St. Louis is one of the most historically and culturally rich cities in the Midwest of the United States.

We've compiled a list of attractions that both first-time visitors and those looking to discover new aspects of the city can enjoy.

The Gateway Arch is the iconic landmark of St. Louis. Standing at 192 meters tall, this stainless steel arch was completed in 1965 and symbolizes the opening of the American West through the Louisiana Purchase. It is located within the Gateway Arch National Park along the Mississippi River, where you can visit the Museum of Westward Expansion to learn about the history of westward expansion in the U.S. The tram ride to the top of the arch is paid, and it's recommended to book online in advance.

The Saint Louis Zoo is consistently rated as one of the best free zoos in the country. Located in Forest Park, it houses over 14,000 animals. Visitors can see a variety of animals including elephants, giraffes, gorillas, penguins, and otters, and special programs and nighttime zoo events are held throughout the year. Admission is free, but some special exhibits may have a small fee.

The Saint Louis Art Museum, also located in Forest Park, offers free admission. Established with artifacts from the 1904 World's Fair, the museum holds over 33,000 works of art. It boasts a wide-ranging collection including Impressionist, ancient Egyptian, Asian art, and contemporary art, with some special exhibitions requiring a separate admission fee.

The Missouri Botanical Garden, founded in 1859, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the U.S. Spanning 79 acres, it features various themed gardens including a Japanese garden, a tropical plant conservatory (Climatron), and a rose garden. Visitors can enjoy different flowers and plants each season, and the Garden Glow Christmas light event is a highlight of winter in St. Louis. There is an admission fee, but purchasing an annual membership allows for unlimited visits throughout the year.

Busch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals MLB team. Located in downtown St. Louis, it is famous for its unique backdrop of the Gateway Arch. St. Louis has a strong passion for baseball, and during the home game season, the area around the stadium comes alive. You can enjoy meals and drinks at the nearby Ballpark Village before and after games.

The City Museum is one of the most unique attractions in St. Louis, completely different from a typical museum. It is a massive playground and art space made from repurposed materials and old building parts, filled with unique structures like chimneys, caves, slides, and tunnels. It's a space that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, but comfortable clothing is essential as it includes climbing stairs and passing through narrow passages.

The Old Courthouse is a historic building located right next to the Gateway Arch, completed in 1845 in a neoclassical dome style. It was the site of significant trials in American history, including the Dred Scott case, and is now operated as a national park visitor center and historical exhibition space. Admission is free and helps visitors understand the history of St. Louis.