St. Louis isn’t just about its famous Gateway Arch — this city offers a fascinating mix of architecture, cultural landmarks, and stories that make for memorable historical tours. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a sports fan, St. Louis’s diverse tour options deliver insightful stories and unique experiences. We especially love how some tours blend food with history, offering a tasty way to learn about this city’s past, like the Food + History Walking Tour of the Central West End, which combines architectural gems with bites of local flavor. With so many options, you’ll find a tour that fits your style and schedule.
Below, we’ve compiled the best historical tours in St. Louis, ranging from lively group walks to private explorations. Each offers a different way to see the city’s past unfold, so read on to find your perfect match.
1. St. Louis: Food + History Walking Tour of the Central West End
For around $99, this 3-hour walking tour (see details here) takes you through the Central West End, one of St. Louis’s most stylish neighborhoods. It’s a great choice for those who want a relaxed pace, combining architecture, local stories, and delicious bites. Led by a dedicated local storyteller, the tour covers about two miles and includes 5-6 iconic St. Louis flavors, from local eateries to historic landmarks.
What sets this tour apart is the blend of culinary experiences with stories of the city’s development, from the era of the World’s Fair to the neighborhood’s economic ups and downs. The guide shares “hidden history” and artifacts outside of Forest Park to give a full picture of how this part of the city evolved. Reviews mention the guide’s passion and knowledge, with one reviewer noting, “Mike knew so much about St. Louis…we learned a lot.” The tour is ideal for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a taste of local culture in a lively, walkable setting.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice if you want a flavorful mix of architecture, local stories, and tasty bites, all with a friendly guide.
2. Walking Tour of the Saint Louis Fascinating History
At $204.06 per person, the private tour (see details here) is ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience. This 2-hour private walk allows you to customize your route, focusing on the stories and sites that interest you most. It’s perfect if you prefer an intimate, flexible outing without the distraction of a large group.
The guide will take you to St. Louis’s key highlights, like the Gateway Arch, Basilica of St. Louis, and the Wainwright Building. These sites are not just pretty—they’re full of stories about the city’s growth, architecture, and influential figures. The personalized approach means you can spend more time on the landmarks that fascinate you most, whether that’s the historic downtown or secret corners you might miss on your own. Guests have praised guides like Ryan and Teresa for their expert knowledge and engaging storytelling, noting how much they learned about the city’s architecture and history.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a private, customizable tour that hits the highlights and some hidden gems, this is a superb choice.
3. Private Walking Tour of Saint Louis’ Fascinating History
For $695 per group, up to 2 people, this 2-hour private tour (see details here) offers an in-depth look at St. Louis’s most iconic landmarks. This experience is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, private exploration of the city’s architectural and historical highlights.
Starting at the Gateway Arch, your guide will lead you through Historic Downtown and reveal local legends and stories associated with each site. This tour emphasizes architecture, history, and local color—a chance to learn stories behind the tallest monument in the U.S. and other notable sites. The focus on hidden gems and lesser-known stories makes this a comprehensive experience for history lovers who want an up-close look of St. Louis’s urban story.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to explore scenic viewpoints of the arch, making this ideal for history buffs and photographers alike. Since it’s flexible, it’s suited for those who want a more detailed, private experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth overview of St. Louis’s architecture and stories.
$695 per group up to 2
4. St. Louis: Food + History Tour in the Central West End
This 3.5-hour tour (see details here) combines delectable local flavors with stories of St. Louis’s past in the beautiful and historic Central West End. For just $99, you’ll walk through a neighborhood famed for its architecture and culinary delights, sampling nearly-forgotten local treats as a local storyteller shares stories of the city’s evolution.
This tour is ideal for those who want a delicious, leisurely walk that reveals cultural history through food and architecture. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to understand local flavors like STL staples, paired with stories about the neighborhood’s booms and busts. Reviewers note the tasty bites and insightful anecdotes, making it a memorable way to learn while dining.
Bottom Line: A great choice for foodies interested in the culinary history of St. Louis, combined with a walk through one of its most charming neighborhoods.
$99 per person
5. St. Louis: Private Baseball History & Fan Experience
At $584 per group (up to 2 people), this 6-hour private tour (see details here) is tailor-made for sports fans, especially those passionate about baseball history. It’s an immersive experience that takes you through St. Louis’s legendary baseball landmarks, including the Cardinals Hall of Fame, Stars Park (linked to Negro League history), and a visit to The Hill, the city’s famous Italian neighborhood.
The tour also includes engaging activities such as the Rawlings Experience, with batting cages and exhibits, blending history with hands-on fun. Reviews highlight how guides bring the stories to life, making it a unique, personalized experience for those interested in sports and local legends. The longer duration makes this ideal for those willing to spend a full day exploring St. Louis’s baseball roots.
Bottom Line: Perfect for baseball lovers or families seeking a comprehensive, interactive tour that combines history, memorabilia, and local culture.
$584 per group up to 2
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a historical tour in St. Louis, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you want a relaxed, food-focused walk, the Food + History Walking Tour offers great value. For a personalized experience, the private tours, or the private baseball experience can be tailored to your tastes. The 2-hour private tour is ideal if you want a quick, flexible overview, while the longer baseball tour suits sports fans with a whole day to explore.
Timing-wise, most tours are offered in the daytime, so plan for good weather — many are outside or involve outdoor walking. Booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred time and guide.
Final Thoughts
St. Louis offers a wide range of historical tours that cater to different interests. For food lovers, the Central West End walk combines bites with stories. Those seeking a more intimate, customized experience will appreciate the private options, whether focused on architecture or baseball history. If your time is limited but you want a rundown, the 2-hour private tour of downtown hits many highlights with flexibility.
For travelers with a passion for sports or architecture, these tours provide a window into the city’s past and culture. Whichever you choose, booking ahead will ensure you get the most out of your visit to this unexpectedly layered American city.