St. Louis has been ranked the 3rd most exciting city in the USA by Finance Buzz. Explore the vibrant attractions and unique qualities that make our city stand out.
I was excited to see that Finance Buzz has chosen St. Louis as the Top 3rd most exciting city in the USA. Before we check out all of the exciting city with so much to offer. Let’s explore the reason why I think our city deserves this accolade. (Excluding the obvious, The Gateway Arch)
City Foundry:
3730 FOUNDRY WAY
ST. LOUIS, MO 63110
Daily Food Hall Hours:
SUNDAY 10 am – 8 pm
MON – THU 10 am – 9 pm
FRI – SAT 10 am – 10 pm
The Delmar Loop:
The Loop offers exhilarating one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, art galleries, live music, café culture, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. The Delmar Loop got its name over a century ago from streetcars that came west and “looped around” before connecting to other areas. That movement and momentum continues today, as The Loop expands with exciting new growth and development that has made it a destination.
Clayton, MO:
When it comes to things to do in Clayton, MO, Flight Club tops the list. Combining fast-paced multiplayer games with groundbreaking tracking technology and instant scoring that doesn’t require a calculator, the social darts concept is designed to bring people together. “The idea of a classy Victorian pub anchors the concept, while fairground lighting adds a touch of playfulness to the space,” Toby Harris, CEO of State of Play Hospitality, says. “The detailed design creates an elevated, female-friendly, adult-centric atmosphere, which is on par with top-end cocktail bars, and that’s truly the heart of Flight Club.”
Ball Park Village:
Ballpark Village is a dining and entertainment district located adjacent to Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. It’s owned by the same investment group as the St. Louis Cardinals and is designed to complement the game-day experience at the stadium. The district features a variety of restaurants, bars, live music venues, and retail spaces, as well as a large outdoor plaza for events and gatherings.
Anheuser-Busch Biergarten:
The Anheuser-Busch Biergarten in St. Louis is a dining and beer experience located at the Anheuser-Busch brewery. It offers a variety of Anheuser-Busch beers, including 17 on tap, and a food menu with items like grilled meats, snacks, and appetizers. The Biergarten also hosts events and specials, including live music and promotions. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Horseshoe Casino:
The Horseshoe Casino in St. Louis is located at 999 N. 2nd St., St. Louis, MO 63102. It’s situated in downtown St. Louis, near the Gateway Arch and other attractions. The casino is open 24 hours a day, except for a brief closure on Wednesday mornings.
Forest Park/The ZOO:
Forest Park is a public park located in the western part of St. Louis, Missouri. Spanning 1,326 acres (5.37 km²), it serves as a central civic hub and has been a prominent feature of the city since its opening in 1876—more than ten years after its initial proposal. The park has hosted numerous notable events, including the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904 and the 1904 Summer Olympics. It is bordered by Washington University in St. Louis, Skinker Boulevard, Lindell Boulevard, Kingshighway Boulevard, and Oakland Avenue. Known as the “Heart of St. Louis,” the park offers a diverse array of attractions such as the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center.
Beginning in the early 2000s, Forest Park underwent a $100 million restoration project supported by a public-private partnership and guided by a comprehensive Master Plan. These improvements included enhancements to landscaping and natural habitats. The park’s landscape features meadows, mature trees, various ponds, man-made lakes, and freshwater streams. Over several years, efforts have been made to restore prairie and wetland areas, which have helped reduce flooding and increased biodiversity. These natural habitat restorations have attracted a wider variety of birds and wildlife, contributing to the park’s ecological vitality.
I am done, not check out the complete list!
By Andy Lindquist Edited by Esther Carlstone
Updated July 1, 2025
Fact checked
An exciting city offers a blend of nightlife, sporting events, great food, outdoor experiences, and theme parks, among other things. When you’re in a place packed with experiences, it’s often easier to stretch your paycheck and get more enjoyment for your money.
Here are the 10 most exciting cities in the country, using data culled from FinanceBuzz’s own research.
10. San Francisco, California
Excitement score: 61.5
With an endless array of high-end restaurants and scenic views, the city by the bay is one of the most vibrant places in the country. Only 25 percent of the restaurants in San Francisco are chains, tied for the lowest on the list, according to the FinanceBuzz study.
The city is also very walkable, and public transportation is easily accessible. Plenty of museums, parks, concert venues, and boat trips on the bay are available.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
Excitement score: 62.0
This city is brimming with youthful energy and gorgeous outdoor attractions year-round. With just 12.1% of residents over the age of 65, the lowest of any city on the list, SLC has plenty to keep you entertained.
From concert venues to skiing to hiking, this city is an adventurer’s paradise.
8. Las Vegas, Nevada
Excitement score: 62.2
It’s no surprise that Sin City makes the top 10, as Vegas has an endless array of nightlife attractions. An endless slew of casinos, restaurants, and live events awaits on the Vegas Strip.
In recent years, the city has become a thriving sports town, with NHL, NFL, and WNBA franchises all establishing a presence in the desert.
7. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Excitement score: 63.7
With a vast array of hiking trails and lush parks, Minneapolis has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts. As one of the largest cities in the Midwest, it also boasts a substantial live music scene, with the second-highest number of concert venues per capita.
6. Washington, District of Columbia
Excitement score: 64.9
The capital has a lot going for it beyond the treasure trove of monuments, museums, and historical sites. With the best system of parks in the country, award-winning restaurants, and excellent public transportation, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
5. New York, New York
Excitement score: 66.0
The city that never sleeps will have something for you at all hours of the night or day. Between gorgeous parks, exciting nightlife, and award-winning restaurants, you’ll never run out of things to do.
There’s something to see at every turn in the Big Apple — its history is woven into every inch.
4. Orlando, Florida
Excitement score: 68.1
Theme parks come to mind when one thinks of Orlando, and for good reason. Between SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and Disney World, you’ll never run out of thrills.
These must-see attractions drive a massive international tourist industry, giving the city a cosmopolitan vibe, especially during the summer months.
3. St. Louis, Missouri
Excitement score: 69.0
The Gateway to the West is loaded with nightlife options, boasting the second-highest number of nightclubs per capita in the nation. Between that and a plethora of live sporting events and scenic parks, you’ll have plenty to keep yourself busy.
2. Miami, Florida
Excitement score: 71.7
Food and nightlife are the two areas where this city truly stands out from most of its competitors on this list. With 16 Michelin-star restaurants and only 35% of the restaurants in Miami being chains, you’ll never run out of original and tasty places to eat.
Throw in warm beaches, pro sports teams, and a bustling nightlife scene, and you can see why Miami ranks so highly.
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Excitement score: 72.7
With the busiest airport in the country, Atlanta is a bustling hub of activity throughout the year. The city ranks among the top five in terms of concert venues and nightclubs per capita.
Add in another top 10 ranking for James Beard and Michelin restaurants, and you can see why ATL is such an exciting and tasty place.
Bottom line
Choosing a city with plenty to do is a smart money move as a homeowner, and a great way to avoid wasting time scrolling, whether you’re on vacation or settling down.
It’s no surprise that the majority of cities on this list have robust public transit systems that make getting around much easier and more efficient than driving a car, especially ideal if you don’t want to drive at all.
Google is available if you need more information!
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