So you’ve just arrived in St. Louis, and you want to see the best the city has to offer in just three days? Have no fear! Although St. Louis has a plethora of things to see and do that could take months to cover, there is a way to condense it into a short three days. The best way to see St. Louis in three days is to plan your visit around the town’s top highlights and catch as much of the rest in between.

St. Louis Gateway Arch

11 N. 4th St.
Saint Louis, MO 63102
(314) 982-1410
www.nps.gov/jeff

The Saint Louis Gateway Arch is St. Louis’ most popular and visible attraction. During your trip to the city, this is a landmark that you shouldn’t miss. Standing at 630 feet tall, this large structure is majestic, strong and beautiful. Take a tour through the Arch grounds, or be adventurous and take the tiny tram up to the very top! Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

6726 Chippewa St.
Saint Louis, MO 63109
(314) 481-2652
www.teddrewes.com

This small custard stand, located in south St. Louis City, carries some of the best custard in the city. Open just about every day of the year, except for January, this custard station is popular among young and old alike. Ted Drewes opened the stand in 1941, and the establishment has been wowing customers with a smooth creamy blend of custard that is mind-blowingly thick. In fact, the custard is so thick, the employees serve it to you upside down! Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saint Louis Zoo

1 Government Dr.
Saint Louis, MO 63110
(314) 781-0900
www.stlzoo.org

The St. Louis Zoo is one of the biggest and best free zoos in the country. This amazing zoo is located in the heart of Forest Park in St. Louis= and is one of the few attractions that is open year-round. See all of your favorite animals, including lions, tigers and even penguins! Check out the interactive Children’s Zoo; this spot is great for families and allows participants to get down and dirty with the animals. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Soulard Farmer’s Market

730 Carroll St.
Saint Louis, MO 63104
(314) 622-4180
www.soulardmarket.com

This famous market is extremely popular for its grand array of fresh fruits, vegetables and more. Soulard Farmers Market provides a genuine taste of St. Louis and allows visitors to experience all of the best cuisine the city has to offer. Be sure to arrive early; many of the more popular stands run out of their offerings quite quickly! Check out the Amish stand for some of the best cheeses in the region. Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

- Stephanie Shepard