I’m ashamed to say it, but it’s true.
Despite all the time I’ve spent, lived and studied in London, I’ve never before visited St Paul’s Cathedral!
In fact, I‘d never even thought about visiting it!
That was until, of course, pandemo madness had me trapped in London and well, while I was passing my days in this city and not out adventuring on the road, I thought it was about time I checked out some of this capital’s greatest icons!
So, after putting out the word on Instagram, Facebook and X, I discovered that for many of you, your absolute fav view of London is from the top of St Paul’s Cathedral!
And I was sold!
So just before lockdown 2.0, I scuttled off there and can now bring you my top 8 tips for visiting this amazing place including, crucial details like St Paul’s Cathedral opening hours, and how to get your hands on tickets the cheapest way!
After all, being one of the top 25 famous buildings to visit in London, intricately desecrated inside and out, home to a famous choir and built by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren, it turns out this place has quite a lot going for it!
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Quick History of St Pauls
The history of St. Paul’s Cathedral is deeply intertwined with the story of London itself, spanning over 1,400 years.
The original church, dedicated to St. Paul, was built in 604 AD, during the Anglo-Saxon period, but it was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries due to fires and invasions.
The most famous version before the current structure was the Medieval cathedral – a massive Gothic building that stood for nearly 500 years before being consumed by the Great Fire of London in 1666.
In the aftermath of the fire, Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to design a new cathedral, leading to the construction of the present masterpiece between 1675 and 1710.
Wren’s design, with its striking dome influenced by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, marked a turning point in English architecture and symbolised the resilience and renewal of the city.
Over the centuries, St. Paul’s has witnessed key national events, including the funerals of Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill, the wedding of Charles and Diana, and services of thanksgiving marking the end of World Wars.
Surviving the Blitz of World War II with only minor damage, the cathedral stood as a symbol of hope and defiance.
Today, it remains a place of worship, a historical landmark, and a monument to the enduring spirit of London.
#1 St Paul Cathedral Opening Hours
So first up on this visiting guide, is the number 1 piece of info we all need to visit… what are the St Paul’s Cathedral opening hours?
St Paul’s is open Monday through Saturday year-round, 8:30am to 4:30pm, although last entrance time for visitors is half an hour before closing at 4pm.
You can still enter the church after visiting hours however, for the 5pm Choral Evensong, which last 45 minutes.
Within that, it’s worth noting that the Galleries (parts of the cathedral which are elevated outside, essentially, around the dome area) do not open until 9:30am and that last entrance is at 4:15pm.
On Sundays the Church is only open for religious services, which take place as follows:
- Holy Communion: 8am
- Choral Mattins: 8:45am
- Sung Eucharist: 11:00am
- Choral Evensong: 3pm
- Organ Recital: 4:30pm
- Eucharist 5:30pm
There is also a daily Eucharist service, which takes place at St Paul’s Monday to Saturday at 12:30pm.
#2 How to Get Tickets for St Paul’s
There are a few places you can buy St Paul’s Cathedral tickets. It’s worth remembering these are just for entry to the cathedral, which includes an audio guide.
These tickets don’t include a tour guide.
Cathedral Website Tickets
Booking online through the cathedral website offers the cheapest ticket price (so it’s worth it for us budget travellers) and also allows you to reserve your space.
You can book tickets online up to 1 month in advance and entry slots are given in 30 minute intervals.
- Online adult tickets for a single entry cost £17
- Concessions are priced at £15
- child tickets are £7.20
- Under 5 years old can enter for free, as can disabled visitors
Group tickets of between 10-30 people can also be made online, as can reservations for those with annual passes, which allow them unlimited entries to the Cathedral within a year.
You can also buy annual passes, which essentially count as a donation towards the Cathedral on their website too.
There are also a range of family tickets (with varying number of adults and children) which may work out more cost-effective for you.
In-Person Tickets
You can also buy tickets at the Cathedral entrance in person if you need.
Here the tickets cost £1 more than the corresponding online tickets.
Other Website Tickets
You can also buy St Paul’s entrance ticket through other provider like GetYourGuide.
London Passes
If you have a London Pass, then it’s very useful to know the entrance to St Paul’s Cathedral is included free in this great tourist companion.
Westminister Abbey & St Pauls
A popular ticket combination is entry to both London’s great cathedrals – Westminster Abbey and St Paul.
Grab yours dual entry here.
#3 Take a Tour or Visit Independently?
As I mentioned above, the good news is that your entrance ticket does come with a free audio guide.
You can collect this just within the St Paul’s entrance, after you have either bought or shown your ticket.
The Audio Guide is both extensive and well put together.
It is very comprehensive and gives you a huge overview of the Cathedral’s history, its modern-day role, its community, its architecture and its journey through the ages.
It’s a fascinating way to learn about St Paul’s and if you listen to every single section you could spend hours in here wandering around and soaking in all the info.
For this reason, it’s not necessary to take a guided tour of St Paul’s in my opinion, as the audio guide allows you to wander the Cathedral and learn about its history at your own pace.
That said, if you do want to learn more either about Sir Christopher Wren – the famous architect who designed the Cathedral – or quite why St Paul’s is so famous, the role the Cathedral plays in the Church of England or who has been married or remembered here, then you may want to consider a tour.
There are several great London tours that include St Paul’s in their itinerary.
The following top-rated options come recommended…
- London Highlight Guided Bike Tour
- Private London Tour by Car
- Changing of the Guard Walking Tour of London
- Hop-On Hop-Off London Sightseeing Bus Tour
- Full Day London Tours including Thames river cruise, London Eye ride, private tour of the Tower of London and professional guide Inside St Paul’s
The Cathedral also run some of their own independent guided tours.
Many of these are free once you have paid the admission, but only run at set times, which aren’t always known in advance.
You can learn more here.
#4 When to Visit St Pauls?
We’ve already discussed opening times, when you can go inside St Paul’s and out around the Dome.
That said, there are probably some better times to pick within that wider timeframe.
There’s no question St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic spot for London tourists to visit and during the peak tourist months of July, August and December, the Cathedral can get incredibly rammed.
In fact, one of the reasons I decided to visit St Paul’s in 2020 was thanks to the pandemic-induced lack of tourists in the city, which basically meant I had St Paul’s all to myself!
Within this, arriving at the 8:30am opening time, or near the 4pm closing time, is another great option for avoiding the crowds.
I visited St Paul’s in November, later in the afternoon, when sunset was around 5pm.
This meant that at the end of my visit, when I was up in the Galleries, I was able to witness golden hours views across London from St Paul’s Dome.
What a sight!
Honestly, the views where incredible here and certainly the soft orange hues made it even more special.
If you want to capture sunset from the top of St Paul’s over London, then this is definitely one of the best times to visit.
If you’re more keen on the flowers outside the Cathedral, including the tulips and blossom that make St Pauls look mega pretty, then the spring months of March through April are usually the best time.
#5 How Long to Allow for Your Visit?
What with the audio guide to listen to from back to front, and the epic views to enjoy from the Galleries, there’s no question you should allow at least 2-3 hours for your trip to St Paul’s Cathedral.
#6 Best Parts of St Paul’s Cathedral to Visit
Before I visited, I didn’t realise how huge St Paul’s was, and how much there was to see here!
Thankfully the Audio Guide is divided up neatly into nice sections, so you can wander through the cathedral in an order that makes sense to you.
The different parts of the Cathedral are…
- The Nave (the main section of the Church)
- 2 wings or side sections known as The North and South Transepts
- The Quire
- The Crypt
- The Galleries
The Audio Guide covers all these sections in great details and from different points of view – be that historical, architectural, cultural or religious.
The only part the Audio Guide doesn’t cover are the Galleries.
These are essentially the parts of the Cathedral around the outside of the Dome, which are elevated and offer amazing views over London.
#7 The Dome & Galleries of St Paul’s
So now we’re going to move on to talk about The Gallery or Dome parts of the Cathedral.
And I kinda thought these guys deserved their own section because, if you’re not religious, they are likely to be the most spectacular parts of the Cathedral.
At least they were in my eyes!
Interior Dome
When you sit in The Nave, you can gaze up into the centre of the Dome, as it arcs out of the ceiling and allows you to admire the incredibly artistic murals that have been crafted onto it.
Honestly, you can sit under this and stare up at it for ages.
Even if you don’t care about the Christian scenes it depicts, there’s no getting away from how impressive this is!
Galleries
To access the external areas of the Dome you then have to climb a lot of steep and winding steps (528 to be precise!), so do be prepared you need a pretty good level of fitness to get up here.
You have been warned!
That said, this was not as tough as climbing up Strasbourg Cathedral in 30 degree+ heat which I did in the summer!
Anyway, I digress, the point is, once you start climbing stairs you’ll first off reach the Whispering Gallery.
Continue on up to the Stone Gallery, where you really come out into the open sky of London and start glimpsing the amazing 360 degrees views St Paul’s gives, albeit through some kinda cement railings.
You can get good snaps here, but you have to go up close to cut off the railings, so you don’t get the full effect, although it is still very nice.
For the full effect, you need to climb up a little more to the Golden Gallery – the real jewel in the crown for the most amazing views over Central London.
Cameras at the ready, this is a winner!
#8 What to Prep for Your St Paul’s Visit
So now we come to my final tip for visiting St Paul’s Cathedral and that is about how to prep for your time here.
Largely this involves, what to bring, as we’ve already touched on, the need to be fit to conquer those steep stairs up to the gallery!
So, as I’ve just mentioned in the section above, a camera is a must for your trip to St Paul’s, especially if you want to snap those amazing aerial views over London.
I love my Sony A600, which was perfect for the job.
I’d also ensure that you bring a good day pack with you, so you can house everything you’re carrying easily, leaving your hands free for either the audio guide or your camera!
Good walking shoes are a must for strolling the hours you’re likely to spend in St Paul’s, plus those steps up to The Galleries.
A water bottle to help you stayed hydrated is also a good idea.
And don’t forget a lightweight waterproof you can fold up into the daypack if you don’t need it – this is London after all, so there’s always a good chance it could rain when you are around the Dome!
Round-Up Tips for St Paul’s
First, try to arrive early in the day to avoid the busiest crowds and allow ample time to explore the cathedral at a leisurely pace.
Purchasing tickets online in advance can save time and sometimes money, and be sure to check the official website for any closures due to religious services or special events.
Once inside, take advantage of the free audio guides, or join a guided tour to gain deeper insight into the cathedral’s rich history, art, and architecture.
Don’t miss the chance to climb the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery at the top of the dome for one of the best panoramic views of London – though the ascent can be steep and narrow, it’s well worth the effort.
Along the way, pause at the Whispering Gallery, known for its unique acoustics, and the Stone Gallery for additional city views.
Make sure to also explore the crypt, where famous figures such as Sir Christopher Wren, Admiral Nelson, and the Duke of Wellington are buried.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods are restricted, so check the rules in advance.
Finally, allow some time to sit quietly and take in the serene atmosphere – whether you’re there for the history, architecture, or spiritual ambiance, St. Paul’s offers a deeply memorable experience.
Other Top London Sights to Visit After St Paul’s
After exploring the awe-inspiring St. Paul’s Cathedral, there are plenty of other top sights in London to continue your day of discovery.
Starting with the iconic London Eye!
Just a pleasant walk or a short tube ride away along the River Thames, the London Eye offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city from its glass capsules, making it one of the best ways to see landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and even St. Paul’s itself from above.
After your ride, you can explore more of the lively South Bank area, known for its street performers, food markets, and cultural venues like the Southbank Centre and National Theatre.
Nearby, you’ll find Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse, where you can take a tour or enjoy a performance.
Art lovers should head to the Tate Modern, housed in a converted power station and home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
For a deeper dive into London’s dramatic past, the Tower of London is just down the river, where you can marvel at the Crown Jewels and learn about royal history and legendary prisoners.
Don’t miss Covent Garden for a more relaxed atmosphere, filled with unique shops, cozy cafés, and live entertainment.
Whether you’re in the mood for panoramic views, rich history, or vibrant city life, these nearby attractions perfectly complement your visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and offer an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of London.
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Mini Travel Guide to London
When to Visit London?
I’d definitely recommend visiting London in the summer, when the better weather at this time will allow you to enjoy all the wonderful attractions, gardens, markets, squares, stations and statues of this world-class city.
Just remember weekends, especially during the school summer holidays, can get very busy here and are probably best avoided!
Accommodation tends to be cheaper mid-week and out-of-season too.
How to Travel to London?
Fly to either London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted or London Gatwick.
As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight prices.
You can also get the Eurostar from Amsterdam, Bruges or Paris to London.
Book via Trainline.
How Long to Visit London For?
Look, you could easily spend a month (or a year!) in London and not see it all!
I’d recommend a minimum of 4-6 days.
Top London Tours & Passes
A great way to get acquainted with London, especially if this is your first trip to the city, is to enjoy a bus, boat, walking or cycling tour.
There’s loads of different ones to choose from here, so check out my pick of the bunch and book the one that suits you best – it will provide a great intro to this city’s history, culture and geography.
And if you plan to visit a lot of attractions in the capital, I’d also consider grabbing a London Pass – this is a great way to keep the costs of visiting lots of attractions (and getting around the city) down.
Check out these top options…
- London Pass – Choose from 1, 2, 3, 6, or 10 day options. This pass is best for short-term London visitors and includes many of the attractions and landmarks mentioned in this post.
- London Explorer Pass – Pick a 2, 3, 5 or 7 attraction pass and experience London over 60 days. This option is better for longer-term London visitors and includes many of the buildings mentioned in this post.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money
The UK uses the British Pounds (GBP).
I always travel with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Wise cards works just like a debit card and it link easily with Google and Apple pay. Grab yours here.
Luggage Storage
Store your luggage in London for the day, or longer, with LuggageHero.
They have safe and reviewed sites across the city.
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And that’s it my guide to St Paul’s Cathedral hours of visiting, along with 7 other top tips for your visit here.
I hope this post has been useful.
Have you visited this amazing London icon?
Have any advice to share?
Please drop it into the comments below and help any fellow travellers out…
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