St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, built after the Great Fire of London of 1666 destroyed its medieval predecessor. Completed in the early 18th century, its great dome has dominated the City skyline ever since, and the cathedral has hosted national occasions from Churchill's funeral to royal weddings and jubilee services. It is still a working church, with services every day, and the sightseeing route lets you explore the building from the crypt to the top of the dome.

Inside, the cathedral floor reveals the scale of Wren's design, with mosaics, carved choir stalls and memorials throughout. Below, the crypt holds the tombs of Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, as well as Wren himself, whose memorial carries the famous Latin inscription inviting visitors to look around them for his monument. The real highlight for many is the climb into the dome, first to the Whispering Gallery inside it, then outside to the Stone Gallery and finally the Golden Gallery at the very top, which offers views across the City and the Thames. The climb involves several hundred steps and narrow stairs, so it is not suitable for everyone.

St Paul's suits history and architecture lovers, couples and families with older children who can manage the stairs. Guided and self-guided tours run daily in several languages, and triforium tours can be booked separately. If you would like to experience the building as a church, attending a service such as Choral Evensong is free and open to everyone, though sightseeing is not permitted during services.

Sightseeing runs Monday to Saturday from 08:30, with last entry usually at 16:00, and the dome galleries open from 09:30. There is no sightseeing on Sundays, when the cathedral is open for worship. Tickets are best booked online, and free tickets are offered to disabled visitors. Bags larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm are not allowed and there is no cloakroom. Ramps and lifts give access to the cathedral floor and crypt, and guides are available for visitors with hearing or visual impairments. The Crypt Café is a useful stop, including on Sundays.

St Paul's Underground station on the Central line is just a few minutes' walk away. The Millennium Bridge crosses the river from here to Tate Modern, One New Change opposite has a free roof terrace with views of the dome, and the Museum of London area and Barbican are a short walk north.