Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral
4.5
About
The sixth-largest cathedral in the world, Washington National Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, a national house of prayer for all people, and a gathering place for the nation in times of sorrow and in times of celebration. It has been the site of presidential funerals, inaugural prayer services, and many historic moments, including the final Sunday sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
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- Lynn SLeague City, Texas619 contributionsBeautiful cathedralJust a beautiful cathedral. I was familiar with the cathedral due to a scene from "The West Wing" and also several famous funerals held here (most recently George H.W. Bush). The architecture is simply astounding inside and out. On the outside, not only are there gargoyles on top of the cathedral (when and why did we stop putting gargoyles on buildings??), but there's also a Darth Vader one. It isn't hard to find (there's a sign and pointers to tell you how to find the evil Sith Lord). Inside there are multiple beautiful chapels. One US President is interred here (Woodrow Wilson) as well as Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan (I didn't know that before visiting). The stained glass windows are magnificent. One is dedicated to space and has a moon rock in the middle of it. A tour is well worth it. You can get here via Metro Bus and it's worth taking the time for a visit.Visited March 2023Written 24 March 2023
- N C32 contributionsWell worth the trip (and the traffic) to goI'd heard about the National Cathedral for years and had seen it on television. I'd even heard about how the cathedral is so big that you could lay the Washington Monument on its side within it. But none of that prepared me for how truly massive, beautiful, and grandiose the Cathedral is. I was in awe and am so glad I made time to go. Some days, if you're not part of a group or tour, you can go up to the 7th floor observation area to look out over D.C. & Maryland.Visited April 2023Written 30 April 2023
- MstqMI1,327 contributionsBreathtaking!I've been wanting to visit the National Cathedral since watching John McCain's funeral that was held there. It is absolutely breathtaking!! We lucked out and got there just in time to join a tour. Our guide was Hela Finberg and she was fantastic. She pointed out and explained so many things. Also, we went up to the observation floor with the amazing views. The only drawback to me was that the gift shops were closed- I had hoped to get some postcards. But I would recommend this to anyone.Visited May 2023Written 19 May 2023
- CarlKHawaiiNeiSan Jose, California382 contributionsTo the Glory of God!A simply amazing place of worship. Go for the Sunday service if possible. During our visit Dean Randy gave a memorable sermon, the visiting choir was incredible, and the grounds and structure details were just beautiful. Take some time to read about the construction, the stained glass, and the gargoyles. Leave some time to visit Bishop's Garden.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 June 2023
- David HBury, United Kingdom1,651 contributionsNot to be missedDuring my short stay I visited twice - first of all to see the building and secondly to attend the Palm Sunday service. The latter was extremely well organised, with worshippers gathering in the grounds before following the procession led by a donkey and the clergy into the Cathedral. The service was packed, and lasted well over 90 minutes. Earlier in the weekend I had taken the bus from downtown which stops right outside. It was fascinating to wander around the vast building admiring the art and history. There are many interesting small chapels around the main nave, and even more downstairs in the crypt. To finish there is a small cafe in the grounds where drinks and snacks can be purchased. Highly recommended for a visit.Visited March 2023Written 27 July 2023
- anderson213Hannibal, Missouri818 contributionsThere's so much . . .We did the more expensive Behind the Scenes tour. This gets you incredible insight about the past of the cathedral, the hidden areas, and right up close to the magnificent stain glass. However, any visit is worthwhile. It's an amazing cathedral with so many interesting details--like, the moon stone, the Darth Vader grotesque, Woodrow and Edith Wilson, Helen Keller, and Anne Sullivan are interred in the lower level, and when visiting, the views from the top are spectacular. A must go to when visiting D.C.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 August 2023
- David HAlexandria, Louisiana62 contributionsNational Cathedral, worth a side trip,The cathedral is an astonishing example of Gothic architecture. From crypt to observation point, everything is interesting. There is a $15 entrance fee (this is not a federal museum) which is reasonable given the enormous maintenance costs. There was an interesting exhibit of outsider art in the observation area (a church of souls like presentation). It requires a drive (or Uber) to get out there, but it's worth the detour.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,114 reviews
Excellent
2,339
Very good
591
Average
141
Poor
26
Terrible
18
David H
Alexandria, LA62 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
The cathedral is an astonishing example of Gothic architecture. From crypt to observation point, everything is interesting. There is a $15 entrance fee (this is not a federal museum) which is reasonable given the enormous maintenance costs. There was an interesting exhibit of outsider art in the observation area (a church of souls like presentation). It requires a drive (or Uber) to get out there, but it's worth the detour.
Written 12 February 2024
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.
Tom G
Silver Spring, MD3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Our entire family made our 1st visit to the Cathedral after moving to the area. We were excited to get tickets and the service did not disappoint ! Getting there early to get in line was important. Doors opened @ 5 for the 6 start.
Written 24 December 2023
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.
Kenneth K
46 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Church is beautiful, but recently put in a BLM type stain glass window??? Strange that they would allow such a controversial subject in a permanent stain glass window. What happened to praising God in the stained glass.
Written 16 December 2023
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.
saalfeldk68
Independence, KY185 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The cathedral was absolutely beautiful! The only thing I was disappointed in was we didn’t have a map of the whole cathedral. I think charging $15 is way too expensive.
Written 7 November 2023
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.
Freedom37641188431
Long Beach, CA20 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We took the 10:30 am guided tour and it was excellent. We enjoyed learning about the cathedral and the incredibly beautiful windows. The place is well worth seeing, even though the price was more expensive than I had expected since they got rid of the discounts the week prior to our arrival. The parking fee, though, is way too high, $6 each hour, and you will be there a minimum of 2 hours. The price includes visiting the crypts and chapels, and the 7th floor observation deck. Don't forget to see the children's chapel. Even though it was more than I had expected to pay overall, I'm still glad we went.
Written 4 October 2023
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.
anderson213
Hannibal, MO818 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We did the more expensive Behind the Scenes tour. This gets you incredible insight about the past of the cathedral, the hidden areas, and right up close to the magnificent stain glass.
However, any visit is worthwhile. It's an amazing cathedral with so many interesting details--like, the moon stone, the Darth Vader grotesque, Woodrow and Edith Wilson, Helen Keller, and Anne Sullivan are interred in the lower level, and when visiting, the views from the top are spectacular.
A must go to when visiting D.C.
However, any visit is worthwhile. It's an amazing cathedral with so many interesting details--like, the moon stone, the Darth Vader grotesque, Woodrow and Edith Wilson, Helen Keller, and Anne Sullivan are interred in the lower level, and when visiting, the views from the top are spectacular.
A must go to when visiting D.C.
Written 12 August 2023
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.
TravelingREVMdM
Omaha Area208 contributions
Jul 2023
This is a very nice place to visit that you might not think about with all of the other monuments and museums but a lot of history has happened here and the church has multiple smaller chapels in the crypt area - wonderful stain glass windows and beautiful architecture too. They do charge to get in so be ready to pay but it is privately funded so I am sure this helps their upkeep and remodeling too -
Written 11 August 2023
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.
David H
Bury, UK1,651 contributions
Mar 2023
During my short stay I visited twice - first of all to see the building and secondly to attend the Palm Sunday service. The latter was extremely well organised, with worshippers gathering in the grounds before following the procession led by a donkey and the clergy into the Cathedral. The service was packed, and lasted well over 90 minutes.
Earlier in the weekend I had taken the bus from downtown which stops right outside. It was fascinating to wander around the vast building admiring the art and history. There are many interesting small chapels around the main nave, and even more downstairs in the crypt.
To finish there is a small cafe in the grounds where drinks and snacks can be purchased.
Highly recommended for a visit.
Earlier in the weekend I had taken the bus from downtown which stops right outside. It was fascinating to wander around the vast building admiring the art and history. There are many interesting small chapels around the main nave, and even more downstairs in the crypt.
To finish there is a small cafe in the grounds where drinks and snacks can be purchased.
Highly recommended for a visit.
Written 27 July 2023
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.
Jacob H
Indianapolis, IN356 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, and art. Enjoyed seeing the 2 main floors and views from the observation deck.
Written 15 July 2023
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.
ELKW
United States11,866 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
it's a very large and grand church, it's the church that presidents went to. We saw a wedding was hold there when we visited, so we just tour around it outside, if you want to tour inside, you need to buy tickets
Written 7 July 2023
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.
Vensure1
Ottawa, Canada151 contributions
Are we permitted to bring our own food in to the Cathedral to eat somewhere within? Just a few sandwiches, nothing messy or elaborate...
I couldn't find the answer from the website.
Go57966325770
Bethesda, MD
How does one access the West Balcony. Is there an elevator or just a staircase?
yybro
Nashua, NH4 contributions
Is there a fee to enter the Cathedral to tour on our own?
Elizabeth S
Indianapolis, IN19 contributions
I went for a tea once and admission was included with the price of the tea. After the tea, I went unescorted to the gift show and the lego build. (The lego build was really amazing). The first visit, my husband and I paid an admission fee. It does include the tour. Fees and times are described on the Church's website
see '' visit-us/hours " page .
- As far as I know you cannot wonder around inside on your own. The docents really have a lot of insight about the history and architecture. I also enjoyed the garden - it is free to all.
what is the best seat at Washington National cathedral ,when attending Messiah?
RobertErickson19
Worcester, MA59 contributions
Each place you could chose from offers a different experience withing the cathedral. I dont think there is a bad seat.
I would recommend getting there early so you have a choice, but also go a day ahead if possible and do some recon. Always a good plan.
Enjoy
Brooke S
5 contributions
Are there any promo codes for the Behind the Scenes tours currently?
jmiranda2017
Gijon, Spain75 contributions
Don't know! We have not used any promo codes.
Dawgsrule87
15 contributions
I am planning for my little group of six to attend a Sunday service. We will be coming in from Fort Totten. What is the nearest metro stop and then which bus should we take? We wouldn't mind a short walk. Also, as we will be sightseeing (with lots of walking) the rest of the day, is casual attire acceptable?
Tracy H
Dundee, UK46 contributions
I’m sorry I cannot help as we drove to the cathedral and we were there on holiday from Scotland . The cathedral is beautiful and there are lifts to get you to the top. It is worth the trip.
We are planning to visit the National Cathedral in a couple of weeks and would like to know what your rules are regarding photography. I would like to photograph some of your stain glass images and wonder if a tripod would be allowed.
Judy W
Ottawa, Canada26 contributions
Tripods & selfie sticks are up to cathedral staff, taking pics of the stained glass in the brochure it said to put your camera on 'cloudy' to avoid glare, etc. I took flash off my camera & took alot of pictures, so I wasn't noticed by staff. No cameras during services or concerts out of common courtesy. If you want more go to national cathedral in washington, dc, photo policy, might have more info. As long as your flash isn't popping bright every time you take a picture you should be good.
Martin S
Washington DC, DC
Which seating sections have best and worse acoustics for concerts?
I don't know if there's a bad seat in the house, at least when the organ is being played. The pipes are at the front, but the horns are in the rear – and it's the most amazing organ I've ever heard in person. However, if it's a string performance, then one needs to sit close, as their sound just doesn't carry in that vast space like he organ does.
Martin S
Washington DC, DC
best seating location for concerts
Jules060617
Lausanne, Switzerland1,339 contributions
I did not attend a service in the main part of the cathedral so do not know anything about the acoustics and the visual aspects so regret unable to help you on this.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Washington National Cathedral
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