NYC: St. Patrick's Cathedral Official Self-Guided Audio Tour

New York City , United States of America

NYC: St. Patrick's Cathedral Official Self-Guided Audio Tour

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(44 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest gothic-style Catholic cathedral in the U.S., opened in 1879. Located on 5th Ave., opposite Rockefeller Center, it is one of NYC’s finest buildings. Enjoy expedited entry and a self-guided multilingual audio tour, narrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, about 1 hour long.

Allow up to 1.5 hours to pause the audio tour and enjoy features like the Lady Chapel, twin spires, and 9000 lb. bronze doors. Explore the main altar, stained-glass windows, and Pieta sculpture, three times the size of Michelangelo's. The Cathedral has 21 altars and 19 bells, each named after a saint. Memorial masses were held here for Babe Ruth, Andy Warhol, and Robert F. Kennedy.

The Cathedral takes up an entire city block and is a significant historical and architectural landmark. Visitors can listen to the audio tour and explore at their own pace, appreciating the intricate details and rich history of this iconic New York City site.

Available options

NYC: St. Patrick's Cathedral Official Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Keepsake lanyard

Disposable earbuds

Self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, Italian, or Portuguese

Kids' audio tour in English

Free Wifi

Local taxes and fees

Entry into St Patrick's Cathedral

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The cathedral developed this audio tour from script to final production edits. It’s an ever evolving labor of love to communicate as much as we can about St. Patrick’s Cathedral to those who wish to learn. We hope this tour will entertain and educate our millions of returning visitors from around the globe.

During the months St. Patrick’s Cathedral was closed, we had the opportunity to overhaul and upgrade the entire audio tour. We added hundreds of new images and audio segments.

The tour is offered in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese.

What's not included

Live guide inside the Cathedral

Available languages

Audio guide

PT EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.7

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

24 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All visitors to St Patrick's Cathedral must pass through airport-style security

The cathedral is normally open 9.00am - 4.30pm for audio tours, although it is recommended to avoid Sundays before Noon

Last entry to the cathedral is normally 5pm - 1 hour before closing

St Patrick's Cathedral audio tour is available in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and French. Kid-friendly self-guided audio tour is in English only

It is recommended that you bring your own headphones, although disposable headphones can be provided

Sanitized audio devices are available for use at the cathedral, but you can also download the audio tour onto your own personal device from the App Store or Google Play

Participants are asked to dress and act appropriately since you'll be inside a church

Meeting point

Enter the Cathedral through the entrance on 5th Ave. Between 50th and 51st Streets. You will pass through security and then check with the staff at the Tour Desk, located to the left as you enter, and show them your voucher.

Important notes

• We recommend that you download the TourPatron Audio Tour of St Patrick's Cathedral from either the Appstore or Google Play before you arrive if you want the convenience of touring with your own personal device

• The code to start the audio tour will be provided on your personal Gold TourPass lanyard once you have checked in at the Tour Desk

• St. Patrick’s is an active Catholic church and it is likely that a wedding, mass or baptism will be taking place during your visit. Special events may require portions of the cathedral to be temporarily roped off. Please speak with an usher to find out when those areas will be re-opened for touring. Guests are welcome to return to complete any incomplete tour.

• If you cannot make your tour time/date - you can go to the cathedral any day in the next 7 days during tour hours 9.00am - 4.30pm’

• Please remove your hat when you are inside the cathedral

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information