This post covers how to visit St. Paul's Cathedral for free, tours you can take, when they hold mass, and what you will see on your visit.
- Plan Your Visit
- Attend a Service (Free)
- Tickets & Discounts
- Things to See at St. Paul's
- Things to Do in London
Is St. Paul's Cathedral Free?
While it is free to attend a service, to experience all of St. Paul's glory, including its historic galleries, tombs, and domes, you must buy tickets.
Included in your ticket are admission to St Paul’s, an introductory talk, an audio tour, a multimedia tour, and a guided tour (limited availability).
If you're wondering how to get tickets which include everything, make sure to read our post covering St. Paul's Cathedral Tickets and Discounts for details about how to save up to 50% off admission.
For those who plan to enjoy free entry to St. Paul's Cathedral, skip ahead to our section covering Mass times.
Can you buy tickets at the door for St. Paul's Cathedral?
Yes, they sell tickets on location at this historic church.
You can also purchase admission online well in advance, but they don't frequently sell out, so you shouldn't have trouble dropping in whenever you have the time.
For more details, please read our post covering St. Paul's Cathedral Tickets and Discounts.
What is the dress code for St. Paul's Cathedral?
St. Paul's does not require visitors to follow a strict dress code, so you can wear pretty much whatever you want (within reason).
Just keep in mind that this is a church and moderate dress is expected, even if it isn't required.
How much time is needed for St. Paul's Cathedral?
While it is recommended to set aside at least 2 hours, the amount of time required always depends on how much you want to see and experience.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Visitor Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 8:30 – 16:00 (last entry). This is subject to change for special events or services.
- Wednesday: 10 am – 16:00 (last entry).
- Sunday - closed to visitors, except for worshippers.
How to Get Here
St. Paul's Cathedral is located within the City of London.
Its central location means that you can reach it by various London Underground stations as well as bus lines.
Regardless of how you get here, we recommend using this Google Maps link for directions to the cathedral.
The nearest Underground station is St. Paul's (Central line).
The cathedral is also within walking distance from Mansion House (Circle + District lines) and Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith, and City and Metropolitan lines).
Be sure to read our tips on navigating the London Underground.
Public bus #'s: 4, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26, 100, 242 all stop at or near the cathedral.
Also, all major hop-on-hop-off bus tours make stops at the cathedral.
We also come here on several of our walking tours, including the following:
- City of London Tour (also available as an audio tour)
- Harry Potter Tour (also available as an audio tour)
- World War 2 Blitz Tour
See our full schedule of tours.
ATTEND A SERVICE AT ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
As a house of worship, St. Paul’s Cathedral holds daily services.
For those who wish to use the church for worship purposes, there is no fee to enter, providing guests arrive in time for the service.
Attending service at St. Paul’s means you will not be allowed to explore the building, tombs, memorials, and domes.
These areas are blocked off during hours of worship.
However, you will get to sit inside the church and enjoy its majesty, size, and beauty, all whilst taking in services steeped in centuries of historic tradition.
St. Paul's Cathedral Mass Times
- Daily Services at 8:00, 8:30, 12:30 and 17:00
- Sunday Services at 8:00, 10:00, 11:15, 15:00, and 17:30
- View the live schedule.
TIP: 17:00-weekday services and the 15:00 Sunday service contain the Choral Evensong performed the exquisite boys' and gentlemen's' choirs.
THE BUILDING OF ST. PAUL'S
Built by our country’s most famous architect, Christopher Wren, in the Baroque style, St. Paul’s origins lie centuries ago.
There have been multiple St. Paul’s churches on the site our current St. Paul’s stands on today.
Wren’s version started life shortly after the Great Fire of London burned the Medieval St. Paul’s to the ground in 1666.
Backed by King Charles II, it took Wren over 9 years just to design the church and then only around 33 years to build it (which is amazing when you consider all the modern tools and equipment Wren didn’t have!).
St. Paul’s was consecrated in 1708 and at that point, it was the tallest building in London – holding that title until 1962!
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