Exploring the Best of St. Louis: From the Zoo to the Cathedral

WashU students share their favorite spots and activities in the Gateway City

Mar. 18, 2026 at 7:32am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Students from Washington University in St. Louis share their top recommendations for things to do in the city, from visiting the free and sprawling Saint Louis Zoo to marveling at the mosaics of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and enjoying brunch at Winslow's Table to exploring the vibrant Delmar Loop.

Why it matters

As a hub for Washington University students, St. Louis offers a diverse array of cultural, culinary, and recreational attractions that provide a welcome break from campus life and allow students to discover the city's unique character and community.

The details

The recommendations span a range of experiences, from the whimsical (watching a monkey defecate through a tunnel at the zoo) to the awe-inspiring (the world's largest collection of mosaics at the Cathedral Basilica). Students highlight beloved local institutions like the Blueberry Hill bar and music venue, as well as hidden gems like the cozy Living Room Coffee and Kitchen. The list showcases St. Louis' vibrant food scene, outdoor spaces, and arts and culture.

  • The Saint Louis Zoo was the first place I visited with my newly made WashU friends.
  • I recently visited the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
  • I went to Katie's Pizza with my parents when I visited WashU for the first time.
  • Last month, I celebrated my first birthday away from home, and my friends and I went to Katie's Pizza.
  • I went to the City Museum for the first time.

The players

Selina Son

A junior news editor at the Washington University student newspaper, StudLife.

Elena Wierich

A staff writer at the Washington University student newspaper, StudLife.

Joel Swirnoff

The news editor at the Washington University student newspaper, StudLife.

Winslow's Table

A highly-rated brunch spot in St. Louis.

Living Room Coffee and Kitchen

A cozy cafe in St. Louis popular with Washington University students for studying and dining.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Saint Louis Zoo was the first place I visited with my newly made WashU friends. It's free, sprawling, and perfect for a day trip off campus. Among the aura-farming lions and chubby hippos, my highlight was watching a monkey sh*t (defecate?) through the steel tunnel connecting two enclosures, making it rain poop.”

— Selina Son, Junior News Editor (studlife.com)

“Blueberry Hill is the best option for a third space that WashU students can go for company, food, and close-to-campus-but-not-on-campus fun. Although it's mostly accessible as an excellent bar for 21+ students after 9 p.m., Blueberry Hill's got it all during the day as well: darts, a photo booth, live music, and arcade games.”

— Elena Wierich, Staff Writer (studlife.com)

“I recently visited the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and if you told me that it was located in the Vatican instead of the Central West End, I'd believe you. Boasting the largest collection of mosaics in the world (yes, in the world), the Basilica depicts biblical scenes in more than 41 million pieces. Go and be awestruck.”

— Joel Swirnoff, News Editor (studlife.com)

What’s next

To learn more about the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and its impressive mosaics, read Elena Wierich's article in the latest issue of StudLife.

The takeaway

St. Louis offers Washington University students a diverse array of cultural, culinary, and recreational experiences beyond the campus, from the whimsical to the awe-inspiring, showcasing the city's vibrant character and community.