Located right in the heart of Midtown, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of those iconic landmarks that’s hard to miss, both for its stunning architecture and its quiet presence in the middle of the chaos. Whether you’re stopping by to admire the details, light a candle, or just take a break from the city’s nonstop energy, it’s well worth a visit. This guide covers everything you need to know, from a bit of history to the best times to go and what to look out for once you’re inside.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Tips for Visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC
Choose the right time: St. Patrick’s Cathedral is free and open to the public, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends and during religious services. Try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
Dress respectfully: There’s no strict dress code, but it’s still a place of worship. Wear modest attire that covers shoulders and knees. Hats are not permitted inside.
Take a guided tour: Guided tours offer a deep insight of the cathedral’s history and architecture. There’s a 50-minute, self-guided audio tour is available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese (and a kid version of the tour, too), and VIP guided tours are offered once daily.
Capture memories responsibly: Photography is allowed in most areas, but be courteous. No flash, and keep your shutter silent if possible.
Mass Schedule at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Monday to Friday: 7am, 7:30am, 8am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 5:30pm
Saturday: 8am, 12pm, 5:30pm
Sunday: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10:15am (Solemn), 12pm, 1pm, 4pm (Spanish), 5pm
You’re always welcome to enter and admire the cathedral whenever the doors are open. If you prefer not to attend Mass, try to time your visit around the schedule.
Best Things to See at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Table of Contents: St. Patrick’s Cathedral NYC Guide
Table of Contents: St. Patrick’s Cathedral Guide (New York City)
Admire the Exterior of the Cathedral
Soaring above Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s facade is a Neo-Gothic masterpiece. The white marble exterior was designed to represent purity and light. Look closely and you’ll find intricate carvings of saints, gargoyles (symbolizing good versus evil), and twin spires reaching 330 feet.
The cathedral’s three bronze doors, cast in Florence, Italy, depict scenes from the Bible and images of saints. Just above the entrance is the rose window, made up of 3,000 pieces of stained glass (we’ll cover that more below).
As with many Catholic churches, St. Patrick’s is cruciform. Its floor plan resembles the shape of a cross. The main entrance marks the base, and entrances can be found at each of the cross’s arms for those walking the full perimeter (it spans an entire city block!).
The Nave
With ceilings reaching 110 feet high, the nave of St. Patrick’s Cathedral is awe-inspiring. Sunlight filters through the stained glass windows, splashing vibrant colors across the marble floor. Each window tells a biblical story.
Slender marble columns line the central aisle, leading your eyes upward to ribbed vaults above. The columns are adorned with carvings of saints, angels, and religious symbols. The floor is equally intricate, featuring mosaic scenes that reflect moments of Christian devotion.
The Rose Window
Rising above the cathedral’s main doors is the rose window, one of the largest in North America. It spans 26 feet and is made of 3,000 pieces of hand-cut stained glass.
The window is divided into 12 outer panels, each showing a moment in Christ’s life, from the Annunciation to the Ascension. Each section includes smaller vignettes and detailed biblical figures.
Symbolism runs deep here: the circular shape stands for eternity, and the rose itself is a nod to the Virgin Mary. The use of color and light is intended to uplift the spirit and inspire awe.
The Lady Chapel
Added to the church in 1906, the Lady Chapel is dedicated to the the Virgin Mary. Compared to the grand scale of the cathedral, the chapel is more intimate. The highlight here is the ornate marble altar, complete with slender columns and a carved baldachin (canopy).
Stained glass windows depict events from Mary and Jesus’s lives, while mosaics and sacred paintings line the chapel’s walls. One standout feature is the Pieta sculpture, capturing the moment Mary holds the body of Jesus. The Lady Chapel is also a popular site for baptisms, weddings, and other special ceremonies.
The Saint Michael Chapel
Dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, this chapel celebrates the battle between good and evil. Its stained glass centerpiece depicts St. Michael in combat with a dragon, a symbolic scene full of movement and drama. American flags and memorial plaques line the walls, honoring fallen soldiers. This creates a deeply reverent space, often used for military services and remembrance.
The Crypt
Beneath the high altar lies the crypt, the final resting place for every Archbishop of New York. The entrance, hidden behind the altar, was once covered by a heavy stone slab that took six people to lift. Large bronze plaques list the names of those buried here. The crypt spans 21 feet long, 10 feet tall, and 10 feet wide, with space for 24 to 42 interments. It’s solemn, quiet, and incredibly significant.
The Brief History of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City
Construction of the cathedral began in 1858, led by architect James Renwick Jr. After a brief pause during the Civil War, it was completed in 1878. The most recent renovation, completed in 2015, cost $200 million.
St. Patrick’s has served as the spiritual home for millions and has hosted major events like the funerals of Robert F. Kennedy and commemorations for victims of 9/11. It’s the seat of the Archdiocese of New York and one of the city’s most enduring landmarks.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Guide: Fun Facts
- It took 21 years to build the cathedral, with construction pausing for the Civil War.
- Founder Archbishop Hughes’ coat of arms can be found above the central window.
- Over 1 million bricks were used in construction.
- Each main door weighs 9,200 pounds.
- There are 103 stained glass windows throughout the building.
- The 19 cathedral bells were cast in France in 1897.
- There are 12 chapels lining the side aisles.
- Tiffany & Co. designed two altars inside the cathedral.
- The cathedral can hold 2,400 people.
- Busts of Popes Francis, Benedict XVI, John Paul II, and Paul VI are near the entrance. All have visited.
- Around one million prayer candles are lit here annually.
- Famous funerals held here include Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, and Celia Cruz.
- At one time, the public could access an observation deck atop the spire.
- Rubbing the nose of a small bronze rat sculpture near the 5th Avenue entrance is said to bring good luck.
- As of 2023, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan serves as the Archbishop of New York.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Guide (Post Summary)
- The Exterior
- Nave
- The Rose Window
- The Lady Chapel
- Saint Michael Chapel
- The Crypt
Guide to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC: Frequently Asked Questions
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is worth visiting for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and historical significance as a prominent landmark in New York City.
The best time to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC is typically during weekdays in the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the tranquility of the space.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC is famous for its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, rich history, and status as a prominent landmark in the city.
Visitors can freely enter St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC for prayer, reflection, or to admire its architecture and artwork during open hours.
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And there you have it, my friends. My first-hand list of the best things to see at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Enjoy your visit to the beautiful church, until next time!
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