St. Louis in 1 Day for Friends - Central West End (CWE) architecture and Gilded Age history
In Collaboration with TourCWE. Updated on February 21, 2026.
Leisurely 2-mile guided walk through the Central West End (CWE) combining St. Louis history with 5–6 small food tastings from long-running neighborhood establishments. Led by a native historian; includes bottled water and cooling aids on hot days. Expect candid discussion of racial and social-history topics.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with TourCWE, inspired by the tour A Taste of Two Cities: Food + History Walking Tour through St. Louis Past + Present. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Central West End (CWE) architecture and Gilded Age history
- Holy Corners Historic District and Delmar Divide discussion
- Chase Park Plaza hotel stories
- Local bakery icon and Maryland Plaza / chess landmarks
- St. Louis-style pizza picnic and a Cajun music-and-food finale
Itinerary
Day 1
3-hour afternoon walking tour beginning in the Central West End. Total walking distance ~2 miles on public sidewalks with short stops for tastings and talks.
Meet & First Bite — Dressel's Public House
Meet at a longtime CWE local tavern for introductions, tour overview, and the first tasting: a signature sandwich that put this spot on the local map. While you nibble, the guide gives a concise origin story of St. Louis and how the CWE rose during the Gilded Age.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5 minutes early to find street parking or a nearby paid lot; group departs promptly at the start time.
- If you have dietary restrictions, tell the guide at check-in so they can advise which nibbles to avoid.
- Bring comfortable shoes—you'll be standing for introductions and sampling at the counter.
Holy Corners & the Delmar Divide
Short walk to the Holy Corners area for a 20–25 minute stop. The guide narrates the architectural links to the 1904 World's Fair, points out landmark façades, and explains the origins and consequences of the Delmar Divide.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop includes curbside observations and short sidewalk walks—watch for street traffic and step onto building forecourts for photos.
- If you want close-up photos of building details, bring a small zoom lens or use phone portrait mode to capture façades.
- Restroom options are limited here—use facilities at the next scheduled indoor stop if needed.
Chase Park Plaza Stories + Neighborhood Market Nibble
Walk to the Chase Park Plaza area. The guide shares select hotel and celebrity stories while we stop for a small sample from a longtime neighborhood market staple nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- The hotel lobby is a useful spot if anyone needs shade, seating, or restrooms during this portion of the tour.
- If you carry a backpack, keep it in front of you while inside the hotel lobby—space can be narrow during peak times.
- Ask the guide about nearby accessible routes if you prefer step-free sidewalks around the hotel.
Iconic Bakery Stop + Maryland Plaza / Chess Landmarks
Continue down a historic stretch of road that was part of Route 66 to sample a long-standing bakery treat. Then pass through Maryland Plaza to view chess-related public art and learn about the area's role in U.S. chess history before settling into a small neighborhood park for a St. Louis-style pizza picnic with its traditional accompaniment.
Tips from local experts:
- The picnic is in a small park—bring a light jacket if the weather is cool, and the guide will provide napkins and bottled water.
- If you need a vegetarian option, tell the guide at the bakery stop so alternatives can be offered from included tastings where possible.
- Keep personal belongings close during the plaza walk; Maryland Plaza is an active public space with foot traffic.
Pass the Cathedral Basilica (exterior)
Walk along Lindell Boulevard to view the exterior of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis from about a block away. The guide outlines the cathedral's construction history and its influence on St. Louis' cultural landscape. Note: the tour does not include entry to the cathedral.
Tips from local experts:
- Photography from the street is fine; the group will remain on public sidewalks and will not enter the cathedral.
- If you need shade or seating, the guide will pause at a sheltered spot on the sidewalk near the basilica.
- Be mindful of scheduled church services—respect silence and distance if a service is occurring.
Final Stop — Cajun Tribute & Live-Music Wrap
Return toward Euclid Avenue for a concluding small tasting of a non-spicy tribute to New Orleans cuisine at a longtime CWE venue that also hosts live music. The guide ties together the French/Catholic founding links between St. Louis and New Orleans here and closes the walk with Q&A.
Tips from local experts:
- This final venue has live music at times—if you prefer a quieter table, mention it to your guide when you arrive.
- If you have mobility concerns, ask the guide to reserve a seat near the group’s meeting point so you aren’t standing during the final talk.
- Keep an eye on personal belongings in the venue during live-music portions; seating can be close in busy evenings.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Restaurant, Culture, Hotel, Meal, Attraction |
