St. Louis offers a walkable mix of iconic architecture, lively neighborhoods, and fascinating stories that go far beyond just the Gateway Arch. Its compact downtown, historic districts, and colorful neighborhoods like Soulard make it ideal for exploring on foot. Whether you’re interested in uncovering true crime stories, marveling at historic landmarks, or experiencing private custom tours, there’s a walking experience suited to your interests. St. Louis’s manageable size and accessible public transportation make it easy to hop from one highlight to the next without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, many tours are quite affordable, offering deep dives into specific themes, or a broad overview of the city’s past and present.
For a traveler keen on history and local tales, guided walks can turn the city’s streets into an open-air museum. If you prefer a mix of sightseeing and storytelling, options like True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard or Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour deliver engaging narratives. Visitors with limited time might opt for condensed tours such as the St. Louis Arch – Walking Tour and Entrance Ticket, which combines the city’s most iconic icon with a guided walk. And for those wanting a fully customized experience, private tours like Saint Louis Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide let you decide what to see and learn at your own pace.
1. True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighborhood
At number one, this True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard offers a lively glimpse into the darker side of St. Louis history. For just $30, you’ll spend about an hour walking through one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations and historic charm. The tour covers stories of armed bank robberies, voting riots, bloody duels, and prohibition gangsters, making it a hit for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts alike. The guide shares tales from the prohibition era, complete with props and pictures that bring these stories to life.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on local crime stories, which make the city’s past feel tangible. It’s ideal if you enjoy storytelling that mixes history with a hint of the macabre. The tour ends at Soulard Farmers Market, giving you a chance to explore the area further. Reviews highlight the guide’s humor and knowledge, with one describing it as “great stories of local criminals,” and another calling the guide “very knowledgeable and funny.” The tour is easy to access, meeting near publictransport, and the option to bring your own drink adds a Mardi Gras twist.
Bottom line: It’s a quick, engaging way to connect with St. Louis’s sometimes gritty past, perfect for those who love stories with a bit of spice.
2. St. Louis Arch – Walking Tour and Entrance Ticket
Next on our list, the St. Louis Arch – Walking Tour and Entrance Ticket offers a well-rounded experience for about $50. It combines a guided walk through the city’s historic core with a visit to the famous Gateway Arch. Starting at Kiener Plaza Park, the 1.5-hour tour includes stops at the Old Courthouse, the Basilica of Saint Louis, the Mississippi River, and the Gateway Arch Museum. The guide shares interesting stories about the city’s westward expansion and the arch’s design, enriching the experience beyond just taking photos.
The real highlight is ascending the Arch itself, where you get panoramic views of St. Louis and beyond. The tour is highly rated; reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the flexible, personalized approach. It’s an excellent option for first-timers eager to see the major sights with context. The combination of outdoor walking, museum visits, and the arch ascent offers good value for the price, especially given the included entrance ticket.
Bottom line: For a broad yet detailed introduction to St. Louis’s landmarks, this tour is hard to beat—especially if you want to see the city from above.
3. Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour
If you prefer to focus on architecture and historic landmarks, the Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour is perfect. For around $17, you’ll explore in about two and a half hours the grand buildings such as Union Station, Soldiers Memorial, and the Central Library. The guide provides a lively commentary on the architecture, art, and preservation efforts that turned downtown St. Louis from blighted to beautiful.
This tour is particularly good for travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable overview of key downtown sites. The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, with descriptions like “fabulous and very knowledgeable,” and mention that the tour is suitable for families, with engaging storytelling. It’s a solid value for a tour that covers so many major landmarks in a relatively short time.
Bottom line: This tour offers a thorough downtown stroll, making it ideal for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts who want a quick but rich immersion into the city’s core.
4. Walking Tour of the Saint Louis Fascinating History
At number four, this private tour (Walking Tour of the Saint Louis Fascinating History) is a premium experience that costs around $204 per person. It’s designed for those who prefer a personalized touch, with a guide all to themselves. This 2-hour walk covers highlights like the Gateway Arch, Basilica of St. Louis, and the Wainwright Building—an early skyscraper—and allows you to customize the itinerary based on your interests.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and depth. The guide shares detailed stories, and since it’s private, you can focus on your favorite sites at your own pace. Reviews mention guides being extremely knowledgeable and personable. The tour is suited for travelers who want a tailored experience, perhaps combining sightseeing with in-depth storytelling about architecture and city history.
Bottom line: It’s an excellent choice if you’re traveling with a small group or want a deep dive into specific aspects of St. Louis, with the convenience of a private guide.
5. Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour
For those interested in St. Louis’s eastern neighborhoods, the Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour is a two-and-a-half-hour journey through the city’s vibrant historic districts. Starting at the Old Courthouse, the tour showcases architectural marvels, bridges like Eads Bridge, and the Old Post Office. The tour reveals how the city’s French-American roots and industrial past shape its identity today.
Rated 4.5 stars, this small-group tour (limited to 15 travelers) offers an intimate experience. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s personable approach and the chance to see both famous sites and lesser-known corners. It’s perfect if you want to understand how the city balances history with modern development.
Bottom line: Small group size and focused storytelling make this an engaging choice for curious travelers exploring the east side of downtown.
6. St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour
If you’re looking for a comprehensive half-day experience, the St. Louis Arch and River Cruise is well worth the $144. It begins with a guided walk around the Basilica of Saint Louis and the Gateway Arch before ascending the Arch for stunning city views. Then, it transitions to a river cruise that offers a relaxing perspective of St. Louis from the Mississippi.
This 4-hour tour combines the city’s top attractions with the scenic beauty of the river. One reviewer noted how the guide made the tour informative and fun, and the boat trip added a relaxing element. It’s best suited for travelers who want to see iconic landmarks and enjoy a leisurely cruise without booking separate tickets.
Bottom line: This package is ideal if you want a well-rounded, scenic look at St. Louis, blending urban exploration with river views.
7. St. Louis Arch Walking Tour and Entrance Ticket
This tour (St. Louis Arch Walking Tour and Entrance Ticket) is perfect if you want to combine a guided walk with the chance to go inside the Arch. For about $50, the tour begins at Kiener Plaza, where a guide introduces you to the Dred Scott case site and the city’s westward expansion. It includes a tram ride up the Arch, with spectacular views from the observation deck.
Guests have praised the guide’s knowledge and the flexibility of the tour, even in rain. The experience is suitable for those who want to see the city from above and hear stories about its history. The included tram ride and the historic context make this tour a good value for a comprehensive experience.
Bottom line: For an inside look at the Arch combined with an engaging walk, this tour fits well for history lovers and panoramic views.
8. Saint Louis Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Number eight offers a customizable private experience (Saint Louis Private Custom Walking Tour). For $25 per person (up to 14 people), you can tailor your 3-hour tour to focus on neighborhoods like Downtown Delights or Soulard. Your local guide provides detailed insights into the city’s neighborhoods, architecture, and secret spots.
This tour is especially suited for travelers with specific interests or those who want the flexibility to explore at their own pace. Although the review is only one, the guide’s friendliness and knowledge make it a promising option. It’s a good fit for groups who want a personalized experience that covers more ground or dives into particular themes.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a flexible, private experience with the option to customize what they see and learn.
9. Exploring St. Louis with the Family Walking Tour
Designed specifically for families, this Family Walking Tour covers major sites like the Basilica, Gateway Arch, and Citygarden in around three hours. While it currently has no reviews, its focus on kid-friendly landmarks and interactive exhibits makes it a practical choice for traveling with children.
The tour includes visits to engaging destinations such as the Museum at the Gateway Arch and Citygarden, which features sculptures and play areas. It’s priced for a group, at approximately $270.70 per person, reflecting the private, family-oriented nature of the experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for families seeking a balanced mix of education and fun, with plenty of opportunities for kids to explore and learn.
10. St. Louis: Private Walking Tour for Up to 14 People
Finally, this private tour (St. Louis: Private Walking Tour for Up to 14 People) offers flexibility at $200 for groups up to 14. You can pick from pre-planned itineraries or craft your own. It covers highlights like Downtown Delights, Soulard, and other neighborhoods, with the guide sharing personal insights along the way.
The tour is best for groups who want to customize their day or explore neighborhoods that aren’t always included in standard tours. Reviewers note the guide’s ability to uncover hidden gems and provide a personalized experience.
Bottom line: Great for groups with specific interests or those who want a private, flexible approach to exploring St. Louis.
How to Choose Your Walking Tour in St. Louis
When deciding on the best walking tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a quick overview, the Landmarks Downtown-West Tour offers a comprehensive city intro at an affordable price. For a deeper, personalized experience, the Private Custom Tour provides flexibility. History buffs may prefer the True Crime Tour, while families will find the Family Tour a neat way to blend education with fun.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. Think about whether you want to combine sightseeing with other activities like visiting the Arch or taking a river cruise. Most tours are walkable, but check if they are suitable for your fitness level and interest in walking.
In summary, St. Louis offers a variety of walking tours that cater to different tastes and schedules. The True Crime Walking Tour and Arch tours stand out for their unique themes and comprehensive experiences. Whether you’re here for the architecture, history, or fun with family, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable walks through the city’s streets.