Central West End Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central West End
Central West End
Central West End
Central West End
Central West End
Enjoy this relaxed area, the ultimate destination for a lazy afternoon. Browse unique stores, admire artworks and sip coffee at sidewalk tables shaded by trees.

The Central West End is the ideal place to enjoy characteristic St. Louis atmosphere. Fill your days with the sights and sounds of this charming neighborhood, where grand historic buildings meet modern stores, restaurants and attractions. Stop at some of the fascinating local museums while you are here.

Find some of St. Louis’ best-preserved historic streets in the Central West End. Much of its architecture dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1904, the city held the St. Louis World’s Fair, turning this area into a favorite among chic, wealthy citizens. Famous people who once walked these streets include literary greats Tennessee Williams, T.S. Eliot, Sara Teasdale and William S. Burroughs.

Discovering eclectic stores and cafés filling the Central West End is a highlight of any trip. Many of St. Louis’ tourist sights are concentrated here too. Make sure you stop at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, a stunning building with ornate paintings reaching all the way up to its high ceiling. Admire the detail of the extensive mosaic collection in the basement museum.

Continue your spiritual journey at the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art. The collections here draw items from across many different faiths and nations. See how artists working today are bringing new perspectives to the age-old theme of faith.

Another novel attraction is the World Chess Hall of Fame, which is home to the world’s largest chess piece. Look for this impressive object, which stands outside, as you approach. Inside, learn about World Chess champions and see their stories told through medals, trophies and other personal items.

The Central West End is easy to find due to its location in the heart of the city. Go on a sunny day to enjoy Forest Park, a peaceful green space that is the pride of the area. If it starts to rain, step into the St. Louis Art Museum or the Missouri History Museum, both housed in the park.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Central West End Hotel Deals

The West End
The West End
2 out of 5
4215 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO
The price is AU$203 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
AU$203
includes taxes & fees
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St. Louis Zoo and St. Louis Union Station ...
8.2/10 Very good! (170 reviews)
"Quiet and clean - centrally located and reasonable rates. Kitchen area with juice, fruit, coffee. Exercise room."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

The West End
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park
4 out of 5
4550 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$290 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$290
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very good! (990 reviews)
"Very clean, excellent handicap-accessible room, friendly and knowledgeable staff. We were dealing with a family emergency and had to rush to Barnes Jewish Hospital for my father. They were very kind and made it possible for us to check-in early so we could get over to the hospital and not have to ..."

Reviewed on 20 Mar. 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park
 The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
4.5 out of 5
212 N Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO
The price is AU$384 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$384
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"I always enjoy my stay at The Chase"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
4 out of 5
215 YORK AVENUE, St. Louis, MO
The price is AU$239 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$239
includes taxes & fees
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (563 reviews)
"Great property, some of the late night"

Reviewed on 4 Mar. 2025

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
Aloft St. Louis Cortex
Aloft St. Louis Cortex
3 out of 5
4245 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO
The price is AU$228 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$228
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very good! (627 reviews)
"This property is very clean and inviting. My room was clean—worried about highway/smoker smell but didn’t seem to experience that inside which was great. Love the atmosphere and amenities."

Reviewed on 2 Mar. 2025

Aloft St. Louis Cortex
Holiday Inn Express St Louis - Central West End by IHG
Holiday Inn Express St Louis - Central West End by IHG
2.5 out of 5
4630 Lindell, St. Louis, MO
The price is AU$257 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$257
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very good! (1,005 reviews)
"Up dated place. Very clean and modern"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

Holiday Inn Express St Louis - Central West End by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Central West End

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The Grove

While there might not be top attractions in The Grove, you can explore the larger area and discover places like St. Louis Zoo and St. Louis Science Center.

The Grove
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Midtown

While you're in Midtown, take in top sights like Chaifetz Arena and jump on the metro at Grand Station to see more of the city.

Midtown
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The Hill

While The Hill isn't home to many top sights, St. Louis Zoo and St. Louis Science Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

The Hill
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Shaw

Shaw might not have many top sights, but Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum and St. Louis Science Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Shaw
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The Gate

While The Gate may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like St. Louis Union Station and Busch Stadium.

The Gate
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Southwest Garden

While Southwest Garden may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like St. Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum.

Southwest Garden

Central West End Travel Guide

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