Lafayette Square

St. Louis

Lafayette Square featuring a house and a park
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square

Famous for its historic ice cream-colored houses and independent businesses, this characterful neighbourhood is the perfect place to shop, dine and relax. 

Come to Lafayette Square to meet the “painted ladies.” These grand Victorian houses, painted in pastel shades, are so perfect that they look like dollhouses. It is partly because of these pretty buildings that this neighborhood has flourished into the hip spot it is today. Unique stores, cafés and galleries and a lush green space are among its key attractions.

In the mid-19th century, some of St. Louis’ wealthiest citizens lived here. In 1896, a tornado devastated the square, setting off a period of decline that finally came to an end in the 1970s. It was then that the square’s iconic Victorian houses were restored and rebuilt. To see inside, visit in June or December, when the houses are open for just one day.

Find relics of the square’s history scattered all around. Look for the bronze statue of Senator Thomas Hart Benton and the marble statue of George Washington, which both date from the 1860s.

Purchase a morning coffee from one of the nearby cafés and enjoy it in the calm of Lafayette Park. This 30-acre (12-hectare) green space is one of the city’s oldest and loveliest. Next, head out to tour the many unique businesses that draw people from across the city. Browse quirky independent stores for the perfect souvenir. Pick up some art or simply window-shop at beautiful tiny galleries. Treat yourself to a massage at one of the square’s lovely spas.

As the sun goes down, choose from a wide range of bars and restaurants. Indulge your sweet tooth at a chocolate bar that specializes in dessert and sample local beer and spirits at a brewery and distillery.

Ride one of the buses running from downtown St. Louis that stops near Lafayette Square. Reach your destination and you will soon see how this small section of the city offers enough to fill an entire day.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Lafayette Square

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
4 out of 5
315 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$164 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
S$164
15 Jun - 16 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,704 reviews)
"Beautiful"

Reviewed on 11 Jun, 2025

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
3 out of 5
2 South 4th Street, St. Louis, MO
The price is S$179 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
S$179
18 Jun - 19 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,682 reviews)
"The mattress was too uncomfortable for me. Other than that, we had a great stay there."

Reviewed on 12 Jun, 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
3.5 out of 5
7750 Carondelet Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$149 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
S$149
15 Jun - 16 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,895 reviews)
"Everything is good"

Reviewed on 10 Jun, 2025

Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport
2.5 out of 5
10810 Pear Tree Ln, St. Ann, MO
The price is S$149 per night from 19 Jun to 20 Jun
S$149
19 Jun - 20 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Ann. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,578 reviews)
"Friendly, helpful staff and clean, looks like recently renovated room."

Reviewed on 11 Jun, 2025

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport
Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis
Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis
3.5 out of 5
777 Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights, MO
The price is S$183 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
S$183
24 Jun - 25 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Maryland Heights. Enjoy free parking, 7 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,920 reviews)
"I only wish I had known about the parking garage!"

Reviewed on 11 Jun, 2025

Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis
Casino Queen Hotel
Casino Queen Hotel
3 out of 5
200 Front Street, East St. Louis, IL
The price is S$137 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
S$137
16 Jun - 17 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in East St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,804 reviews)
"Our trip for a couple of St. Louis Cardinal games which we stayed at Casino Queen. Staff very friendly and helpful. rooms nice, place clean and very easy to get to Cardinal games from the Queen."

Reviewed on 12 Jun, 2025

Casino Queen Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Lafayette Square

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The Gate

While The Gate may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Enterprise Center and Busch Stadium.

The Gate
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Soulard

You'll enjoy the bars and churches in Soulard. You might want to make time for a stop at Anheuser-Busch Brewery or Soulard Farmer's Market.

Soulard
St. Louis showing interior views

Downtown West

While visiting Downtown West, you might make a stop by sights like Enterprise Center and St. Louis Union Station.

Downtown West
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Benton Park

3/5(1 area review)

While visiting Benton Park, you might make a stop by sights like Cherokee Street and Cherokee Antique Row.

Benton Park
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Midtown

While you're in Midtown, take in top sights like Chaifetz Arena and jump on the metro at Grand Station to see more of the city.

Midtown
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Tower Grove East

While visiting Tower Grove East, you might make a stop by sights like Cherokee Street and Messiah Lutheran Church.

Tower Grove East

Lafayette Square