Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint Louis?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint Louis?

Most visitors spend one to three days in Saint Louis when visiting. The fascinating city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, shopping, the food, and the nightlife.

St. Louis is a larger city in Missouri. It sits on the Mississippi River and is filled with museums and unexpected sites. There are parks and gardens as well as the iconic Gateway Arch. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining. The city also has a long running passion for sports.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Saint Louis? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Saint Louis?

With three days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Saint Louis has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Saint Louis as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, shopping, and the food at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for families. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 3 days in Saint Louis

Saint Louis is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

A few tour suggestions include:

Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour ($15)
Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour ($15)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Public transit in Saint Louis is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Don't miss the Gateway Arch during your trip to Saint Louis, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Shopping in Saint Louis is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Is 4 days enough time in Saint Louis?

Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Saint Louis, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The museums and landmarks, shopping, the food, and the nightlife on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Saint Louis as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

How to spend 4 days in Saint Louis

If you have more than 4 days in Saint Louis, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Saint Louis, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 5 days enough time in Saint Louis?

Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Saint Louis has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, shopping, the food, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 5 days in Saint Louis

Having 5 days in Saint Louis will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Because Saint Louis offers so many famous sights, landmarks, and museums, you should dedicate at least another day to see the places you haven't seen yet. You can spend multiple days browsing through the city's amazing museums, and some of them are worth a second visit, too.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Saint Louis, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.