A complete guide to visiting St Paul’s Cathedral

Visiting St Paul’s Cathedral feels a bit like stepping onto the set of a very grand historical epic – except it’s all real, and yes, you can climb that enormous dome. Whether you’re there for the stunning architecture, fascinating stories, or just want to find out why the font is nicknamed “the bird bath,” St Paul’s is a London landmark you don’t want to miss. 

I spent a few hours exploring the cathedral from crypt to dome (and everything in between) and chatted with the wonderful volunteer guides to bring you the ultimate guide. So, let’s get into it… 

What’s the big deal about St Paul’s anyway? (AKA why it’s worth a visit) 

First things first: St Paul’s is a London icon. It's one of the most recognisable buildings in the city, with a skyline-dominating dome that rivals anything in Rome. Whether you’re into architecture, history, panoramic views, or just good stories, this place has something for everyone. 

Beyond its looks, St Paul’s is a living, breathing piece of the United Kingdom’s history. It survived bombings, soot-blackened years, royal ceremonies, state funerals, and even a cheeky trumpet mishap during the Queen’s Jubilee. 

History & legacy – a crash course in epic events 

There have been five cathedrals dedicated to St Paul on this site – the current one rose (literally) from the ashes of the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed over 13,000 homes and 87 churches. 

Sir Christopher Wren was the man with the vision. He didn’t just rebuild St Paul’s – he rebuilt 51 churches across the city. Construction of the cathedral began in 1675 and took 35 years. Wren was obsessed with light, sound, and grand design – and you can feel all of that in every corner of the cathedral today. 

Fun fact: Wren was so keen to build his perfect dome, he created multiple designs and even a model, but the final version was only achieved through a sneaky loophole. After trying and failing to get the King to agree to the dome, Wren made a model with a more traditional spire.

The King loved it so much that he granted him special permission to make any minor alterations he liked as the building progressed. So predictably, Wren went back to the huge dome design he’d always wanted. Well played, Chris, well played. 

Okay fine, I’ll go…  now, how do I get there? 

You’ll find St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London. The closest Underground station is, unsurprisingly, St Paul’s on the Central line – just a few minutes’ walk away. You can also walk from Mansion House (District and Circle lines) or Blackfriars if you’re coming into the city on the Thameslink. 

It’s well-connected by buses too, and there’s a cycle docking station nearby if you’re pedalling around the city. 

So, what is there to see inside? 

St Paul’s is very much open plan / explore at your own pace vibes – there’s no specific route you need to follow! You’ll most likely start by exploring the main cathedral floor, then down to the crypt, and then (if your legs and lungs are up to it) up to the dome and its galleries. 

Start in the nave, where the sheer scale of the place hits you. Check out the intricate choir stalls and the Victorian mosaics glimmering in the light. It’s bright, spacious, and beautifully designed to draw your eye up towards that breathtaking dome. 

Next, head down into the crypt. It’s much calmer down here, and a great place to reflect. This is where you’ll find the tombs and memorials of national heroes, including Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, plus Christopher Wren himself. (His simple epitaph reads “If you seek his monument, look around you.”) 

Then... brace yourself. It’s time for The Climb. 

There are 528 steps to the top of the Golden Gallery, and you’ll feel every single one. It starts off manageable but soon becomes a proper leg workout. I won’t lie – there were breathers, there were wheezes, and there may have been a moment where I questioned all my life choices. But once you’re up there, the view over London is spectacular. Worth every sweaty step, but it’s not for the faint-hearted, you have been warned. Some of the doorways and sections of this route are also a bit of a tight squeeze so if you’re not a fan of confined spaces, this is probably not for you! 

The first stop is the Whispering Gallery, a platform inside the dome where whispers travel along the curved wall. Then it’s on to the Stone Gallery, and finally the Golden Gallery – a tiny, windy outdoor platform at the very top. You’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the city, so don’t forget your camera (and maybe a small victory snack). 

You can easily spend 2–3 hours at St Paul’s, especially if you take the tour and climb the dome. 

But what are the best bits? 

Here’s what stood out during my visit: 

• The Choir and mosaics: over seven million glittering tiles make this one of the most jaw-dropping parts of the cathedral. Just be prepared to keep looking up. 

• The Crypt: a quieter, reflective space where greats like Wren, Turner, and Wellington are laid to rest. 

• The Jubilee Trumpets: installed for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 – and once caused such a surprise and made her jump during a service that Her Majesty told the Dean off afterwards. Fair enough, really. 

• The Dome and galleries: climb up for panoramic views of London (I’d suggest skipping this for those with a fear of heights… or exercise). The whispering gallery, the stone gallery, and the golden gallery each offer unique perspectives, both inside and out. 

What about a guided tour? 

Here’s the inside scoop: tours are included with your ticket, but you need to book onto one when you arrive.  

The best plan is to head straight to the tour desk when you arrive, where a lovely volunteer will chat you through your options. There are different timings and durations – I opted for the 30-minute highlights tour with Jim, who was full of fascinating stories and a deep love for the building. 

It’s totally worth doing – the guides bring the cathedral to life, from tales of fire and wartime defiance to how exactly that dome was engineered.  

Once you know what time your tour is, you can plan your route from there, depending on how much time you have.  

Where could I go next? 

St Paul’s is perfectly located for a full day of sightseeing – and if you’ve got a London Pass, even better. Here are some of our fave nearby attractions: 

• Shakespeare’s Globe – just across the Millennium Bridge, this faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse brings the Bard’s work to life. Take a guided tour with your pass or catch a show (tickets sold by the theatre). 

• Tate Modern – this one’s free to enter and is a must for contemporary art lovers.  

• The Monument to the Great Fire of London – climb even more stairs (if you’ve not had your fill yet) for more city views and a great tie-in to the fire that led to St Paul’s rebirth. 

• Golden Hinde – a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, moored nearby and fun to explore. 

Now you’re ready to go… 

St Paul’s is more than a building – it’s a storybook in stone. From royal ceremonies to resistance in the Blitz, it’s seen the very best and worst of human history – and still stands proud. 

Whether you’re clambering up to the golden gallery, chatting with a guide like Jim, or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that stays with you. And now that you’ve read this, you’re clued up enough to enjoy every minute of it. 

Enjoyed this? 

Find out what and who is hidden in the crypt at St Pauls or check out our guide to St Paul’s blockbuster movie moments. 

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