10 Things to Do in University City That You Shouldn't Miss

February 18, 2018 Harland Bartelt

University City (colloquially, U. City) is an inner-ring suburb of the city of St. Louis in St. Louis County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. The population was 35,371 in 2010 census.
Restaurants in University City

1. The Gateway Arch

11 N 4th St, Saint Louis, MO 63102-1810 +1 314-982-1400
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

The Gateway Arch

The Museum of Westward Expansion closed, pending installation of all new museum exhibits. As of March 2, 2015, entry-only ticket or tram ticket required to enter Arch. The nation's tallest monument at 630 feet, the Gateway Arch has beckoned visitors since June 1967. The Gateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson and the role St. Louis played in the westward expansion of the United States. A visit to St. Louis isn't complete without standing at the Arch's base and playing professional photographer, but the view from the outside is only half of the experience. Attractions within the Arch include the Journey to the Top (the last tram leaves one hour before closing); educational programs (will be housed at the Old Courthouse); award-winning documentary movie, Monument to the Dream; and a gift shop. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Note: the address shown is for the Old Courthouse which is acting as the Gateway Arch Ticketing and Visitor Center throughout construction. Pedestrian entrance to the Arch Grounds is at Walnut Street at Memorial Drive or via the Grand Staircase from the riverfront.

Reviewed By DMartin216 - Chicago, Illinois

Taking a road trip from Chicago to KC for a weekend BBQ Tour, we decided that it was time we finally visited the gateway Arch. Neither of us had ever been to the Arch, and as a Cubs and Blackhawks fan I had never even gotten out of my car while in enemy territory. We found the Arch to be an engineering marvel and enjoyed the tiny elevator cars that make you feel like you’re riding in a dryer drum. The view from the top extends for miles, but unfortunately, the Mississippi River has to be one of the least photogenic bodies of water in the world—despite St. Louis’ efforts to build a nice park along the river’s edge. Beyond the river, one is treated to a view of East St. Louis, a panorama easily forgotten, but the view to the west includes the entire city of St. Louis and points beyond. As the Gateway to the West, this is clearly the view Eero Saarinen had in mind. The Arch itself is also very photogenic, and we between us we took more than 50 artsy shots of it. All in all, we found the Arch itself to be more attractive than the views it affords.

2. Schlafly Bottleworks

7260 Southwest Ave, Maplewood, Saint Louis, MO 63143-2406 +1 314-241-2337
Excellent
48%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Schlafly Bottleworks

Reviewed By Shari M

They grow many of their own vegetables and use local products when they can. They have been a real presence in the revitalization of the Maplewood community. We love dining outside on their patio in good weather. They have unique dining options-not just the usual bar fare.

3. Red Herring Escape Rooms

6358 Delmar Blvd, Suite 222, University City, Saint Louis, MO 63130-4718 +1 314-899-9901
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 43 reviews

Red Herring Escape Rooms

A unique new escape room adventure in St. Louis' famous Delmar Loop — named one of America's Top 10 streets! You have two adventures from which to choose and just 60 minutes to escape. Explore. Discover. Solve puzzles. Escape! Can you do it?

Reviewed By Kathy S - O'Fallon, Illinois

My daughter celebrated her Sweet 16th birthday with friends by escaping "The Oval-ish Office". The room was well planned out and challenging but not impossible. They had a great time and I loved hearing about how the game had a personalized element to it. We've done about 3 other escape rooms and this one was well worth it. Thank you to Brian for accommodating our group!

4. Delmar Hall

6133 Delmar Blvd, Lake Saint Louis, MO 63112-1203 +1 314-726-6161
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Delmar Hall

Reviewed By Love2Explr - St Louis, MO

This is The Pageant's little next door neighbor (same ownership) in the Delmar Loop. This is a brand new facility for smaller shows (less than 750 people). This place rocks! Excellent amenities: bar, restrooms, overall space and sound quality. I believe for most shows all seating is general admission - in other words no reserved seats. There are some places to sit but they are limited, and first come first served, so get there early if you plan on resting your feet. If you can catch a show here be sure to do so!

5. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

4431 Lindell Blvd, at Newstead Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63108-2403 +1 314-373-8242
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

The Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, the superstructure of the Cathedral was built between 1907 and 1914. The Cathedral's 100th Anniversary is being celebrated in 2014. It is known for its' beautiful interior mosaics, which took nearly 80 years to create using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The Cathedral is known for having one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere.

Reviewed By cowdogsmomma - Brazil, Indiana

Beautiful architecture!!! If you like Catholic Churches and appreciate art work this is the place to see. Hard to imagine the amount of money the have in it.

6. U-City Foot Massage

8431 Olive Blvd, University City, Saint Louis, MO 63132-2815 +1 314-325-5297
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 7 reviews

U-City Foot Massage

Reviewed By Adam B - Saint Louis, Missouri

U-City Foot Massage is a relaxing and professional spa with very low prices. You receive a discount card that gives you a free massage after every 10 massages which makes the place really great. I enjoyed the foot soak in hot water along with my massage. The hour-long massage was only $45 and was better than other massages I've received for $70+. Make sure to tip these nice people they work hard

7. Missouri Botanical Garden

4344 Shaw St, Saint Louis, MO 63110-2291 +1 314-577-5100
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 3 reviews

Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw. Today, the Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display - widely considered one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. It features 79 acres of horticultural displays, including indoor conservatories and demonstration, formal and international gardens.

Reviewed By AlexisZA - Indianapolis, Indiana

Unfortunately the Chihuli glass onion installation wasn’t there, but there there is still the entrance chandelier and a smaller flame lily installation in the climatron. The gardens are incredible. It was a cold day and we just hopped from the climatron to the houses and braved the open air in between. Such a fabulous way to spend a day

8. City Hall

6801 Delmar Blvd, University City, Saint Louis, MO 63130-3104 +1 314-862-6767
Excellent
30%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
14%
Terrible
14%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 7 reviews

City Hall

Reviewed By devlin52 - St. Louis, Missouri

Selected by the Smithsonian as one of America's 40 most beautiful small-city town halls, this 135-foot tall octagon was put up by the flamboyant founder of University City, E.G. Lewis, in 1903. Highlights include the ornate first-floor lobby with a unique grand staircase and the fifth-floor rotunda with views of the Lion Gates and surrounding area. City Hall is located in "The Loop" entertainment district of restaurants, bars, and shops. The Historical Society of University City (ucityhistory.org) offers group tours.

9. Forest Park

Concourse Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110 +1 314-289-5300
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

Forest Park

The site of the 1904 World's Fair, America's second largest urban park is a prime St. Louis recreation spot.

Reviewed By Pam H - Saint Louis, Missouri

So much is here! The Saint Louis Art Museum, History Museum, The Planetarium and adjacent Science Center, The Muny (outdoor summer theater), two golf courses (9 and 18), bike path, ball parks,and the wonderful Zoo made famous by Marlin Perkins! There are bike rentals, paddle boats and food at the Boat House, great playgrounds and a lovely lagoon that anchored the 1904 World's Fair. Special events occur all year long so check local schedules. If you want to sit and watch or be the action, you can't go wrong in Forest Park. Did I mention that museums, the zoo, the and many activities are FREE?
This place deserves a rating of 5 WOWS. Start at the Visitors Center near the History Museum.

10. St. Louis Zoo

1 Government Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63110-1332 +1 314-781-0900
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

St. Louis Zoo

Visitors are wowed by this zoo that has 6,600 animals and 15 major exhibit areas.

Reviewed By nannymomma - Atlanta, Georgia

I don't see what other people see in this zoo. Many of the exhibits were behind glass that, because of the weather, were completely foggy and needed to be wiped. Many of the other habitats were unappealing and often, empty. I'm sure the animals were in enclosures somewhere. We did enjoy the hippo and rhino exhibits. Birds were in tiny cages. What we thought would be an all day visit was less than 2 hours. And most time was spent looking at nothing.

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