Originally Posted by backprop

A couple things.

I would say that "big city smarts" would include not going to Columbus Square at night. Or the day, for that matter. There's nothing there of interest to a visitor, so I assume one wouldn't go there, the same way I'd avoid Skid Row if I visited L.A.

It's interesting that you mention "clubs" as I believe there aren't any more, except maybe one (Europe?) left. Sugar Lounge, Amnesia, Club 15, Lure. Closed, closed, closed, closed. The "clubbing" days of Washington Ave. are long gone, replaced by sports bars, a dueling piano lounge, a cigar bar, an upscale bowling alley, and restaurants.

Staying on and south of Washington - with the exception of City Museum - is probably a good rule of thumb.

I'm not saying everything is roses in St. Louis or any major city, but I've lived, worked, and walked downtown St. Louis for almost 20 years now and I know that the 'nobody comes here except for sports' is a bit far-fetched.

But I also think your other suggestions as far as where to visit at night are good too, for what it's worth.