St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is a National Landmark visited by about 5 million people every year
Recognised as the center of Catholic life in the United States, St. Patrick's Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of New York with an active and vibrant parish. The Gothic Revival Roman Catholic cathedral is a National Landmark located across the street from Rockefeller Center.
The cornerstone was laid in 1858 with construction suspended until 1865 due to the Civil War. John Cardinal McCloskey, the first American Cardinal, opened the doors in 1879.
Each year over three million people visit St. Patrick's Cathedral to marvel at the beauty of its front towers and intricate stained glass windows crafted in Chartres, France modelled after the designs of its famous cathedral. The St. Michael alter and St. Louis alter were designed by Tiffany and Company with a third, the St. Elizabeth altar by Paolo Medici in Rome. A centerpiece of the artistic elements is the replica of Michelangelo's "Pieta," three times the size of the original.
St. Patrick's Cathedral is noted for its fine acoustics and houses two world famous organs installed in 1930 which still provide powerful accompaniment for church services. The Cathedral periodically hosts free concerts, the parish choir and guest artists. Visitors are also invited to join the congregation in mass celebrations held daily. Alternatively, between services, the building is open for self-guided tours. A gift shop is available at the rear of the Cathedral and benefit's the parish's charitable activities.
Nearby attractions include Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue and the Museum of Modern Art
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (212) 753-2261
Official Website: St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral Reviews
Rated out of 5
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York is absolutely breathtaking. Walking into it, right in the heart of Manhattan, feels almost unreal, like you’ve suddenly been transported back to Europe, to one of those ancient cities with historic cathedrals that carry centuries of beauty and meaning.
The architecture is stunning, and the exterior façade is truly jaw-dropping, filled with intricate details that make you stop and stare. Inside is just as inspiring, with an elegant, peaceful design that immediately grounds you spiritually and emotionally.
It’s unbelievable that a building like this exists in the middle of New York City, surrounded by modern high-rises. It feels like a timeless shelter, a quiet corner that takes you back in time and gives you a moment to breathe and reflect.
Nooran Ostadeian - 2 weeks ago
Stumbled into an early mass a couple days before Christmas. Was a seriously beautiful moment to share with both strangers and loved ones. The cathedral itself is a work of art. We were in complete awe of its splendor. And the uncanniness of the surrounding city made it all the more sublime.
Layla Mansour - 2 weeks ago
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is always a stop for us- every single time we’re in the city. No matter how busy or chaotic New York feels outside, walking through those doors instantly slows everything down.
We always light a candle. It’s just something we do. Something is grounding about that quiet moment- the glow, the stillness, the intention, especially in a city that never stops moving.
The cathedral itself is breathtaking in the most classic way. The architecture, the height of the ceilings, the details you notice more each time you visit, it’s beautiful, timeless, and somehow unchanged, no matter how much the city around it evolves. It doesn’t chase trends. It doesn’t need to. It simply is.
St. Patrick’s is peaceful, humbling, and familiar all at once. A place to pause, reflect, and reset before stepping back into the noise of New York. Some places become traditions for a reason, and this is one we’ll always come back to. 🕯️✨
Ashley Gray - 3 weeks ago
The cathedral is of course beautiful. I highly recommend getting tickets to tour ahead of time as you get to see areas that are roped off. A guest pass is not needed to enter although the website states so. Simply wait in one of the many lines around the cathedral and you will enter. There is a quick bag check and men are not allowed to wear hats. I also recommend doing the guided tour as in order to see all parts of the Cathedral without this you need to wait in each individual line outside which each line was about 30-45 min long when I had gone. Also without the guided tour tickets there are parts roped off that you cannot see. The audio tour is being your own headphones and listen via your cellphone.
Meranda Green - Scott (Mer) - a month ago
This is my favorite Roman Catholic church in the city. It even has a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, where I’ve always found spiritual comfort, along with other saints to whom I’m devoted, like Saint Anthony. It’s a truly beautiful place, and I highly recommend that everyone visit.
The Christmas Mass is especially lovely—I attended last year as well. Whenever friends or family visit the city, I make sure to bring them here. If you’re planning to attend Mass on holidays or major feast days, you should arrive about 1–1.5 hours early to get in line; people usually start entering through the side doors.
There is now increased security inside, which I appreciate, and the overall organization keeps improving as this landmark continues to welcome more visitors. Architecturally, it’s stunning. I really love this church
Karina Turgut - 3 weeks ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| B, D, or F | 47-50 Street / Rockefeller Center | 5 minutes |
| E or M | 5th Avenue / 53rd Street | 3 minutes |
| 1, C or E | 50th Street | 8 minutes |
| N, Q or R | 49th Street | 8 minutes |
| 6 | 51st Street | 9 minutes |
How to get to St. Patrick's Cathedral by Subway
Either take the B, D, of F train to 47-50 Street - Rockefeller Center, exit on West 49th Street and head east to 5th Avenue, or take the E or M train to 5th Avenue / 53rd Streetand walk south 3 blocks on 5th Avenue or take the 1, C or E train to 50th Street and walk east to 5th Avenue or take the N, Q or R train to 49th Street and walk east to 5th Avenue or take the 6 train to 51st Street and Lexington Avenue, head northwest on East 51st Street towards Lexington Avenue, turn left onto 5th Avenue.
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Photo Gallery
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And the equally amazing interior cc licensed photo by eviltomthai -
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Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: julienmagne - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez - cc license via Flickr
