What to do in St Louis while house and pet sitting

There are all sorts of fun things to do in St. Louis, ranging from world-class museums to spectacular parks. The city is probably best known for its astonishing 190-metre-tall Gateway Arch, but this vibrant location on the banks of the Mississippi also has some first-class restaurants serving mouth-watering barbecue cuisine, as well as some truly beautiful historic buildings.

St Louis attractions

1. City Museum

The City Museum isn’t really a museum at all – it’s more like a playground for children and adults alike, an installation dedicated to wonder and fun. This hundred-year-old warehouse has been taken over by artists, who have repurposed found objects into climbing frames, slides, spooky caves, castles and even a skate park. And just wait until you see the ferris wheel on the roof, right next to an old school bus dangling precariously over the edge. Truly a unique and fascinating place.

2. Saint Louis Art Museum

Founded in 1879, this is one of the United States’ premier art museums, showcasing paintings, sculptures and artwork in a range of mediums from right across the world. The collection contains pieces from European greats such as Matisse, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso, as well as a range of American artists, including George Caleb Bingham, and exhibits from Africa, Asia and South America. Entry to the museum is free, although an entry fee is charged for the regularly changing special exhibitions.

3. Missouri Botanical Garden 

Dating back to 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the second largest botanical garden in the United States, and showcases plants from all over the planet. Its most famous attraction is probably the Climatron, a geodesic-dome greenhouse that inspired the spaceships in the 1972 science fiction film Silent Running. Other highlights include one of the largest Japanese gardens in the US, as well as an English country garden and a wide range of Mediterranean plants in the Temperate House. 

Free things to do in St Louis

1. Gateway Arch

The stainless-steel Gateway Arch is probably St. Louis’ most famous attraction. Soaring 190 metres into the air, it’s the tallest arch in the world, and cost $13 million to build in 1965 – the equivalent of around $114 million today. You can reach the top via a four-minute tram ride, and the base of the arch is home to the Gateway Arch National Park and Museum, which traces the history of the city from the mid-1600s, as well as showcasing how this astonishing monument was constructed.

2. Forest Park

Around 12 million people visit Forest Park every year, and with an area of more than five square kilometres, it’s comfortably one of the largest urban parks in the United States, easily beating New York’s Central Park. As well as being home to attractive hiking trails through prairie and wetland habitats, the park hosts a range of museums and greenhouses, including the Saint Louis Art Museum (see above).

3. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis 

This beautiful domed cathedral was completed in 1914, and designated as a Basilica (a place of worship of special distinction) in 1997 by Pope John Paul II. Its exterior is impressive, but the really stunning part of this building is inside, where nearly 42 million tiles make up one of the largest mosaic installations in the Western hemisphere. Work on the mosaics began in 1912, but wasn’t completed until 1988, and the intricate biblical scenes portrayed are stunning to behold.

Fun things to do in St Louis 

1. Grant's Farm

Ulysses S. Grant built this farm in the 1850s, before gaining fame as a general in the American Civil War and eventually becoming president. Nowadays the farm acts as an animal reserve, and plays host to concerts, a petting zoo and various other attractions. A tour takes visitors around the farm to see beasts such as water buffalo, kangaroos and camels, as well as more familiar farm animals.

2. EAT Saint Louis Food Tours

One of the best ways to sample the city’s culinary delights is to book onto an EAT Saint Louis Food Tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you on a walking tour with stop-offs for tasting sessions at several eateries along the way – and they’ll also fill you in on details about the city’s history and architecture. Three tours are available in three separate areas, but make sure to book ahead, and bear in mind that the tours do not run during the winter months.

3. The Fabulous Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre (aka The Fabulous Fox) began life in 1929 as a movie palace, but was restored and reopened in 1982 as a performing arts centre. The opulent interior was designed to resemble Indian religious buildings, and features stunningly intricate gold decorations with columns flanking the grand entrance. Nowadays the Fox often plays host to Broadway musicals, such as Cats, The Lion King and My Fair Lady, and tours of the magnificent building are available on Saturday mornings.

4. Six Flags St. Louis

Thrill-seeking travellers should seek out Batman: The Ride at Six Flags St. Louis, a hanging roller coaster that hits speeds of 88 kilometres per hour (55 mph) and twirls through a 360-degree loop and zero-G roll. The park is also home to American Thunder – a classic wooden roller coaster – as well as a 4D Justice League theatre experience and a range of classic fairground rides. 

What to do in St Louis with pets?

1. Laumeier Sculpture Park

This sculpture park opened in 1976, and now covers some 105 acres of parkland on the southwest outskirts of St. Louis. It’s home to a fascinating and eclectic range of some 60 sculptures – including a giant eyeball – and entry is completely free. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times.

2. St. Johns Community Dog Park

This neighbourhood dog park is the ideal place to let your doggy friend off the lead for some much-needed exercise. Dogs are free to roam around the fenced area, and tired humans can sit and have a natter on the benches while their pooch lets off steam.

3. International Tap House, Soulard

This bar in the neighbourhood of Soulard is one of five International Tap House locations, and the owners pride themselves on their craft beer knowledge. Over 40 beers are available on draft, and dogs are welcome on the patio – the staff even provide water bowls.

Best restaurants in St Louis

1. Bogart’s Smokehouse

Barbecue food is a local speciality in St. Louis, and locals love the succulent pulled pork and smoky beef brisket supplied by Bogart’s Smokehouse. Located in the historic Soulard neighbourhood, Bogart’s is open for lunch between Tuesday and Saturday, with ribs being a particular speciality.

2. Vicia 

The award-winning Vicia restaurant specialises in locally sourced cuisine, with a regularly changing menu that showcases the freshest ingredients. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, Vicia specialises in a three-course Farmer’s Feast menu experience and also offers an eight-course tasting menu.

3. Louie

The simply named Louie provides superb Italian cuisine with a cosy atmosphere and impeccable service. The pasta dishes in particular are a highlight of the rustic Italian menu, accompanied by delicious house-baked bread and a varied yet reasonably priced wine menu.

House and pet sitting in St Louis

Wherever you head to, we hope this list of things to do in St. Louis helps you to find your way in this fantastic city.

If you’re interested in becoming a pet sitter and staying in all sorts of interesting cities all over the country, head this way to find out how Trustedhousesitters works. And to find more travel guides and pet advice, take a look at the articles on our blog.