Christopher Wren's rebuilt cathedral, completed in 1710 after the medieval original burned in the Great Fire of London, crowned by a dome that long dominated the city's skyline. Admission includes climbing to the Whispering Gallery inside the dome, where a quirk of the curved wall carries whispers across to the opposite side, and continuing higher to the Stone and Golden Galleries for rooftop views. The crypt holds tombs including Nelson's and Wellington's.
St Paul's Cathedral stands in the City of London on Ludgate Hill, its lead-covered dome, the second largest in the world after St Peter's in Rome, designed by Christopher Wren and completed in 1710 following the Great Fire of London. Inside, visitors can explore the nave, the Whispering Gallery reached by 257 steps where a whisper against the wall carries clearly to the far side, and continue climbing to the Stone Gallery and finally the Golden Gallery at 528 steps, which opens onto a 360-degree panorama over the City and the Thames. The crypt below houses the tombs of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, alongside Wren's own memorial inscribed with the Latin phrase 'if you seek his monument, look around you'. A full visit including the dome climb takes two to three hours; the climb itself has no lift and involves narrow spiral staircases, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. The cathedral is closed to sightseeing on Sundays, when it operates for worship only. Weekday mornings before 10:00 are quietest, ahead of school groups and tour parties, and the Golden Gallery views are most rewarding on clear days.
| Admission | Adults £23 / approx USD 29; children (6–17) £10.50 / approx USD 13; under-6s free. Includes entry to Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery, and Golden Gallery. Book at stpauls.co.uk. |
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| Hours | Mon–Sat 08:30–16:30 (last entry 16:00); Sun for worship only (no sightseeing) |
| Typical visit | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Morning (09:00–10:00) on weekdays before school groups; Golden Gallery climb most rewarding on clear days |
| Getting there | Tube: St Paul's (Central line); 2-minute walk |
| Address | St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD |
Location
St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
51.5138, -0.0984 View on map
Highlights
- Whispering Gallery inside the dome
- Golden Gallery panoramic viewpoint after 528 steps
- Crypt tombs of Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington
- Wren's geometric self-supporting staircase
- Nave and high altar beneath the dome
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets online in advance for a discount over walk-up prices
- The dome climb has no lift and involves narrow spiral stairs, so wear comfortable shoes
- The cathedral is closed to tourists on Sundays for worship
- An audio guide is included with admission
- Climb the dome on a clear day for the best views over the City
When to visit
Weekday mornings between 09:00 and 10:00 are quietest, before school groups arrive; the dome climb is most rewarding on clear days.
Accessibility
The ground floor and crypt are wheelchair accessible via lift, but the Whispering, Stone and Golden Galleries are reached only by stairs and are not accessible to wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to St Paul's Cathedral take?
A full visit including the dome climb takes two to three hours.
Is St Paul's Cathedral worth it for kids?
Yes, though the 528-step climb to the Golden Gallery is better suited to older children and teenagers.
Is photography allowed inside St Paul's Cathedral?
Photography without flash is allowed inside the cathedral, but it is not permitted during services.