Visiting From Florida

Question

Wife and I are going to visit in a couple weeks. Just some questions and any feedback you could provide would be great.

-What are some good restaurants to eat at?

-Where can we find a good hotel in a safe area?

-What areas of city should we avoid?

-What areas of city are good for shopping and things to do.

Ty God bless.

Answer

St. Louis is a city with a lot to offer in terms of food, culture, and shopping. Since you’re visiting from Florida, focusing on well-known, safe areas and attractions will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Restaurants: St. Louis has a diverse food scene, from local specialties to upscale dining. Some popular options include:

Pappy’s Smokehouse: Famous for Memphis-style barbecue and a local favorite.
Farmhaus: Located in the Central West End, great for American cuisine with fresh ingredients.
Broadway Oyster Bar: Known for seafood and live music.
The Crossing: Upscale American fare in Clayton.
Café Osage: Casual dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients near Forest Park.

Hotels in safe areas: For convenience and safety, these areas are recommended:

Downtown / Gateway Arch area: Close to major attractions and safe for tourists, good for walking to restaurants and entertainment.
Central West End: Trendy neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and boutiques; generally safe and lively.
Clayton: An upscale suburb with good hotels, shopping, and restaurants; very safe.
Ladue / Kirkwood: Residential suburbs with boutique hotels, quieter atmosphere, and safe surroundings.

Areas to be cautious of: While St. Louis has many safe neighborhoods, it also has areas with higher crime rates. It’s generally advised to avoid:

North St. Louis neighborhoods outside of tourist areas.
Some parts of East St. Louis (technically in Illinois, across the river) at night.
Any area that looks deserted or has minimal foot traffic after dark.

Shopping and things to do: For a mix of shopping, attractions, and sightseeing, these areas are great:

Delmar Loop: Shops, restaurants, live music, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Central West End: Upscale shopping, art galleries, and cafes.
West County / Chesterfield: Malls, outlet stores, and family-friendly attractions.
Forest Park: Museums, the St. Louis Zoo, walking trails, and scenic spots.
Downtown / Laclede’s Landing: Historic area with riverfront bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Overall, St. Louis offers a mix of history, culture, and food. By staying in safe neighborhoods like Downtown, Central West End, or Clayton, you can enjoy restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing without worrying too much about safety. Planning your days around these areas will give you a fulfilling 2-3 day experience.

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