St Louis, a city renowned for its Gateway Arch, blues heritage, and sporting culture, presents a wealth of opportunities for budget-conscious travellers. Contrary to assumptions that exploration necessitates significant expenditure, the city offers an extensive array of free attractions. These activities reveal the city's distinctive character, vibrant culture, and rich history without straining finances. This guide details specific free attractions available to visitors, covering categories from world-class cultural institutions to unique local experiences.
Forest Park Free Treasures
Forest Park serves as a central hub for several of St Louis's premier free attractions, making it an ideal starting point for a cost-effective visit.
Saint Louis Zoo Located within Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is recognised as one of the top free zoos in the United States. It houses over 16,000 animals representing 600 species. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits such as River’s Edge, the Primate House, and the Penguin & Puffin Coast. While general admission is free, certain experiences within the zoo, such as the Sea Lion Show or Giraffe Feeding, incur additional charges. The zoo operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during the summer season.
Saint Louis Art Museum Also situated in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum offers free general admission. The museum's collection spans cultures and time periods, featuring ancient artifacts, contemporary masterpieces, and notable works by artists such as Van Gogh and Matisse. The museum is housed in a grand Beaux-Arts building and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays until 9:00 PM.
Saint Louis Science Center The Saint Louis Science Center provides free admission to hundreds of interactive exhibits covering science, space, dinosaurs, and technology. It is a popular destination for families and those with an interest in scientific discovery. The centre is open daily, with hours typically from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, though specific times may vary.
Missouri History Museum This museum, also located in Forest Park, offers free admission and focuses on the history of Missouri, St Louis, and the American West. Exhibits cover significant events such as the 1904 World’s Fair and the civil rights movement. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00 PM.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Beyond Forest Park, St Louis contains numerous historical and cultural venues that offer free admission.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis Famous for its extensive collection of mosaics, this cathedral is one of the largest in the world, featuring over 41 million glass tiles. Visitors can tour the basilica and admire its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere. While entry to the cathedral is free, there is a suggested donation of $2 to access the Mosaic Museum. The cathedral is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily but may close for weddings and special events.
Old Courthouse A significant site in St Louis history, the Old Courthouse is where Dred Scott and his wife Harriet sued for their freedom in 1847. Admission is free, and the courthouse is open daily, though it is closed on select public holidays.
Economy Museum at Federal Reserve Bank This unique museum offers over 100 interactive exhibits, activities, and games exploring the history of finances and the economy. Visitors can try to lift a 28-pound gold bar and explore "The Vault." Admission is free, and the museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. All visitors aged 18 and over must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
World Chess Hall of Fame Located in the Central West End neighbourhood, this museum features chess exhibits and maintains inductees for the U.S. and World Chess Hall of Fame. Admission is free, though there is a donation box near the greeter’s desk. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Unique and Seasonal Experiences
St Louis offers several distinctive free activities, including factory tours and seasonal events.
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company Tour This free factory tour runs Monday through Friday. Tours are conducted every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, allowing visitors to see, hear, smell, and taste chocolates. Due to popularity, free tickets must be reserved in advance online.
Grand Hall Light Show Located at the St Louis Union Station Hotel, this 3D light show runs nightly on the hour from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The show features images of flowers and fireworks projected onto the 65-foot ceiling of the Grand Hall Lobby.
Moto Museum This museum houses a private collection of vintage motorcycles from over 20 countries. While admission is free, there is an optional donation box. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Muny (Free Seats) America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre offers nearly 1,500 free seats for every performance. These seats are located in the last nine rows and are available on a first-come, first-served basis when the gates open. The 2025 season includes performances of Frozen, Evita, and Jersey Boys.
Parks, Gardens, and Outdoor Spaces
Several green spaces and parks provide free opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
Citygarden An urban park downtown that combines art and nature, Citygarden features contemporary sculptures, fountains, and lush gardens. Interactive water features are popular with children during the summer months, and the lighting after sunset creates a romantic setting. The park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center Located just outside the city, this nature centre offers walking trails, boating opportunities, and stunning landscapes, all for free.
Soulard Farmers Market The oldest operating public market in St Louis and one of the oldest in the US, this free market is open Wednesday through Saturday. It offers fresh fruit, vegetables, bakery items, and tasty treats.
Grant’s Farm This family-oriented attraction includes a tram ride through a deer park and a visit to the Tiergarten petting zoo area. While the tram ride and petting zoo are free, some rides and concessions within the park incur additional charges. Grant’s Farm is open seasonally, typically from April through October.
Attractions with Conditional Free Access
Some St Louis attractions offer free admission under specific conditions, such as on certain days of the week or for local residents.
Missouri Botanical Garden This popular garden is free for St Louis City and County residents every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The garden features a 14-acre Japanese Garden, a Victorian District, and the George Washington Carver Garden.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis This museum offers free admission to cutting-edge exhibits featuring local, national, and international artists. Rotating exhibits ensure there is always something new to discover. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays until 9:00 PM.
Conclusion
St Louis provides a remarkable range of free attractions that cater to diverse interests, from families and art enthusiasts to history buffs and food lovers. The city’s commitment to accessible culture and recreation is evident in its world-class zoos, museums, and public spaces, many of which are permanently free of charge. For others, free access is available on specific days or for local residents. By planning visits around these offerings, travellers can experience the full depth of St Louis’s heritage and vibrancy without incurring significant costs.