Top Culture Spots in Missouri

Download the Gateway Arch app for your phone. It gives you all the info you need and can save you on guide fees! It also has maps and audio tours, which are super helpful.

Plan to visit in the early afternoon – like around 2 PM. The crowds tend to thin out, and you’ll have a more relaxed experience at the top.

If you're on a budget, consider packing a picnic. There are plenty of nice spots around the park to enjoy your food and it’ll save you from overpriced snacks!

don’t miss the views from the surrounding park once you've been up the arch. it's a great photo op spot and a perfect area to unwind.

Consider packing a lunch or snack... There’s a lovely area to eat outside, and it saves you some cash instead of the cafe prices

I suggest checking out the outdoor sculpture garden. It's stunning and a nice break from the inside exhibits! Plus, it’s a nice place to snap some pics.

I think getting there around 10 AM is ideal. It’s less crowded, and you get to enjoy the artwork without feeling rushed

Be sure to check out the Museum's schedule for special exhibits or events. I stumbled upon a pop-up exhibit and it was a highlight of my visit!

Consider buying tickets for the Planetarium online. I didn't do it and we had to wait about an hour for the next show; totally wasted time!

If you're planning to visit the Science City area, try going on a weekday. It was way less crowded when we did that, and we could really enjoy everything.

I recommend checking out their website for any special events before you go. We stumbled upon a cool exhibit that we wouldn’t have known about otherwise!

I think many people miss the beautiful views from the upper levels of the station. Don't forget to take the stairs up to the balcony for some great photos!

Make sure to grab the audio guide; it’s totally worth the extra few bucks. It really brings the stories and artifacts to life!

Take your time in the galleries, especially the immersive experiences. I rushed a bit, and there's so much history to soak in; it’s worth lingering.

Check out the view from the top of the Liberty Memorial tower. It’s a beautiful 360-degree panorama of the city, and it’s a great photo op.

I recommend visiting in the late afternoon, around 4 PM, when the light makes the building look even more stunning. You’ll avoid the big crowds too, which is a total bonus

I suggest checking the weather before heading out... I went on a cloudy day, and while it was still nice, I missed some great photo ops... Sunlight really brings the ruins to life!

My advice is to pack a picnic! There are some lovely spots to sit and enjoy a snack while soaking in the views. It saved me a lot of money instead of relying on nearby cafes.

I think visiting early in the morning, around 8 AM, is awesome. The place is less crowded, and you can catch some beautiful morning light for photos. Plus, it's way cooler before the sun gets too high!

I recommend checking out the gift shop after your visit; they have some cool memorabilia and you might find unique gifts that aren’t overly pricey.

Try to visit on a weekday if you can; it gets pretty crowded on weekends and you’ll have a better chance to soak in everything without the rush

Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. I rushed through thinking I’d be done in an hour and missed some really fascinating exhibits.

Don’t skip the short film they show at the beginning! It sets the stage for all the incredible history you’re about to learn, so make sure to catch that first.

I recommend bringing a water bottle! It can get pretty warm inside, and you want to stay hydrated while you explore all the exhibits. You don't wanna feel drained halfway through!

Definitely buy your tickets online ahead of time! I saved a few bucks and skipped the line when I arrived. It's super easy and totally worth it. Plus, you can get timed tickets to avoid overcrowding.

I was bummed the construction area was a little too crowded when I went, so planning around peak times might help. I recommend checking for busy hours ahead of time or asking staff when it's usually quieter

Bring your own bottled water and snacks if you can. The café prices were a bit high, and having my own snacks helped save some cash during the day. Just makes for a more relaxed experience.

My advice is to bring a picnic and enjoy it at the park nearby. It's a great way to relax and save some cash while taking in the view, unlike expensive nearby restaurants

I suggest visiting in the early morning around 8 AM. The light is perfect for photos and there are fewer crowds, so you can really take in the beauty of the fountain.