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Those in the know agree: the Midwest is the best.
Often overlooked as a fun getaway due to the cold, dreary winter weather and lack of beaches, some American cities can still lay claim to “underrated” status.
Travelers are looking everywhere for cool places to visit, and some of them can be found right here in our own backyard.
Take Louisville, for example. Not exactly a household name, but it is still becoming increasingly popular. Or perhaps Charlotte, where the city attracted more visitors last year than ever before.
Some of the humblest cities are the most pleasantly surprising. Now it’s St. Louis’ turn.
Here are 5 reasons why you should visit this underrated American city:
The Eiffel Tower of the Midwest
Not to be missed in the beautiful skyline of St. Louis is the famous Gateway Arch. This American icon stood along perhaps the even more famous Mississippi River and received more visitors than in a decade.
More than 2.4 million in 2023, people flocked to the Arch. Although famous arches are known to serve billions, the performance of this particular Arch is still impressive.
All American cities have their own unique landmarks, but it’s fair to say this is the Midwest’s version of the Eiffel Tower. It’s definitely not Paris, Texas.
It is one of the most Instagrammable sites in this region of the United States. Tourists flock for the breathtaking views of the waterfront park and picturesque cityscape.
Like the Eiffel Tower and another American icon, the Statue of Liberty, visitors head inside for even better views and photo opportunities.
Free attractions
While visiting the Arch isn’t free unless you just want to relax in the park, other great attractions don’t cost a cent.
Unless you would like to make a donation or cannot score a parking space. No payment is required for admission to some of Missouri’s best museums.
These top museums are all free:
- Saint Louis Art Museum
- Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
- Missouri Museum of History
- Saint Louis Science Center
Plus, one of the top-rated zoos in America is free. The Saint Louis Zoo and the aforementioned museums are all located in the beautiful forest park in the heart of the city.
Over 1,300 acres of open fields and trails make up this beautiful St. Louis version of Central Park, if you will.
More culture than you would expect
As far as world travel goes, St. Louis is easily overlooked when you’re thinking of booking your next trip. However, this city is full of surprises, especially when it comes to culture.
The hillas it is known, is one of the most authentic Italian neighborhoods in the US. You can skip Olive Garden’s Tour of Italy and head straight to the hill for hearty Italian dishes, on every street of this charming neighborhood.
Soulard is another cultural district worth exploring. Although the most famous event, Soulard Mardi Gras, is already over this year, mark your calendar for next year.
Until then, enjoy this historic part of St. Louis, surrounded by charming red brick buildings and of course the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, while you’re in America’s brewski heartland.
Beautiful nature within reach
St. Louis is a city worth exploring, but relatively small compared to other major cities. You might be surprised to learn that the city has fewer than 300,000 residents, according to the last census.
That said, it’s also definitely worth a trip to venture beyond the city limits, as charming small towns and breathtaking nature abound in the Mark Twain National Forest.
There are multiple access points within 2 hours, the closest being via the small town of Potosi.
With so many cave systems, waterways and serene hiking trails, this is one of the most underrated destinations to immerse yourself in nature.
So affordable
With rents and costs rising across the board, there are few affordable American cities left that are actually worth visiting.
St. Louis is one of them and could be a very underrated digital nomad base. With all the free attractions, beautiful scenery, and fun things to do, St. Louis is a great affordable escape.
Those interested in a long-term stay can find centrally located apartments in the $800 range and serviced apartments on Airbnb for just over $1,000 per month.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
