St. Louis / 9 photo spots
9 Instagram spots around St. Louis
St. Louis combines the Gateway Arch with downtown architecture and green spaces. These ideas use public paths and exterior views.
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Photo spots on the map
0 of 9 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
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Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Gateway Arch Grounds
Walk the Gateway Arch grounds and frame the arch from an open path beside a reflection pond. The grounds have visiting hours. Check the park’s photography rules before your visit and ask the park in advance about permits for organized shoots.
Search Google MapsKiener Plaza and Old Courthouse
Kiener Plaza has paths and a view toward the Old Courthouse. Use the plaza as your foreground and frame the courthouse from a clear spot on the public path.
Search Google MapsCitygarden
Citygarden is a free downtown sculpture park with paths and reflecting pools. Choose one sculpture and use the surrounding greenery as a simple background. Commercial or promotional photography is not allowed. Check the garden’s visiting rules before a group visit.
Search Google MapsArt Hill
Art Hill rises between the Grand Basin and the Saint Louis Art Museum. From the upper part of the hill, frame the basin and park below without blocking the paths.
Search Google MapsJewel Box
The Jewel Box is a glass greenhouse in Forest Park. From the public grounds, frame its glass facade with the reflecting pools in front. Water lilies appear in season, and entry inside follows separate visiting arrangements.
Search Google MapsTower Grove Park Ruins
At the Lily Ponds in Tower Grove Park, photograph the ruins from the surrounding path. Do not climb on the ruins, and respect private events. Commercial advertising and promotional shoots need a park permit.
Search Google MapsSt. Louis Central Library
The Central Library fills a downtown block with a stone exterior. From the public sidewalk, look for one of the carved printers’ marks and compose a close architectural detail.
Search Google MapsSt. Louis Union Station
St. Louis Union Station has a historic clock tower. From the public sidewalk along Market Street, frame the tower above the station’s stone facade.
Search Google MapsCathedral Basilica of St. Louis
The Cathedral Basilica has a prominent dome. From the public sidewalk along Lindell Boulevard, frame the exterior and leave enough sky above the dome.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- National Park Service: Gateway Arch Monument
- National Park Service: Gateway Arch FAQ
- National Park Service: Park Brochure
- National Park Service: Gateway Arch 2026 Compendium
- National Park Service: Filming and Photography Rules
- Gateway Arch National Park: Special Use Permits
- Gateway Arch Park Foundation: Kiener Plaza
- Gateway Arch Park Foundation: Kiener Plaza View
- Gateway Arch Park Foundation: Old Courthouse
- Citygarden: Visit and Guidelines
- Citygarden: Visit
- Forest Park Forever: Park Attractions
- Forest Park Forever: Top of Art Hill
- City of St. Louis: Jewel Box
- Forest Park Forever: St. Francis of Assisi
- Tower Grove Park: Visitor FAQ
- Tower Grove Park: Rentals and Commercial Photography
- St. Louis Public Library: Central Library Tours
- St. Louis Union Station: History
- City of St. Louis: Union Station Architecture
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Plan Your Visit
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Art and Architecture