The Executive’s Guide to St. Louis: How to Spend a World-Class Weekend Downtown

Moving to a new city for a long-term corporate assignment or full relocation can feel like navigating a maze of logistics. But once you settle into your fully furnished executive suite, the real excitement begins: discovering your new hometown.

Whether you’re in St. Louis for 30 days or making a permanent move, Downtown St. Louis and its adjacent historic neighborhoods offer a rich blend of James Beard-recognized dining, iconic landmarks, and effortless Midwestern hospitality. Here is your ultimate guide to spending an unforgettable weekend exploring the heart of the Gateway City.

Friday Evening: Rooftop Drinks & Legendary Cajun Flavors

Start your weekend by getting your bearings from high above the city skyline. Drop your bags and head straight to a downtown rooftop lounge for a craft cocktail with a view of the 630-foot Gateway Arch.

For dinner, step into one of the city’s most famous culinary institutions: Broadway Oyster Bar. Don’t let the rustic exterior fool you—this beloved destination has been serving up authentic Cajun-Creole fare and live music 365 days a year for decades.

Did You Know? St. Louis has a rich French heritage, founded in 1764 and named after King Louis IX. That historical connection lives on in local culinary staples like toasted ravioli, French-inspired bistros, and authentic gumbo.

Saturday Morning: Architecture, Artisanal Coffee & Iconic Views

Start your morning at a leisurely pace:

1. Grab Coffee & Pastries: Head toward the Washington Avenue Loft District for a freshly roasted single-origin espresso and local pastries.

2. Stroll Citygarden: Take a short walk through Citygarden Sculpture Park, an urban oasis featuring world-class contemporary sculptures, lush landscaping, and striking architectural backdrops.

3. Visit the Gateway Arch National Park: Walk through the redesigned underground museum, which traces North American history and westward expansion. If you aren't claustrophobic, take the tram ride 630 feet up to the observation deck for panoramic views across the Mississippi River.

Saturday Afternoon: James Beard Dining & Historic Neighborhoods

For lunch, take a quick five-minute drive or ride-share just south of downtown into historic Benton Park or The Hill—the city’s famous historic Italian neighborhood.

• Taste a Beard-Award Classic: Visit Gioia’s Deli on The Hill, recipient of the prestigious James Beard Foundation "America’s Classics" Award. Order the Hot Salami sandwich on garlic bread—it’s been made fresh in-house since 1918.

• Explore Gerard Craft's Culinary Empire: If you prefer modern Italian, head to Pastaria or Brasserie, both spearheaded by James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft and Niche Food Group.

After lunch, take a stroll through the Central West End or Forest Park—a 1,300-acre green space larger than New York’s Central Park that houses the Saint Louis Art Museum and Saint Louis Zoo (both offer free general admission).

Saturday Night: Catch a Game or a Broadway Show

St. Louis is legendary for its sports culture and thriving arts scene:

• Cardinals Baseball at Busch Stadium: If you're visiting between April and October, nothing beats taking in a game in downtown St. Louis surrounded by sea-of-red fans.

• Grand Center Arts District: Prefer the theater? Catch a touring Broadway production at the historic Fabulous Fox Theatre or an orchestral performance by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Sunday Morning: Brunch & A Historic Brewery Tour

Wrap up your weekend with a quintessential local tradition:

• Brunch at Rooster: Famous for farm-to-table savory crepes, thick-cut bacon, and bloody marys, this popular downtown spot is a staple for weekend brunch.

• Tour the Historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Finish your afternoon with a walk through the historic red-brick Anheuser-Busch campus in Soulard. Take the tour to see the breathtaking 1882 architecture, state-of-the-art brewing facilities, and the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales up close.

Make Your Move Effortless with Arch Interim Housing

Exploring a new city is best enjoyed when you have a comfortable, stress-free home base to return to every evening. At Arch Interim Housing, we provide corporate executives, relocating employees, and traveling professionals with luxury, fully furnished apartments across the most desirable neighborhoods in the St. Louis area.

Ready to plan your corporate stay? Contact our St. Louis relocation specialists today to find your perfect suite.