St Paul's Cathedral

An architectural masterpiece with a magnificent dome, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable sites. The 17th-century cathedral boasts a rich history as host of the jubilee celebrations of late Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.

Things to Know Before You Go

• For security reasons, no large bags or suitcases are allowed inside St. Paul's Cathedral.
• Multimedia guides are available in nine languages and are included with the price of admission.
• Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
• St. Paul's Cathedral is wheelchair accessible and concession tickets are available.

How to Get There

St. Paul's Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. The closest tube station is St. Paul's on the Central Line, but it's also an easy walk from the Mansion House, Cannon Street, and Blackfriars stations. On foot, the most scenic approach is from the South Bank—cross the Thames River by the Millennium Bridge to see lovely views of the cathedral.

When to Get There

The cathedral is open to visitors Monday through Saturday. It can get busy, especially in summer, so plan an early morning visit to avoid crowds. Worshippers are also welcome to attend the daily services, choir concerts, and organ recitals.

The Whispering Gallery at St. Paul's

Located in the iconic dome of St. Paul's and reached by a dizzying 560 steps, this circular gallery is known as the Whispering Gallery because of its unique acoustics. Try it out by standing at one side of the dome and whispering to friends and family at the other end! If you've still got some energy left, scale the 117 steps to the Stone Gallery, followed by 166 steps to reach the Golden Gallery, both of which afford spectacular panoramic views of the city.