St. Louis Self-Guided Driving Tour: Iconic Landmarks & Must-See Attractions
Places: 29 POIsDistance: 25.51 miDuration: 3h:02m
Tour #2562
About this English self-guided 3h:02m driving tour in St. Louis
Welcome to St. Louis, Missouri — the Gateway to the West! Over the course of this driving tour, we’ll take you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and cultural treasures. From world-famous attractions like the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium, to hidden gems like The Hill and Soulard Market, you’ll get a true taste of the spirit and character that make St. Louis unique.
St. Louis has always been a city defined by the river. Founded in 1764 as a French trading post, it grew into a crossroads of cultures and commerce along the mighty Mississippi. By the 19th century, it had become a launching point for pioneers heading west — which is why the Arch later rose as a symbol of that adventurous spirit.
But St. Louis isn’t just history. It’s a city of music, food, and innovation. This is the hometown of Chuck Berry, Josephine Baker, and Miles Davis — artists who changed the sound of American culture. It’s also the birthplace of classics like the ice cream cone, toasted ravioli, and gooey butter cake. Whether you’re a baseball fan, a foodie, or a history buff, there’s something here for you.
As we drive, we’ll point out parks, museums, architectural marvels, and neighborhoods where stories of immigrants, artists, athletes, and everyday St. Louisans come alive. By the end of this tour, you’ll not only see the sights but also understand why locals are so proud to call this city home.
So buckle up, get comfortable, and let’s hit the road. Our first stop is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world — the Gateway Arch.
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : National Park, Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
209 Walnut St, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA
The magnificent Gateway Arch
On your right, rising 630 feet into the sky, is St. Louis’ most iconic landmark — the Gateway Arch. Completed in 1965, this gleaming stainless-steel monument was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen to symbolize the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.”
The Arch isn’t just tall — it’s the tallest monument in the United States, even taller than the Washington Monument or the Statue of Liberty. Its unique inverted catenary curve makes it both an engineering marvel and a striking work of art.
Beneath the Arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion, which explores the story of pioneers, Native Americans, and explorers who shaped this region. Visitors can also ride a tram all the way to the top, where tiny windows reveal breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, Illinois to the east, and the St. Louis skyline to the west.
It’s hard to imagine St. Louis without this shimmering landmark — a symbol of ambition, innovation, and the American spirit.
On your right is the National Blues Museum, dedicated to America’s original music — the blues. Opened in 2016, it celebrates how this powerful art form shaped jazz, rock ’n’ roll, country, and even hip-hop.
Inside, interactive exhibits let you trace the roots of the blues from the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to the clubs of St. Louis, Memphis, and Chicago. You can hear legendary voices, try your hand at mixing your own track, and learn how artists like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and St. Louis’ own Chuck Berry carried the blues into the mainstream.
More than a museum, it’s a live music venue too — hosting performances that keep the blues alive and evolving for new generations. For a city with such a rich musical heritage, this place is both a tribute and a living stage.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1The magnificent Gateway Arch
Place 2National Blues Museum
Place 3Kiener Plaza, Old Courthouse & the Arch
Place 4Ballpark Village Entertainment
Place 5Busch Stadium Home of Cardinals
Place 6St. Louis City Hall
Place 7Poelker Park & Merchant Marine Memorial
Place 8Stifel Theatre
Place 9Memorial Plaza – Honoring St. Louis Veterans
Place 10Eternal Flame Park & Soldiers’ Memorial
Place 11St. Louis Public Library
Place 12Christ Church Cathedral & Mariposas Sculpture
Place 13City Museum
Place 14Saint Louis University
Place 15Grand Cathedral Basilica
Place 16Forest Park
Place 17Missouri History Museum
Place 18Saint Louis Art Museum
Place 19Saint Louis Zoo
Place 20Saint Louis Science Center
Place 21The Hill Neighborhood
Place 22Homes of Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola
Place 23Missouri Botanical Garden
Place 24Tower Grove Park
Place 25Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Place 26Historic Soulard Farmers Market
Place 27Lafayette Square Park
Place 28Poplar Street Bridge – Crossing the Mississippi
Place 29Mississippi River Overlook – Grand Finale
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Walk at your own pace.
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Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
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What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).