Whether you're on a vacation or a business trip, the logical start to any sightseeing tour is downtown. Most cities have one that represents the center of their business district and St. Louis is no exception. So pack up your kid's diapers or your briefcase or your spouse's digital camera and head down to downtown St. Louis. There you'll find shops, entertainment venues, restaurants, tourist attractions, significant architecture, and plenty of people you can chat with to pass the time.

Shopping

Whether your preference is large chain stores or small independent boutiques, you'll find plenty to browse in downtown St. Louis. Sports fans will love the Cardinals team store, where you can buy sports memorabilia to show off at the next hockey tournament in Ontario. There are more clothing and shoe shops than you can shake a stick at, catering to men, women and children. There are bookshops, jewelry stores, candy boutiques, and artists who will do your caricature or sell you a handmade work of genuine St. Louis art.

Dining

What kind of food do you feel like eating today? Whatever it is, you can get it in one of the many downtown St. Louis restaurants. Enjoy the ambiance afforded by the chrome-topped booths and the vinyl wall letters at an old style diner, or grab a beer at the ballpark saloon. Have a quick bite at the Bamboo Bistro or sample some famous Missouri hot sauce at the BBQ Station. Restaurants come in varying levels of opulence and represent cuisine from the United States, Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe.

Entertainment

Once you've shopped yourself out buying rare book editions and discount aquarium supplies you may want to relax at one of the downtown entertainment destinations. Visit one of the many art galleries, take in a baseball, hockey, or football game, watch the exotic fish in the City Aquarium, or goof around in the Toy Museum. You can even take a tour of the famous arch, or a guided walking tour of Union Station. For a more relaxing afternoon, lounge at the spa or see a play.

History

The river has been part of the area long before the arrival of people. Stroll along its edge for a romantic evening with the Toronto caterer you met at the convention center. Then take a cruise on a riverboat that harkens back to the golden age of the Mississippi. Even just taking a walk downtown will show you numerous historic buildings and churches.