@@joshuaallen9777 technically you’re both right. State-wise yes, it’s never been the capital, but back when it was a territory, it actually did serve as the capital and a lot of the government stuff was done in what became the old courthouse. I actually didn’t know about that until running across a UA-cam video a few months ago and then did some Google searching to confirm it.
The Old Court House is sometimes called the Dred Scott Court House. In the summer, there are reenactments, and you can learn about the case. It is an important part of our nation's history.
I live in St. Louis county for many years. I had the privilege of going downtown many times. Everything you said about St. Louis is spot on! It can be the best experience ever! (I do miss all the riverboats though) The one thing I would say about parking is if you want to save money, park farther away from the venue that you are attending, and walk. But this is advisable during the daytime more than at night. As a youth, I was able to watch the Arch as it was being constructed. It was a once in a lifetime event to behold. I have been up inside the Arch probably 3 or 4 times, and it is quite the view! There is so much to see and do within an hours drive north, south, and west of St. Louis. Feel free to explore!
Plan an extra day and drive the Great River Road from Alton to Grafton. Nothing makes me feel as patriotic as driving along the MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI and looking up at the white cliffs and huge river barges still used to move cargo. This is the GREAT AMERICAN RIVER of Twain, literature, and commerce; in the winter, you can almost always spot bald eagles (we spotted 36 eagles on Christmas Day one year!). In the summer, rent bikes and ride from Alton to Grafton. In Grafton, you can catch a river ferry.
We just visited St. Louis for the first time two weeks ago. We were astounded by how awesome it was. So much to see. We were only able to scratch the surface. STL is totally underrated. In some ways, that's good, cause it keeps it a hidden gem. So God bless St. Louis!
As a St. Louisan I think it has a bad rep, but it is a great city and state. I highly recommend going on a float trip in the Ozarks if you come back to Missouri.
This is probably the best video I’ve seen as a visitor’s guide to St. Louis. It seems like you’ve been here quite a few times, or lived here at some point.
There are a lot more chain restaurants in the County than the City, but there are also non-chain restaurants in the County as well. Other places I recommend: Cathedral Basilica, Museum of Transportation, Elephant Rocks, Johnson Shut-Ins, Old Cathedral right next to the Arch, Grants Farm, the Butterfly House, Lone Elk Park, the Old Capitol in St. Charles, Cahokia Mounds, Eckert's Farms where you can pick your own apples, peaches, etc., Meramac Caverns just outside St. Louis, Frank Lloyd Wright's Kraus House, Mastodon State Historic Site, and Laumeier Sculpture Park.
Try Bobby’s Frozen Custard. Maryville, IL It’s just about a mile and a half right off the interstate in one of the safest villages in all of Illinois. *Edit to add it is about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Exit 15 on I-55/70
Grant’s Farm is one of the best attractions in St. Louis-you can pet Clydesdales! ❤ The Zoo is wonderful, The Missouri Botanic Gardens, get some great BBQ. The Fox and the Muny are awesome places to see musicals. StL is a great city with a great history. I’ve lived near there most of my life and even though I’m in Denver now, still consider it my home.
Great video, Mark! The one neighborhood I would add that's pretty well known as the Delmar Loop, very trendy and like Hollywood there is a St Louis Walk of Fame where you'll be surprised how many famous people are from there. We had had a family vacation there in 2007 and we planned to take the car but we found that the Metrolink was able to take us to most of the places we wanted to go to, with a little walking of course. Though we missed out on Ted Drewes because we ditched the car so yes you will need it for some things. We missed The Hill and will have to go back for that. As an architect they have a very cool event there: the Universal Design Summit at the University of St. Louis put on by the Starkloff Institute. I believe it's in November every 2 years and the year I went they had the architects who redid the Arch/ Jefferson Memorial discuss how they used universal design to make the experiences truly accessible to everyone. Thanks for mentioning the City Museum, one of the most wonderful and whimsical places I've ever seen.
I always enjoy the Soulard Market when I am able to get to the city. It is a good Sunday morning spent grabbing a coffee with a friend and shopping. My daughter always enjoyed it too.
If you're in St. Louis in the summertime I recommend taking in a play at The Muny (in Forest Park - it's outdoors). Check that out, too! Thanks for making this video. I've been living in the St. Louis area all my life. (I grew up in the rural outskirts.) One interesting thing about St. Louis is that, as you alluded to, the city and county are separate, whereas in most cities that's not the case... which is why whenever the population of St. Louis is listed it makes it seem smaller than what it is because they only talk about the population of the city. It was a very poor decision made way back in the 1800s, they literally drew a line on the map, which back then was way out in the boonies, and said that this is the St. Louis city line, it will never grow beyond that. Well, they were wrong. But now we are stuck with that decision, as every time a vote comes up for unification it's always voted down.
Don't miss Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, about 20 minutes outside St. Louis in Illinois off I-55, site of the largest pre-European contact indigenous city in North America and believed to have more people than London in 1000 AD. The museum there may be closed to renovation, but you should still be able to walk the grounds, read the interpretive signs and visit the mounds, including the huge Monks Mounds, where you can get a nice view of the St. Louis skyline. It's why I consider St. Louis to be the oldest urban area in the US.
For that matter, don't be afraid to cross the river. East St. Louis only covers a small area and staying to the interstates for about 5-7 miles after you cross the river will get you past the rough areas. There's plenty of interesting places in the metro-east.
@@actionsubI second this. Everyone (in the Ozarks) always says “oh take 270 or 255 around East Saint Louis so you don’t get shot”… uhh, just take 44/64/55 right through till you pass the place. Beyond that, travelers from elsewhere oughtta go out to Collinsville and check out the world’s largest Ketchup bottle.
I go to several Cardinals games each season, and I see a lot of fans for the opposing team show up. They cheer for their team, we cheer for the Cards, and, to me, this makes it more fun. So, don't worry too much if you're rooting for the other team. You will be respected and we'll all have a good time. That's the Midwestern vibe.
I don't know if you're still in the area, but if you are Visit elephant rocks. A beautiful hiking trail/park. It also provided much of the granite used to build st. Louis
Great video! I wish he would have touched on the Illinois side. Cahokia Mounds and museum is one of the world's largest Indian historic sites in the world. It is located in Collinsville Il right across the river. Metro-East also has some of the most interesting ethnic neighborhoods with restaurants galore like Italians in Collinsville and Germans in Belleville. Also there is the Great River Road that leads to historic Grafton, Il.
Grant’s Farm, Magic House, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Museum of Transportation, Ebsworth Park, Myseum, Suson Park, Jefferson Barracks, St. Charles Main Street, all outside of the city.
I know this vid is a few months old, but as a local, I can't help but add on here. If you're a fan of hard rock or metal music, you will LOVE St. Louis! Nearly every weekend there are 3-4 different shows happening, and I've yet to hear a local band I didn't like. Special shout out to Message From A Raven, Unknown and Sailing, and Intrusive Minds. But really, if you go to ANY metal show here, even briefly, during your visit, I can promise you'll enjoy it. (It helps that the metal community here is way more open and friendly than STL in general)
I have been in the St Louis area forever 43 years and you did a great job highlighting some of the best places and things to see around the city and even touched on our amazing wineries and breweries a bit. It’s nice to see some positive energy about the home town as we hear all to much about the crime and problems but it’s not that bad in the daytime, just certain things to avoid like the metro link and certain areas known for trouble but no worries in most of the popular tourist attractions and sports events
WOW, you're in my city. I had no idea and never would have guessed!! Welcome to St. Louis!! I wish you could tried the Science Center, Six Flags if they're still opened at this time, the St. Louis Galleria, and for kids, they would have enjoyed the Rocket Slide in Deer Creek park! I've always thought about talking these places on my own channel!
I am from STL County. Live out of state now, but love coming home. You did an incredible job here, bro. I lived in the City later in life, and you did a great job regarding that as well. STL has a lot to offer.
The building you referred to as the old city hall is actually the former federal and state court house. Site of the dread Scott law suite. Many people who are not local mistakenly call it city hall. The city hall is on Market Street. The exterior is a copy of Hotel de Ville in Paris .
Very nice video really highlighting the positives of our city. A lot of people don't realize how nice this whole area is because of the bad reputations of East St Louis across the river and the Northside of the City, which has grown into a lot of North County as well as being a poor and often dangerous area, especially at night. There is a reason Crown Candy is not open at night... Its safe there during the day, but at night that area is pretty rough. Even the further south reaches of South City like the streets with state names are starting to get a bit rough.
Notes from a Life-Long St. Louisan 1) Imo's (St. Louis Style) pizza. There is no middle gears. You either love it or you despise it. Nobody goes "eh, it's ok-ay" 2) STL drivers are well educated. They just don't care. Drive as if you are invisible to 90% of the people, and the 10% that DO see you will try to hit you and you'll be OK. 3) City Museum is NOT a museum. There's no (or few) actual 'exhibits'. Its mostly a free-form playground. It's the #1 thing I recommend people to do that visit here. If you are expecting a traditional "museum" experience, you will be disappointed. At least till you go down that first slide. 4) Crime. The STL rep of you'll get shot is so overblow that it's a joke. There are a few areas (mostly north by the airport) that I tend to stay out of at night, but I have lived here over 50 years and I have never, not once, had any issue in the city. Maybe I am lucky, or maybe all the tales of wanton violence are exaggerated a lot.
Sounds more like a "Do" list. - The Soda Fountain in Union Station used to be the St. Louis Hard Rock Cafe. - Check out the Missouri Botanical Gardens during Labor Day weekend. It is the annual St. Louis Japanese Festival and rocks! Sign up to carry the shrine to the opening ceremony, participate in Bon Odori dancing, watch sumo wrestling...
Great video! Loved watching your Italy videos and other international ones before traveling and seeing my home town done was incredible! You’re awesome!
Well thank you for you visit to St Louis Mo..you are correct on you posting..but down by the ARCH river Called Lacllede..landing at night you need to keep you eyes open for safety....like other cities there a few spots you need take care.....yes I grew up here Crowns Candy 14th and St.Louis Ave great eating Chile and candy..like happy days place
@ 8:30 Don’t forget about the rest of Forest Park. Most people go to Forest Park just for the Zoo, the Art Museum, and the History Museum. There are other things to see and do in Forest Park.
Not quite a native, but yeah. Can't really argue with any of that. Two things you didn't mention are: we have casinos now (for folks who are into it), and the theater/live music scene. I have to LOL about the "the city is different than the county". Unlike most places with the same name, the city of St. Louis isn't *in* the county of St. Louis. Taxes and other things may be different just a few streets away. Similarly, I've lost track of just how many little municipalities there are (not just neighborhoods), so you may see a ton of different speed limits on one road, different kinds of cop cars, etc. Keep your eyes open!
every time i hear about the arch, i think of the percy jackson books. i think it's the first one that him and his friends go up to the arch, a battle ensues with a monster and they end up blowing up the arch and landing in the river. lol it's really stuck with me over the years apparently!
I can't believe you were in my city! You hit the majority of good places. Wish you talked more specifically about Central West End, Soulard, and some of the suburbs but that'd make the video 35 mins! Thanks for showing my hometown, best from Washington DC.
I saw the Arch first last night when we were driving downtown to see a concert! Perfect way to start a St. Louis review video 🙂 We teach our children that from an early age. As far as crime is concerned, just take the advice of locals/hotel staff/etc. Crime is really centralized in specific neighborhoods for the most part (sad for the people that live in those areas). But the vast majority of entertainment/sight seeing areas are safe as safe can be. Great video... now I know you're from St. Louis 🙂
Just got back from there. Here's what we did. Saw the arch and went to the top in the afternoon we arrived. Went and saw the Basilica and walked around the neighborhoods. Stayed north of the "The Grove". Spent 4 hours at the zoo (parked on the street for free) and than spent another 3 hours at the Art Museum across the road (parked up there for free too). Spend a whole day at the Botanical Gardens. Walked to "The Grove" for evening eats. (half a mile away).
Good wineries in Jefferson County, just south of St. Louis. They are closer to the City than Herman. Also, Kimmswick is a great place to visit. Historic town along the river. Great video!!
If you are reluctant to say “clusterf--“, try “lovecluster” or “clusterfornication” Thanks for the video. I’m originally from the Midwest, and always thought STL gets a bad rap and is underrated. It’s an interesting city (in a good way).
I'm a city boy, but three things for tourists in the county are the Museum of Transportation, Lamier Sculpture Park, and The Magic House. Although the top 3 are all in the City: the Arch, the Zoo, and the City Museum.
As a native St. Louisian, its great to see you do a video on our city! Your videos have been a big help on my family's travels! In addition to what you mentioned, the churches also deserve recognition! The cathedral basilica, St francis de sales, College church and several others are some of the most beautiful churches in the country and are definitely worth a tourist's time when visiting the "Rome of the West"!
Another don't: don't think it's just your imagination that the elevator inside the arch smells a little like feet. Ted Drewes is Custards Last Stand. Yum. My friends in St Louis have great senses of humor, so I'm busting their chops a little here. Love St Louis, but miss TWA. And FYI, Ted Drewes Sr, founder of the famous custard stand passed away 3 weeks ago at age 96. So, yes, custard might actually be healthy!
Hi STL native here. Don't get Imos go for Cecil Whittaker's pizza instead. The county and nearby Saint Charles county have some mom and pop restraunts as well. I recommend checking out Seoul Taco Korean fusion found in Ucity and Chesterfield, Lewis And Clarks found in Saint Charles, The Shack (breakfast restaurant) found in various locations around the area, Blueberry Hill found in Ucity, Fitzes found in Ucity and South County, and Olympia Kebob House located near forest park. Also feel free to diss on AB beer we all do check out our craft breweries I highly recommend 4 hands, Civil Life, and Heavy Riff. However most of our breweries are excellent. Remember STL is more of an area than just a city there is tons to do in the area
I visited the Arch (and a domed rainforest/botanic garden and some other cool places) back in the early 70's. Re the Arch, I rode the little train cars to the top and back. Uh, this was a mistake, as I'm definitely acrophobic and couldn't bear to look out the windows, plus the little cars we rode felt scarily rickety so my heart was in my mouth most of the time. However, it's a sight to behold from outside! And St. Louis does have some seriously nice restaurants too.
STL is my 2nd home. Wifes from Arnold. Neat story about the arch. when it was being built (for many years) all the bricks in it had the name of the children from schools around there had their names made onto the brick and are part of it now. My Mother in laws name is on one said brick in the arch.
The Metro train is good to access a few areas that are difficult to drive to and park at. Avoid getting off at any station in a random area you don't know, but if you can park at the North Hanley station where there is a large parking garage, you can take the train to directly to the Riverfront, the Convention Center, Busch Stadium (note trains are VERY crowded during ballgames), Union Station, and University City Loop (at the parallel stops, make sure to board the red or blue train to follow the correct line) - those are the walkable touristy areas I would recommend using the train to get to. Just be aware the trains do stop running late at night and you probably don't want to stay anywhere too long after dark and be on the train too late. Forest Park is a stop, but the park is vast and most of the Forest Park attractions are too far to walk to from the station. (Sometimes I think they might have a trolley bus around Forest Park from the station during the day, but verify before you plan that.) Plan your route and schedule if you take the train and keep to mostly daylight hours. Busses can also get you places but those are a little less regular and more difficult to plan a route for. Don't get lost walking downtown at night - the main areas do empty out and you're pretty safe on well-lit main streets, but there won't be a lot of people around.
I was born and raised in St Louis, and here are a few things to add: -Don't come to St Louis if you're not planning to bring a car. The public transport is not good and is sketchy. -Don't go North of Delmar Blvd. There are pockets of safe areas North of Delmar, but if you're not familiar with the area, it's just better to avoid anything North of Delmar entirely. The Loop is safe though. -I disagree about the drivers. St Louis drivers are some of the best I've seen, especially compared to East Coast drivers. -I love Imo's pizza. I don't really understand why outsiders don't like it. I also recommend Culver's for a Midwestern fast food chain
My parents and sisters live in St. Louis area and eat Imo's pizza. It is the worst tasting pizza I have ever had, including store bought frozen pizza. The crust tastes like cardboard, the sauce tastes like ketchup, and they use some weird orange cheese that tastes bad.
@@RobertS-nx7bmummm imo's doesn't have orange cheese? They're famous for provel cheese,which is white. Been eating imo's for 40 years, literally the ONLY pizza my child will eat. Never have I gotten orange cheese. Matter of fact,I just double checked before finishing this comment,and they don't even carry an orange cheese on their menu whatsoever?? My husband isn't from here and he's not the biggest fan of Imo's Pizza. He says it tastes like cheese and crackers,so I'll give you that,but idk where the orange cheese is coming from lol
I'm from NYC. Just visited St. Louis for the first time since I was very young. I didn't have much time, but it was way sketchier than anywhere I've been in NYC (and I've been to a lot of places). I still felt safe, but wish I parked in a nicer area. I went to a Cardinals game and was really worried about my car. Next time I'm going to pay double and park next to the stadium. The ticket was pretty much free, so paying extra for parking isn't really breaking the bank. Also visited Pittsburgh on that trip and it's neat that I've gotten to the point of visiting the smaller cities in the US which is really neat because just because they aren't NYC or Chicago doesn't mean they aren't worth visiting.
Never been, but sometimes in unfamiliar cities I find keeping the car at the hotel and taking a Uber or public transit is the safest option over street parking. Hotels, if they aren't in downtown areas, have security cameras in their parking lots.
As someone from the STL area (about 1.5 hours away from downtown) that’s visited NYC - I know what you mean. There’s really nowhere in Manhattan that has a sketchy area like Downtown STL. The Bronx had some places that the vibe during the daytime told me I don’t wanna be in those places at night but then again, I’m not from there, but that’s how I feel about downtown STL. If memory serves me correctly, I believe y’all call it Dumbo like kinda under a bridge just barely into Brooklyn from lower Manhattan gave me some North STL vibes - but again, not from there so what do I know?
You're entirely correct about the parking at Busch stadium, in particular night games. I've been going to games since the 60's and it used to be that you could park 4-6 blocks away very inexpensively and not worry about your car or getting mugged. Not anymore. Same thing for downtown and much of the city. A former cop told me the city police has serious inadequate staffing issues and the current city political power structure doesn't really care.
@@Sir_Austin_T_Gee st louisan here. Dangerous downtown. Tourists shot during car jacking every week. District attorney doesn't prosecute criminals, even murder police totally frustrated soooo thugs rule. Haven't been downtown in a decade. JS suburbs reasonably safe . Enjoyed your review, but js
For most people: (1) See (and if you can, go up) the Arch; (2) See a Cardinals game; (3) Take a trolley tour to see the neighborhoods (the one that leaves from the casino); (4) Take an Anheuser Busch factory tour; (5) Leave.
Definitely not without incident. We have fights going on all the time when the Cubs are in town, sometimes a few stabbings even. Even the trash-talking is meaner when you're here. It's super weird in that it's JUST the Cubs fans. Everyone's quite chill when the White Sox are in town or when other sports teams come (Blackhawks, Bears when the Rams were here, even the various soccer teams we've had over the years). The majority of Cubs fans are still good people, but man you can't hold your beer nor take a joke.
Don't go north of the convention center. Don't get off I-70, from the Arch, all the way to I-170. Don't park in ANY of the parking garages downtown, as the four around Busch Stadium in the last four years have EIGHT THOUSAND break-ins.
Go to a STL City soccer game too!! the stadium and atmosphere is incredible. If you can't get in, across the street from the stadium is The Pitch, a soccer tavern/bar, and Maggie O' Brien's, a sports bar/irish pub. You can catch the great atmosphere there too -- edit -- Sorry, got too excited and commented while watching the video, realized you mentioned it later in the video 😅
I love St. Louis, and clearly there's a lot I still need to look at. I will double down on Imo's Pizza and provel cheese - both of which we also have in Kansas City. I would also add: - Don't sleep on the BattleHawks and don't praise Stan Kroenke. - Don't miss out on the St. Louis Chess Club in the Central West End.
Some other stuff: Sauce on the Side restaurant The park on the opposite side of the river has a giant fountain that shoots up the height of the arch and it also has the best view of the arch The city has loads to do but it's a commuter city and pretty much becomes a ghost town at night Plenty of places to walk rivers and cliffs like Castlewood and Johnson Shut-ins Lots of kid oriented museums and science centers Summer rafting trips out in every direction from STL
Omg Ty for mentioning the highways around lambert It’s extremely fast pace and confusing Whatever u do don’t stop if ur confused Just go until u can pull to the side
Driving in Saint Louis as someone from the close by Ozarks: just drive. Watch your mirrors, use your signals even though no one else does, push your way through - no one wants to be in a wreck, they’ll move. Four lanes away from the ramp you didn’t know you needed? Saint Louis is probably the only city where it’s acceptable to jump across all four lanes to get there provided you judged correctly. Another tip - speeds increase as the speed limits drop on the interstate, keep that in mind.
I live in Saint Louis for 27 years and I’m so happy you visited my home city
@NathanArnold-o6o I've been here all my life. I travel, but I will never leave Saint Louis.
Great job. You packed a lot in. There is so much to St Louis. It’s a wonderful place. Glad to be a life long South St Louis girl. 💜
This was a positive video of STL.
@@kaylin123 right
My home for the first 41 years of my life--so happy to see you visited AND made a video!!
Clarification: that’s the old St Louis Courthouse, not the old state capitol. The historic state capitol is in St. Charles.
@@joshuaallen9777 technically you’re both right. State-wise yes, it’s never been the capital, but back when it was a territory, it actually did serve as the capital and a lot of the government stuff was done in what became the old courthouse. I actually didn’t know about that until running across a UA-cam video a few months ago and then did some Google searching to confirm it.
@@scottk1938 Your kinda right......... It was a Federal Courthouse that the city and county used also because it was there.
The Old Court House is sometimes called the Dred Scott Court House. In the summer, there are reenactments, and you can learn about the case. It is an important part of our nation's history.
I live in St. Louis county for many years. I had the privilege of going downtown many times. Everything you said about St. Louis is spot on! It can be the best experience ever! (I do miss all the riverboats though)
The one thing I would say about parking is if you want to save money, park farther away from the venue that you are attending, and walk. But this is advisable during the daytime more than at night.
As a youth, I was able to watch the Arch as it was being constructed. It was a once in a lifetime event to behold. I have been up inside the Arch probably 3 or 4 times, and it is quite the view!
There is so much to see and do within an hours drive north, south, and west of St. Louis. Feel free to explore!
@XanBos I wish I had seen the Arch being built, but I was in my mother's womb and was born the day after it was completed.
Plan an extra day and drive the Great River Road from Alton to Grafton. Nothing makes me feel as patriotic as driving along the MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI and looking up at the white cliffs and huge river barges still used to move cargo. This is the GREAT AMERICAN RIVER of Twain, literature, and commerce; in the winter, you can almost always spot bald eagles (we spotted 36 eagles on Christmas Day one year!). In the summer, rent bikes and ride from Alton to Grafton. In Grafton, you can catch a river ferry.
@CareyTisdal i agree the amount of Bald Eagles i saw in an hr drive around there was mind blowing.
We just visited St. Louis for the first time two weeks ago. We were astounded by how awesome it was. So much to see. We were only able to scratch the surface. STL is totally underrated. In some ways, that's good, cause it keeps it a hidden gem. So God bless St. Louis!
As a St. Louisan I think it has a bad rep, but it is a great city and state. I highly recommend going on a float trip in the Ozarks if you come back to Missouri.
i was born here, the only thing i can think of is how bad it is to live here
@@vincetravis70 you don't have to stay.
@@vincetravis70 Everybody says the same thing about their home town, no matter where they are from.
Most of St louis county avoids st louis city, because they value their lives. There are only a few reasons to risk going there. Its worse, after dark.
This is probably the best video I’ve seen as a visitor’s guide to St. Louis. It seems like you’ve been here quite a few times, or lived here at some point.
There are a lot more chain restaurants in the County than the City, but there are also non-chain restaurants in the County as well. Other places I recommend: Cathedral Basilica, Museum of Transportation, Elephant Rocks, Johnson Shut-Ins, Old Cathedral right next to the Arch, Grants Farm, the Butterfly House, Lone Elk Park, the Old Capitol in St. Charles, Cahokia Mounds, Eckert's Farms where you can pick your own apples, peaches, etc., Meramac Caverns just outside St. Louis, Frank Lloyd Wright's Kraus House, Mastodon State Historic Site, and Laumeier Sculpture Park.
My wife is from St. Louis and I always get Ted Drewes while visiting. It is SO GOOD!!!
Try Andy's Ice Cream (from Springfield but in StL)
Try Bobby’s Frozen Custard. Maryville, IL It’s just about a mile and a half right off the interstate in one of the safest villages in all of Illinois. *Edit to add it is about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Exit 15 on I-55/70
@ I just looked it up, pictures look amazing, I can’t wait to try it out! Thank you!
@titansfan4215 Andy's Ice Cream (also in St Louis but from Springfield, MO) is better
Grant’s Farm is one of the best attractions in St. Louis-you can pet Clydesdales! ❤ The Zoo is wonderful, The Missouri Botanic Gardens, get some great BBQ. The Fox and the Muny are awesome places to see musicals. StL is a great city with a great history. I’ve lived near there most of my life and even though I’m in Denver now, still consider it my home.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a must see.
Yes, simply amazing. Just there a couple days ago. Walked the neighborhoods around that area. Loved it.
Absolutely! There is more mosaic work there than in the Vatican! The Cathedral is beautiful.
It's amazing!! Like you are in a European church
@@pamcunningham9608 it’s the largest collection of mosaic art in the Western world.
One thing I never understand in these videos why nobody shows Gus's pretzels
@@mzondi1970 are Gus's pretzels in business still?
gus`s pretzels are mid
Great video, Mark! The one neighborhood I would add that's pretty well known as the Delmar Loop, very trendy and like Hollywood there is a St Louis Walk of Fame where you'll be surprised how many famous people are from there.
We had had a family vacation there in 2007 and we planned to take the car but we found that the Metrolink was able to take us to most of the places we wanted to go to, with a little walking of course. Though we missed out on Ted Drewes because we ditched the car so yes you will need it for some things. We missed The Hill and will have to go back for that.
As an architect they have a very cool event there: the Universal Design Summit at the University of St. Louis put on by the Starkloff Institute. I believe it's in November every 2 years and the year I went they had the architects who redid the Arch/ Jefferson Memorial discuss how they used universal design to make the experiences truly accessible to everyone.
Thanks for mentioning the City Museum, one of the most wonderful and whimsical places I've ever seen.
Thanks T!
The Fabulous Fox theater is gorgeous and a must see if you are into Broadway!
And the Muny is good if you come during their season!
I always enjoy the Soulard Market when I am able to get to the city. It is a good Sunday morning spent grabbing a coffee with a friend and shopping. My daughter always enjoyed it too.
Great video. You did our city proud.
If you're in St. Louis in the summertime I recommend taking in a play at The Muny (in Forest Park - it's outdoors). Check that out, too! Thanks for making this video. I've been living in the St. Louis area all my life. (I grew up in the rural outskirts.) One interesting thing about St. Louis is that, as you alluded to, the city and county are separate, whereas in most cities that's not the case... which is why whenever the population of St. Louis is listed it makes it seem smaller than what it is because they only talk about the population of the city. It was a very poor decision made way back in the 1800s, they literally drew a line on the map, which back then was way out in the boonies, and said that this is the St. Louis city line, it will never grow beyond that. Well, they were wrong. But now we are stuck with that decision, as every time a vote comes up for unification it's always voted down.
As a cub fan I proudly where my cubs hat and jersey anytime I go to St. Louis whether I am seeing a game or not.
Since the 80's, you don't really get any flak from wearing the other teams jerseys
Don't miss Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, about 20 minutes outside St. Louis in Illinois off I-55, site of the largest pre-European contact indigenous city in North America and believed to have more people than London in 1000 AD. The museum there may be closed to renovation, but you should still be able to walk the grounds, read the interpretive signs and visit the mounds, including the huge Monks Mounds, where you can get a nice view of the St. Louis skyline. It's why I consider St. Louis to be the oldest urban area in the US.
Yes I was there a couple of months ago. Very cool!
Im looking forward to the new center when it opens.
For that matter, don't be afraid to cross the river. East St. Louis only covers a small area and staying to the interstates for about 5-7 miles after you cross the river will get you past the rough areas. There's plenty of interesting places in the metro-east.
@@actionsubI second this. Everyone (in the Ozarks) always says “oh take 270 or 255 around East Saint Louis so you don’t get shot”… uhh, just take 44/64/55 right through till you pass the place. Beyond that, travelers from elsewhere oughtta go out to Collinsville and check out the world’s largest Ketchup bottle.
@@Sir_Austin_T_Gee I live just past East St. Louis. I don't get that worked up over it; I have to go down there every so often for my job.
I go to several Cardinals games each season, and I see a lot of fans for the opposing team show up. They cheer for their team, we cheer for the Cards, and, to me, this makes it more fun. So, don't worry too much if you're rooting for the other team. You will be respected and we'll all have a good time. That's the Midwestern vibe.
and its not totally unheard of for Cards fans to cheer an opponent that pulls a particularly sweet play or notable milestone.
I wish you would have talked about Forest Park more. It's truly a fantastic park with a lot to do and see, there's something for everybody there.
If you plan a visit during the summer, try to see a show at the Muny!
I don't know if you're still in the area, but if you are Visit elephant rocks. A beautiful hiking trail/park. It also provided much of the granite used to build st. Louis
Great video! I wish he would have touched on the Illinois side. Cahokia Mounds and museum is one of the world's largest Indian historic sites in the world. It is located in Collinsville Il right across the river. Metro-East also has some of the most interesting ethnic neighborhoods with restaurants galore like Italians in Collinsville and Germans in Belleville. Also there is the Great River Road that leads to historic Grafton, Il.
You’re so right about the city/county difference!
Grant’s Farm, Magic House, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Museum of Transportation, Ebsworth Park, Myseum, Suson Park, Jefferson Barracks, St. Charles Main Street, all outside of the city.
Loved this video. When I lived in Springfield IL in my late 20s I spent many many weekends in Saint Louis. It brought back some great memories.
Very cool!
Grants Farm is a famtastic place to visit!
And it’s in the county!
Great video! I've lived in & near St. Louis my whole life & you covered most of the must sees.
You really appreciate St. Louis' affordability and inclusion of free and fun places.
I know this vid is a few months old, but as a local, I can't help but add on here. If you're a fan of hard rock or metal music, you will LOVE St. Louis! Nearly every weekend there are 3-4 different shows happening, and I've yet to hear a local band I didn't like. Special shout out to Message From A Raven, Unknown and Sailing, and Intrusive Minds. But really, if you go to ANY metal show here, even briefly, during your visit, I can promise you'll enjoy it. (It helps that the metal community here is way more open and friendly than STL in general)
Great review. Lots to see in that area and lots of history to explore.
I have been in the St Louis area forever 43 years and you did a great job highlighting some of the best places and things to see around the city and even touched on our amazing wineries and breweries a bit. It’s nice to see some positive energy about the home town as we hear all to much about the crime and problems but it’s not that bad in the daytime, just certain things to avoid like the metro link and certain areas known for trouble but no worries in most of the popular tourist attractions and sports events
The Zoo, Grant's farm, the Hill, the Museums, the Arch, and a Cards game.
WOW, you're in my city. I had no idea and never would have guessed!! Welcome to St. Louis!! I wish you could tried the Science Center, Six Flags if they're still opened at this time, the St. Louis Galleria, and for kids, they would have enjoyed the Rocket Slide in Deer Creek park! I've always thought about talking these places on my own channel!
I am from STL County. Live out of state now, but love coming home. You did an incredible job here, bro. I lived in the City later in life, and you did a great job regarding that as well. STL has a lot to offer.
The building you referred to as the old city hall is actually the former federal and state court house. Site of the dread Scott law suite. Many people who are not local mistakenly call it city hall. The city hall is on Market Street. The exterior is a copy of Hotel de Ville in Paris .
And it's been closed for years.
@@mikeymutual5489 It was closed for the pandemic and then went straight into being closed for a renovation. Supposed to reopen hopefully next year.
@@justinzeid212 That's good, because it was one of the few interesting things to see in this (empty) downtown.
Dred. Also, suit.
@@davidebrownstl So are you saying that you wouldn't stay in the Dread Scott law suite?
“Where did you go to high school?” 🏫 🥰
Haha Bayless 😉
@CaseyMarie11-11 ..I went to Central High. 3636 Garrison and Natural Bridge
🤣😂🤣Ladue Horton Watkins and University City High School!!✨✨🤗
Great job! I will pass this on!
Very nice video really highlighting the positives of our city. A lot of people don't realize how nice this whole area is because of the bad reputations of East St Louis across the river and the Northside of the City, which has grown into a lot of North County as well as being a poor and often dangerous area, especially at night. There is a reason Crown Candy is not open at night... Its safe there during the day, but at night that area is pretty rough. Even the further south reaches of South City like the streets with state names are starting to get a bit rough.
I saw the arch being built.......... I got you beat...
Notes from a Life-Long St. Louisan
1) Imo's (St. Louis Style) pizza. There is no middle gears. You either love it or you despise it. Nobody goes "eh, it's ok-ay"
2) STL drivers are well educated. They just don't care. Drive as if you are invisible to 90% of the people, and the 10% that DO see you will try to hit you and you'll be OK.
3) City Museum is NOT a museum. There's no (or few) actual 'exhibits'. Its mostly a free-form playground. It's the #1 thing I recommend people to do that visit here. If you are expecting a traditional "museum" experience, you will be disappointed. At least till you go down that first slide.
4) Crime. The STL rep of you'll get shot is so overblow that it's a joke. There are a few areas (mostly north by the airport) that I tend to stay out of at night, but I have lived here over 50 years and I have never, not once, had any issue in the city. Maybe I am lucky, or maybe all the tales of wanton violence are exaggerated a lot.
Sounds more like a "Do" list.
- The Soda Fountain in Union Station used to be the St. Louis Hard Rock Cafe.
- Check out the Missouri Botanical Gardens during Labor Day weekend. It is the annual St. Louis Japanese Festival and rocks! Sign up to carry the shrine to the opening ceremony, participate in Bon Odori dancing, watch sumo wrestling...
Great video! Loved watching your Italy videos and other international ones before traveling and seeing my home town done was incredible! You’re awesome!
Glad you enjoyed it! Hope I made you proud!
Well thank you for you visit to St Louis Mo..you are correct on you posting..but down by the ARCH river Called Lacllede..landing at night you need to keep you eyes open for safety....like other cities there a few spots you need take care.....yes I grew up here Crowns Candy 14th and St.Louis Ave great eating Chile and candy..like happy days place
Yess! Thank you for warning people about the driving here.
@ 8:30 Don’t forget about the rest of Forest Park. Most people go to Forest Park just for the Zoo, the Art Museum, and the History Museum. There are other things to see and do in Forest Park.
literally skipped St Louis today and went straight to the wine country.. Hermann is amazing
@@robviousobviously5757 Missouri wine is subpar
Not quite a native, but yeah. Can't really argue with any of that. Two things you didn't mention are: we have casinos now (for folks who are into it), and the theater/live music scene. I have to LOL about the "the city is different than the county". Unlike most places with the same name, the city of St. Louis isn't *in* the county of St. Louis. Taxes and other things may be different just a few streets away. Similarly, I've lost track of just how many little municipalities there are (not just neighborhoods), so you may see a ton of different speed limits on one road, different kinds of cop cars, etc. Keep your eyes open!
every time i hear about the arch, i think of the percy jackson books. i think it's the first one that him and his friends go up to the arch, a battle ensues with a monster and they end up blowing up the arch and landing in the river. lol it's really stuck with me over the years apparently!
I can't believe you were in my city! You hit the majority of good places. Wish you talked more specifically about Central West End, Soulard, and some of the suburbs but that'd make the video 35 mins! Thanks for showing my hometown, best from Washington DC.
“Don’t cheer against the Cardinals” as your family has Cubs shirts on 🤣! As a Cubs fan myself, I literally laughed out loud.
Saint Paul sandwich is a must have also.
Where can you get that sandwich
@@raymonduelk6567 most Chinese restaurants in the city have them 😊
We can see that you love what you doing ,the the rain will not stop you !☺☔👍
Never!!!! 😀
I saw the Arch first last night when we were driving downtown to see a concert! Perfect way to start a St. Louis review video 🙂 We teach our children that from an early age.
As far as crime is concerned, just take the advice of locals/hotel staff/etc. Crime is really centralized in specific neighborhoods for the most part (sad for the people that live in those areas). But the vast majority of entertainment/sight seeing areas are safe as safe can be.
Great video... now I know you're from St. Louis 🙂
Just got back from there. Here's what we did. Saw the arch and went to the top in the afternoon we arrived. Went and saw the Basilica and walked around the neighborhoods. Stayed north of the "The Grove". Spent 4 hours at the zoo (parked on the street for free) and than spent another 3 hours at the Art Museum across the road (parked up there for free too). Spend a whole day at the Botanical Gardens. Walked to "The Grove" for evening eats. (half a mile away).
So glad you enjoyed your visit! Come back and see us again! ❤
We just spent a few days here! It was so great! Luckily we made it to many of your suggestions, love all the free kids activities
The free kid stuff is great
Good wineries in Jefferson County, just south of St. Louis. They are closer to the City than Herman. Also, Kimmswick is a great place to visit. Historic town along the river. Great video!!
You showed a drive by shot of LeGrand's, which is the best little butcher shop / deli / mini grocer in our area.
If you are reluctant to say
“clusterf--“, try “lovecluster” or “clusterfornication”
Thanks for the video. I’m originally from the Midwest, and always thought STL gets a bad rap and is underrated. It’s an interesting city (in a good way).
This lifelong St. Louisan agrees with just about everything he says. Good video!
Loved that you featured The Foundry
I'm a city boy, but three things for tourists in the county are the Museum of Transportation, Lamier Sculpture Park, and The Magic House. Although the top 3 are all in the City: the Arch, the Zoo, and the City Museum.
As a native St. Louisian, its great to see you do a video on our city! Your videos have been a big help on my family's travels! In addition to what you mentioned, the churches also deserve recognition! The cathedral basilica, St francis de sales, College church and several others are some of the most beautiful churches in the country and are definitely worth a tourist's time when visiting the "Rome of the West"!
There are some incredible churches in st louis
City Museum is awesome.
Honestly st Louis is one of the best weekend getaway places for families, so many free attractions
Love the city museum
If the Metropolitan Museum of Art and ActionPark had a baby. A really big baby.
Lots of donut shops, too! In fact, at 17:06, one of my all-time favs! Be careful. That intersection can be confusing.
fun fact, the Blizzard is heavily inspired by Ted Drewe's concretes.
Wanna bet--I SAW THE ARCH WAY BACK IN THE MID 1960’s right after it was built. 🤣🤣
Pretty good video you talked about St Louis St Louis city SC never showed the Energizer Stadium were they playing at
Another don't: don't think it's just your imagination that the elevator inside the arch smells a little like feet. Ted Drewes is Custards Last Stand. Yum. My friends in St Louis have great senses of humor, so I'm busting their chops a little here. Love St Louis, but miss TWA. And FYI, Ted Drewes Sr, founder of the famous custard stand passed away 3 weeks ago at age 96. So, yes, custard might actually be healthy!
I have always felt custard was healthy :)
Correction, that's Jr the son of the founder who passed away
I love Imos
Hi STL native here. Don't get Imos go for Cecil Whittaker's pizza instead. The county and nearby Saint Charles county have some mom and pop restraunts as well. I recommend checking out Seoul Taco Korean fusion found in Ucity and Chesterfield, Lewis And Clarks found in Saint Charles, The Shack (breakfast restaurant) found in various locations around the area, Blueberry Hill found in Ucity, Fitzes found in Ucity and South County, and Olympia Kebob House located near forest park. Also feel free to diss on AB beer we all do check out our craft breweries I highly recommend 4 hands, Civil Life, and Heavy Riff. However most of our breweries are excellent. Remember STL is more of an area than just a city there is tons to do in the area
Can't believe you didn't mention the world class zoo in Forest Park. Oh, it's free too.
I didnt realize you were in town! I really appreciate your videos.
I visited the Arch (and a domed rainforest/botanic garden and some other cool places) back in the early 70's. Re the Arch, I rode the little train cars to the top and back. Uh, this was a mistake, as I'm definitely acrophobic and couldn't bear to look out the windows, plus the little cars we rode felt scarily rickety so my heart was in my mouth most of the time. However, it's a sight to behold from outside! And St. Louis does have some seriously nice restaurants too.
STL is my 2nd home. Wifes from Arnold. Neat story about the arch. when it was being built (for many years) all the bricks in it had the name of the children from schools around there had their names made onto the brick and are part of it now. My Mother in laws name is on one said brick in the arch.
The Metro train is good to access a few areas that are difficult to drive to and park at. Avoid getting off at any station in a random area you don't know, but if you can park at the North Hanley station where there is a large parking garage, you can take the train to directly to the Riverfront, the Convention Center, Busch Stadium (note trains are VERY crowded during ballgames), Union Station, and University City Loop (at the parallel stops, make sure to board the red or blue train to follow the correct line) - those are the walkable touristy areas I would recommend using the train to get to. Just be aware the trains do stop running late at night and you probably don't want to stay anywhere too long after dark and be on the train too late. Forest Park is a stop, but the park is vast and most of the Forest Park attractions are too far to walk to from the station. (Sometimes I think they might have a trolley bus around Forest Park from the station during the day, but verify before you plan that.) Plan your route and schedule if you take the train and keep to mostly daylight hours. Busses can also get you places but those are a little less regular and more difficult to plan a route for. Don't get lost walking downtown at night - the main areas do empty out and you're pretty safe on well-lit main streets, but there won't be a lot of people around.
As far as stop signs go, just assume that the driver will do a rolling stop, where they nearly come to a stop, but don’t.
@@albert109 I always figured if the stop sign has a white outline, you don't have to stop all the way lol
Legrand's is so magical, perfect for lunch for way too long with friends on a sunny Saturday afternoon
I was born and raised in St Louis, and here are a few things to add:
-Don't come to St Louis if you're not planning to bring a car. The public transport is not good and is sketchy.
-Don't go North of Delmar Blvd. There are pockets of safe areas North of Delmar, but if you're not familiar with the area, it's just better to avoid anything North of Delmar entirely. The Loop is safe though.
-I disagree about the drivers. St Louis drivers are some of the best I've seen, especially compared to East Coast drivers.
-I love Imo's pizza. I don't really understand why outsiders don't like it. I also recommend Culver's for a Midwestern fast food chain
My parents and sisters live in St. Louis area and eat Imo's pizza. It is the worst tasting pizza I have ever had, including store bought frozen pizza. The crust tastes like cardboard, the sauce tastes like ketchup, and they use some weird orange cheese that tastes bad.
@@RobertS-nx7bmummm imo's doesn't have orange cheese? They're famous for provel cheese,which is white. Been eating imo's for 40 years, literally the ONLY pizza my child will eat. Never have I gotten orange cheese. Matter of fact,I just double checked before finishing this comment,and they don't even carry an orange cheese on their menu whatsoever?? My husband isn't from here and he's not the biggest fan of Imo's Pizza. He says it tastes like cheese and crackers,so I'll give you that,but idk where the orange cheese is coming from lol
I'm from NYC. Just visited St. Louis for the first time since I was very young. I didn't have much time, but it was way sketchier than anywhere I've been in NYC (and I've been to a lot of places). I still felt safe, but wish I parked in a nicer area. I went to a Cardinals game and was really worried about my car. Next time I'm going to pay double and park next to the stadium. The ticket was pretty much free, so paying extra for parking isn't really breaking the bank. Also visited Pittsburgh on that trip and it's neat that I've gotten to the point of visiting the smaller cities in the US which is really neat because just because they aren't NYC or Chicago doesn't mean they aren't worth visiting.
Never been, but sometimes in unfamiliar cities I find keeping the car at the hotel and taking a Uber or public transit is the safest option over street parking. Hotels, if they aren't in downtown areas, have security cameras in their parking lots.
park your car at the Casino Queen and then take MetroLink over to STL
As someone from the STL area (about 1.5 hours away from downtown) that’s visited NYC - I know what you mean. There’s really nowhere in Manhattan that has a sketchy area like Downtown STL. The Bronx had some places that the vibe during the daytime told me I don’t wanna be in those places at night but then again, I’m not from there, but that’s how I feel about downtown STL. If memory serves me correctly, I believe y’all call it Dumbo like kinda under a bridge just barely into Brooklyn from lower Manhattan gave me some North STL vibes - but again, not from there so what do I know?
You're entirely correct about the parking at Busch stadium, in particular night games. I've been going to games since the 60's and it used to be that you could park 4-6 blocks away very inexpensively and not worry about your car or getting mugged. Not anymore. Same thing for downtown and much of the city. A former cop told me the city police has serious inadequate staffing issues and the current city political power structure doesn't really care.
@@Sir_Austin_T_Gee st louisan here. Dangerous downtown. Tourists shot during car jacking every week. District attorney doesn't prosecute criminals, even murder police totally frustrated soooo thugs rule. Haven't been downtown in a decade. JS suburbs reasonably safe . Enjoyed your review, but js
For most people: (1) See (and if you can, go up) the Arch; (2) See a Cardinals game; (3) Take a trolley tour to see the neighborhoods (the one that leaves from the casino); (4) Take an Anheuser Busch factory tour; (5) Leave.
Cub fans have been attending games in St Louis and rooting for the Cubs without incident for 100+ years.
Definitely not without incident. We have fights going on all the time when the Cubs are in town, sometimes a few stabbings even. Even the trash-talking is meaner when you're here. It's super weird in that it's JUST the Cubs fans. Everyone's quite chill when the White Sox are in town or when other sports teams come (Blackhawks, Bears when the Rams were here, even the various soccer teams we've had over the years). The majority of Cubs fans are still good people, but man you can't hold your beer nor take a joke.
Mostly, I can remember in the 80's, lots of fights in Busch Stadium against Cubs and Cardinals fans
Don't go north of the convention center. Don't get off I-70, from the Arch, all the way to I-170. Don't park in ANY of the parking garages downtown, as the four around Busch Stadium in the last four years have EIGHT THOUSAND break-ins.
The building you showed with the dome is the old courthouse, not the old state capitol.
Don't go downtown at night! There are people who prey on out of towners downtown when it's dark.
Great video! Would love to see you guys do a video specifically of the Charlotte Metro Area.
Looking at spring or summer next year. Good friends son just moved nearby so going to go visit him
@@woltersworldThat’s great! Let me know before your come and I can give you some ideas on where to visit. It’s a very underrated area.
When the sun goes down, you know what comes out.
The moon? 🌙
St Louis county is massively different than the city. The county is more flashy and modern. City neighborhoods are more old fashioned.
Riding through St. Louis in Scat! Happy New year Wolt!🎉
Don't forget your bulletproof vest and don't get caught downtown or north st. Louis after dark
Go to a STL City soccer game too!! the stadium and atmosphere is incredible. If you can't get in, across the street from the stadium is The Pitch, a soccer tavern/bar, and Maggie O' Brien's, a sports bar/irish pub. You can catch the great atmosphere there too
-- edit --
Sorry, got too excited and commented while watching the video, realized you mentioned it later in the video 😅
Forest Park is definitely a Don't Miss.
I love St. Louis, and clearly there's a lot I still need to look at. I will double down on Imo's Pizza and provel cheese - both of which we also have in Kansas City. I would also add:
- Don't sleep on the BattleHawks and don't praise Stan Kroenke.
- Don't miss out on the St. Louis Chess Club in the Central West End.
Provel just melts the entire interior of my mouth... i may need to wait a bit before i dive in 😀
Some other stuff:
Sauce on the Side restaurant
The park on the opposite side of the river has a giant fountain that shoots up the height of the arch and it also has the best view of the arch
The city has loads to do but it's a commuter city and pretty much becomes a ghost town at night
Plenty of places to walk rivers and cliffs like Castlewood and Johnson Shut-ins
Lots of kid oriented museums and science centers
Summer rafting trips out in every direction from STL
Did he mention the City Museum? Probably the number 1 attraction in St Louis, especially for folks with kids of all ages.
the Ted Drews on Grand Blvd only open in the summer and around Christmas
Drewes
Worked nightclubs on landing for years. Loved a slinger from courtesy diner or old OT hoges chili parlor at union station when it was open.
Omg Ty for mentioning the highways around lambert
It’s extremely fast pace and confusing
Whatever u do don’t stop if ur confused
Just go until u can pull to the side
Driving in Saint Louis as someone from the close by Ozarks: just drive. Watch your mirrors, use your signals even though no one else does, push your way through - no one wants to be in a wreck, they’ll move. Four lanes away from the ramp you didn’t know you needed? Saint Louis is probably the only city where it’s acceptable to jump across all four lanes to get there provided you judged correctly. Another tip - speeds increase as the speed limits drop on the interstate, keep that in mind.
STL style pizza is the best.