Places Every St. Louisan Should Take Out-of-Towners

By Riverfront Times Staff on Wed, Nov 23, 2022 at 10:12 am

So you have guests coming to stay, and they want to see St. Louis ... What do you do? Plenty, that's what.

Read on for our picks of things you must do with out-of-towners — from food to nightlife to kid-friendly destinations. In the process of showing off the city you live in, you just may find yourself falling in love with the Lou all over again, too.

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Photo by Jennifer Silverberg

Introduce them to St. Louis barbecue.

Barbecue is such a big part of the St. Louis food scene, you simply have to give your guests a taste of what it's like in the Lou. Plus, since your barbecue options are boundless in this city, this will be an easy meal to pull off. Salt and Smoke, BEAST Craft BBQ, Sugarfire, the list of great St. Louis BBQ goes on and on.

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Mabel Suen

BEAST Craft BBQ
(20 S Belt W, Belleville, Illinois)

No seriously, have them try St. Louis BBQ. BEAST offers some of the best, and if you don't believe us, Reddit says so, too.

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Photo courtesy of Flickr / Matthew.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre
(527 N Grand Boulevard, 314-534-1111)

With its insanely ornate interior, the Fabulous Fox puts even some Broadway theaters to shame. Take a tour (prices here), or if you really, really love your guests, treat them to a show they'll remember.

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Photo courtesy of Flickr / Chris Yunker.

St. Louis Public Library - Downtown
(1301 Olive Street, 314-241-2288)

We're pretty darn lucky to have such a gorgeous library — it's only right that we share it with people from out of town. Bibliophiles and architecture buffs alike will love you for it.

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Photo credit: St. Louis Union Station.

St. Louis Aquarium
(201 South 18th Street, 314-923-3900)

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a newer addition to the Lou, so if your loved one hasn't visited since pre-pandemic, it's a perfect stop to add to your list.

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Photo courtesy of Flickr / Missouri Division of Tourism.

Crown Candy Kitchen
(1401 St Louis Avenue, 314-621-9650)

Take your friends back in time at Crown Candy Kitchen. There's nothing not to love at this retro soda fountain — and they can take home some of Crown Candy's very own chocolate.

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Photo credit: Flickr / Jon Dickson

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
(4431 Lindell Boulevard)

Built throughout the early part of the 20th century, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis has to be seen to be believed. With stunning architecture and amazing mosaics, even non-Catholics will admit to having their minds blown. Find information about the tours here.

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Photo credit: Jaime Lees

Laumeier Sculpture Park
(12580 Rott Road, 314-615-5278)

If you're looking to view some art while enjoying the great outdoors, Laumeier Sculpture Park is the spot for you.

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Screengrab via Google Maps

St. Charles Main Street
(N Main Street, St. Charles)

r/StLouis reddit users recommended this one. It's quaint, and you can give them the full history of how St. Louisans make fun of St. Charlesans and vice versa. It's a symbiotic relationship.

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Photo credit: Google Maps

Venice Café
(1903 Pestalozzi Street, 314-772-5994)

Venice Café is a great spot to grab a bite to eat or drink while taking in all its eclectic scenery.

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Photo credit: Flickr / Eugene Kim.

And last but not least, introduce them to toasted ravioli.

You haven't truly been to St. Louis until you've tried the toasted ravioli. They'll return home full, happy and ready to tell all their friends how awesome St. Louis truly is. Bon appetit!

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Kholood Eid

Bonus: Seasonal

Take them around St. Louis to see all the different holiday lights during the winter months. Lucky for you, we have a handy dandy list.

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