In this post, I will be looking at Where to Stay in St. Louis MO, best areas and neighborhoods to stay in St Louis for first-timers, for families, couples, nightlife, on a budget. I’ll also give you the list of the best hotels in St. Louis for all budgets and the safest places to stay in St Louis.
Originally settled in 1764, St Louis has long been known as the gateway to the west, due to its position on the edge of the frontier during the westward expansion of the 1800s. It is a city that has a rich and unique culture.
St. Louis is relatively safe to visit, but as you travel to any other cities, you should use common sense, be aware of surroundings, stay as central as possible, and stick to the heavily populated, tourist-friendly areas. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods, particularly after dark.
You should avoid Northwest St Louis, Peabody-Darst-Webbe, Wells-Goodfellow, and Old North Saint Louis because they have high violent crimes rates. The tourist areas like Downtown, Central West End, Clayton, Soulard are generally safe places to stay in st Louis for visitors.
Where to stay in St. Louis, Missouri?
The best areas to stay in St. Louis for tourists are Downtown, Central West End, Clayton, Forest Park, Midtown, and Lafayette. These locations are generally safe and popular for travelers, but as in any city, you should always practice common sense no matter where you stay.
Downtown St. Louis is the best area to stay in St Louis for first-timers due to its central locations and proximity to major attractions. Staying here offers easy access to main sights such as the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch, as well as many restaurants, bars, shops.
Downtown and The Loop are the best places to go if you prioritizes nightlife or dining in great restaurants and bars. Midtown is where you can find the University Of St Louis, a great base for budget travelers and those who want a student atmosphere.
If you like outdoor locations, there is a good chance you will be deciding between Forest Park and Tower Grove Park. If you are looking for somewhere full of tourist attractions, similar to what you’d find in New York’s Central Park, then the former is a better option for you.
St. Louis is served by St. Louis Lambert International Airport or MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. There are trains at Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center to Kansas City, Chicago, San Antonio, and Los Angeles. Public transportations contains MetroLink, buses, taxis, and car rentals.
| 💖 Best Area for first-timers: | Downtown St. Louis |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Four Seasons St. Louis |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch |
| 💰 Best budget safe hotel: | Drury Plaza St. Louis at the Arch |
Map of best areas and neighborhoods in St. Louis, Missouri:
6 Best areas to stay in St. Louis for tourists are:
1. Downtown St. Louis
Downtown is the best area to stay in St Louis for first-timers, families, and couples due to its central location. It is central business district and is the main hub for tourism, dining, and entertainment. The area also offers a wide selection of bars, nightclubs, shops, restaurants, hotels.
The bars and shops provide drinks and cuisines from around the world, served in establishments that boast a wide range of styles and atmospheres. Shops range from designer stores and boutiques to small local shops and souvenir stores, providing everything you could possibly hope to buy, all within close proximity.
The accommodation includes everything from luxurious 5-star hotels to privately owned guesthouses and apartments, ensuring you will always have a place to stay where you feel comfortable.
In terms of entertainment, you will absolutely be spoilt for choice. With theatres, concert venues, sports arenas, cinemas whether you like your entertainment live or pre-recorded, there will be something to get you excited.
While all of this makes Downtown St Louis a traditionally appealing city center destination, there are also a number of unique attractions as well, the most notable of which is the Gateway Arch on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi.
Standing 630 feet high and clad in stainless steel, it is the world’s tallest arch and the largest man-made monument in the western hemisphere. Originally designed in 1947, it was completed in 1967 and built to signify St Louis’s reputation as the “gateway to the west” during the time of the pioneers.
Officially listed as a US National Park in 2018, having been on the National Register Of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark for many years, visitors can take an elevator up to an observation deck and see the most breath-taking views of the city.
Near the park, you will find the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France. If you walk along Market Street, a mile-long green space from the Gateway Arch National Park to Union Station, you will encounter plenty of historical landmarks.
There are the Old St. Louis County Courthouse; Kiener Plaza Park which is a great gathering place in downtown St. Louis; Citygarden Sculpture Park which is an urban park and sculpture garden; Soldiers Memorial Military Museum; Stifel Theatre;
The Union Station is where you can find a 200-foot high Ferris Wheel, 60,000-gallon Saint Louis Aquarium, Carousel, Mini Golf, Ropes Course, and Mirror Maze.
To the south of Market Street, you can find the dining and entertainment district of Ballpark Village with many hip bars; the Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum; a 20,000 seat arena Enterprise Center which is home to St. Louis Blues hockey; and Busch Stadium.
Several blocks to the north of Market Street stands the shopping area of Washington Avenue. Washington Avenue. has plenty of whiskey bars, nightclubs, brewhouses, cider houses, boutique stores, cafés, restaurants.
Another great shopping destination is the 42-acre commercial development of Westport Plaza, which is only a short drive from Downtown St. Louis and St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Here you can find many restaurants, entertainment venues, and shops.
Washington Avenue also hosts the National Blues Museum, a great place to learn more about the history of blues music.
If you traveling with kids, the City Museum is a must-see destination. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse where artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to create tunnels, bridges, and castles. It is a mixture of a children’s playground, a circus, a train, a Ferris wheel.
Other points of interest in Downtown St Louis are the Federal Reserve Bank with its Economy Museum, Federal Reserve Museum, the Downtown Trolley, Eugene Field House Museum, Railway Exchange Building, Wainwright Building, St. Louis Library, and the Campbell House Museum.
Families and children can visit a Six Flags theme park, Six Flags St. Louis and Hurricane Harbor waterpark, originally Six Flags Over Mid-America. it is 30 miles from the downtown St. Louis.
Downtown St. Louis provides a wide range of accommodations including backpackers hostels and luxury hotels. It is generally safe area for tourists that offers plenty of things to do and see.
Stay in Downtown St. Louis if you are first-timers; you want the very heart of the city with good nightlife and sightseeing; you want a good public transport connection.
Best Places to Stay in St. Louis Downtown:
Luxury ($$$): Four Seasons St. Louis, 5-star family-friendly hotel, offering views of the city or Gateway Arch. Located close to the river, within walking distance from Edward Jones Dome, home of football’s St. Louis Rams, as well as less than 1 mile from the famous Gateway Arch.
Mid-range ($$): Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch, 4-star popular hotel, located in downtown St. Louis, adjacent to the Gateway Arch, which is generally a safe area, full of tourists. It has family rooms, paid private parking, and modern fully equipped fitness center.
Budget ($): Drury Plaza St. Louis at the Arch, 3-star hotel, one of the safest places to stay in St. Louis at a reasonable cost. Located in the heart of Saint Louis,walking distance from attractions such as the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Amtrak Station, Scottrade Center and Kiener Plaza.
See more: Best areas to Stay in Boston
2. Forest Park / Central West End / Clayton
Forest Park is an incredibly popular attraction with tourists, especially for families with kids. It is located between Clayton and Central West End, which are the safe neighborhoods to stay in St Louis near Forest Park.
First opened in 1876 and covering 1,326 acres, it’s been the location of all manner of events through the years, with everything from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition to the 1904 Summer Olympics have taken place here.
Affectionately known as the “heart of St Louis”, it is essentially the city’s answer to Central Park in New York and features countless attractions that draw in both tourists and locals alike.
Its most popular feature is the St Louis Zoo, which annually receives more than 2.9 million visitors from around the world. It is home to more than 18,000 animals, including elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, penguins, bears, great apes, lions, tigers, and numerous other big cats, birds, reptiles, as well as having a petting zoo.
There are even plenty of shops and restaurants available within the zoo, where you can purchase animal-themed snacks and meals to fuel your exploration, as well as souvenirs to remind you of the incredible experience.
Not wanting to be outdone by the zoo, the St Louis Science Center also draws around a million visitors each year. Exhibitions relating to the earth, technology, life, physics, and chemistry will inform and amaze you, while the planetarium offers beautiful displays of the solar system, as well as hosting stargazing events and talks on living in space.
If history is your thing, there are a number of museums located within the park, such as the Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Art Museum. With examples of fine art from across the world and throughout the centuries, as well as displays on the history of the city, dating all the way back to its founding in 1764.
While these are the main attractions, they are not even close to being everything the park has to offer. You have buildings like the Municipal Theatre Of St Louis and an Art-Deco greenhouse known as the Jewel Box, which is on the national register of historic places and operates as an event venue and horticultural facility.
There are scenic attractions like Turtle Park sculpture park and the Pagoda Circle. If you are interested in sports, you have the Dwight Davis Tennis Center, Forest Park Golf Course, and the Steinberg Skating Rink.
Other places of interest nearby are the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum on the campus of Washington University, World Chess Hall of Fame, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, Saint Louis Galleria, and the 30-acre Shaw Park on Brentwood Blvd.
If you visit Clayton in June, you will have a chance to take part in the Music and Wine Festival, a great spot for food lovers! There are bus and metro light rail system at Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station, Central West End, and Downtown Clayton.
For easy access to Forest Park, you can book a hotel around Clayton and Central West End, which are safe areas to stay in St. Louis. They have a wide range of accommodations.
Stay in Forest Park if you are a family with children; you want to visit the zoo; you like beautiful, outdoor attractions; you want to take part in a sport, such as golf, tennis or skating.
Best places to stay in St. Louis in Forest Park:
mid-range ($$): The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St Louis, 4-star hotel, located in the Central West End, which is a safe neighborhood to stay in St. Louis. It is right next to Forest Park and 5 km from the St. Louis Zoo. Featuring 3 restaurants, and a 5 screen movie theatre.
budget ($): Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park, 3-star family-friendly hotel, located near Forest Park in central St. Louis, offering free daily breakfast and free parking. Easy access to the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, the city’s botanical gardens, and The Muny.
budget ($): Home2 Suites St. Louis / Forest Park, 3-star hotel, located in the Central West End, which is one of the safest places to live in St. Louis, with low crime rate. It has family rooms, grocery deliveries, luggage storage, and laundry facilities.
3. The Loop
Officially known as the Delmar Loop, it is a district on the western edge of St Louis that extends into neighboring University City, which centers around restaurants, bars, culture, and entertainment.
The Loop got its name more than from the streetcars that came west and looped around before joining elsewhere. In 2007 it was included on the American Planning Association’s list of the 10 Great Streets Of America.
Attracting a vibrant clientele and a wide variety of street life, due in large part to its proximity to Washington University, it is a fabulous place to stay or visit for anyone who prioritizes nightlife or dining in great restaurants and bars.
While the entire district is worth exploring and finding your own favorite spots in, there are some attractions that stand out above the rest. You have Blueberry Hill, a restaurant and music club where countless stars have performed through the years, including legendary St Louis rock & roll icon Chuck Berry, who continued to perform a monthly show here well into his 80’s.
You have the Tivoli Theatre, which has been open since 1924, giving you the opportunity to see a movie in an establishment that’s been around since before films had sound. You also have Pageant Concert Hall, St Louis’s premier music venue, where you can catch performances from all manner of artists, from megastars to hometown heroes.
They even have their own walk of fame which, while not as extensive as the one in Los Angeles, offers visitors the chance to see the stars of some of the performers who have been instrumental in the development of the city throughout the years.
There are also Delmar Loop Station, Moonrise Hotel, Pin-Up Bowl, the Delmar Hall concert venue along Delmar Blvd.
It isn’t all about performers and entertainment here either, as there are plenty of cultural spots to be seen. For example, you have the University City Public Library and City Hall, two stunning buildings that tell you a lot about the history and architecture of the area.
Fitz’s restaurant and bottling company is another great stop, where you can enjoy a meal and a drink at a microbrewery known for producing one of the region’s most popular sodas.
The Loop is served by MetroLink Red Line station, you can easily travel to the rest of the city such as downtown and Central West End without a car.
You combine all of this with the incredible selection of bars, restaurants, and hotels, as well as the unique blend of companies that base themselves in the district, and you have yourself a location ideal for providing round-the-clock entertainment.
Stay in The Loop if Nightlife is important to you; you want to see the St Louis walk of fame; you want to visit some of the city’s most legendary bars and restaurants; you want to catch a movie in a 1920’s theatre; you like an area with a vibrant atmosphere.
Best places to stay in St. Louis in The Loop:
mid-range ($$): The Moonrise Hotel, 4-star boutique hotel, set in an ideal location in the charming Loop shopping, dining and entertainment district. Easy access the Pageant concert hall, Blueberry Hill restaurant, and Metrolink light rail system, with links to all popular attractions.
budget ($): Hampton Inn and Suites Clayton/St. Louis-Galleria Area, 3-star hotel, offering a bar and a mini-market, as wel as a luggage storage, and parking on-site for $12 per day.
4. Midtown & Saint Louis University
The Midtown region of St Louis is one that has 2 extremely specific sides to it. We will begin with the obvious, which is that it is home to the University of Saint Louis.
As you might expect from such a location, this means that it is filled with students and younger people. This creates a vibrant, youthful, bohemian atmosphere. The bars, shops, and restaurants all feature a distinctive vibe, ideal for those who want to relax, as well as those looking to party.
As is also common in heavily student-filled neighborhoods, it means that businesses are priced to cater towards a group in society that doesn’t usually have access to the greatest sums of money.
This means everything from goods and food to accommodation is generally quite affordable, making it ideal for anyone traveling on a budget.
That said, the other side of the neighborhood is quite the opposite, making it a remarkably diverse destination. That’s because it is also recognized as the city’s historic district, having been listed on the National Register Of Historic Places since 1979.
Art deco buildings and structures dating back to the 1800’s paint a fabulous picture of what the city once looked like, while the Grand Center Arts District part of the area is filled with iconic arts and entertainment venues such as The Dark Room at The Grandel.
Other highlight attractions are the Fabulous Fox theater, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Pulitzer Arts Foundation, the Moto Museum, The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries, SLU Dog Park & Sculpture Garden, and the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site.
When you combine all of this together, Midtown becomes a district that is almost guaranteed to have something to appeal to visitors from all walks of life.
Stay in Midtown & Saint Louis University if you are traveling on a budget; you want to stay in a location with a heavily student-based atmosphere and hipster area; you want to explore the city’s historic district.
Best places to stay in St. Louis in Midtown:
luxury ($$$): Angad Arts Hotel, great 5-star family-friendly hotel, located in the Grand Center Arts District, nearSLU. It offers a 24-hour front desk, an ATM, and a concierge service, as well as air-conditioning rooms with flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom.
budget ($): Element St. Louis Midtown, 3-star hotel offer free bikes, private parking, a fitness centre and a terrace.
mid-range ($$): Drury Inn and Suites St Louis Union Station, 3-star hotel, located between Downtown and Midtown. Adjacent to St. Louis Union Station and less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Scottrade Center, it has family rooms and free wifi.
5. Tower Grove Park
After reading about Forest Park earlier, you may be wondering if this is just more of the same. However, what awaits you here is a very different experience. This time, instead of tourist attractions, science centers, and museums, the park relies on art and natural beauty for its appeal.
It sits on just under 300 acres of land that were originally donated by a local pioneer and amateur botanist, Henry Shaw. Perhaps unsurprisingly then, its most popular attraction is the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Founded by Henry Shaw himself, it currently houses more than 6.6 million specimens, making it the second-largest collection in North America. Combined with its beautiful gardens, pools, and historic structures, it is a fabulous place to relax, take a stroll and perhaps do a little learning along the way.
Outside of the botanical garden, the park features a collection of 32 picturesque Victorian pavilions, dotted around lily ponds, several statues of historic figures that were crafted in the 1800s, a bandstand, and more than 400 species of bushes, plants, and trees.
There are even a number of more modern features, such as tennis courts, softball diamonds, soccer fields, and wading pools, for anyone hoping to get some fresh air while they exercise.
As a side note, birdwatchers will also be thrilled to explore the grounds, as it lies on the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory route used by roughly 40% of North American songbirds and waterbirds.
The park is used throughout the year for all manner of occasions, ranging from small events such as weddings to large festivals and parades such as the Chinese Culture Days, the Japanese Festival, and the St. Louis LGBT Pride celebrations.
Surrounding the park, you will find plenty of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and stores, most of which feature a sophisticated, laid-back atmosphere.
While this isn’t a destination that will appeal to all visitors, it is certainly an ideal choice for anyone who wants a relaxing vacation, spent strolling through the wildlife and enjoying wonderful meals and drinks with beautiful views.
Stay Around Tower Grove Park if you want to stay in a quiet area; you are a fan of artwork and natural beauty; you like to spend your time outdoors;
Best places to stay in St. Louis near Tower Grove Park:
- budget ($): Casa Magnolia B & B, great bed and breakfast, situated in St. Louis, in the Shaw neighorhood, featuring seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and on-site parking.
- budget ($): Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park, 3-star hotel, located just off Interstate 44, featuring guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV.
6. Lafayette Square
Located within walking distance from the downtown, and close to the Gateway Arch, Lafayette Square is a designated National Historic District and the oldest historic district in St. Louis.
It is bordered by Truman Parkway on the east, South Jefferson Avenue on the west, Chouteau Avenue on the north, Interstate 44 on the south.
Many housed in Lafayette Square district were built before 1900, you can admire fine examples of Victorian-era mansions, also known as painted ladies, on Benton Place and Park Avenue north of the park.
Lafayette Square is home to the 30-acre park Lafayette Park, the oldest urban park west of the Mississippi. It was named after the famous hero of the American Revolution, Marquis de Lafayette, who visited St. Louis in 1825.
Inside the park lies the Park House, Elizabeth Cook Pavilion, 1876 Music Pavilion which was destroyed by the tornado in 1896, and a statue of George Washington by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.
There is also the Main Lake in swan boats, Comfort Station or Boathouse, Naval Guns from the British warship Actaeon, Thomas Hart Benton statue, The Rock Garden, iron and stone gates.
Around the park, you will find Park Avenue Coffee, Square One Brewery, Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery, and SqWires Restaurant & Annex.
Where should I stay in St. Louis for the first time?
Downtown is the best area to stay in St Louis for first-time visitors due to its prime location. If you stay here you will be located in the middle of the action, within walking distance to tourist attractions like the Gateway Arch, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops.
What are the best areas to stay in St. Louis?
Downtown, Forest Park, The Loop, Midtown & Saint Louis University, and Lafayette Square are the best areas to stay in St. Louis because they are the most popular areas with a wide range of things to do and see in each area.
Is it safe to stay in Downtown St. Louis?
As far as parts of the city go, Downtown is generally one of the safer options. But you still want to stay alert at all times and try and keep to the heavily populated tourist areas, but it is about as safe as anywhere you are likely to find in St. Louis.
Where not to stay in St Louis?
Some bad neighborhoods that tourists should avoid are Wells-Goodfellow, Peabody-Darst-Webb, Old North Saint Louis, Tower Grove South, and Dutchtown because they has high crime rates compared with other neighborhoods.
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In conclusion, Downtown, Forest Park, Central West End, Clayton, Midtown, and Lafayette Square are the best places to stay in St. Louis for tourists. These are generally safe neighborhoods for visitors with a variety range of accommodations for all budgets.
Overall, Downtown is the best area to stay in St Louis for first-timers. It has the widest selection of accommodations and tourist amenities. Staying here offers easy access to Route 66, attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops.
St Louis is a wonderful place with a rich history and unique, vibrant culture. Hopefully you now have all the information you need about where to stay in st Louis. All that’s left now is for you to go and start getting things booked, so you can get out there and experience it all for yourself.