Exploring St. Louis on a Budget: Hidden Gems Under $10
St. Louis, famous for its iconic Gateway Arch, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. If you're looking to enjoy the city's vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes without breaking the bank, you're in luck! Here are some fantastic activities that you can enjoy for under $10:
1. Visit the Gateway Arch
A must-see St. Louis attraction is the Gateway Arch. The Gateway Arch museum located beneath the arch, is free to visitors. The interactive exhibits tell St. Louis' history as the Gateway to the West and explore the history of the arch itself from idea to final construction. Tickets to the top are more than $10 per person, but it's worth the splurge for this must-do on any St. Louis bucket list. I suggest buying tram tickets ahead of time, particularly for weekend visits. Make sure to explore the park around the arch, take memorable photos, and enjoy the scenery for free.
2. Explore Forest Park
FREE: One of the largest urban parks in the United States, Forest Park spans 1,300 acres—making it 50 percent larger than New York's Central Park. With over 20 miles of walking trails, picturesque lakes, and picnic areas, you can easily spend hours enjoying this beautiful space without spending a penny. Every September, the park hosts the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, a beautiful hot air balloon festival with a balloon glow and launch. Forest Park is also home to the city's premier free attractions: Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, and Saint Louis Zoo. For a treat, catch a show at The Muny, the city's outdoor theater (tickets are more than $10, but worth it).
3. Explore the St. Louis Zoo
FREE: The St. Louis Zoo, also located in Forest Park, is one of our favorite free attractions. The zoo is home to more than 600 species, including endangered animals. Our favorites include the penguin exhibits, sea lions, and bears. Admission to the zoo is free. You may purchase tickets for the train and animal feedings. Pack a picnic or purchase concessions.
Tip: The zoo does charge for parking. Limited free street parking for personal vehicles is available in Forest Park. Occasionally, Forest Park entrances and roads are closed due to events in the park. Please check ForestParkForver.org for the latest information.
4. Visit the Art Museums
FREE: Located in Forest Park, the St. Louis Art Museum offers free admission Tuesday through Sunday (and free admission to their main exhibits on Friday). With over 30,000 pieces in their collection, including ancient artifacts and contemporary pieces, this museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts. The museum is closed on Monday.
FREE: The Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis situated in Downtown is open to the public at no charge. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. With changing temporary exhibitions, this museum specializes in contemporary art, providing new displays for visitors to enjoy regularly.
5. Take a Walk on the Chain of Rocks Bridge
FREE: This historic bridge, part of the National Park Service, stretches 1.5 miles across the Mississippi River and offers stunning views, making it a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists looking for a scenic outing. Learn more about Chain of Rocks Bridge.

6. Visit the City Museum
SPLURGE/DEAL: While general admission to City Museum is above $10, membership packages are offered at $5 per month. This creative museum is housed in an old shoe factory. Collections from the dump and old abandoned buildings have been compiled to create one-of-a-kind art installations to explore as you climb, slide, and play. Airplanes and school buses are suspended from the ceiling, the world's largest pencil is part of the collection, and tunnels and play spaces are made of repurposed materials. The museum has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best attractions in the city, making it worth the splurge.
7. Explore the Delmar Loop
FREE /SPLURGE: This vibrant neighborhood is known for its unique shops, live street performances, and one-of-a-kind eateries, such as Pi Pizzeria, where you can grab a slice for around $5, and Fitz's where you can watch as rootbeer is bottled in their factory and share a giant rootbeer float. There are many great eateries to enjoy, it may be worth the splurge to enjoy a full meal. The loop also celebrates St. Louis celebrities and you'll find stars in their honor.

8. Wander Around the Old Courthouse
FREE: The Gateway Arch National Park offers free tours of the historic Old Courthouse, where the famous Dred Scott case was tried. This educational experience reveals the important roles this building played in American history.
9. Discover the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
FREE: The Cathedral Basilica is a stunning architectural marvel worth visiting. Near the arch, this is an easy add-on to your Arch or Courthouse visit. Admission is free, allowing visitors to enjoy its breathtaking beauty without any cost.
10. Enjoy Live Music at Blueberry Hill
FREE: This iconic venue frequently hosts free live music events, providing great opportunities to enjoy local talent while savoring a delicious burger or drink. Learn more at Blueberry Hill.

11. Visit Grant's Farm
FREE: Grant's Farm is home to more than 1,000 animals, including the famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales, Grant's Farm offers free admission, making it a wonderful outing for families. This free attraction is a family favorite. Meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, enjoy the petting zoo and exotic animals, and the elk and deer park.
12. Visit Grant's Home
FREE: 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, and Union Civil War General who was instrumental in preserving the Union, lived in St. Louis from 1854 to 1859. He met his future wife, Julia Dent, at her family residence, White Haven. Prior to the Civil War, the Dents, Grants, and a group of enslaved African-Americans lived on the premises. Free guided tours of Grant's home are available to the public through the National Park Service.
13. Experience Soulard Farmers Market
FREE/CHEAP: Open year-round, the Soulard Farmers Market offers a selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local foods at affordable prices. Many vendors offer complimentary samples, making it a delightful experience for your taste buds.
14. See the World's Largest Chess Piece
FREE: Located downtown, the world’s largest chess piece, standing at 14-feet-tall, makes for a quirky photo op.
15. Explore Citygarden
FREE: Citygarden, an urban oasis in downtown St. Louis is home to beautiful sculptures, fountains, and green spaces. Perfect for relaxing or enjoying lunch outdoors, this picturesque garden is entirely free.
16. Go to the St. Louis Science Center
FREE: The St. Louis Science Center is a wonderful hands-on science museum for children. The museum features interactive exhibits exploring dinosaurs, architecture, space exploration, the human body, technology, and more. While some IMAX films may incur a small fee, general admission is free.
17. Discover the Missouri History Museum
FREE: Another free attraction in Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum provides exhibits that highlight the rich history of St. Louis.
18. Stroll Through the Missouri Botanical Garden
CHEAP: Admission to the Missouri Botanical Garden is less than $10 for St. Louis residents, and free for American Horticultural Society Members, allowing you to experience beautiful landscapes, including the famous Climatron greenhouse, which is home to a diverse range of plants from tropical rainforests.
19. Visit Purina Farms
FREE: From April to October, Purina Farms hosts a visitors center and shows. Dog shows and educational programs are offered. Pet and feed farm animals. Meet adoptable cats and dogs at the Purina Farms Visitor Center. Entrance is free on a daily basis unless specified for a special occasion.
20. Ride the Rails Aboard the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Railroad
The Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Railroad is my husband's favorite St. Louis attraction. The Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad gives visitors rides aboard a 12-inch gauge steam train. The ride is a two-mile round trip lasting about 40 minutes and travels along the scenic Meramec River. The train is open seasonally.
St. Louis offers great experiences for every budget. The city invites you to explore its unique offerings, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures—many for under $10.
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Came to read this after reading you arch blog to see what else there is too in the area and plan a trip