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 neighbourhood, 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 favourite 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 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$402 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$402
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Very nice stay"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
Aloft St. Louis Cortex

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

3 out of 5
4245 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$204 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$204
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (720 reviews)
Cubs win!
"We came with family and friends to a baseball game. This was close enough to the ballpark and was in a quiet area. Had to park near the facility for a short walk. Friendly staff and clean location. The room was nice, bed was very comfortable for both of us, shower was nice, good water pressure. Had ..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Aloft St. Louis Cortex
The West End

The West End

2 out of 5
4215 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO
The price is AU$223 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$223
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions St. Louis Union Station and Busch Stadium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (276 reviews)
"It’s an affordable and nice property. In a nice neighborhood. The staff was excellent!"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

The West End
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch

4 out of 5
315 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO
The price is AU$215 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
AU$215
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,925 reviews)
"Very clean!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis

Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis

3.5 out of 5
777 Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights, MO
The price is AU$220 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
AU$220
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Maryland Heights. Enjoy free parking, 7 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,050 reviews)
"It was nice and relaxing"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

3 out of 5
2 South 4th Street, St. Louis, MO
The price is AU$215 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$215
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,927 reviews)
"Stayed three days , the staff were kind and friendly. Our room was awesome and the bed was very comfortable. Bathroom was clean with instant hot water and great shower pressure . Would stay again when in St. Louis."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
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 Science Center and Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum.

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 Science Center and Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum 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 Messiah Lutheran Church 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 Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum and St. Louis Science Center.

Southwest Garden

Central West End Travel Guide

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