St. Paul's Cathedral

The basics

It’s possible to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral with or without a tour. Multimedia guides are available for independent visitors, while guided tours explore highlights such as the nave, the Whispering Gallery, the Golden Gallery, and the crypt. For the best value, opt to combine a visit to this historic landmark with a walking tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour of central London. Purchase a London Pass to gain entry to St. Paul’s Cathedral and other London attractions such as the British Museum, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.

Things to know before you go

• For security reasons, no large bags or suitcases are allowed inside St. Paul’s Cathedral.

• Tours of the cathedral with 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.

• Reserve your St. Paul’s Cathedral tickets in advance to save time, then join a guided tour upon arrival or explore at your own pace.

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 the best time to visit may be early morning if you want 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 still have 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. Please note: the Golden Gallery is subject to restricted access due to capacity controls, meaning entry may be limited depending on the number of visitors at any given time.

Ways to explore

Admission tickets grant full access to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and you can visit independently or make the most of the included multimedia guides or guided walking tours. Explore the Cathedral Floor, peek inside the Crypt, and browse the Sir Christopher Wren exhibition, then climb up into the three Dome Galleries—the Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery, and Golden Gallery—for panoramic views over London.

Many London sightseeing tours include a stop at St Paul’s Cathedral, and hop-on, hop-off bus tours stop outside. You can also admire its striking facade on a Thames River cruise or visit using your London Pass.

Accessibility

There is step-free access to the Cathedral floor via the North Transept entrance and the Crypt; wheelchairs are available on request. The Dome is accessed by 528 steps and is not accessible. Hearing loop systems, audio descriptions, and braille guides are available.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, cash (if you want to make a donation)

What to wear

Modest clothing suitable for a place of worship; comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to climb the Dome staircase

Not allowed

Flash photography, videography, tripods and selfie sticks, large bags and suitcases

Amenities

Café, gift shop, restrooms

Address

St. Paul’s Cathedral is in the City of London and is accessible by public transportation. There are two entrances: the main entrance is on the south side along St. Paul’s Churchyard, and the west entrance is just off Ludgate Hill.

Driving

St. Paul’s Cathedral is located within London’s Congestion Charge Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone, so driving is best avoided if possible. Hail a black taxi or use a rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

The closest tube station is St. Paul’s on the Central line, but the cathedral is also an easy walk from the Mansion House (Circle, District), Cannon Street (Southeastern), and Blackfriars (Circle, District, Thameslink) stations.

Best times to visit

Arrive before 11am to avoid the largest crowds, or look out for special late-night openings or concerts in the summer.

Best days to visit

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays tend to draw fewer visitors. For worshippers, there are also daily morning services and choral evensongs several evenings a week.

Best months to visit

Crowds can be overwhelming in summer and around Christmas. If you want the Dome to yourself, brave the cold in November, January, or February.

Special events

St. Paul’s hosts special services for Easter, the Lord Mayor’s Show, and other events. Christmas concerts are so popular that tickets are drawn by lottery.