Soulard, St. Louis Travel Guide
Discover Soulard: A Historic St. Louis Neighbourhood Known for Its Vibrant Festivals, Live Music, Culinary Delights, and Rich Heritage.
Welcome to Soulard, a vibrant and historical neighbourhood in St. Louis, Missouri. As one of the oldest communities in the city, Soulard is steeped in rich history, evident in its stunning 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets. This neighbourhood exudes a unique charm that beckons tourists to explore its many offerings. Soulard is renowned for its lively atmosphere, particularly during the annual Soulard Mardi Gras, one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans. The streets come alive with parades, music, and a festive spirit that captivates visitors from all over the world. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy live music at the numerous bars and clubs that line the streets, making it a hub for music lovers. Food enthusiasts will find Soulard a culinary delight, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from traditional St. Louis barbecue to international cuisine. The Soulard Farmers Market, one of the oldest public markets in the United States, is a must-visit. Here, you can sample fresh produce, local meats, and unique artisanal goods, all within a vibrant market atmosphere. Soulard is also a great place for history buffs. The neighbourhood is home to several landmarks and museums that tell the story of St. Louis' past. A walking tour of the area provides insight into its historical significance and showcases its beautiful, well-preserved buildings. Whether you're here for the history, the food, the music, or the festivities, Soulard offers a memorable experience for every visitor.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Soulard.
- Visit during the Soulard Mardi Gras for an unforgettable experience.
- Explore the Soulard Farmers Market early in the morning for the best selection.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.
- Check out live music at local bars like the Broadway Oyster Bar.
- Take a guided walking tour to learn about the neighbourhood's history and architecture.
Explore Soulard: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Best attractions in Soulard
Top-rated picks
Best Attractions
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Citygarden Sculpture Park
Explore the enchanting Citygarden Sculpture Park in St. Louis, where art and nature harmoniously coexist in a vibrant urban setting.
St Louis Escape
Experience the thrill of adventure and teamwork at St. Louis Escape, where every puzzle reveals a new layer of fun in the heart of Soulard.
The Darkness Haunted House
Explore the spine-chilling thrills of The Darkness Haunted House in St. Louis, where immersive scares and stunning set designs await horror enthusiasts.
Soulard Art Gallery
Explore the heart of St. Louis' creative scene at Soulard Art Gallery, where local artistry thrives in a vibrant community atmosphere.
Best landmarks in Soulard
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Best Landmarks
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Lemp Mansion
Experience the haunting charm of Lemp Mansion, a historic gem in St. Louis blending fine dining, thrilling escape rooms, and captivating local history.
St Louis Escape
Immersive escape rooms, retro mini-golf, and vintage arcade games in St. Louis' historic Soulard neighborhood. An unforgettable adventure awaits!
The Darkness Haunted House
Experience heart-pounding terror at The Darkness Haunted House, St. Louis's legendary and longest-running haunted attraction!
Historic Trinity
Discover Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Louis: a testament to faith, resilience, and stunning Gothic Revival architecture in the Soulard neighborhood.
Best restaurants in Soulard
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Best Restaurants
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John D. McGurk's Irish Pub and Garden
Discover John D. McGurk's Irish Pub & Garden - A vibrant blend of authentic Irish cuisine and lively ambiance in St. Louis' Soulard neighborhood.
Mission Taco Joint - Historic Soulard
Experience vibrant Mexican cuisine at Mission Taco Joint in Historic Soulard - where tradition meets innovation!
Chava's Mexican Restaurant
Experience the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex at Chava's Mexican Restaurant in Soulard, St. Louis - where every bite tells a story.
Bogart's Smokehouse
Experience authentic St. Louis barbecue at Bogart's Smokehouse, where every bite is infused with flavor and tradition.
Best bars in Soulard
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Best Bars
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John D. McGurk's Irish Pub and Garden
Discover the heart of Irish culture at John D. McGurk's, a St. Louis gem featuring vibrant gardens, traditional cuisine, and lively entertainment.
Molly's In Soulard
Discover the lively atmosphere of Molly's In Soulard, a premier bar, restaurant, and event venue in the heart of St. Louis, perfect for all travelers.
Pieces Board Game Bar And Restaurant
Explore the ultimate board game experience at Pieces Board Game Bar and Restaurant in St. Louis, where great food meets fun gaming.
Social Bar & Grill Soulard
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering cuisine at Social Bar & Grill Soulard, where St. Louis dining comes alive.
Best nightclubs in Soulard
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Venice Café
Discover the lively Venice Café, a vibrant night club and live music venue in St. Louis, perfect for an unforgettable night out.
Big Daddy's Bar in Soulard #1 Patio & Party Spot
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Big Daddy's Bar in Soulard, where delicious grill cuisine meets lively entertainment in St. Louis.
Carson's Sports Bar & Restaurant
Discover Carson's Sports Bar & Restaurant in Soulard, St. Louis – where sports, karaoke, and delicious bites come together in a lively atmosphere.
PBR St Louis: A Cowboy Bar
Discover the vibrant nightlife at PBR St Louis, where cowboy culture meets modern entertainment in the heart of downtown!
Best shops in Soulard
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Best Shops
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Soulard Spice Shop
Discover a world of flavor at Soulard Spice Shop, St. Louis' premier destination for spices, herbs, and gourmet ingredients.
Vincent's 12th Street Market
Discover the essence of St. Louis at Vincent's 12th Street Market, where fresh produce meets local flavors in a vibrant community setting.
Kind Goods Recreational Dispensary - Soulard
Experience the best of cannabis culture at Kind Goods Recreational Dispensary in Soulard, St. Louis, with quality products and expert staff.
Frenchtown Records, Antiques & More
Discover a unique blend of vintage records and eclectic antiques at Frenchtown Records, Antiques & More in St. Louis, an unmissable spot for treasure hunters.
Explore Soulard on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Soulard, mapped for you.
Soulard Essentials
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Soulard is located just south of downtown St. Louis, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. If you're coming from the airport, the best option is to take a taxi or rideshare service, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. From downtown, you can reach Soulard by taking MetroLink light rail to the 8th & Pine station and transferring to a bus or a short taxi ride. Several bus routes also connect Soulard to nearby neighborhoods.
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Soulard is a compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. The local bike-share program, Lime, offers convenient options for short trips. Public transport options include the MetroBus, which has several routes running through the area. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available. Parking can be found in designated areas, but be mindful of local regulations.
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Soulard is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night. Areas to avoid include parts of the neighborhood near the eastern edge, which can have higher crime rates. Always stay aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
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In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are local hospitals and urgent care centers available, including Saint Louis University Hospital. Familiarize yourself with the nearest facilities and have travel insurance to cover any medical needs. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.
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Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking and casual clothing. Don't wear overly flashy or expensive items that might attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local traditions, especially in historic sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'howdy.' Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine and craft beers, especially during the Soulard Farmers Market. Don't bring outside food or drinks to bars and restaurants.
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To experience Soulard like a local, visit the Soulard Farmers Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and local goods. Explore the historic architecture, especially the iconic brick buildings. Join in the lively atmosphere during Mardi Gras season, which is a major event in the neighborhood. Engage with local bartenders and restaurant staff for recommendations on hidden gems and must-try dishes.
Useful Local Phrases for Soulard
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Soulard. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
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- HelloHowdy
[haw-dee] - GoodbyeSee ya later
[see yah lay-ter] - YesYep
[yep] - NoNah
[nah] - Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
[pleez/no prob-lem] - Thank youThanks
[thanks] - Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
[par-dun me/my bad] - How are you?How ya doin'?
[how yah doin'] - Fine. And you?Good. How 'bout you?
[good. how 'bout yah] - Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
[yah speak ing-glish] - I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya
[I ain't get-tin' yah]
- HelloHowdy
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
[can I chek out the menu] - I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
[I don't eat no meat] - Cheers!Bottoms up!
[bot-toms up] - I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up, thanks
[I'll set-tle up, thanks]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
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- Help!I need a hand!
[I need a hand] - Go away!Get lost!
[get lost] - Call the Police!Ring the cops!
[ring the cops] - Call a doctor!Get a doc!
[get a doc] - I'm lostI'm all turned around
[I'm all turned around] - I'm illI'm feelin' under the weather
[I'm feelin' under the weather]
- Help!I need a hand!
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- I'd like to buy...I wanna pick up...
[I wanna pick up] - I'm just lookingJust browsin'
[just brows-in'] - How much is it?What's the damage?
[what's the dam-age] - That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
[that's a bit steep] - Can you lower the price?Can ya knock somethin' off?
[can yah knock sum-thin' off]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna pick up...
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- What time is it?What's the time?
[what's the time] - It's one o'clockIt's one
[it's one] - Half past (10)Half ten
[half ten] - MorningMornin'
[mornin'] - AfternoonAfternoon
[afternoon] - EveningEvenin'
[evenin'] - YesterdayYesterdee
[yes-ter-dee] - TodayToday
[to-day] - TomorrowTomorra
[tom-or-ra] - 1One
[wun] - 2Two
[too] - 3Three
[three] - 4Four
[four] - 5Five
[five] - 6Six
[six] - 7Seven
[seven] - 8Eight
[eight] - 9Nine
[nine] - 10Ten
[ten]
- What time is it?What's the time?
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- Where's a/the...?Where's the...
[where's the] - What's the address?What's the addy?
[what's the addy] - Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
[can yah point it out (on the map)] - When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
[when's the next] - A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
[a ticket (to)]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...
History of Soulard
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Soulard's history begins in the early 1800s when it was founded as a suburb of St. Louis. Named after the French settler Antoine Soulard, the neighborhood was part of a larger trend of urban expansion in the region. Its strategic location near the Mississippi River made it a hub for trade and commerce, attracting both settlers and merchants. The layout of Soulard was influenced by its French roots, with narrow streets and a community-oriented design.
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Established in 1779, the Soulard Market is one of the oldest farmers' markets in the United States. Initially serving the local agricultural community, it has evolved into a vibrant marketplace that showcases the region's rich agricultural heritage. The market is a focal point for the neighborhood, where local farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, meats, and crafts, embodying the area's cultural traditions.
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Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Soulard became a melting pot of cultures, particularly with the influx of German, Irish, and Italian immigrants. This diversity enriched the neighborhood's cultural fabric, leading to the establishment of various cultural institutions, churches, and social clubs. The annual Soulard Mardi Gras celebration, which began in the 1980s, reflects this cultural diversity and has grown into one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans.
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In the 1970s, Soulard faced the threat of urban decay, prompting residents and preservationists to advocate for the neighborhood's historic character. In 1972, Soulard was designated as a historic district, recognizing its architectural significance and the need for preservation. The district features a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, showcasing a variety of architectural styles, including Federal, Italianate, and Victorian.
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The late 20th century saw a resurgence in Soulard, as artists, young professionals, and families moved into the area, drawn by its historic charm and vibrant community. Today, Soulard is known for its lively atmosphere, with an array of restaurants, bars, and music venues. Its historic architecture, coupled with a strong sense of community, continues to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a unique neighborhood within St. Louis.
Neighbourhoods near Soulard
The closest neighbourhoods to Soulard, if you have time for more than one stop.
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Soulard: The Heartbeat of St. Louis' Heritage and Festivity
Welcome to Soulard, a vibrant and historical neighbourhood in St. Louis, Missouri. As one of the oldest communities in the city, Soulard is steeped in rich history, evident in its stunning 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets. This neighbourhood exudes a unique charm that beckons tourists to explore its many offerings. Soulard is renowned for its lively atmosphere, particularly during the annual Soulard Mardi Gras, one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans. The streets come alive with parades, music, and a festive spirit that captivates visitors from all over the world. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy live music at the numerous bars and clubs that line the streets, making it a hub for music lovers. Food enthusiasts will find Soulard a culinary delight, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from traditional St. Louis barbecue to international cuisine. The Soulard Farmers Market, one of the oldest public markets in the United States, is a must-visit. Here, you can sample fresh produce, local meats, and unique artisanal goods, all within a vibrant market atmosphere. Soulard is also a great place for history buffs. The neighbourhood is home to several landmarks and museums that tell the story of St. Louis' past. A walking tour of the area provides insight into its historical significance and showcases its beautiful, well-preserved buildings. Whether you're here for the history, the food, the music, or the festivities, Soulard offers a memorable experience for every visitor.