View at top of Arch/ worth it or skip?

Question

Hi everyone,

Coming in for 4 nghts, three days and staying at the Drury at the Ach in early June.

I've never been to St Louis before.

Have limited time for tourism and definitely wan

to explore the Arch Park, since we're right there, but not sure if worth the time and expense to go up for the view? My cousin has told me it's really not mucc and pricey compared to the Washington Monument, the Empire State building, or the Seattle needle views, and yet I do see positive reviews around it so just wondering if anyone has had a recent experience or if any locals can let me know what their thoughts are on this since our time and our budget is limited.

We definitely are going to visit the art museum, the zoo and hopefully the botanical gardens if time all within a 3-day period which will be broken up with business work/ seminars. There is supposedly a very beautiful cathedral with interior stained glass work that is worth seeing.

So that's my long way of asking is it worth the time and money to also add on a trip up to the top of the arch during our three day stay?

Answer

The Gateway Arch is the iconic symbol of St. Louis and visiting it is a popular activity for first-time visitors. Since you’re staying right at the Drury near the Arch, it is very convenient to incorporate it into your itinerary, but whether it’s “worth it” depends on what you hope to get from the experience.

Going to the top of the Arch provides a unique perspective of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. However, the tram ride is quite small and narrow, which can feel cramped, especially for those who are claustrophobic or have mobility concerns. The view from the top is panoramic, but it is more limited compared to larger observation decks like the Empire State Building or the Space Needle because the Arch is lower and the windows are tiny. That said, many visitors enjoy it because it is a singular experience—you can say you went to the top of the iconic Arch itself.

Other factors to consider:

Ticket price: The cost is moderate; as of 2025, adult tickets are around $15–$20. It’s not overly expensive, but it is another item in your budget.
Time commitment: Expect about 1–1.5 hours for the full experience, including security, waiting for tram, and the tram ride itself.
Crowds: Early June is a popular time, so going early in the morning or late afternoon can help you avoid long lines.
Photography: The tiny windows limit how much of the view you can capture. Some visitors are disappointed if they expect wide, unobstructed photos.

If your priority is maximizing sightseeing within a limited 3-day period, and you are visiting the Art Museum, Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and a cathedral, you might consider whether the Arch will compete with your other interests. If you value iconic landmarks and unique experiences, it can be worth it for the “once-in-a-lifetime” feeling and the story of being at the top. If you are more focused on leisurely exploring museums, gardens, and historic architecture, you could skip the Arch summit and enjoy the Arch grounds and nearby park instead, which are free and still beautiful for walking and photos.

In summary:

Worth it if you want the iconic experience and a short panoramic view of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Skip it if you prefer to focus time and budget on museums, gardens, or other larger attractions where you can spend more time and get more immersive experiences.

For a balance, you could visit the Arch grounds and take a leisurely walk along the riverfront, and if you find extra time or the mood strikes, consider going up for the view—it’s a short trip and very convenient given your hotel location.

View at top of Arch/ worth it or skip?

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