St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710, is one of the defining features of London's skyline — its dome the second-largest cathedral dome in the world after St Peter's in Rome. It's still an active cathedral and a working place of worship, while also welcoming visitors to climb through its galleries to the top.

Tickets & Hours

Standard adult tickets start from around £23 online, including access to the nave, the three galleries (Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery, Golden Gallery) and the crypt where Wren, Nelson and Wellington are buried. The cathedral is open to visitors Monday to Saturday 8:30am–4:30pm (last entry 4pm); closed to tourists on Sundays, when it's open for worship only. Evensong services are free to attend on most weekdays at 5pm and Sundays at 3:15pm — a good option to experience the cathedral without a ticket.

The Galleries

The Whispering Gallery runs inside the base of the dome, 30 metres up — its acoustic quirk means a whisper against the wall can be heard clearly on the opposite side. The Stone Gallery is the outdoor balcony around the dome. The Golden Gallery at the very top (85 metres, 528 steps) gives a panoramic view of London comparable to the Tate Modern terrace but with a significantly more dramatic approach.

Getting There

St Paul's station (Central line) is right outside. It also sits at the northern end of the Millennium Bridge, making it a natural pairing with Tate Modern directly across the river.

Tips for Visiting

• Book online in advance — cheaper than the door and avoids queues on busy days.
• Evensong is free and worth attending even without interest in the paid galleries.
• The Golden Gallery is 528 steps and not suitable for those with mobility issues or severe vertigo.
• Pair with a walk across Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern for a natural riverside half-day.

Check the official St Paul's site for current prices and service times.