods.
- Best time ashore: Go early — the Arch tram queues build significantly by midday.
- Safety: Stick to the tourist districts around downtown, the Arch, and Forest Park; ask your ship’s crew about current local advice.
- Weather: St. Louis summers are hot and humid (30°C+), so carry water and sunscreen; spring and autumn are ideal.
- Time needed: You need at least six hours to do the Arch, a meal, and one other attraction justice.
St. Louis rewards the curious — step off that gangway, look up at the Arch glinting in the Missouri sun, and let one of America’s great river cities do the rest.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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📍 Getting to St Louis MO, Missouri
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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