Lafayette Square, MO

St. Louis
Lafayette Square
Famous for its historic ice cream-colored houses and independent businesses, this characterful neighborhood 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


Lafayette Square Hotel Deals

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 ¥15,379 per night from May 16 to May 17
¥15,379
per night
May 16 - May 17
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! (2,394 reviews)
"Good for a business proposes"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport
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 refundable
The price is ¥21,653 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥21,653
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this 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! (3,005 reviews)
"We have stayed at this hotel several times. This particular stay, there happened to be a baseball game at the nearby stadium. The hotel parking was full, which caused an additional cost to park elsewhere. The desk attendant stated people often used their parking even though they are not hotel guess. ..."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

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 ¥23,365 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥23,365
per night
May 12 - May 13
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! (2,173 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

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
The price is ¥17,915 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥17,915
per night
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this 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! (2,867 reviews)
"This hotel was beautiful and centrally located. The breakfast was amazing and a buffet"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station
3 out of 5
2211 Market Street, St. Louis, MO
The price is ¥19,574 per night from May 29 to May 30
¥19,574
per night
May 29 - May 30
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,207 reviews)
"Very helpful staff. Furniture in room was a bit dated and had stains. But close to many different spots like the aquarium and arch which we could see from the hallway window. Very affordable and pleasant. Would recommend!"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station
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 ¥17,383 per night from May 30 to May 31
¥17,383
per night
May 30 - May 31
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,186 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis
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 neighborhoods around Lafayette Square

Default Image

Peabody Darst Webbe

Though Peabody Darst Webbe might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Busch Stadium and St. Louis Union Station.

Peabody Darst Webbe
Default Image

The Gate

While there might not be top attractions in The Gate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like St. Louis Union Station and Busch Stadium.

The Gate
Default Image

LaSalle Park

While there might not be top attractions in LaSalle Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Busch Stadium and Gateway Arch.

LaSalle Park
Soulard

Soulard

4/5(6 area reviews)

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 which includes interior views

Downtown West

If you're spending some time in Downtown West, St. Louis Union Station and St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown West
One of the coolest hidden gems in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, USA. This is Venice Cafe. The venue features live music and is covered in mosaics and random art. This is a photo outside on the patio.  #urbanjungle #stlouis #missouri #venicecafe

Benton Park

5/5(9 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Benton Park, Cherokee Street and Cherokee Antique Row are top sights worth seeing.

Benton Park

Lafayette Square, MO