St. Louisans are treated to what is perhaps one of the loveliest landscapes in the country, as well as one of the most diverse communities. We love it here and (though we’re admittedly a bit biased) there really is no place like our hometown. With so much to see and do, it is no wonder that tourists flock to the city to take in its culture. In fact, the city has such a notable personality that it is arguably the most unique city in the nation. For proof of this, look no further than the following list of things unique to St. Louis. Whether you’re an out-of-towner or a local, you’re bound to be impressed by all the cool things to do in St. Louis!

1. We're a "20-minute city," thanks to our travel systems.
Jim Bauer/Flickr
Thanks to the transit system and the well-planned layout of city streets, it is a breeze to travel to just about any major attraction in the city quickly.
2. St. Louis was the site of the first modern-day fair.
Philip Leara/Flickr
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the World's Fair, was the birthplace of modern festival icons. At this celebration, attendees were introduced to waffle cones, cotton candy, Dr. Pepper, and hot dogs. Can you imagine a fulfilling trip to the fairgrounds without a hot dog and cotton candy?
3. At the heart of our city is a fairy tale park.
Philip Leara/Flickr
Forest Park mesmerizes and enchants visitors, just as it did a century ago. Interestingly enough, its 1904 debut helped us get selected to host the first Olympic games in the United States! The honor was originally meant for Chicago, but Forest Park and the World's Fair changed everything.
4. Our cityscape is home to the tallest man-made monument in the nation.
John Hilliard/Flickr
Measuring an impressive 630 feet, the Gateway Arch overlooks its surrounding landscape. This stunning monument is the crown jewel of the city, and locals and visitors alike are moved by its beauty.
5. There is artwork everywhere the eye lands.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
From the intricate statues of Citygarden to the incredible sunrises and sunsets painted across our sky, our landscape is purely mesmerizing.
6. We are one of the most affordable destinations in the country.
Jon Dickson/Flickr
St. Louis is overflowing with free and affordable attractions, making it an ideal place to go for vacation... or live here permanently!

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7. St. Louis is really a playground for adults.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
There are so many incredible places in St. Louis that will bring our the kid in you. City Museum, for example, is truly an oddball attraction that challenges the limits of imagination.
8. We are a big city with a small town attitude.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Friendly Midwestern attitudes abound in this charming community. Many of our neighborhoods are tightly-knit, and native St. Louisans are well-mannered— the kind of people that smile and hold the door for you.
9. The city is overflowing with history.
Philip Leara/Flickr
St. Louis was established in 1764 as a French fur trading post. The influence of the 1904 World's Fair can still be found in St. Louis culture, and the traditions of our many immigrant communities have been preserved in architecture, art, and food. The entirety of the city is a story waiting to be read.
10. The social scene in St. Louis has always been lively.
velo_city/Flickr
Purportedly, the first-ever cocktail party was hosted right here in town by a Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr.! St. Louisans are also known for being welcoming and for our municipal equality, as this is one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the nation. Plus, the city streets are super walkable, making the city an ideal place for families and pet owners to get out and about.
11. Our baseball games are truly unlike any other.
Joe Penniston/Flickr
If you want to see St. Louisan passion being thrown in your face, you might want to catch a Cardinals game. It might be an overwhelming experience at a Cards-Cubs game, as we also host one of the most bitter rivalries in Major League Baseball, but we're unbreakably loyal and supportive of out team.
12. We're the place to go if you wish to experience all four seasons in a week.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Sometimes, if you're visiting on a really special day, you can experience all four seasons in a mere 24 hours. Though we may complain about our unpredictable weather, it is truly something to experience and keeps life interesting.
13. This is one city that is really passionate about food.
ATOMIC Hot Links/Flickr
Sure, there are plenty of foodie communities all across the nation, but St. Louis goes a step beyond that, fusing particular foods with local lifestyle. We indulge in Provel cheese, gooey butter cake, and irresistible toasted ravioli— all of which are St. Louis specialties. We're known for our incredible barbecues and we consume more sauce per capita than any other city in the nation! Oh, and did I mention that St. Louis is the birthplace of peanut butter?

With so much to love, it’s no surprise that St. Louis boasts a population of around 315,000 across only 66 square miles. The city is endlessly charming, and it is truly one-of-a-kind.

Did you enjoy reading about these things unique to St. Louis? Which features do you think make our city stand out from others? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!

Love St. Louis culture? You’ll adore these coveted and time-tested restaurants.

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things unique to St. Louis

Beth C. | October 10, 2022

What is St. Louis known for?

Due to its location, St. Louis is often thought of as the center of the heartland, offering both frontier roots and vibrant city living. It's often referred to as the "Gateway to the West," as symbolized by its famous arch. St. Louis is also known for its loyal sports fans as well as its impressive blues music scene.

What can I do for fun in St. Louis?

As you've probably gathered by now, St. Louis, Missouri is a one-of-a-kind destination. And, if you're looking for fun, you're bound to find it here. From family-friendly attractions to romantic date night spots, there's simply no shortage of impressive destinations to explore. At the top of our list of recommendations would be the iconic Forest Park. This lovely landmark's history dates back to 1876, and it even served as the site of the 1904 World's Fair. It's no mystery why it's known as the "heart of St. Louis"! Another must-visit site is the Gateway Arch. At a towering 630 feet, it's the tallest arch in the world, and the view from the top is second to none. Some other unique places to see in St. Louis include the Saint Louis Art Museum, Soulard Farmers Market, City Museum, CityGarden, the Old Courthouse, and the St. Louis Zoo.

What food is St. Louis known for?

If you've never tried fried ravioli, it's a St. Louis must. The delicious pasta is deep-fried to perfection and makes for an incredible appetizer. Of course, St. Louis also has a wonderful immigrant influence, so you'll likely find all kinds of German, French, and Italian influences.

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