Plan Your Visit to The Hill
Getting here, where to park, when to come, and how to make the most of a day in St. Louis’ Italian neighborhood.
Getting here
The Hill sits just southwest of downtown St. Louis, near Forest Park and the Missouri Botanical Garden, bounded by Manchester Avenue, Kingshighway, Columbia and Southwest avenues, and Hampton Avenue. St. Ambrose Church, at 5130 Wilson Ave., makes an easy starting point. MetroBus routes #95 Kingshighway and #90 Hampton run along its eastern and western edges.
Get directions to St. AmbroseParking
Narrow, mostly residential streets, several of them one-way, and very few lots mean most parking is on the street, in front of homes. Give yourself extra time on weekend evenings.
How parking works on The HillWhen to go
Many family-run spots keep traditional hours, and some close on Sundays or Mondays. Bakeries and delis are best early in the day.
Look up hours in the directoryOne day on The Hill
- Morning Espresso and pastries at a neighborhood bakery
- Late morning Visit St. Ambrose Church and walk Hall of Fame Place
- Lunch A classic Italian sandwich from a corner deli
- Afternoon Browse the import markets for pasta, olive oil and cured meats
- Evening Dinner at a family trattoria, then a nightcap at a local tavern
Frequently asked questions
Do I need reservations for dinner?
For popular dining rooms, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, booking ahead is wise. Many Hill restaurants take reservations by phone or online, while delis, bakeries and cafes are usually counter service. Check each listing in our directory for phone numbers and websites.
Is The Hill walkable?
Yes. The whole neighborhood covers just under a square mile, so restaurants, bakeries, markets, St. Ambrose and Hall of Fame Place are a short walk apart once you have parked.
Is The Hill family friendly?
Yes. Berra Park has a playground and ballfields, gelato and pastry shops are scattered through the neighborhood, and Hill 2000 hosts family events such as Christmas on The Hill in December and an Easter egg hunt at Berra Park.
When are the big festivals?
The Italian Heritage Parade and Festa fills The Hill on a Sunday in mid-October, and the Giro della Montagna bike race runs on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Spring brings the Wine Walk and La Festa at St. Ambrose. See Events for dates as they are announced.