The Gateway Arch stands on the Mississippi riverfront, but much of a Saint Louis visit happens farther west, in Forest Park, the Central West End and the neighborhoods. Book a hotel in the part of the city where you will spend your days.
The Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, Busch Stadium and the convention center are all downtown, a short walk apart. MetroLink stops run across the center and out to Lambert airport. The Arch grounds are easy to walk, but a hotel near Union Station is farther from the riverfront than its downtown address suggests.
Forest Park has the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Zoo and the outdoor Muny theater. The Central West End borders its east side, with cafés and restaurants along Euclid Avenue. Stay here for park days. The Arch is a train or car ride away.
Soulard has a historic market and brick streets south of downtown. The Hill is known for Italian restaurants, while the Delmar Loop has music venues and shops near the city’s western edge. These neighborhoods are far apart, so look at a map before you book on a neighborhood name alone.
Summers are hot and humid, and winter can bring freezing weather and snow. MetroLink covers the airport, downtown and Forest Park. For other neighborhoods, take a bus or a rideshare. Construction can close the airport stations, so check the current MetroLink notice before you land.