St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the great Fire of 1666, St. Paul's has been the site of many historic state occasions; including Sir Winston Churchill's state funeral and the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. A busy working Christian community with several daily services at which all are welcome. St Paul’s also welcomes visitors with access to five levels of the Cathedral including the Whispering Gallery with its unique acoustics and the Stone and Golden Galleries atop the Dome offering breathtaking panoramic views over London. Multimedia guides in eight languages for adults and children are included with sightseeing admission as well as free guided tours to join upon arrival.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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£25.00
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighbourhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighbourhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
  • St. Paul's • 3 min walk
  • Blackfriars • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Pranav C
    Bengaluru, India24 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Big and beautiful
    The cathedral is beautiful. The admission ticket is pricey, but worth the visit. The audio guide could have been better. I prefer the ones where i can choose a number and hear the details as i walk around. Climbing up to the galleries is a must do, if one can climb all the stairs.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 September 2023
  • Anne Elizabeth C
    30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience.
    A delightful gentleman called Chris, showed us around this beautiful Cathedral, and he had a wealth of knowledge about it. He was professional and polite and very easy to listen to. I would recommend a guided tour. Loved it.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 October 2023
  • Caroline R
    London, United Kingdom205 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see
    This is by far one of the most exquisite experiences anyone can have when visiting London. The structure itself is incredible! The view from the top is one of the best in the entire world. It is a wonderful and very enlightening opportunity to discover the history of this amazing city. For those of you who do wish to attend service (entrance is free). For those of you who wish to engage in a very meaningful journey for about two hours, I definitely recommend visiting this Cathedral. Staff are very professional as well as well informed.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 24 October 2023
  • Traveller_247
    Birmingham, United Kingdom57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent visit to St Paul's Cathedral on a rainy day.
    Visited on a wet day in October (affected the City views from the top of Cathedral). Well what can I say, this is an amazing building with amazing history. All the staff were knowledgeable and helpful. The crowds were very well managed by tour guides and staff in Cathedral. I will definitely visit again as I didn't get time for a guided tour. I spent 2 hours and that wasn't long enough! There a lot of steps if you go right to the top via the Whispering Gallery & Stone Gallery to the Golden Gallery (528 steps!), there is also low headroom at times so you need to be able to climb all those steps and duck if you are tall. The views of London and its Thames from the galleries were amazing (as I said it did rain). Lastly I did the crypt, which was massive and I didn't realise there were so many famous people in the crypt. The shop and exit are at the end of the crypt. Will definitely be back for a behind the scenes tour. The architecture was amazing and it was very peaceful even with lots of crowds. Certainly one of the best architectural pieces I've seen, for the sheer size and craftsmanship.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 27 October 2023
  • Annie M
    Thornton, Colorado19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stay for Evensong if you can
    This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe. What makes it even more beautiful is that they open it to the public daily after hours for Evensong (for free). My husband fought (and beat) cancer this past year and sitting under the dome with the choir singing was a profoundly healing experience. I don't remember what songs were sung but I'll never forget the feeling it gave me. You don't have to be Christian to appreciate the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the service. If you can spare the time or need a soothing break from the hustle & bustle of London, slip into St. Paul's for Evensong & let the beauty of the surroundings and the echo of the choir calm your soul. It's something I'll never forget!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 31 October 2023
  • Nancy L
    Orlando, Florida7,090 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Get a city pass
    Get a city pass as this stop is included. Had to wait in a short line to get in. Worth it! Amazing place. So many wonders to see and you can feel the presence of God. You can get a headset or wander around. The burial places were interesting, too.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 4 January 2024
  • Lida C
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning church
    One of the most spectacular churches in London by far. Make sure to visit the crypt and go up to the Whispering Gallery. The view from the Stone Gallery is breathtaking so is the view from the Golden Gallery, although if you have fear of heights I wouldn't exactly recommend it. The way up was more scary than the way down.
    Visited December 2023
    Written 4 January 2024
  • Jemima S
    Johannesburg, South Africa55 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome thing to do and good view at top!
    One of the best things I have done in London. The walk to the top of the dome was awesome, what view! Spent a good couple of hours here, teenagers enjoyed it too. Beautiful cathedral and well laid out for visiting. Buy tickets online they are cheaper than at the door. Free audio guide was good, but do the 30 minutes audio option as the longer one was a bit long for me.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 January 2024
  • A Rob
    96 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of my favourite churches in the UK
    St Paul’s cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in the UK and one of my favourites. It’s worth visiting even if just to see the external architecture. The area around St Paul’s is also quite nice for food/drink. You can pay for a self guided tour inside if you want, and you can usually attend a service for free if you are attending to worship.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 13 January 2024
  • Garfieldluvr
    Denver, Colorado973 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Church!
    I underestimated this Church during my London trip. We showed up about 45 minutes before closing and was warned that we would likely not get to see everything, but we decided to try. I must be honest, I didn’t do a lot of research on this church, I just assumed it was another beautiful European church to walk around and admire. The thing that is different about St. Paul’s is that you can climb the dome, and you should absolutely do so! There are 3 levels, the Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery, and the Golden Gallery. The climb to the Whispering isn’t too bad, and the view, looking into the church from the top of the dome, is amazing. The climb to the Stone Gallery, which provides access to outside the dome, with great view of London, is quite scary. I would say that I do not have a fear of heights, but the stairs to get to up to the Stone Gallery are a little scary and dizzying. The other thing, are once you start going, you cannot turn around. The stairs are narrow and are one way only. I would say that children, elderly, and people with mobility issues should not attempt the walk to the stone gallery. For those that do, great views of London will be your reward. When I went the Golden Gallery was closed, so I don’t have any info to share on that. If you want to see the whole church (including the domes and the crypt), I would allow for 2 hours minimum to visit.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 January 2024
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4.5
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Kathryn B
Wales, UK252 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
As with most of the attractions we visited on the trip to London, we had high expectations for this place. After a little bit of queuing, we were greeted by a fantastic view down the entire length of the cathedral. After a little bit of roaming on the cathedral floor, we decided to climb the dome. The Whispering Gallery was closed on the visit, so the first stop was the Stone Gallery. This level is very spacious so people afraid of heights do not need to worry about this level. The views from here were great, especially of the little towers on the front of the building itself. The best views however were from the Golden Gallery. The stairs to this level are the worst of the climb (me, a person who copes well with heights, got vertigo from these) but the even better views were worth it. Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, The Shard and many other landmarks are visible from here. The fencing may appear small in pictures, but it is actually quite high, so you feel perfectly safe, despite the wind. The crypt followed the descent, where we saw the burial place of many famous people (Christopher Wren, Horatio Nelson and Admiral John Jellicoe were some). Very interesting to see all these famous pwole in one place! To finish, we polished off the main floor. Looking up into the inner dome is a must, where you can see the little glass panel at the Golden Gallery level. The cathedra (bishop's seat) and various chapels were also interesting to see. I also loved how they allow you to take pictures, as it makes the experience even better. Despite what the people at Westminster Abbey would have you believe, photography did NOT ruin the church atmosphere. I can say with confidence that this is one of the best places I have ever been to and would recommend to anyone who is in London, just make sure you have three hours to spare.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul James H
154 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Solo
The Cathedral is a magnificent building, that's lost none of it's granduer over the years. There is a small garden around the back of the building, that let's you sit and contemplate, relaxing to take note.

Admission to the St Paul's is via a pre booked online entry ticket, that includes a multiple language audio guide. There is no option to get a free sightseeing ticket, as the system won't let you proceed without selecting an adult /child/ etc; which all incur a fee. Once inside you can follow the exhibit displays, leading to the altar and behind it the choir. The choir is still actively singing in small groups at the back, although the Church-of-England advised prohibiting singing; as it spreads droplets. Whilst there is a service on, they ask you not take any photographs.

Once you're all done there, go to the top end of the cathedral; to climb the 528 steep spire. You can't go all the way to the pinnacle, as the whispering gallery and the golden gallery closed off. But you go to the stone gallery, and past the second whispering gallery, and up to the top; prior to the golden gallery.
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NicolaAnne2165
Newcastle, Australia78 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
One word: wow! St Paul's seems to attract fewer tourists than Westminster Abbey yet it offers a very different experience. The most amazing part - that I thoroughly recommend - is climbing the 500+ steps to the top of the second cupola. It's amazing to think that these steps were in place when the church was built. And while the climb is long and steep (you'll feel it the next day) the view is amazing - plus you see close up details of the interior construction of the dome and surrounds. Each hour a priest at St Paul's reads a prayer and the Cathedral comes to a stand still. This applies if you're still in the queue to get in, but it is an important reminder that this magnificent building is still a functioning place of worship and not just a tourist attraction.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pedipod San Diego
Escondido, CA26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
I began touring with the Rick Steve's free audio-guide when I saw that official guided tours were available every few hours. I signed up for the 1 pm tour which was comprehensive, including access to several areas off-limits to self-guided tours. The history of the Cathedral is fascinating; the architecture is most impressive. As this is an active religious site, there were private services at times, limiting access to some areas. I spent the morning walking thru the city with the Rick Steves audio tours ending at St Paul's then enjoyed my afternoon there. The docent tours add a great deal above the audio tour, thus I highly recommend including this person tour during your visit, even if you have to return the next day as they are very popular and crowded. One could easily spend then entire day here with a good guide book and personal tour.
Written 6 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Donald D
Kollam, India763 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The cathedral is more than 300 years old and was the tallest structure in London till about 1967. The Dome of the cathedral also remained to be one of the largest among the cathedrals of the world. On Sunday there is free admission but otherwise the entry fee that is charged seemed a little too much for a family visit. There is also a chapel to which there is free access for those wishing to pray. The baroque style is different from the gothic style that is seen in the Roman structures. Quite a marvel to glance through the paintings ...quite surprised at the position of the ticket counter & the security guards !!
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

helen2122
Swadlincote, UK169 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
We booked tickets on line the night before so we didn’t get stuck in queues. We saved money too. On our previous visit to London we found huge queues outside so didn’t get to see St Paul’s Cathedral. On this occasion there were no queues so perhaps just the luck of the draw! Entering was quick and easy with the tickets on my phone ready for scanning. We collected head sets and began the tour, originally playing every video guide. However, we soon realised that we were watching the screen instead of observing the lovely architecture so just followed the guide to give essential information. The mosaics on the ceiling are rather beautiful although other parts seem somewhat plain, but the architecture is clearly quite astounding and not to be missed. We wanted to go to the whispering gallery as that was our main interest but it was closed on the day of our visit. I would have given 5stars had this part been open. We did manage the steps up to the outside gallery where there were wonderful views over London on a day with lovely blue skies. Our son walked up to the golden steps to the higher level and, although he said there were some narrow passages and spiral staircases, it was worth the climb. Before we left we visited the crypt where there were many monuments and tombs including Wellington, Lord Nelson and Christopher Wren. Having spent 2 hours looking round, and climbing steps, we were shattered so left but you could spend hours if you wanted to take in all the information. Definitely enjoyed the visit and would recommend it. A pity about the whispering gallery!
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Opinion8ted
Saugatuck, MI228 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
This venerable cathedral seemed to begin life as an Anglican monument to war heroes. In its current iteration it includes beautiful, somber works of spiritual art, from sculpture to video. It all amounts to a moving self-tour using earphones and the taped guide, well done. A docent led tour is also available (check website for times). Timed entry tickets can be purchased online but even the weekend before. Christmas, in the morning, it was not necessary to have purchased them online. Additionally moving for Americans in Britain's memorial behind the altar to the WW2 dead. Architecturally significant because of its dome and grand features, this feels like a must-see for a variety of reasons. Good gift shop and small cafe for tea, water or soft drinks.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DaytonJG
Centerville, OH3,340 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
Visited for Evensong. I will admit, I was a bit put off by the admission fee (18 GBP per adult), so when planning my itinerary we visited during Evensong (free). It started at 5 PM, but we arrived around 4:30 and were allowed in. Everybody is guided to sit under the dome. Signs said no photos during services, so everybody was respectful of that. Pro-tip: sit on the left side. At about 4:45 they announced that there was limited seating in the choral gallery (is that what it is called?), so since we were sitting on the left side, we were one of the first in the queue. Only about 50 folks were able to sit up there. Individual seats with backs, so that was kind of nice. And we had to leave the bench in between us empty as it was reserved for the Mayor of London (he didn't show up). Anyway, I'm guessing these were some of the best seats in the house! Chorus was beautiful. Program lasted about an hour. Amazing experience for me. My heathen wife thought it a bit of a bore.
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maria F
New York City, NY19 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
My sister and I were visiting London and I had skipped going inside St Paul's on my previous trips. As an agnostic but lover of history and religion, I always love to visit historic churches, abbeys, etc and wanted to wander around St. Paul's but the entrance fee was a bit steep considering the money we were paying for everything else we were doing in London (and for a New Yorker, that is saying something). We attended Evensong one weekday evening (which is free and open to the public) and it was lovely. The priest made us feel very welcome and the church choir was spectacular. If you can make it, I highly recommend going. It was serene and beautiful which was just what I needed after a long and somewhat stressful day. The only thing I didn't appreciate were that others in attendance (also tourists, I am sure) were not quite respectful of the fact that they were attending a church service and were too loud, taking pictures during the services, chatting during the service, etc. Our programs said we would be able to take pictures (without flash) after the service ended but we were ushered out quickly which was fine, but the interior of the cathedral was beautiful. Lots of history, I would love to come back and take a tour or wander about another day!
Written 9 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris B
Coventry, UK171 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Visited St Pauls Cathedral on a recent visit to London and would highly recommend it. At £20 per person, it is slightly pricey, £10-£15 would be more favourable, but its still worth paying. The inside of the cathedral is spectacular, the ceilings and altar are incredible and the view from the top of the cathedral gives an amazing 360 view of the rest of London. The crypt is also really interesting and worth checking out too.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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St. Paul's Cathedral, London

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