St. Louis is a city that loves to show off its diverse personality through its many tours. From chilling ghost walks in historic neighborhoods to fascinating architecture and tasty bites, there’s something for nearly every type of traveler. We especially like the Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour for its spooky stories and paranormal insights, and the True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard for those interested in the city’s darker past. With such a variety of experiences, your visit can be both educational and entertaining.
Whether you’re after a quick overview of the city, a deep dive into its haunted heritage, or a food-focused adventure, St. Louis offers a broad selection of tours. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 16 best options, highlighting what makes each unique and who it’s best suited for.
1. Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour
This evening tour takes you through one of America’s most haunted neighborhoods. Led by a paranormal investigator, you’ll explore the Lemp Mansion, Lemp Brewery, and the mysterious Marion Hospital. The tour includes stops at three creepy basements, where you’ll learn about the long-buried ghost stories connected to the Lemp family, who once owned a large brewery and mansion now famous for its spooky reputation. The nighttime setting enhances the eerie atmosphere, making it perfect for those who love ghost stories and paranormal phenomena.
The tour lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes and is praised for its engaging storytelling and authentic paranormal insights. A common comment from visitors is that the stories bring the history to life with a supernatural twist. It’s highly recommended for anyone interested in local legends, haunted history, or just a good scare. If you’re after a spooky experience beyond standard history, this tour delivers.
Bottom Line: An atmospheric, paranormal-focused walk for lovers of ghost stories, offering a mix of history and mystery in a charming neighborhood.
2. St Louis: 75-Minute City Trolley Tour
For those wanting a quick overview of St. Louis’s most iconic sights, this guided trolley tour hits all the highlights in just 75 minutes. Traveling comfortably, you’ll see landmarks like the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, and the Mississippi River, all narrated by a local guide. The trolley’s large windows and climate control make it a relaxing way to cover much ground without breaking a sweat or dealing with parking.
This tour is perfect if you’re short on time or want a snapshot of the city’s main attractions. Reviews emphasize the professional commentary and the convenience of seeing major sights without walking long distances. It’s an ideal choice for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a solid introduction.
Bottom Line: A concise, comfortable way to get the lay of the land and spot key sights in a short period.
3. St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour
This 1.5-hour narrated trolley tour offers a well-rounded introduction to St. Louis. It covers Forest Park, Union Station, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and more. The vintage-style trolley adds charm, and the guide’s commentary provides context about architecture, sports, and cultural sites. You’ll see the Cardinals’ stadium, the zoo, and the Art Museum, making it an excellent primer for planning your next activities.
Guests praise the tour guide for their knowledge and humor, which keeps the experience lively. It’s especially suited for those who want to see many highlights without much walking or those looking for a relaxed way to learn about the city’s character.
Bottom Line: A friendly, informative tour that helps orient you to St. Louis’s major attractions efficiently.
4. True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighborhood
This 1-hour walking tour takes you through Soulard, renowned for Mardi Gras but also for its grim criminal past. Led by a storyteller who shares tales of armed bank robberies, duels, votes riots, and prohibition gangsters, you’ll pass historic homes and the vibrant Soulard Farmers Market. It’s perfect for those interested in true crime, local legends, and lively neighborhood history.
Guests love how the tour combines entertaining storytelling with cultural insights, making history fun. The tour ends near a popular pub, so bringing your own drink is welcome—Mardi Gras style. It’s a lively, engaging way to learn about St. Louis’s darker side.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, fact-filled walk into the city’s criminal past, ideal for history fans and crime enthusiasts alike.
5. Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries)
This private, customizable tour lasts between 4 and 6 hours, perfect for those wanting a deep dive into St. Louis’s culinary scene. Led by Wayne, you’ll explore famous BBQ spots like Pappy’s Smokehouse, renowned for its ribs, and visit breweries like Side Project Brewing and the historic Anheuser-Busch. The tour combines culture, history, and flavor, with tastings of local brews and barbecue.
Guests rave about Wayne’s knowledge and friendly approach, and the tour’s flexibility means you can tailor it to your interests. The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks and plenty of opportunities to indulge in local favorites.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive food and drink tour for those eager to taste the best of St. Louis while learning about its brewing and barbecue traditions.
6. Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show – St. Louis, MO
If you enjoy interactive entertainment, this murder mystery dinner combines comedy, a chef-led meal, and interactive crime-solving. Held at the Hilton Frontenac, guests are immersed in a whodunit where actors double as diners and suspects. Throughout the evening, you’ll follow clues, question actors, and even participate in solving the crime.
The three-hour experience is perfect for a fun night out with friends or family. Reviewers often mention how the cast’s humor and the engaging storyline make for a delightful, memorable evening. The included 4-course meal adds value, making it a complete entertainment experience.
Bottom Line: An interactive, lively dinner show ideal for those wanting a night of laughs and mystery.
7. Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise
This three-hour small-group tour offers an efficient way to see both the Gateway Arch and enjoy a river cruise. Your guide takes you from your hotel to ascend the Arch for panoramic views, then offers a narrated drive through city highlights like Forest Park, City Hall, and more. The river cruise provides a different perspective of the city skyline and the Mississippi River.
Rated highly, the small group size (up to 7 people) ensures a personalized experience. Many reviewers mention how this tour’s combination of sightseeing and river views makes it one of the best ways to experience St. Louis compactly.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, personalized tour blending city views and river scenery for a memorable half-day.
8. St Louis: City Museum General Admission Ticket
This ticket grants access to the City Museum, a whimsical, imaginative playground housed in a 100-year-old building. Filled with recycled architectural objects, the museum offers interactive exhibits, slides, and outdoor climbing spaces that appeal to kids and adults alike. It’s a must-see for families, creative types, or anyone looking to indulge their inner child.
Visitors love the unexpected surprises and the chance to climb, slide, and explore in a truly unique environment. The outdoor space is perfect for active fun, and the quirky exhibits make for great photos.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive experience that turns sightseeing into play, ideal for families or anyone young at heart.
9. St. Louis Ghosts: Gateway Ghouls and Hauntings
This ghost tour explores downtown St. Louis’s most haunted spots in just 1 hour. Led by a local supernatural expert, you’ll hear stories of restless spirits at Soldiers Memorial, haunted theaters, and parks. The tour visits several historic sites, where eerie tales of paranormal activity and ghosts linger behind the stories.
Reviewers appreciate how the guide shares well-researched tales with humor, making it accessible and fun. It’s perfect for those interested in supernatural stories or a quick spooky experience.
Bottom Line: A short, lively ghost tour filled with spooky stories—great for a quick thrill.
10. St. Louis Ghost Tour: Sinister Sins & Shadows
This hour-long walk covers haunted streets and historic sites, like Kaufman Park and the Stifel Theatre. Led by a local ghost expert, you’ll uncover tales of native American mounds, ghostly soldiers, and paranormal activity at various landmarks. The mix of history and supernatural tales makes it a compelling experience.
Multiple reviews highlight the engaging storytelling and the atmospheric walk. It’s designed for those wanting an intense but brief ghostly encounter.
Bottom Line: An immersive yet concise ghost walk that mixes history with supernatural thrill.
11. St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour
This 4-hour tour combines a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch with a Mississippi Riverboat cruise. Your guide will also take you past city landmarks like Busch Stadium and the Missouri History Museum. The small group format (max 12) ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace.
Guests love how the tour combines sightseeing, a river cruise, and the iconic Arch experience into one seamless outing. The included admissions make it a good value.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one tour perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, relaxing day exploring St. Louis’s highlights.
12. Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour
Ideal for a short sightseeing session, this 2.5-hour walk visits Union Station, Soldiers Memorial, Central Library, and the Wainwright Building. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about architecture, historic preservation, and how the city transformed from blighted areas to landmarks.
Reviewers appreciate the well-paced route and the interesting stories. It’s suited for travelers who want a compact, yet informative introduction to downtown St. Louis.
Bottom Line: A quick, focused tour that covers the city’s most significant buildings and history.
13. “StL’s Best Sights and Bites” – Your Private Tour in St. Louis
This personalized private tour lasts about 4 to 6 hours, combining famous landmarks like the Gateway Arch and Forest Park with culinary stops such as Pappy’s Smokehouse and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Led by Wayne, it’s tailored to your interests, whether you’re into history, food, or both.
Guests highlight Wayne’s knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility, which makes for a highly customized experience. The tour includes transportation and meals, adding convenience and value.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want a tailored, immersive experience—ideal for families and food lovers.
14. Bullets & BBQ at Indoor Shooting Range in St. Louis County
For a different kind of experience, this indoor shooting range offers a safe, supervised environment to try shooting firearms. The facility includes 20 lanes, ventilation, and professional staff. After shooting, you can relax with BBQ and drinks at the range’s restaurant.
While not a traditional tour, it combines adventure and culinary fun, making it perfect for adventure seekers with an interest in shooting sports. Reviewers mention the friendly staff and clean environment.
Bottom Line: An active, exciting outing for those wanting a hands-on experience paired with good food.
15. St. Louis: Food + History Walking Tour of the Central West End
This 3-hour walking tour explores the Central West End, featuring historic architecture and local eateries. Led by a local guide, you’ll sample 5-6 iconic St. Louis foods, from local specialties to cultural flavors.
Guests love how the tour combines culinary delights with storytelling about the neighborhood’s evolution. It’s perfect for foodies and history lovers who want to experience the city’s vibrant food scene firsthand.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, informative walking experience blending culture, cuisine, and history.
16. Walking Tour of the Saint Louis Fascinating History
This private tour lasts about 2 hours, tailored for your group, with a guide leading you through main sights like the Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, and Wainwright Building. You can customize your route to focus on the areas you’re most interested in.
Many reviewers praise the personalized attention and the deep insights into St. Louis’s landmarks. It’s best suited for travelers who want a flexible, private experience that covers the must-see spots plus some hidden surprises.
Bottom Line: A personalized, flexible tour ideal for those wanting a private, intimate exploration of the city.
How to Choose the Best Tour in St Louis
When selecting your perfect tour, consider your time, budget, and interests. If you love ghost stories or spooky tales, the Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour or the Ghosts: Gateway Ghouls and Hauntings are excellent. For a broad overview, the Small Group Tour with the Arch and River Cruise offers a comprehensive experience.
Food lovers should check out the Private Sights and Bites Tour, which combines iconic sites with delicious tastings. Families or those seeking interactive fun might prefer the City Museum. If your schedule is tight, the 75-Minute Trolley provides a quick but thorough introduction.
Book early, especially for popular tours like the Ghost Tours, to ensure availability during peak season or special events.
St. Louis’s diversity means you can enjoy historic, spooky, foodie, or scenic tours—the choice depends on what excites you most. Whether you’re after a thrilling ghost walk, a culinary adventure, or a relaxed city overview, the options listed above are among the best to help you make the most of your visit. Remember to book ahead, and enjoy discovering the many sides of this lively Midwestern city.