Five reasons to visit St Louis in 2026, as British Airways announces direct flights to Missouri from London
St Louis, Missouri has been unveiled as British Airways’ newest U.S. destination! With direct flights from London Heathrow beginning in April 2026, here are five reasons to visit this vibrant Midwestern city next year…
Rise above the city at the Gateway Arch – A St. Louis icon, the awe-inspiring Gateway Arch commemorates the city’s role in the westward expansion of the nation. At 192 metres (630 feet), it is the tallest monument in the U.S. and the tallest arch in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River below from the top, which you can reach aboard an enclosed tram ride. For a unique perspective of the Arch, you can take a riverboat cruise, while the onsite museum is an excellent source of information about the city’s history. Also part of the Gateway Arch National Park: the Old Courthouse, the site of pivotal court cases that shaped American history, which reopened earlier this year after a multi-year renovation.
Roll into history on Route 66 – For anyone looking to embark on a classic U.S. road trip along the historic route, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, St. Louis serves as an ideal gateway. Take a scenic stroll across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a crossing point over the Mississippi River for Route 66; step back in time at the National Museum of Transportation, where vintage cars recall the highway’s heyday; or reconnect with the history of the Mother Road at the Route 66 State Park. For a dose of classic Americana flavours stop at Crown Candy Kitchen’s historic soda fountain, Donut Drive-In, serving fresh donuts since the 1950s, or Ted Drewes’ Frozen Custard, a St. Louis tradition almost as old as Route 66 itself!
Tune into the sound of St. Louis blues – The National Blues Museum in St. Louis offers a fascinating journey through the history and culture of blues music, highlighting how it was influenced by early 20th-century local musicians who helped create the distinctive, piano-driven St. Louis blues. Its interactive exhibits trace the genre’s beginnings, its rise in popularity throughout the 20th century and the artists who defined it. Visitors can try playing instruments themselves or enjoy live performances in the concert space. Beyond the museum, the city’s vibrant blues scene continues in dedicated venues, notably along South Broadway and in the Soulard neighbourhood, one of the oldest areas in the city.
Savour the local flavours – From smoky flavours to local brews, St. Louis is a city that loves to eat and drink. Whether you are looking for American classics or international dishes, there is something for every palate; however, it is St Louis’ signature barbecue that truly stands out, known for its slow-smoked brisket, juicy pulled pork and tangy sauce. Beer brewing also has deep roots in St. Louis, most famously showcased at the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, which produces some of America’s best-selling beers, such as Budweiser. Samples are included as part of the free tour but, as St. Louis is home to one of the finest craft beer scenes in the Midwest, take the opportunity to also raise a glass at one of the many smaller breweries and biergartens.
Lose yourself in the green heart of St. Louis – One of the top urban spaces in the U.S. – and nearly 50% larger than Central Park in New York City – Forest Park was the venue for both the 1904 World’s Fair and Summer Olympics. Today it is home to world-class, free-to-visit museums such as the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Science Center, as well the Saint Louis Zoo and The Muny, the oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre in the U.S., which has staged top Broadway productions every summer for more than a century. With its boathouse, tennis courts, golf course and even a wintertime ice rink, Forest Park offers so much to do and see that visitors can easily spend hours, if not days, exploring.
Get there: From 19 April 2026, British Airways (www.ba.com) will operate four flights a week direct from London Heathrow to St. Louis. Return fares start from £529.
www.visitmo.com
For more information please contact:
David Ezra
01825 763636
KBC PR & Marketing Ltd
david.ezra@kbc-pr.com