St. Charles Historic District
St. Charles Historic District
4.5
About
Historic District St. Charles: 16 blocks of shopping, dining and lodging in historic, restored structures on the banks of the Missouri River. Settlement dates to 1769.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,396 reviews
Excellent
1,045
Very good
304
Average
40
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Sarah O
Mexico, MO42 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
The historic district is incredible. The amount of interesting things to see, shops to explore, and food to eat is extensive. There are shops specializing in different things, bakeries, bars, restaurants with patios and fire pits to keep you warm, art galleries, and just something for everyone. There were many dogs out and about too. Parking can probably get pretty busy and I would imagine on a beautiful day, this place is extremely busy.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee S
Cincinnati, OH236 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We have walked through downtown Saint Charles along the riverfront a few times. Each time we enjoy seeing the shops and enjoy a restaurant or some pastries as we tour the area. Watch to see and very enjoyable. Definitely something you want to do. Also, there’s free public parking along the riverfront.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike O
Roanoke, VA1,327 contributions
Jun 2021
After putting in 10 miles of exercise on the Katy Trail, we opted for a stroll up and down Main Street, and lunch. Others have described this street, lined with shops and restaurants, as quaint; we fully agree. Many of the buildings are dated, all appeared to be in good shape. And, on the late June Saturday morning we visited, all appeared to be bustling with activity. We parked under a shade tree on Main Street where it was free on weekends. An abundance of free parking was also available a block away along South Riverside Drive and in the huge public lots along the river.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jagi55025
Forest Lake, MN262 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Blocks and blocks of original buildings featuring small business arts and artisan..interspersed with some amazing eateries, restaurants, and sweet treat shops. It’s almost a sensory overload. The cobblestone streets and sidewalks are the icing on the cake. It’s a step back in time with something for everyone.
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlieV2011
Chicago, IL1,584 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
St. Charles is an easy 20 minute drive from St. Louis and is a great way to spend a few hours. The pictures online do not do the historic street justice as it is much longer. The street has a ton of shopping and dining options, which are all set in a historic setting. Many of the buildings have plaques that provide info on the origins of the buildings and prior owners. There is also free public parking by the Lewis and Clark Boat House Museum and free restrooms scattered around. I enjoyed the history, the architecture, the weather, and the ice cream!
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveltheworld012
Rochester, MN13,560 contributions
Mar 2023
Staying nearby, my wife had a business meeting all day, so I went here to check it out on Friday, March 10, 2023. I arrived at 8:30AM, but everything was closed until 10AM. It was a cold day, brisk wind, threatening rain and about 32 degrees. I walked around for a half hour, then had to warm up in the car. Finally, after going for another walk in the park area and visiting the Lewis & Clark Boathouse, I came back to see it again. I visited mostly antique stores and had lunch at a cafe. Great looking architecture and most buildings are well kept or restored. There is also an old vertical log church from 1791. There are plenty of parking lots one block off the main street all along the village. Also one can park on both sides of the street anywhere for free. I'm sure this is great for the disabled and the lazy ones. What would make this historic village much better and enjoyable, is to make the entire cobblestone street the full length of the town a pedestrian walkway. Cars passing through can easily bypass the main street, off street parking is very convenient and close by. Too many historical villages around the USA are spoiled by too many cars, this is another one.
Written March 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michelebarry2
Illinois124 contributions
Jan 2022
Decided on three nights stay during the week (in winter). Really didn't know what to expect and was very surprised (overall) how large the city of St. Charles was. However, we stayed just a few blocks from Main Street (Historic District) and loved that it was quiet and within walking distance to all of the shops and restaurants the district has to offer.
Shopkeepers all kept telling us to return in the summer when there would be lots more "festive" things to do. We were okay with a winter visit as well just be aware many places are not open daily or close earlier than summer due to it being a slower time. Definetely make dinner reservations ahead of time there in the district. Bradden's and Tony's were are favorite places to eat.
Shopkeepers all kept telling us to return in the summer when there would be lots more "festive" things to do. We were okay with a winter visit as well just be aware many places are not open daily or close earlier than summer due to it being a slower time. Definetely make dinner reservations ahead of time there in the district. Bradden's and Tony's were are favorite places to eat.
Written January 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
042143
Glen Carbon, IL497 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Commonly called Old Town St Charles this is a great shopping, dining, people watching place. Lots of antique shops, trinket shops, spice shops and very good restaurants. Great place to walk by the MO River with its parks, trails and parking. It is worth your time to go.
Written March 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PowerTrippers
Cocoa Beach, FL1,249 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We had a wonderful time in downtown St. Charles. The area is a very charming and laid back district near the Missouri River. It features a variety of cool and unique shops, lots of great places to eat (meals and snacks), great bars, and lots of history. We loved the cobblestone streets.
We spent a wonderful, relaxing day here and are looking forward to returning soon. Two big Power Trippers thumbs up!
- The Power Trippers
We spent a wonderful, relaxing day here and are looking forward to returning soon. Two big Power Trippers thumbs up!
- The Power Trippers
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott E
Kansas City, MO21 contributions
Jul 2022
We were in town for The Black Keys concert and decided to make a weekend of it. We visited the historic downtown St. Charles, which was a lot of fun. There are many different shops and restaurants to enjoy. The old brick street was something to see. We managed to make a whole day out of that area, which was quite fun!
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What the hours for the shops in st charles historic district
Jenzie59
Paducah, KY122 contributions
Most closed at 5:00. Restaurants were open later. The stores stay open later on the weekends
is the christmas shops open on december 20th
DennyLou7777
Saint Louis, MO34 contributions
Yes
Erika T
Lexington, IL14 contributions
Will shops and everything be open on Easter weekend this year?
Deb B
Defiance, MO593 contributions
According to the Greater Saint Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau most shops and restaurants will be closed on Sunday in the Historic District on the riverfront. There is an Easter Egg hunt at Frontier Park sponsored by the Methodist Church at 11 AM on Easter Sunday, April 1. Shops and restaurants will be open on Saturday. For more info call 636-946-7776. On a side note, the St. Louis Zoo is having a special Easter Egg hunt for the animals on April 1 if you are interested.
Leigh
Chicago, Illinois, USA38 contributions
If we arrive on Dec 29th, will we still be able to experience the decorations (I'm aware the festivities will be past)?
michaelhF2975NL
Saint Peters, MO3 contributions
You are correct. The Christmas Traditions actors and crew are done on Christmas Eve.
But the decorations usually stay past the New Year.
And the area always has something to offer. The history of the buildings and all the merchants are always here.
rnoble2017
Farmington, MO
What are the store hours during the holiday season?
David B
Saint Charles, MO5 contributions
Each store has their own hours. Most closes at 5:00pm but there are a few that wants the most out of the day and closes at 7:00pm. And of course the mini-brewery is later.
Cindy K
Springfield, IL137 contributions
My husband and I found a really quaint small bar a few years ago. If I am remembering correctly they had a very large picture of a former boxer who (perhaps) had been involved with this bar at one time. Drinks were cheap and it seemed fairly small in size. No outdoor patio and not even sure they served food. Bathrooms were single restrooms literally at the end of the bar. Would love to know the name of this place and if they are still open for business!!
MDWiese
Bunker Hill, Il.357 contributions
Sorry. I do not know which bar that could be. Maybe call the Chamber of Commerce (636-946-0633) or the Visitors Bureau (800-366-2427)
nursedi
Crestwood, IL20 contributions
My husband uses a small mobility scooter. Will he be able to access most of the shops?
Debbie D
Independence, MO188 contributions
In the historic district, many of the shops are older, with steps up and some narrow aisles. My recollection tells me there may not be many stores that are easily accessible with a scooter. Hope that helps.
nursedi
Crestwood, IL20 contributions
My husband uses a small mobility scooter. Will he be able to enter most of the shops?
JMCSTL
Saint Louis, MO5,568 contributions
Not most, but some. Many of the stores on the west side of main street are in buildings constructed in the 1800s, with stairs leading up from the sidewalks & sometimes narrow store spaces packed with merchandise. Some of the slightly newer buildings do sit at sidewalk level, and several of the restaurants have made accommodations for easier access from the sidewalk. Stores on the east side of Main more commonly have sidewalk-level doorways, but I don't believe that's the majority of them. The sidewalks tend to be uneven & sloping in many spots, so it would take some maneuvering in a scooter in those stretches. Doesn't mean you & your husband can't enjoy the day together on Main Street, though. He'll have plenty of company with us other husbands dutifully sitting on benches out on the sidewalk, waiting for our wives to move on to the next block of storefronts. ;)
tangle2017
Charleston, IL
Is there any day that the shops are closed in the summer
Árni J
23 contributions
not to my knowledge... it closed for the 4th of july,, apart from that i think its open
Are most of the shops open on Sundays?
Lori A
St. Peters7 contributions
Many of the shops are open limited hours on Sundays.
St. Charles Historic District (Saint Charles) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Charles Historic District
- Hotels near St. Charles Historic District:
- (0.02 mi) Amazing Renovated Historic Loft on Main Street
- (0.04 mi) 115 N Main · HUGE 2 bedroom unit on Main Street
- (0.14 mi) Boone's Colonial Inn
- (0.12 mi) Glamping St. Louis
- (0.17 mi) The St. Charles Guest House, lovely historic home, fun for families and groups
- Restaurants near St. Charles Historic District:
- (0.03 mi) Picasso's Coffee
- (0.03 mi) Frankie Tocco's Pizzeria
- (0.03 mi) Valentis Delicatessen and Market Place
- (0.03 mi) Llewelyn's Pub
- (0.08 mi) Tony's on Main Street
- Attractions near St. Charles Historic District:
- (0.03 mi) Cassandra Erin Studio
- (0.03 mi) St Charles Ghost Tours
- (0.07 mi) First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
- (0.08 mi) Tony's On Top
- (0.05 mi) The Candle Fusion Studio