BEYOND THE PITCH

Ninety minutes isn’t enough – make the most of your World Cup trip with an epic escape to St. Louis, America’s most surprising city.

While all eyes turn to the pitch in June, there’s more than enough American magic to discover between World Cup matches. For those heading to the heart of America, St. Louis, Missouri, offers an exciting introduction to authentic sports culture, iconic cuisine, and legendary beer.

With direct flights from Heathrow Airport to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, British football fans can begin their journey in a destination that’s easily accessible, surprisingly affordable, and full of unexpected charm before hopping on the Missouri River Runner to catch matches in Kansas City.

Icons on the riverfront

No visit to St. Louis is complete without experiencing Gateway Arch National Park. As the tallest human-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, the Gateway Arch offers bucket-list views from its summit, accessible by a unique tram system. Back on the ground, the historic Old Courthouse provides a profound look into the American civil rights and women’s suffrage movements.

For a fresh perspective of the city’s working riverfront, board a replica 19th-century paddle steamer, where captains from the National Park Service bring the history of the Mighty Mississippi to life, or pile into a 10-person canoe for an adventurous paddle along the great river with Big Muddy Adventures.

A cultural powerhouse

Considered one of the best urban parks in the world, Forest Park spans a whopping 1,326 acres – almost double the size of New York’s Central Park. Among the walking and biking trails, a wellspring of cultural institutions and all-ages activities awaits.

Attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis Science Center, offer something for every interest. Perhaps the best part? They’re all open to the public and free of charge. Even The Muny, the country’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, has free seats to every performance.

Beyond Forest Park, the city is a collection of vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods. From the beating soul of Soulard and the creative energy of the Grand Center Arts District, to the historic architecture of Downtown, the electric live music venues of the Delmar Loop and the independent shops of the Central West End, there is a pocket of the city to suit every traveller.

The spirit of the game

Sports fans seeking action beyond the World Cup shouldn’t overlook the Gateway City. Celebrated for having “the best fans in baseball”, St. Louis Cardinals games offer affordable tickets, lively ballpark vibes, stunning skyline views, frequent mascot appearances, and some of the best hot dogs and local brews in town.

For football enthusiasts, Energizer Park is home to Major League Soccer’s St. Louis CITY SC. Stadium eats are entirely local, curated by a James Beard Award-winning chef, and the atmosphere is amplified by clever original chants and striking public art.

A feast for the senses

St. Louis is known for emblematic eats with surprising origins, including toasted ravioli, St. Louis-style pizza topped with Provel cheese, St. Louis-style ribs (grilled rather than slow-cooked), and gooey butter cake.

A local favourite, the ‘concrete’ features ultra-thick frozen custard blended with your choice of mix-ins – think toffee, peppermint, cookie dough, pecans, tart cherry, and hot fudge. The concoction is so dense, it’s served upside down, and there’s no place quite like Ted Drewes Frozen Custard along Route 66 to savour it.

The contemporary dining scene is equally impressive, with nationally recognised restaurants like Vicia, Mainlander, and Robin all serving innovative dishes that focus on local ingredients.

If you’re looking for something to wash it all down, remember that St. Louis is a beer town. The home of Anheuser-Busch and the Budweiser Clydesdales, the city also encompasses approximately 65 craft breweries, including Side Project Brewing, currently ranked as the second-best brewer in the entire world. Craving something stronger? The only American in the Gin Hall of Fame runs The Gin Room on South Grand Boulevard, and she’ll help you find a gin you’ll adore.

GETTING THERE Direct flights on British Airways from London Heathrow (LHR) to St. Louis began on 19 April 2026. International flights land at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), which is served by the MetroLink light-rail for access to downtown. BEST TIME TO GO From April to October, St. Louis comes to life with a special event every weekend. During the World Cup, the city will host Celebrate St. Louis, an extravagant celebration of America’s birthday, and Music at the Intersection, a soulful street festival in Grand Center. Visitors can also enjoy free Wednesday concerts at the Missouri Botanical Garden and touring Broadway musicals at The Muny. WHERE TO STAY Throughout the St. Louis metro area, there are more than 40,000 hotel rooms – plus, campgrounds for outdoor adventurers. St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Hotel Saint Louis, and The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza feature grand rooms steeped in history, while 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, and Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton provide chic accommodations with exceptional amenities. FURTHER INFORMATION While the MetroLink connects the airport to downtown St. Louis and a few must-see attractions in between, rental cars and rideshares offer more freedom to explore off the beaten path.