St Louis Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Always ask if discounts are available before purchasing tickets. St. Louis stands out for its numerous high-quality, free attractions.

Discount Offers

Discounts for seniors
Discounts for students (with valid ID)
Discounts for military personnel
Discounts for AAA members

Free World-Class Attractions

Saint Louis Zoo (Forest Park)
Saint Louis Art Museum (Forest Park)
Missouri History Museum (Forest Park)
Saint Louis Science Center (Forest Park)

More Free Sights

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Forest Park and Tower Grove Park
Gateway Arch National Park Grounds and Museum
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site (Grant's Farm)

Local Cuisine & Transport

Happy hour specials (late afternoon)
Lunch deals for lower prices
MetroLink Day Pass for unlimited rides
Walk extensively in pedestrian-friendly areas

Time-Saving Strategies

Efficient planning helps you see more and spend less time waiting.

Skip-the-Line Options

Book timed tickets in advance
Gateway Arch tram ride
City Museum admission
Avoid long queues during peak times

Best Visit Times

Visit popular attractions early or late afternoon
Weekdays generally less crowded than weekends
Avoid peak crowds at Gateway Arch & City Museum
Forest Park attractions are busy on weekends/holidays

Efficient Transportation

MetroLink for airport transfers
Cost-effective and often faster than taxis
Group attractions by geographical area
Use a mapping app for daily routes

Pre-Booking Recommendations

Gateway Arch tram tickets
Popular restaurant reservations
Major event tickets (Cardinals, Blues, Muny, Fox Theatre)
Event tickets often sell out

Local Insights

Gain valuable insights from St. Louisans.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Underestimating summer heat and humidity
Not taking advantage of free attractions
Not trying local cuisine (toasted ravioli, St. Louis-style pizza, Gooey Butter Cake)
Assuming all areas are equally safe

Local Customs

Tipping is customary for service
Cardinals baseball is a passion
People are generally friendly and open
Casual dress is the norm

Phrases That Impress Locals

"Go Cards!" (especially during baseball season)
"Where can I find some good toasted ravioli?"
Mention a specific local brewery or restaurant
"Pop" is used instead of "soda"

Traveler-Specific Advice

Solo traveler safety and social opportunities
Family-friendly adaptations and kid-specific tips
Managing group logistics and reservations
Accessibility considerations for different travelers

Tailored Travel Tips

Tailor your trip planning to your travel companions.

Solo Traveler Tips

Safety in popular tourist areas
Hostels for meeting other travelers
Pubs in Soulard and Central West End for conversations
Local events or tours for group interaction

Family Travel Essentials

Many attractions are highly kid-friendly
Do not overschedule; children need downtime
Pack snacks, drinks, and activities for kids
Utilize St. Louis's numerous parks for playtime

Group Travel Planning

Book accommodation and popular attractions well in advance
Consider making group dining reservations
Renting a large vacation home or passenger van can be cost-effective
Designate a group leader for logistics

Accessibility Notes

St. Louis generally complies with ADA guidelines
Verify specific needs with attractions in advance
Many attractions offer accessible parking
Accessible entrances and restrooms are common

Smart Traveler Tip

Always carry a portable power bank for your phone, especially when exploring all day.

Digital Resources

Utilize these online tools to enhance your St. Louis experience.

Essential Mobile Apps

Transit (real-time MetroLink/Bus), Uber/Lyft (ride-sharing), Google/Apple Maps (navigation), Yelp/OpenTable (restaurants), Official Gateway Arch Park App, Local Weather App.

Useful Websites

Explore St. Louis (official tourism site), Great Rivers Greenway (trails), STL Today (local news), Metro Transit St. Louis (public transport), Individual Attraction Websites.

Social Media Accounts

Follow @explorestlouis for inspiration and real-time updates. Local food bloggers and cultural institutions also offer insights.

Further Digital Exploration

Podcasts & Digital Content

Search for "St. Louis history podcast"
Explore "St. Louis food blog"
Discover deep insights into the city's past and present

Online Communities & Language

Reddit communities like r/StLouis for peer advice
Travel forums (e.g., TripAdvisor) for recommendations
Duolingo for basic Spanish or Bosnian phrases

Additional Resources

Look for general USA guidebooks that include a dedicated section on St. Louis. Local publications like the Riverfront Times (free) and St. Louis Magazine (monthly) offer event calendars and in-depth articles.

St Louis Travel Hacks