St Paul’s Cathedral is a landmark we often use to orient a walk through the City. If you want to visit inside, leave around 1.5 to 2 hours for the cathedral floor, the crypt and the dome galleries, and check which parts are open on your chosen date.
The present cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after Old St Paul’s was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Construction began in 1675 and the building was completed in 1710, crowned by its 111-metre-high dome. The site itself has a much longer history as a place of worship.
St Paul’s was London’s tallest building from 1710 until 1963. It survived the Blitz, although it suffered damage, and has hosted major national events including Sir Winston Churchill’s state funeral and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
What to see in St Paul’s Cathedral in London
St Paul’s impresses even from the outside, but the interior, crypt and dome reward a proper visit. Sightseeing admission includes a multimedia guide. Highlights include:
- The Cathedral Floor: The great cross-shaped interior, mosaics, monuments and the view up into the dome are worth taking in before you climb.
- Whispering Gallery: Famous for its unusual acoustics, this internal gallery is reached after 257 steps.
- Stone Gallery: The first external viewing level, with wide views across the City, is 376 steps from the cathedral floor.
- Golden Gallery: The highest public viewpoint is reached after 528 steps. The upper stairways are narrow and can feel confined.
- The Crypt: Here you can see the tombs and memorials of Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren. Sir Winston Churchill’s state funeral took place at St Paul’s, but he is buried at St Martin’s Church in Bladon, Oxfordshire.
The dome galleries are reached by stairs only and may not suit visitors with mobility difficulties, a fear of heights or concerns about narrow spaces.
Opening times for St Paul’s Cathedral
Sightseeing is normally available Monday to Saturday, with doors usually opening at 8.30 am and last sightseeing entry at 4 pm, but services and special events can change access. Check the official visitor calendar for your date because last entry and dome-gallery opening can differ.
Location: How to arrive
St Paul’s Cathedral is in the City of London. The nearest Tube station is St Paul’s (Central line, Zone 1); Blackfriars and Cannon Street are also close. From the South Bank, the most scenic walking approach is across the Millennium Bridge.
St Paul’s Cathedral tickets and worship
Prices checked on 29 September 2026 were £27 for adults, £24 for visitors aged 65+ and students, and £10.50 for children aged 6–17; children aged 5 and under were free. Family tickets were £64.50 for two adults with two or three children, or £37.50 for one adult with two or three children. Sightseeing admission includes the Cathedral Floor, Crypt, Dome Galleries and multimedia guide. Check the official ticket page before booking for current prices, concessions and access information.
Attending a service is free, while exploring the building as a sightseeing visitor requires a ticket. If you are considering a London attraction pass, check its current inclusions and reservation rules.
Our recommendations for things to do near St Paul’s Cathedral
Restaurants and cafés
Paternoster Square and One New Change, immediately beside the cathedral, have plenty of cafés and places to eat. If you want a traditional pub meal, Ye Olde London on Ludgate Hill is a convenient option and welcomes families.
Secret gems around St Paul’s Cathedral
Two nearby stops are especially useful when planning your visit:
The Crypt Café: The cathedral’s café reopened after refurbishment in March 2025. You can visit without a sightseeing ticket through the north-west Crypt door. Its published hours are 10 am–5 pm Monday to Saturday and 11 am–4.30 pm on Sunday, although it is sensible to check the current details before you go.
Skyline views: We absolutely love heading to the roof terrace at One New Change for the close-up view of St Paul’s dome and the City skyline. The terrace is free to visit during the centre’s opening hours, but access can close for events or maintenance, so check the official roof-terrace page before making a special trip.
Our recommendation
Combine the cathedral with lunch nearby, the One New Change terrace during opening hours and a walk across the Millennium Bridge. We especially like this part of the City after dark, when St Paul’s and the riverfront are illuminated.
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Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.