St. Paul's Cathedral

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


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 recognized 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 meters) 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 center.

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 center 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.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

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The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

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Sea Containers London

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Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s

Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s

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President Hotel

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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 offers a range of activities for visitors, including exploring nearby museums and enjoying the vibrant art and theatre scene. For those seeking relaxation, several spas are located close by. Additionally, the area is perfect for shopping, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the best of London.

Shopping

Visit Borough Market, only 1.1km from St. Paul's Cathedral, for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Columbia Road Flower Market, 3.2km away, offers vibrant blooms. If you're up for a drive, The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4 is also 3.2km away, perfect for fans of the franchise.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a vibrant sports venue, offers exhilarating events and a lively atmosphere just 6.4km from St. Paul's Cathedral. For music lovers, the ABBA Arena provides captivating concerts nearby. Alternatively, unwind at Hampstead Heath, 8.0km away, where you can enjoy tranquil walks and natural beauty.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 8.0km from St. Paul's Cathedral, offering stunning views of the city. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, situated 1.6km away, provides exciting outdoor challenges. Alternatively, enjoy the adrenaline rush at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km distant.

Nightlife

The nightlife near St. Paul's Cathedral is vibrant and diverse. The London Eye, 1.6km away, offers thrilling views and family-friendly fun. For a touch of romance and culture, the Globe Theatre and Aldwych Theatre, both within walking distance, showcase captivating performances in enchanting settings.

*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 is a stunning landmark in London, surrounded by a vibrant piazza and charming streets. Visitors can immerse themselves in rich culture and history, making it an excellent destination for families and explorers alike. Nearby attractions and sights enhance the experience, offering a delightful glimpse into the city's heritage. A visit to this iconic cathedral promises to be a memorable adventure filled with remarkable sights.

  • Piccadilly Circus: Experience the vibrant heart of London at Piccadilly Circus, known for its neon lights and bustling atmosphere. This iconic street is a hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining, offering a taste of the city’s lively culture.
  • Tower Bridge: Discover the architectural marvel of Tower Bridge, a symbol of London’s rich history. This iconic drawbridge offers breathtaking views of the River Thames and fascinating exhibitions that delve into its engineering and cultural significance.
  • Big Ben: Marvel at the majestic Big Ben, one of the world’s most famous clock towers. Its stunning Gothic architecture and chimes are synonymous with London, providing a perfect backdrop for photos and a sense of the city's historical charm.

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 HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on sites like Expedia. Sundays typically offer the best rates, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Walking is also a great way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • 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 June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Paul's Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your hotel reservation at St. Paul's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.