Central West End Travel Guide

St. Louis

Central West End
Central West End
Central West End
Central West End
Central West End

Enjoy this relaxed area, the ultimate destination for a lazy afternoon. Browse unique stores, admire artworks and sip coffee at sidewalk tables shaded by trees.

The Central West End is the ideal place to enjoy characteristic St. Louis atmosphere. Fill your days with the sights and sounds of this charming neighbourhood, where grand historic buildings meet modern stores, restaurants and attractions. Stop at some of the fascinating local museums while you are here.

Find some of St. Louis’ best-preserved historic streets in the Central West End. Much of its architecture dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1904, the city held the St. Louis World’s Fair, turning this area into a favourite among chic, wealthy citizens. Famous people who once walked these streets include literary greats Tennessee Williams, T.S. Eliot, Sara Teasdale and William S. Burroughs.

Discovering eclectic stores and cafés filling the Central West End is a highlight of any trip. Many of St. Louis’ tourist sights are concentrated here too. Make sure you stop at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, a stunning building with ornate paintings reaching all the way up to its high ceiling. Admire the detail of the extensive mosaic collection in the basement museum.

Continue your spiritual journey at the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art. The collections here draw items from across many different faiths and nations. See how artists working today are bringing new perspectives to the age-old theme of faith.

Another novel attraction is the World Chess Hall of Fame, which is home to the world’s largest chess piece. Look for this impressive object, which stands outside, as you approach. Inside, learn about World Chess champions and see their stories told through medals, trophies and other personal items.

The Central West End is easy to find due to its location in the heart of the city. Go on a sunny day to enjoy Forest Park, a peaceful green space that is the pride of the area. If it starts to rain, step into the St. Louis Art Museum or the Missouri History Museum, both housed in the park.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Central West End

The West End

The West End

2 out of 5
4215 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Stay at this hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions St. Louis Union Station and Busch Stadium ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (352 reviews)
"Really cute boutique hotel, could use"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

The West End
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

4 out of 5
4550 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO
The price is ฿3,874 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
฿3,874
฿4,569 total
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Clean and convenient to hospital."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park
 The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

4.5 out of 5
212 N Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO
The price is ฿6,124 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿6,124
฿8,182 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Loud music till after midnight"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
Aloft St. Louis Cortex

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

3 out of 5
4245 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO
The price is ฿3,782 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿3,782
฿4,422 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (783 reviews)
"We liked the beds. Bathroom door was broke and the wall moved and made noise all night when somebody walked upstairs. But we inly stayed one night."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Aloft St. Louis Cortex
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

4 out of 5
215 YORK AVENUE, St. Louis, MO
The price is ฿4,398 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
฿4,398
฿5,186 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (652 reviews)
"Friendly staff at the good area and clean"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG

Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG

3.5 out of 5
4630 Lindell, St. Louis, MO
The price is ฿4,039 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿4,039
฿4,763 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very friendly staff at front desk, restaurant and bar. Clean, comfortable rooms. Excellent location. If you drive, parking is very easy."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Central West End

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The Grove

While there might not be top attractions in The Grove, you can explore the larger area and discover places like St. Louis Science Center and Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum.

The Grove
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Midtown

While you're in Midtown, take in top sights like Chaifetz Arena and jump on the metro at Grand Station to see more of the city.

Midtown
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The Hill

While The Hill isn't home to many top sights, St. Louis Science Center and Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum are some notable places to visit nearby.

The Hill
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Shaw

Shaw might not have many top sights, but Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum and St. Louis Science Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Shaw
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The Gate

While The Gate may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like St. Louis Union Station and Busch Stadium.

The Gate
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Southwest Garden

While Southwest Garden may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum and St. Louis Science Center.

Southwest Garden


Central West End Travel Guide