St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
St. Paul\'s Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral and a city
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing skyline, a river or creek and a city
St. Paul\'s Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views


Visit this cathedral to learn about the history behind London’s most iconic church and its Baroque dome that overlooks the city.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a 17th-century Baroque structure that is arguably the most iconic landmark in London. It is the most recognised work in the career of Britain’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren. The cathedral sits on London’s highest point, Ludgate Hill, overlooking the rest of the otherwise flat city. It stands at 366 feet (111.6 metres) high. The cathedral hosts state funerals, weddings and celebrations.

Admire the Baroque design of the large cathedral. Gaze up at its central dome, which stands out above the rest of the cathedral and the city. It was inspired by Michelangelo’s dome in the Vatican City and is visible from most parts of the city.

See the intricate façade on the western side of the cathedral. Marvel at the twin towers that rise up either side of its grand entrance. Admire the ten pairs of columns in the centre.

In the vast interior of the cathedral, look up at the majestic arches and columns. Browse works of art, such as sculptures, paintings and metalwork. Locate the large monument to former political and military figure The Duke of Wellington on a horse.

Take a guided tour of the church or use the audio guide. The church is open to sightseers from morning until late in the afternoon, except on Sundays.

The construction of the cathedral was part of a project to rebuild the city following the Great Fire of London in 1666. The funerals for war heroes Horatio Nelson and Winston Churchill and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher were held at the cathedral. Other memorable events include the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebration.

St. Paul’s Cathedral sits in the centre of London, only a few streets north of the River Thames. Several London Underground stations with excellent transportation links surround it. There are many buses that take passengers to the cathedral or you can take the River Bus along the River Thames.

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Reviews of St. Paul's Cathedral

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
327
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
242
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
43
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
9
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Too expensive to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must is to go to Evensong which is on every evening at 5pm.

4/5 - Good

SUE

Portobello market, Primrose Hill, Regent's Park

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

5pm, Evensong is beautiful and free of charge.

5/5 - Excellent

Brenda

If you go to the evening service, you can enter free of charge. It is 20 min long and an interesting experience.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very expensive at £20 per adult

Popular places to visit


Top St. Paul's Cathedral Hotel Deals

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

4 out of 5
24 Ludgate Hill, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s

Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s

4 out of 5
10 Godliman Street, London, England
Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
President Hotel

President Hotel

3.5 out of 5
56-60 Guildford Street, London, England
President Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Club Quarters Hotel London City

Club Quarters Hotel London City

4 out of 5
7 Gracechurch Street, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel London City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is surrounded by a vibrant array of activities, including cultural hotspots and shopping districts. Visitors can explore nearby art galleries and enjoy theatrical performances, while the bustling shops offer a delightful retail experience. This iconic site not only showcases stunning architecture but also serves as a gateway to London's rich cultural tapestry, ensuring an unforgettable visit filled with exploration and enjoyment.

Shopping

Discover Borough Market, only 1.1km from St. Paul's Cathedral, offering a vibrant atmosphere with gourmet food and unique gifts. Leadenhall Market is also nearby, boasting a historic charm. If you're up for a drive, visit The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4, located 3.2km away.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, located 6.4km from St. Paul's Cathedral, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. For a tranquil escape, Hampstead Heath, 8.0km away, provides stunning greenery and peaceful walks. Meanwhile, KoKo London, 3.2km away, presents a vibrant music scene for entertainment seekers.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station, a thrilling cable car ride 8.0km from St. Paul's Cathedral. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill offers an exhilarating indoor climbing experience merely 1.6km away. Alternatively, enjoy high-speed fun at Oasis Go-Kart Track, located 4.8km from the cathedral.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near St. Paul's Cathedral with a ride on the London Eye for breathtaking views. For a cultural evening, catch a show at the Barbican Arts Centre or explore the thrilling performances at the London Dungeon, both offering a mix of entertainment and romance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral and its surroundings offer a delightful blend of cultural and family experiences, with attractions such as the square and nearby streets to explore. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cathedral's rich history and architecture, especially during special events like 'Cathedral Tonight'. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the cathedral's features, including its stunning floor and other notable tourist attractions in the area.

  • Piccadilly Circus: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic street, known for its bright lights and bustling crowds. Piccadilly Circus is a hub of entertainment, surrounded by shops, theatres, and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying the lively city vibes.
  • Tower Bridge: Marvel at the architectural beauty of this historic bridge, which spans the River Thames. Tower Bridge, with its stunning towers and panoramic views, offers a glimpse into London’s rich culture and history, making it a must-visit for any tourist.
  • Tower of London: Discover the captivating history of this ancient castle, home to the Crown Jewels. The Tower of London exudes romance and culture, with its storied past and impressive architecture, providing a fascinating insight into England's royal heritage.

Best time to go to St. Paul's Cathedral

The best time to visit St. Paul's Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Paul's Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around St. Paul's Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Paul's Cathedral

To save money on your visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Sunday for the best prices. Use Expedia to compare prices, and consider last-minute deals for additional savings. Walking is a cost-effective way to explore the area, and combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can yield further discounts. Always check for free activities nearby to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Paul's Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around St. Paul's Cathedral about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Paul's Cathedral is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Paul's Cathedral is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel accommodation near St. Paul's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.