Located on the mighty Mississippi River, St. Louis is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks. From the majestic Gateway Arch, which stands tall as a symbol of the city's westward expansion, to the bustling neighborhoods teeming with friendly locals, St. Louis has a charm that captivates visitors. Whether you're exploring the historic Soulard district, cheering on the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, or indulging in some mouthwatering barbecue, this city offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the warm embrace of St. Louis' friendly atmosphere and endless possibilities!
We’ve curated a short-list of moderately priced boutique hotels perfect for your next girls’ weekend.
Note: some of the boutique hotels we recommend have a nightly amenities fee for some awesome extras included in your stay. Be sure to read about what’s included to take full advantage!
21c is intentionally different, a boutique hotel that doubles as a contemporary art museum. Set in a restored historic YMCA building, it blends gallery spaces, installations, and stylish rooms into one cohesive experience. There’s a slightly edgy energy with on‑site dining and wellness spaces. Best for girlfriends who want something unique and conversation‑worthy. The Locust Street Athletic club offers guests and members alike a luxurious wellness experience with the historic 4-lane lap pool, sauna and steam rooms, and state-of-the-art exercise equipment.
Angad is known for its signature concept where guests choose rooms based on color/emotion themes. Located in the arts district near theaters and museums, it leans heavily into creativity, with local artwork throughout and a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Best for girlfriends who want something playful and a little quirky.
Moonrise is a playful, quirky, space‑themed boutique hotel right in the heart of the Delmar Loop entertainment district. With colorful, celestial‑inspired design, a lively rooftop bar (complete with a rotating man‑made moon), and tons of nearby music venues. Best for girlfriends who want something unique, slightly kitschy in a cool way, and very Instagram‑friendly.
Recommending restaurants can be tricky – there are so many choices! Here we have recommended a few of our favorites, but be sure to check out our local search links below if you are looking for something specific. Bon Appétit!
Inspired by Spanish and Iberian food culture, Bar Moro offers a dining experience that’s both sophisticated and relaxed, with a menu built for sharing, think tapas, beautiful small plates, and plenty of opportunities to say “let’s order one more”. The dim, romantic lighting, cozy banquettes, and buzzy bar atmosphere make it feel like a tiny Barcelona tapas bar. They also feature standout Spanish and Portuguese wines, vermouths, and sherries.
The London Tea Room offers an authentically British afternoon tea experience with premium loose‑leaf teas, tiered trays of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and beautiful pastries. The atmosphere is elegant yet inviting, designed for connection and conversation, making it an ideal stop for dressing up and feeling fancy for the afternoon.
No Ordinary Rabbit is built around shareable, family‑style plates inspired by Eastern Mediterranean flavors, explicitly encouraging guests to pass dishes around the table and try a little bit of everything. The vibe is chic but approachable, with a cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels fashionable without being fussy. It pairs perfectly with their unique wine list and creative cocktail program, designed to complement the food yet stay fun and accessible.
Located in the charming Lafayette Square neighborhood, it’s designed as a “restaurant, bar, and gathering place,” with a warm, stylish atmosphere that invites you to linger over good food, cocktails, and conversation. It’s an ideal choice for brunch or dinner with your friends thanks to its comfort-forward yet polished menu and full bar, making it easy to share small plates, sip creative drinks, and simply enjoy time together.
With its modern, tropical‑leaning vibe, it feels like a mini seaside escape right in the Central West End. The menu is ideal for sharing and grazing as a group, featuring island‑inspired seafood, bold flavors, and plenty of crave‑worthy small plates, while the bright, creative cocktail list keeps the table buzzing. Whether you start here for brunch, settle in for a long dinner, or just come for drinks, Yellowbelly delivers that vacation‑mode feeling perfect for a night out with your favorite people.
Want to see more options? We’ve included our favorite search links for this destination below. Use them for research or bookmark this site to use them on the fly when you want to search nearby.
If you need fresh air, beautiful scenery, and effortless culture all in one place, Forest Park is a must for a girls weekend in St. Louis. At 1,300 acres, it’s one of the largest and most stunning urban parks in the country, ideal for strolling, chatting, and slowing things down between brunches and nights out.
Start the day with a leisurely walk or bike ride along the park’s scenic paths (there are 30+ miles, so you can keep it as chill or active as you want). The landscapes are gorgeous year‑round, from grand fountains and waterways to shady tree‑lined lawns that feel picnic‑ready without any effort.
What makes Forest Park especially perfect for a girls trip is that it’s home to five major cultural institutions — all right inside the park, making it easy to mix and match experiences:
Forest Park also hosts festivals, concerts, and community events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s happening while you’re in town. With 15.5 million visitors annually, it’s lively but never overwhelming, there’s always room to spread out and make it your own.
The Grand Center Arts District is one of St. Louis’s premier cultural destinations, a vibrant, walkable hub just west of downtown that puts the city’s creative energy front and center. Widely recognized as the region’s epicenter for the arts, the district brings together world‑class institutions, experimental performance spaces, public art, and nightlife into one dense, always‑active neighborhood.
At its core are some of St. Louis’s most iconic venues. The Fabulous Fox Theatre anchors the district with touring Broadway productions, concerts, and major national acts, continuing its legacy as one of the city’s grand historic theaters. Just up the street, Powell Symphony Hall serves as the longtime home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, while Jazz St. Louis fuels the area’s modern jazz renaissance with intimate, high‑caliber performances. Alongside these landmarks, the district is packed with Black Box theaters, experimental stages, and small performance spaces, making it equally exciting for discovering emerging artists as it is for catching established talent.
Visual art is everywhere in Grand Center, not just inside museums and galleries, but out on the streets. The district features a mix of historic architecture, neon signage, and large‑scale public art, most notably “The Walls Off Washington,” a rotating mural and street‑art initiative that transforms building facades into open‑air galleries. This blend of formal and informal art gives the neighborhood its distinctly creative feel.
Music lovers, in particular, will feel at home here. Grand Center is dotted with music venues of every scale, from symphonic halls and jazz clubs to rooftops and experimental stages. On any given night, you might catch the symphony, a DJ set, a touring indie act, or one of the many emerging jazz artists shaping St. Louis’s contemporary sound. With so much happening simultaneously, it’s worth checking the district calendar to see what performances, festivals, and special events line up with your visit.
One of the best times to explore is during Grand Center First Fridays, held on the first Friday of every month. On these nights, museums and galleries stay open late with free admission, encouraging casual gallery hopping, conversation, and pre‑show drinks before heading to a performance.
If your girls weekend needs a pretty, low‑key, wander‑and‑chat stop, Laumeier Sculpture Park is a gem worth building into the itinerary. Located in St. Louis County, Laumeier is one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the country and a premier, internationally recognized art destination.
Set across 105 acres, this open‑air museum blends nature and contemporary art in a way that feels effortless and calming, think over 60 large‑scale outdoor sculptures scattered through rolling lawns, wooded areas, and walking trails. It’s ideal for strolling side‑by‑side, stopping for photos, and letting conversations wander.
Laumeier offers free admission every day making it an easy add‑on without pressure or time limits. You can stay for 30 minutes or linger for hours, depending on the mood of the group. Beyond the sculptures themselves, Laumeier also offers walking trails, rotating exhibitions, and creative programs, which adds a little surprise factor if you’re visiting together for the first time. It’s the kind of place that feels curated but relaxed, perfect between brunch and cocktails or as a quiet reset before heading out for the evening.
If your girls weekend includes dressing up, sipping cocktails, and making a night feel special, The Fabulous Fox Theatre is a must. Opened in 1929, this iconic St. Louis venue is a fully restored former movie palace designed in an opulent Siamese‑Byzantine Baroque style, and it’s easily one of the most jaw‑dropping interiors in the city.
Located on Grand Boulevard in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District, the Fox is best known for hosting major Broadway tours, concerts, and special events making it an easy anchor for a memorable evening out. From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by gold leaf details, soaring domes, dramatic lighting, and intricate architectural elements that practically demand photos before the show.
One of the most fascinating (and very “girls‑trip energy”) aspects of the Fox is what happens behind the scenes. The theater offers backstage tours, where you can explore the restoration work and hear stories from its early movie‑palace days through its revival when it reopened in 1982. The dressing rooms are legendary, covered in murals and signatures left by performers, a tradition that began when the theater reopened and continues today, giving the space a living, ever‑evolving history.
Girls‑weekend tip: Make the Fox your centerpiece evening! Book a show, plan cocktails or dinner nearby in Grand Center, and consider a daytime backstage tour if available. Whether it’s Broadway, a concert, or a special event, the Fox delivers old‑Hollywood drama with modern‑day fun, perfect for a night everyone will talk about long after the trip ends.
The Gateway Arch is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States and a true symbol of the city. Rising 630 feet above the Mississippi River, the stainless‑steel monument was completed in 1965 to commemorate westward expansion and St. Louis’s historic role as the “Gateway to the West.” Designed by Eero Saarinen, the Arch is the tallest arch in the world and the dramatic centerpiece of Gateway Arch National Park, which also includes the Old Courthouse and museum spaces beneath the Arch.
One of the most popular experiences is the Tram Ride to the Top, an enclosed tram system that carries visitors inside the Arch to an observation area near the summit in about four minutes. From the top, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and Illinois on clear days. Because tram tickets are limited and highly sought after, especially during summer and peak travel seasons, advance reservations are strongly recommended to secure your preferred time.
Get the perfect orientation to the city and decide what to do and see next during this narrated tour aboard a vehicle styled as a 19th-century trolley. See Forest Park, Union Station, the home of the Cardinals, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, including the interior where schedules permit, and more.
This experience is perfect for a group of friends wanting to explore the country’s first American Viticultural Area. Customize your own day of wine tasting in the St. Louis region. Get ready for fun, hospitality, and delicious MO wines and craft beers!
Discover the St Louis Gateway Arch, where history, architecture, and breathtaking views come together in one unforgettable experience. Your tour begins at Kiener Plaza, just behind the historic Old Courthouse, where your guide will share the story of the Dred Scott case and its impact on American history. Next, board the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch, learning fascinating details about its design and construction as you ascend. At the observation deck, enjoy panoramic views of downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and the surrounding landscape. Conclude your journey at the Museum at the Gateway Arch, home to interactive exhibits that explore America’s westward expansion, the creation of the Arch, and the people who brought this monument to life. This engaging tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery, making it a must-see for anyone visiting St. Louis.
The Delmar Loop, named for the streetcars that once “looped around” the area more than a century ago, is now a lively destination perfect spending the day shopping together. As you stroll along the vibrant streets, you’ll find eclectic one‑of‑a‑kind boutiques, unique galleries, inviting cafés, and plenty of spots to pause for a bite or a drink. With live music drifting through the air and the St. Louis Walk of Fame adding a touch of local charm, the Delmar Loop makes browsing, exploring, and discovering hidden gems an experience the whole group will love.
Saint Louis Galleria makes a girls’ shopping day feel effortless and genuinely fun. With a great mix of specialty shops, including unique stores you won’t find anywhere else in St. Louis, everyone in the group is sure to discover something that catches their eye. When you’re ready for a break, you can settle in for a casual meal right onsite before diving back into browsing. For a laid‑back, all‑in‑one destination where you can shop, chat, and enjoy the day together, Saint Louis Galleria is the perfect pick.
Shopping on The Hill in St. Louis is a delightful experience if you are looking to explore a neighborhood rich with Italian heritage and local character. As you wander together through this walkable, historic district, you’ll pop into specialty gourmet shops, browse unique local boutiques, and discover artisanal gifts and home goods you won’t find anywhere else. Favorites like DiGregorio’s Italian Market, Missouri Baking Company, and The Hill Antique Market add delicious flavors and one‑of‑a‑kind treasures to the day. With its warm atmosphere and authentic charm, The Hill offers the perfect blend of shopping, snacking, and memory‑making.
For those of you looking for a fun night out on your girls’ getaway, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s dancing the night away or girl talk over delicious cocktails, we’ve got options. We’ll help you find the right fit with our favorite local search links below.
Dark, cozy, and deliciously indulgent, Baileys’ Chocolate Bar is all about decadent desserts and creative cocktails, especially their signature chocolate martinis and dessert drinks. Located in the charming Lafayette Square area, it has a lounge‑style atmosphere that feels intimate and special, perfect for lingering conversations and sweet treats made from scratch alongside a full bar and small plates.
Bold, playful, and unapologetically fun, Hidden Gem lives up to its name. This self‑described “disco dive bar” in Midtown features a bright pink interior, sparkling disco balls, and wildly creative cocktails served in everything from disco balls to boot‑shaped glasses. Created by the sisters behind the local Golden Gems brand, the bar was designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and joy‑filled. Check the calendar for regular events like karaoke, trivia, drag, burlesque, specialty events and weekend dance parties.
Perched atop the Moonrise Hotel in the Delmar Loop, the Rooftop Garden Bar delivers one of the most iconic views in the city. This open‑air rooftop sits beneath the world’s largest rotating man‑made moon and offers panoramic views of the St. Louis skyline, Gateway Arch, and the lively Delmar Loop below. The bar serves hand‑crafted cocktails, wine, beer, and shareable small plates, all in a stylish, space‑themed setting. It’s open seasonally and is especially popular around sunset for golden‑hour drinks and city views.
A beloved classic on the St. Louis wine‑bar scene, Sasha’s Wine Bar (especially the Shaw location) offers a cozy, eclectic atmosphere with a neighborhood feel. Known for its extensive wine list, relaxed patio seating, and approachable menu of shareable plates like charcuterie, flatbreads, and small bites, Sasha’s blends casual comfort with a touch of old‑school charm.
High‑energy, loud, and packed with personality, Tin Roof is a downtown St. Louis favorite for live music, dancing, and late‑night fun. Located just steps from Busch Stadium and the Enterprise Center, this multi‑level bar is known as a true live‑music joint, hosting bands and DJs most nights of the week, especially on weekends. The atmosphere is casual and rowdy in the best way, with plenty of space to dance, sing along, and grab drinks late into the night (often until 3 a.m. on weekends!).
Warm, stylish, and effortlessly chic, Winnie’s Wine Bar is a relaxed yet polished spot tucked near the Lafayette Square area. The space has a cozy, lounge‑like feel with comfortable seating, a welcoming patio, and thoughtful design touches inspired by travel and wine regions around the world. Known for its excellent wine selection, especially its curated wine flights, Winnie’s also offers shareable small plates that make it easy to snack while sipping.
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