Top Rated Attractions in St. Louis

For the past 25 years, Shirley Schwartz has dedicated her life to the love of art and sharing beauty with others. Barucci Gallery is nationally known as one of the premier contemporary art galleries. The gallery offers artistic consulting as well as framing for private collections and is the official framer for the St. Louis Art Fair. The gallery includes pieces by select award-winning contemporary artists and incorporates original paintings, glasswork, ceramics, and jewelry. The selection is quite eclectic, with pieces from all over the United States. Even if purchasing art isn’t in the stars, the gallery is a great place to spend the afternoon browsing. - Cathryn D. Blue

This still functioning cemetery has an amazing history. Founded in 1816, it became a very popular tourist attraction as a result of not only its beauty and history, but also because of the role that it played before the Civil War. The Old Meeting House located on the grounds of the Des Peres Presbyterian Church and Cemetery was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Thousands of slaves found their ways to freedom as a result of the work that abolitionists selflessly engaged in at this site. A marker that commemorates the struggles of the victims of the American slave trade who were buried in the cemetery without grave markers is left for passers by to see. Since the cemetery is a religious site, it is advised that all visitors come with a sense of reverence and respect. Many people visit the cemetery and leave with a sense of connection with the earth and its past. -Cathryn D. Blue

The Great River Road, or the River Road, is a long, winding road that has the Mississippi River flanking it on one side and limestone bluffs on the other. Built in 1938, it is a network of local, state and federal roads. The road beautifully showcases the 10 states bordering the great river. As you drive along, you will come across verdure farms, meadows and forests, limestone cliffs, swamps, parks, and historic towns, making it one of the most scenic routes in the US. A portion of the route has been classified as a national scenic byway, and it is the meeting point of the Mississipi, Illinois and Missouri rivers.

Housed in the historic Old Post Office Plaza, La Perla in downtown St. Louis is the perfect spot for those looking for an intimate space for their event. Each of the three event spaces – the Great Room, the Balcony, and the Bank Vault – reflect its vintage character and unique charm. Great for wedding ceremonies, receptions, luncheon, private parties, and corporate gatherings, La Perla has much to offer.

The Union Avenue Christian Church is a beautiful church which is remarkable both for its beautiful architecture and for its cultural programs. The beautiful rose window, arched entryway, mullioned, stained-glass windows and tall bell tower make this church a sight worth seeing in itself. That's not all, however, as the church is also home to the Union Avenue Opera, an organization which is led by the music director of the church and which organizes regular opera performances at this church.

The skillfully designed Saint Louis Abbey is a world-renowned architectural as well as spiritual haven. This historic landmark was established in 1955. A few monks from the Benedictine Ampleforth Abbey laid the foundation for this mammoth establishment. Affiliated to the Roman Catholic English Benedictine Congregation, the abbey is home to numerous monks, who lead a disciplined life of prayer and work. While the inspiring tales about the lives of these monks sure attract many a discerning traveler, the immaculate and captivating façade of the abbey has droves of curious wanderers flocking its grounds. The three-tiered structure houses European modern art as well as sculptures and relics from the 14th Century, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs too.