St Paul's Cathedral
A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, St. Paul's Cathedral offers breathtaking views and a rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
St Paul's Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, St. Paul's Cathedral offers breathtaking views and a rich history.
"Ascend the dome for unparalleled London vistas and explore centuries of history within its magnificent walls."
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing! Essential for exploring the dome and crypt. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your St. Paul's Cathedral tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dome
Interior
Ascend to the Whispering Gallery for unique acoustics and stunning city vistas. A true architectural marvel.
Crypt
Below the Cathedral
Explore the resting place of national heroes like Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.
The Cathedral Floor
Main Nave
Admire the intricate mosaics and grand scale of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. A serene and awe-inspiring space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Climb to the Dome
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing! Essential for exploring the dome and crypt. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your St. Paul's Cathedral tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Capture the Views
The photo opportunities are endless, especially from the dome. Don't forget your phone! :iphone:
Consider a Guided Tour
Gain deeper insights into the history and architecture from knowledgeable guides. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing! Essential for exploring the dome and crypt. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your St. Paul's Cathedral tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Capture the Views
The photo opportunities are endless, especially from the dome. Don't forget your phone! :iphone:
Consider a Guided Tour
Gain deeper insights into the history and architecture from knowledgeable guides. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the architectural grandeur and historical significance of St. Paul's Cathedral. The climb to the dome is a highlight for many, offering spectacular city views. However, some find that its use for events can detract from its sacred atmosphere, leading to a less traditional cathedral experience.
"Surprised to see it's been turned into a hall for concerts, art shows & other events? With the beautiful church donated furnitures now removed" very plain, lost its sacred atmosphere + the meaning it was built for" maybe a coffee shop in there next? Hardly a cathedral now!!"
Giro Pevitt
"Arrived earlier than the 1/2 hour recommended. Organisation of tickets and getting to our seats was welcoming and quick.
Started on time, the setup of candles was amazing, creating the perfect ambience.
The sound was beautiful, each piece was spoken about with passion and knowledge of the composer and why it was written.
The church was full, but not a sound was heard throughout the session.
100% will be attending again. Thank you for sharing you music. 🩵🩵?seat"
Kim Manley
"Beautiful church, though frankly I would've expect something bigger and more grandeur from gold-rich Bendigo."
V K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Paul's Cathedral is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube station is St. Paul's on the Central Line. Numerous bus routes also stop nearby. Many visitors find it a convenient central London location to reach.
On-street parking is very limited and expensive in this central London area. It's highly recommended to use public transport to visit St. Paul's Cathedral.
Yes, many London walking tours include St. Paul's Cathedral as a key stop, offering historical context and photo opportunities.
For iconic shots, try Millennium Bridge for a classic view across the Thames, or explore nearby streets for unique angles.
While the main floor is accessible, climbing to the dome and exploring the crypt may present challenges. Check the official website for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance is often recommended. Look out for potential discounts or 2-for-1 offers, though these can be seasonal.
It is highly recommended to book your St. Paul's Cathedral tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment and potential queues, especially during peak season.
Opening hours can vary, especially on Sundays and for special events. It's best to check the official St. Paul's Cathedral website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or families. Keep an eye out for special promotions or 2-for-1 ticket deals, though availability can vary.
Entry to St. Paul's Cathedral for general visiting requires a paid ticket. However, attending a regular service is usually free, though access to certain areas may be restricted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the magnificent Dome, the Crypt with tombs of famous figures, the beautiful mosaics on the floor, and the stunning architecture of the nave and choir.
Yes, you can climb over 500 steps to the Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery, and Golden Gallery for incredible views of London.
Many visitors find the guided tours highly informative, offering insights into the cathedral's history, architecture, and significance.
The Whispering Gallery is famous for its acoustics; a whisper on one side can be heard clearly on the opposite side, over 100 feet away.
Beyond the main attractions, explore the crypt for historical figures and consider the unique architectural details throughout the building. Some nearby hidden courtyards also offer a different perspective.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is typically a cafe or restaurant on-site offering refreshments and light meals for visitors.
The area around St. Paul's Cathedral has a wide range of dining options, from quick cafes to more formal restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Yes, there is usually a cafe within the cathedral complex where you can enjoy a coffee and a snack.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic views can be captured from Millennium Bridge, the South Bank, and various vantage points across the city. Inside, the dome and nave offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted inside St. Paul's Cathedral for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the interior and avoid disturbing visitors. Always check for specific signage.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide beautiful light for exterior shots. The interior can be stunning with natural light filtering through the windows.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in the vicinity of St. Paul's Cathedral due to its location and security regulations.
The Whispering Gallery offers a unique perspective, and the climb to the top provides panoramic cityscapes. The intricate details of the architecture are also great subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for younger ones, consider downloading a family-friendly guide or activity sheet if available. The cafe on-site provides a convenient spot for a break and refreshments. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of walking and climbing involved.
📚 Book Lovers & Unique Stays
Even without such exclusive stays, the cathedral's historical significance and architectural beauty can inspire a sense of wonder. The surrounding area also offers opportunities to explore historical sites and perhaps discover charming independent bookstores, adding a literary dimension to your visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't forget the interior! The play of light through the stained glass, the vastness of the nave, and the historical artifacts in the crypt provide ample opportunities for stunning photography. Remember to be mindful of any restrictions on flash photography to preserve the atmosphere and protect the artwork.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: Sir Christopher Wren's Masterpiece
The most striking feature is undoubtedly the dome, which dominates the London skyline. It's a triple-shelled construction, a marvel of engineering that allows for both internal grandeur and external visual impact. Inside, visitors can explore the Whispering Gallery, famous for its unique acoustic properties, and ascend further to the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Beyond the dome, the cathedral's interior boasts intricate mosaics, the serene nave, and the solemn crypt. The crypt serves as the final resting place for many distinguished figures, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, adding a layer of historical gravitas to the visit. The overall design emphasizes symmetry, proportion, and a sense of awe-inspiring space, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Climbing to the Top: Views and Challenges
The climb leads you first to the Whispering Gallery, where you can test its famous acoustic properties. Continuing upwards, you reach the Stone Gallery, offering open-air views from a higher vantage point. The final destination is the Golden Gallery, the highest accessible point, providing truly spectacular 360-degree vistas of the sprawling metropolis. It's an ideal spot for photography and to truly appreciate the scale of London.
It's important to be prepared for this climb. Comfortable footwear is essential, and visitors should be aware of their physical capabilities. The narrow staircases and the sheer number of steps can be demanding, but the reward of the panoramic views is widely considered to be well worth the effort.
Beyond the Tourist Trail: Hidden Corners
One such area mentioned is a secluded courtyard containing ancient treasures, offering a glimpse into the area's past that many visitors miss. Exploring these nooks and crannies can enrich your understanding of the cathedral's context within the city. It's these discoveries that often make a trip truly memorable, turning a standard visit into an adventure.
For those interested in delving deeper into London's hidden corners, resources like self-guided walks or books detailing secret spots can be invaluable. These often highlight places of historical significance or unique charm that are not on the typical tourist radar, allowing for a more personal and in-depth exploration of the city surrounding St. Paul's.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit