The Ville / Tandy Hills
Scott Joplin's neighborhood — ragtime music birthplace, Annie Malone's home
Best time
April-October (avoid cold winters), Cardinals baseball season
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 120
Is St. Louis safe for Black travelers?
St. Louis scores 3.4/5 (Mixed) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. St. Louis has elevated crime rates in some neighborhoods. The downtown area, Grand Center arts district, and Forest Park are safe for tourists. The Gateway Arch area is very safe. Research specific areas before venturing out.
Community welcome
4/5
Police climate
3/5
Discrimination risk
3/5
Black-owned presence
4/5
Why this score: Scott Joplin/Chuck Berry; North Side heritage; BOP growing
Neighborhoods to Know
Grand Center Arts District
St. Louis Symphony, Powell Hall, Black Repertory Theater
Delmar Divide
Delmar Blvd — the stark dividing line between affluent white north and segregated Black south — one of America's most documented racial divides
Must-Visit Places
Gateway Arch National Park
America's tallest monument — beautiful but understand the Dred Scott case was decided in St. Louis courts
St. Louis, Missouri
Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
Where the King of Ragtime composed and lived — beautifully restored
St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri History Museum
Excellent exhibits on Dred Scott case, St. Louis African American history
St. Louis, Missouri
Chuck Berry's former home and grave
St. Louis-born Chuck Berry — father of rock and roll, buried at Bellerive Cemetery
St. Louis, Missouri
Sweetie Pie's Restaurant Black-Owned
Miss Robbie's famous soul food restaurant — as seen on Oprah Winfrey Network
St. Louis, Missouri
Visa
No visa required for US citizens
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis safe for Black travelers?
St. Louis scores 3.4 out of 5 (Mixed) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. St. Louis has elevated crime rates in some neighborhoods. The downtown area, Grand Center arts district, and Forest Park are safe for tourists. The Gateway Arch area is very safe. Research specific areas before venturing out.
Which neighborhoods in St. Louis are good for Black travelers?
The Ville / Tandy Hills, Grand Center Arts District, Delmar Divide. Scott Joplin's neighborhood — ragtime music birthplace, Annie Malone's home
Are there Black-owned businesses in St. Louis?
Black-owned presence in St. Louis is strong. Black-owned spots ROAM BLK recommends include Sweetie Pie's Restaurant.
When is the best time to visit St. Louis?
April-October (avoid cold winters), Cardinals baseball season
How much does a day in St. Louis cost?
Budget: USD 60 · Mid-range: USD 120 · Luxury: USD 250 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.
Plan your St. Louis trip in ROAM
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