Originally Posted by
backprop
Yes, totally fine. Just use big city smarts.
I don't share your same optimism. I would be weary of the downtown area after dark, especially the farther north you go. The Lumiere/Ed Jones Dome/Columbus Square area would be completely a no go for me. Despite supposedly being one of the "nicer" areas of STL with a Four Seasons, people are still getting carjacked in that parking garage and murdered right outside the front door. Even Wash Ave which is supposed to be the oontzy loft district is bordered by some sketch neighborhoods and it's not unheard of for people to be murdered around there. Bar fights at "the clubs" that spill out on the streets, that kid from the 'burbs that was murdered in his car not too long ago in a failed carjacking, etc.
I'd stick to the CWE, Clayton, Delmar, Forest Park(during the day) and the Soulard areas. I'd also recommend the Hill if you like Italian food. Plenty to see and do in those areas and reasonably safe. No one goes downtown unless they're going to a sporting event.