Is St Paul's worth it?
Worth itLives up to the hype · −1Wren's domed 17th-century cathedral; the ticket includes crypt, Whispering Gallery and a 528-step climb
Worth it. Google 4.7 from ~58,000 reviews; the dome and view consistently impress, and the price is the main complaint.
Hype71How famous and hyped it is
Reality70Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.7 ★ Google · 58,197 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to St Paul's? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
Architecture, history and a top-tier view in one ticket; reviewers rate it a trip highlight.
Why Reality is 70
Lives up to its fame4/5Google 4.7 from ~58,000 reviews; the dome and view consistently impress, and the price is the main complaint.
Value for money4/5£27 covers the cathedral, crypt, three galleries and a multimedia guide; the view alone rivals paid decks costing more.
Can’t get it elsewhere4/5Wren's dome is unique in London; Westminster Abbey competes on history but has no rooftop view.
Easy to do3/5Tube at the door and tickets available on arrival, but 528 steps, no Sunday sightseeing and service-dependent hours.
What people loved
Golden Gallery gives one of the best 360° views of London, included in the ticketBreathtaking dome, mosaics and carvings; peaceful atmosphere despite visitorsTicket bundles crypt (Nelson, Wellington), galleries, multimedia guide and free highlights toursCheaper than Westminster Abbey with a family ticket availableWhat wore them down
£27 per adult; many visitors object to paying to enter a church528 steps to the top on narrow, semi-claustrophobic stairsGolden Gallery is a tight balcony that can unsettle people afraid of heightsNo sightseeing on Sundays and times change for servicesKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Tickets can be bought online in advance or on arrival; check the What's On calendar as services can change sightseeing times.
Entry£27 adult; £24 seniors 65+ and students; £10.50 children 6–17; under-6s free; family (2+2/3) £64.50. Prices ~10% higher with optional donation; cheaper 25 Jun–1 SepSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
IncludedCathedral floor, crypt, all three dome galleries and multimedia guideSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Sightseeing hoursMon–Sat from 8:30am, last entry usually 4pm, sightseeing ends 30 min later. Sundays for worship; times can change for services and eventsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Dome climbWhispering Gallery 257 steps, Stone Gallery 376, Golden Gallery 528; under-18s must be with an adultSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Free way inAttending services (including Evensong) is freeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed2–3 hours with the dome climb and cryptSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereSt Paul's (Central line), ~2 min walk; ~15–20 min from Trafalgar Square by Tube or busSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
In their words
“People complain about the price of the ticket but the cathedral is self funded and apparently it costs £16millions to keep it open.”
“Climbing the stairs is not an easy task, but the views of London from the top are amazing and definitely worth the effort.”
“Climbing to the dome was well worth the effort, as the views over London are spectacular and provide a unique perspective of the city.”
“There is no church cool enough for it to be worth it to me.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much is St Paul's Cathedral entry?
£27 for adults, £24 for seniors and students, £10.50 for children 6–17 and free for under-6s, outside the summer discount period.
Does the St Paul's ticket include the dome?
Yes. Sightseeing tickets include the cathedral floor, crypt, all three dome galleries and a multimedia guide.
How many steps to the top of St Paul's?
257 steps to the Whispering Gallery, 376 to the Stone Gallery and 528 to the Golden Gallery.
Is St Paul's open on Sundays?
Sundays are for worship; sightseeing runs Monday to Saturday. Services are free to attend.
What is the nearest Tube to St Paul's Cathedral?
St Paul's station on the Central line, a couple of minutes' walk.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- St Paul's Cathedral — Visit (prices)
- St Paul's Cathedral — Planning your visit
- Just Bee Blog — St Paul's Cathedral and the climb to the top
- Drive on the Left — Overrated London activities (2015)
- Google Maps — St Paul's Cathedral