St. Louis, Missouri also known by the nickname 'Gateway to the West', was established in the year 1764 and named after King Louis IX of France. The city, positioned at the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Missouri River, is the largest metropolitan city in Missouri and is breathtakingly beautiful.

St Louis has a lot of places that shouldn't be given a miss when you visit it with friends or family. Some of the must see attractions and unique draws of the city are - Gateway Arch, City Garden, Forest Park, Cahokia Mounds, and Six Flags St Louis.

One of the prominent places to visit is the ancient city Cahokia that existed for almost around 800 years. An advanced society it is said to have existed and is over 2000 acres in overall size. It is a properly designated world heritage site and is a site where there is active archaeological research.

Of the modern marvels you can go up by means of a lift and experience the splendor of the Gateway Arch. Visit the Basilica of Saint Louis or the Pulitzer Arts Foundation to experience the contemporary art scene in the country first hand. The admission to the foundation is free and you can get to see the forefront of visual and performing arts.

You can also opt for the riverfront cruise which is an hour long tour of the famous Mississippi River. Ticket rates can be booked online and are $14 for adults, $8 for children and free for infants.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is known for ensuing one the most intense nature-education trends that involves interesting events, classes and tours. The botanical garden also holds the Whitaker Music Festival, which is held over 10 consecutive Wednesdays usually starting in the first week of June.

Plants in the botanical garden

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantinfo.shtml

Forest Park in St. Louis has achieved immense popularity for its great assortment of facilities like boating, golf, skating, tennis facilities, biking, football, zoo and forest tours, and art festivals. One of the most diversified hubs, Forest Park is one of the biggest favorites.

Details of golf and other attractions at the Forest Park

http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/golf.html

St. Louis Art Museum has become one of the popular sites and landmarks amongst most tourists who visit the city. Even if you are not an art enthusiast, the gravity of this museum on 1 Fine Arts Drive. Memberships, dining and shopping are amongst the options available at the art museum.

Membership options and other details about Art Museum

http://saintlouis.art.museum/expansion/

If you want to check out the vintage locomotives, visit the Transportation Museum on Barrett Station Road, east from downtown St. Louis. The place is supposed to be cheaper than most other places of interest, and tickets can be availed at 6 USD for adults.

Hours of operation at the transport museum

http://transportmuseumassociation.org/plan.html

A Jazz bar, BB's Jazz Blues and Soups on 700 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, is located close to the bay area, and Poplar Street Bridge. Here, food is one of the major specialties besides talented musical performers gracing the stage.

Music at the bar

http://www.bbsjazzbluessoups.com/music.htm

Apart from these five places of education, entertainment and fun, Laumiere Sculpture Park, Lafayette Square and Mokabe's coffee house are places that speak volumes about the city and its culture.