If you’re looking for a new area to explore, want an alternative to the Loop, or feel like breaking out of the “WashU bubble,” the Central West End could be your best next stop. The district boasts a variety of dining options, landmarks, research opportunities, and housing — even if you’re already familiar with the area, there might be something new to see.

Transportation:

Situated just across Forest Park, you can reach the Central West End by MetroLink, bus, or the recently added WashU shuttle stop near the WashU Medical Campus. Depending on where you want to go, parking might be hard to find, but there are a few free options (consider the Whole Foods parking lot!). The district is known for walkability, making for a smooth trip no matter what you have planned. 

Dining:

If you’re looking for places to eat in the Central West End, its range of dining options cover breakfast, brunch, dinner, dessert, or even a casual run for pizza — one popular spot is Pi Pizzeria, on the corner of Euclid and McPherson. Pi is known for high-quality deep dish and thin crust pizza. Just down the street is Jeni’s, offering gourmet ice cream made completely from scratch — and there’s always a new flavor rotating in (consider Gooey Butter Cake or Darkest Chocolate). Other restaurant options include the colorful El Burro Loco for Mexican, and Edera Italian Eatery — a bit on the classier side.

Landmarks:

Along with several clothing boutiques and other locally-run stores, you will find a few historical spots which make for good exploration sites as well as photo-ops. Located in front of the World Chess Hall of Fame is the world’s largest chess piece, sitting at 20 feet tall — an attraction for all with a fascination for larger-than-life monuments. For those more interested in historical buildings, The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza hotel, over 100 years old, is perfect, and also comes with a reasonably-priced theater (beware, however, as it does not offer IMAX). Lastly, the Cathedral Basilica, known for its intricate designs and architecture, offers tours and features its own museum. 

The world’s largest chess piece (Sophia Hellman | Student Life)

Opportunities:

Home to Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the WashU Medical Campus, the Central West End is full of opportunities for students looking to volunteer or experience cutting-edge research in the medical field. Just next to it is St. Louis Children’s Hospital, whose volunteer services department offers meaningful roles to those with a passion for childcare, and maintains a connection to WashU outreach programs such as the Campus YMCA. WashU also recently opened a new Neuroscience Building, one of many different locations home to WashU’s globally recognized labs and projects. Just as you would expect, the CWE has plenty of opportunities for jobs, including undergraduate and graduate research.

Housing:

From skyscrapers to modest apartment complexes, renting in the Central West End can be a great choice. Whether you want to live in a studio or share an apartment with your friends, there are plenty of housing options to choose from. It is also a great choice to be close to research opportunities, or to get to know the Central West End before graduate school at WashU’s Medical Campus. The Central West End can be the ideal setting for hosting your friends as they explore the neighborhood.

This is only an introduction to all of the ins and outs of the Central West End — its varied offerings, historical sites, and community-driven atmosphere make it a buzzing, dynamic location. There’s truly something for everyone.

Bird’s eye view of the housing near the medical center (Sophia Hellman)