Saint Louis: safe or not?

Question

Hi, for the next spring I'm planning an US trip. I will spend a day in St. Louis, only in the central part of the city, around the Arch. My question is if is it safe for an alone traveller, visit the city? Only during the day, I'm not interested to the night life. Thanks and regards.

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

That’s a wise question. The short answer: yes — a solo traveler can reasonably visit the central part of St. Louis, Missouri (around the Gateway Arch / downtown) during the day — many people do it safely every year. But “safe enough” depends on a few factors (when you go, where exactly, how alert you are). I’ll walk you through what I see about safety + what to watch out for so you can make an informed plan.

✅ What tends to be OK: daytime / main tourist-area visits

Areas around the Arch, downtown tourist zones, and nearby tourist-friendly neighborhoods are considered among the more acceptable / visited parts of the city for tourists — many guides and locals note that they are “relatively safe” during daytime and are popular for visitors.
Because these zones get decent foot traffic (tourists, workers, families, etc.), there tend to be more “eyes on the street,” which tends to reduce risk compared with deserted or poorly-lit areas.
Many visitor-oriented amenities (parks, museums, transit, sidewalks) are in or near downtown — so for a daytime visit, you can plan around well-used streets and common transit/ walking routes, which tend to be safer than more out-of-the-way neighborhoods.
Recent data suggest some improvements: some sources indicate crime — including major crime — has gone down in recent years in some parts of the city, which gives a somewhat more favorable backdrop than older, more negative reputations.

⚠️ What to be aware of / what remains risky — especially if you’re alone

Even in downtown, there is a non-trivial risk of property-crime (theft, break-ins, pickpocketing) and some petty crime. In tourist areas, that tends to be the main concern rather than mayhem or violence — but you should be aware.
Problems tend to rise if you stray outside the main tourist corridors, especially into less-populated or poorly-lit neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods a short distance from downtown are described as “risky,” especially after dark — so venturing far outside the core area alone may carry more risk.
If you stay late or walk after dark — even downtown — certain streets or areas can feel more isolated, and some visitors advise caution.
As with many urban centers, there is occasional “undesirable activity” (panhandling, homelessness, maybe some harassment or petty scams) — so being aware of surroundings, not flashing valuables, and staying in well-trafficked areas is sensible.

🎯 What I’d recommend if I were you, visiting alone for a day around the Arch

Plan to visit during daylight hours, and stay around the core tourist area (Arch grounds, riverfront, downtown walking areas, museum / park zones) — that is likely the safest slice of the city for a solo visitor.
Avoid venturing into lesser-known or residential neighborhoods far from the tourist core, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city.
Use common-sense safety habits: keep belongings secure, avoid displaying valuables, stay on well-lit and populated streets, maybe avoid walking alone late — especially after dark.
If you plan to stay a little past sunset, consider using a rideshare / taxi / organised transport for return or at least avoid isolated zones. Also plan your route ahead of time.
Stick to main attractions, museums, parks, or known tourist-friendly spots. These often have better security, more people around, and lower risk — which is the sensible choice for a solo traveler.

My honest verdict: Yes — you can very reasonably visit central St. Louis / the Arch as a solo traveler during the day, and many people do so without trouble. The city’s downtown and tourist-zone feel similar to many other U.S. cities: nothing perfect, but manageable if you stay alert and smart. It’s not “risk-free,” but with basic caution you should be able to enjoy your short visit safely.