St Louis At Night

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Settled along the Mississippi River, St Louis is the second-largest city in Missouri. The lively city is buzzing with history and culture, with plenty to explore from daybreak to midnight. While there’s tons to see and do during the day, the city comes alive when the sun goes down. St Louis at night has a distinct atmosphere and culture, from its signature food to its vibrant blues and jazz scene.

The city is well known for its eclectic nightlife, especially around the Delmar Loop area. If you like to keep your evenings casual, there are plenty of excellent bars and restaurants to hop between. If you’re a fan of the darker things in life, you’ll likely know that St Louis is known as one of the most haunted cities in the US, and there are plenty of establishments and attractions that celebrate that. Here are some of the best ways to explore the city after dark. 

St Louis At Night

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gateway arch st louis night
The Gateway Arch takes on a mysterious aura in St Louis at night.

20 Things To Do In St Louis At Night

1- Soak Up The Blues Atmosphere

st louis downtown skyline at night

St Louis is a hub of blues culture, so you’ll want to take advantage of the city’s great live music scene.

There are tons of jazz clubs and blues bars all over town for you to choose from, like BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, a laid-back and lively venue that offers everything it states in the name.

The home of legendary musicians like Albert King and Chuck Berry, St. Louis continues to foster a vibrant blues culture and hosts the Big Muddy Blues Festival.

This annual event attracts blues enthusiasts from all around the world.

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Blending traditional and modern blues styles, St. Louis’ thriving blues scene reflects its deep roots in the American music tradition.

Head to 700 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States.

Recommended tour: St. Louis Bar Hunt: Saucy St Louis Bar Crawl

2- Lay Low At Thaxton Speakeasy

While the prohibition isn’t remembered fondly, the clandestine mystique of the speakeasy maintains an allure a century later.

Thaxton Speakeasy offers an immersive experience of 1920s naughtiness, requiring you to check their social media for the latest password to enter the historic building.

Inside is a chic bar decorated in an authentic art deco style.

An extensive range of cocktails to choose from and guests encouraged to dress the part mean you’ll have a night to remember.

Sneak over to 1009 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63101, United States.

3- Take A Dinner Cruise Along The Mississippi

One of the best ways to admire the city lights is to take an evening cruise along the Mississippi River.

Vintage paddleboats cast off from right next to the Gateway Arch and take guests on a relaxing voyage along the water from where you can better take in the St Louis Skyline.

Cruises run all day, but the evening brings especially charming options.

Drift along while enjoying a delicious dinner, soak in the blues atmosphere with an onboard concert, or even see a drag show.

Set sail from 50 S Leonor K Sullivan Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States.

Recommended tour: Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour with St Louis Arch and River Cruise

4- Kick Back At Ballpark Village

Ballpark Village surrounds Busch Stadium and its bars and restaurants make it a hotspot for nightlife.

The atmosphere is especially electric on game day, as spectators spill in to celebrate a win.

There are also statues of notable baseball players around the area, so keep your eyes peeled for them.

Join the fun at 601 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States. Skip the line and book your tickets here. 

5- Hunt For Ghosts With The St. Louis Paranormal Research Society

St Louis is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States.

The Lemp neighbourhood, where the St Louis Paranormal Research Society is based, is seen to be particularly active.

The St Louis Paranormal Research Society offers a range of ways to explore this mysterious side of the city.

From seances and Ouija board sessions to tours around some of the most notoriously haunted streets, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to spot some spirits with your own eyes.

Start the hunt at Lemp Brewery, 1820 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118, United States.

Recommended tour: Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour

6- Catch A Show At The Fox Theatre

Enjoy a night out at the historic Fox Theatre.

Also known as the Fabulous Fox, the theatre dates back to the 1920s and has been lovingly restored to its original splendour.

The lavishly decorated theatre is the perfect setting to enjoy the range of plays, concerts, and events hosted on stage.

Presenting everything from Broadway productions to children’s shows, the Fox has something for everyone, whether you’re planning a date night or a family evening out.

Head to Go to 527 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States.

7- See What’s On At The Muny

If you love theatre and are heading to St Louis in the summer, you’ll want to check what the Muny will be showing while you’re there.

The Muny is an open-air amphitheatre in Forest Park, so you can enjoy the warm summer evenings while taking in a first-class show.

With varied productions, from family-friendly shows like Beauty and the Beast to classic Broadway fare like West Side Story, The Muny venue is an unforgettable evening for any theatre or musical fan.

Go to Summit Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112, United States.

8- Laugh It Up At The Funny Bone Comedy Club

You can’t beat some live comedy if you’re looking for laid-back fun.

The Funny Bone Comedy Club is ideal, a casual venue hosting hilarious comedians with enough drinks and snacks to fuel the fun.

Hosting established comedians and open mic nights, the Funny Bone offers the best of the local scene and up-and-coming new talent.

Stroll along to 614 W Port Plaza Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146, United States.

9- Go Stargazing At St. Louis Science Center

If you love the night sky, learn about stars at the St Louis Science Center, one of the USA’s most prominent and houses over 700 exhibits covering various scientific topics. 

The first Friday of the month sees telescopes brought out for a Star Party.

You can gaze through the powerful lenses at the various celestial bodies filling our night sky while guides point out the notable features.

Venture over to 5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States.

10- Admire The City Lights From The Gateway Arch

The 630-foot (192 m) tall Gateway Arch is one of St Louis’ most iconic attractions and inarguably one of the best places to enjoy a stunning perspective of the whole city.

As the tallest building in St Louis, those who ride the tram to the top can take in completely unobstructed panoramic views.

While it‘s great for admiring the St Louis skyline lights, the Gateway Arch is lit up at night too.

If you don’t like heights, you can enjoy the illuminations from the ground level in Gateway Arch Park.

Head up to Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States.

11- Ride The St. Louis Wheel

If you already took in the view from the Gateway Arch during the day, you might want something a little different after dark.

The St Louis Wheel, featuring rainbow illuminations in the evening, carries passengers 200 feet (61 metres) into the air above St Louis Union Station for 15-minute rides.

With enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, it’s an ideal attraction for hot summer nights.

Find it at 201 S 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States.

12- Relax And Take In The View From A Rooftop Bar

st louis at night
Enjoy the lights of St Louis at night.

If you’d rather sit back and enjoy a relaxed drink while taking in some incredible views, head to one of St Louis’ rooftop bars.

You have a few choices, but I suggest the Hilton’s 360 Rooftop Bar.

Overlooking the Busch Stadium, Citygarden Sculpture Park, and the Gateway Arch, you can take in a unique perspective of some of St Louis’ top attractions from the comfort of your bar seat.

Head up to One S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States.

Recommended tour: St. Louis Food Adventure Tour

13- Look To The Future At The Fortune Teller Bar

Carry on the paranormal party by heading over to the Fortune Teller Bar.

Enjoy sipping from a menu of craft beers and themed cocktails as you work up the nerve to see what your future holds.

The Fortune Teller Bar also hosts various special events along with tarot readings.

From live music to talks on the macabre side of history, The Fortune Teller Bar always promises a memorable evening.

Find it at 2635 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118, United States.

14- Explore The Delmar Loop

The Delmar Loop is one of the top nightlife districts in St Louis.

Packed with diverse restaurants alongside bars and live music venues, the area is always full of life.

One of the best spots in the Delmar Loop is the Pageant.

The iconic live music venue is popular with locals and tourists, and it’s a great way to introduce yourself to some excellent local bands.

Stop by 6161 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112, United States.

15- Ride Around With St. Louis BarCycle

If you’re after a unique way to tour the city, hop aboard the St Louise BarCycle.

As the name hints, the BarCycle consists of a small bar set on wheels, surrounded by barstools connected to pedals.

Customers have to pedal to power the contraption while your bartender and guide steer you around the streets of St Louis.

Start the party at 1013 Ann Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States.

16- Go To A Concert At Powell Hall

This historic 1920s theatre is the home of the St Louis Symphony.

The grand auditorium is certainly a fitting venue for the impressive orchestra.

Of course, Powell Hall will primarily interest classical music fans, but it also hosts a range of other concerts.

From rock, pop, and hip-hop concerts to film screenings with a live orchestral score, it’s well worth checking to see if there’s anything on that appeals to you.

Head into 718 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States.

17- Test Your Wits At Escape The Room St Louis

If you’re looking for a group bonding activity that’s as likely to tear friendships apart as bring them closer together, consider taking on an escape room.

At Escape The Room, you’ll be challenged to puzzle your way out of one of several themed rooms.

Escaping from a submarine and fleeing from a Wild West bank heist are two exciting options.

Challenge yourself at 1201 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States.

18- Have A Retro Party At Start Bar

Fancy a night of nostalgic fun? Head over to the Start Bar for retro vibes and vintage entertainment.

With a great selection of beers, cocktails and tasty bar snacks, Start Bar’s defining feature is its collection of old-school arcade machines.

Go to 1000 Spruce St, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States.

19- Enjoy An Evening At The Boom Boom Room

If you like your entertainment artfully risqué, consider doing dinner and a show at the Boom Boom Room.

The cosy burlesque theatre showcases a variety of talents, from fire dancers to aerial artists.

Whatever show you get the chance to watch, you’re sure to have an unforgettable evening.

Assuming you don’t overdo it on the cocktails anyway.

Wander to 1229 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States.

20- Sample Some Local Produce At Brick River Cider

Enjoy the city by stopping by Brick River Cider and trying some of the delicious ciders they brew from locally grown apples.

Along with their traditional styles, they also offer seasonal and special edition brews that make it well worth returning.

The building itself is worth a visit too.

Brick River Cider is housed in an old firehouse and you can still spot some of the marks of its previous occupation.

Swing by 2000 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States. 

For more exciting cities at night, read:

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Steve Burden
Steve Burden is an avid traveller and experienced writer. As a former pro wrestler, Steve used to travel frequently for work throughout the USA and Europe. Having spent the last decade travelling all over the world in search of new sights and experiences, he has turned his love for travel into a new career helping others decide on the best places to visit, as well as what to see when they get there.