St. Louis offers a unique blend of riverfront charm, iconic landmarks, and a surprisingly walkable city scene. What makes it particularly appealing for boat tours and cruises? The Mississippi River is the star here—offering views of the city skyline, historic riverfront, and a chance to see the city from a different perspective.
Whether it’s the stunning views of the Gateway Arch or getting an up-close look at the city’s top sights, these tours turn a typical sightseeing trip into an experience to remember.
One of our favorites is the Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise, which combines the best of both worlds—urban exploration and a relaxing cruise—plus a visit to Forest Park. For those who prefer walking, the St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour offers a more intimate look at the city’s historic sites and stunning architecture.
For a more all-in-one premium experience, the St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Helicopter Ride & Cruise adds an aerial view to the mix, perfect for thrill-seekers.
1. Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise
This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of St. Louis in just three hours. It starts with a pickup from your hotel—no need to worry about navigating the city yourself. The highlight is ascending the Gateway Arch, where your ticket is included, to enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city and river.
Afterward, the tour takes you past notable landmarks like the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and several other points of interest including Busch Stadium, the Botanical Garden, and Forest Park.
What makes this tour stand out is its small-group setting, limited to no more than seven people, ensuring a personalized experience. The guide shares detailed stories and insights that bring St. Louis’s history to life. Reviews mention how well-organized and engaging the experience is, highlighting the convenience of round-trip hotel transportation and the chance to see more in a short time.
Although the boat cruise is seasonal, the tour offers a compelling alternative, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting an efficient, personalized overview of St. Louis, including the iconic arch and key sights, with the bonus of a river cruise or an alternative attraction.
2. St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour
At number 2, this walking tour offers a more leisurely, in-depth exploration of St. Louis’s most iconic landmarks. It begins at the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, a stunning historic church with beautiful stained glass and mosaics. Your guide provides a detailed look at the city’s early development and its significance as the first cathedral west of the Mississippi.
Next, the tour takes you to see Busch Stadium, and passes through sculpture parks, gardens, and other landmarks like City Hall and the Federal Reserve. The highlight is ascending the Gateway Arch, where you get 360-degree views of the city and river, which, according to reviews, are truly breathtaking.
The walking pace allows for plenty of photo stops and conversations, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more relaxed, educational experience.
What makes this tour unique is its casual walking pace combined with detailed narration—perfect for history buffs or travelers craving a deeper understanding of local culture. Although the tour can be affected by rain, reviews note that it remains enjoyable, and the guide’s knowledge shines through.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who enjoy walking and learning about the city’s history, with the flexibility to explore at a comfortable pace and take photos along the way.
3. St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Helicopter Ride & Cruise
For those seeking a luxurious, all-encompassing experience, this premium tour hits all the high notes—literally and figuratively. Over four hours, you’ll see St. Louis by land, water, and air.
It starts with a ride on the Gateway Arch tram, with admission included, which is a must-do for any visitor. Then, you’ll hop on a Mississippi Riverboat Cruise to enjoy relaxing views of the river and city skyline.
What sets this tour apart is its aerial component: a helicopter ride over the city. This offers a perspective few other tours can match, giving you a sense of just how sprawling and varied St. Louis really is. The tour is fully narrated, providing background on each stop, and includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics effortless.
Rated nearly 5 stars with only 8 reviews, this is best for travelers who want a comprehensive and lavish experience packed into a short time. The helicopter ride is quite the highlight, but note that this comes at a higher price point. Reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and the seamless logistics make this a top-tier choice if your budget allows.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers looking for a luxurious, multi-sensory overview of the city, combining land, water, and sky.
4. St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Boat Ride & Arch
Finally, the premium driving tour offers a comprehensive four-hour ride through downtown St. Louis. It features a visit to the Gateway Arch, with tram tickets included, and a Mississippi River cruise. The tour’s size is small, and transportation is in a comfortable Mercedes Metris van, so you avoid the hassle of driving yourself.
This tour stands out for its carefully curated itinerary: you’ll pass points like Busch Stadium, City Hall, and the Botanical Gardens, with plenty of time for photos and questions. Reviews point out how the tour is well-organized, with friendly guides who both inform and entertain. It’s a good choice for those wanting to see top sights with minimal fuss and a touch of luxury.
The balance of land and water, combined with hotel pickup and drop-off, makes this a practical pick for travelers with limited time but a desire for a thorough overview. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a guided experience without the intensity of a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: A solid, all-in-one option for travelers who want convenience, comfort, and a comprehensive look at St. Louis’s highlights.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you want a quick but thorough introduction with the chance to see the Gateway Arch and a river cruise, the Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour offers great value. For a more relaxed, detailed walk through the city’s architecture and history, the walking tour is ideal.
Those seeking a luxury experience with multiple perspectives should look at the premium helicopter and cruise tour, while the driving tour with boat ride combines ease and coverage for busy visitors.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the helicopter ride and small-group tours, which tend to fill up quickly during peak seasons.
St. Louis offers a diverse range of boat and land tours that fit any style and interest. Whether you prefer the intimacy of a small-group experience or the thrill of flying over the city, there’s something for all. For first-timers or those short on time, the top-rated tours provide a practical way to see the city’s highlights efficiently.
For those wanting a more immersive experience, the premium options add an extra layer of excitement. No matter your choice, early reservations are wise—these tours are popular for good reason.