Downtown St. Louis is considered the ideal neighborhood for hotels due to its proximity to the stadium and its vibrant district filled with restaurants, museums, and riverfront attractions.
Downtown / Ballpark Village
This area is ideal for sports fans due to its direct proximity to St. Louis' major sports venues, offering a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, bars, and nightlife options, particularly in Ballpark Village. Downtown is considered generally safe for visitors around busy attractions and well-patrolled areas.
The MetroLink light rail system has several key stations in this area: Stadium Station for Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village, Civic Center Station for Enterprise Center, and Convention Center Station for The Dome at America's Center. Union Station MetroLink is convenient for Citypark. Both the Red and Blue MetroLink lines serve these stations, connecting directly to the airport. Numerous MetroBus routes also serve Downtown St. Louis.
Central West End
The Central West End (CWE) is a vibrant and secure neighborhood, known for its mix of urban energy, cafes, and parks. It is often cited as one of the safest areas in St. Louis, offering a lively atmosphere with good food and nightlife options.
The Central West End MetroLink Station is a major hub for both the Red and Blue lines, and it is the most used station in the MetroLink system. This station offers direct connections to downtown venues. The neighborhood is also served by a large MetroBus transfer center, with multiple bus lines including 01, 08, 10, 13, 18, 42, 59, and 95.
Soulard
Soulard is known for its historic charm, vibrant nightlife, and a wide array of restaurants and sports bars. It's also home to a popular farmers market and offers shuttles to games from many bars. The southeast part of the neighborhood is generally considered safer.
Soulard is served by several MetroBus lines, including 10, 30, and 73. A recent Transit Stop Transformation Project at 13th Street and Gravois Avenue has enhanced the bus stop with improved amenities. While there isn't a direct MetroLink station in Soulard, Stadium Station is accessible via bus, offering connections to the MetroLink Red and Blue lines.
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square offers historic charm with its Victorian mansions and Lafayette Park, combining urban living with a sense of security due to gated streets and active neighborhood associations. It features sophisticated wine bars and high-end eateries, and is close to downtown attractions.
Multiple MetroBus lines serve Lafayette Square, including 10, 11, 31, 5, and 73. There is a direct bus service (Line 11) to the Civic Center Transit Center, which takes approximately 6 minutes. While the MetroLink Blue and Red lines have stations closest to Lafayette Square, reaching Stadium Station (a major MetroLink hub for sports venues) typically requires a bus connection or a longer walk.
