St. Patrick's Cathedral Self-Guided Audio Tour

Normally: Adult $22.97 - Child $22.97

Admission included with your Sesame Attraction Pass

Get Your Pass

Highlights

  • The award-winning self-guided tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral transforms a visit into a fully immersive cultural experience. Professionally narrated and thoughtfully curated, the tour blends history, architecture, and spirituality into a compelling journey through one of New York’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Guests explore at their own pace using provided Apple iPads and disposable headphones, creating a seamless and comfortable experience inside this active house of worship. The storytelling brings to life the cathedral’s soaring Neo-Gothic design, intricate stained glass, celebrated high altar, and the remarkable craftsmanship found in every detail.
  • What makes this experience truly special is the depth of insight. Visitors don’t simply observe - they understand. From the symbolism embedded in the windows to the historic figures connected to the cathedral, each stop reveals layers of meaning that most visitors would otherwise miss.
  • With multilingual options and an easy-to-follow interactive format, the tour welcomes guests from around the world. It is the perfect balance of flexibility and enrichment - allowing quiet reflection while delivering rich, museum-quality interpretation in the heart of Manhattan.

What You Get

St. Patrick's Cathedral Self-Guided Audio Tour is included in your Sesame Attraction Pass.

How To Redeem

After you have purchased your Sesame Attraction Pass, go to your account to book your ticket.

Check-in details: Please check in upon arrival and present your reservation confirmation to the Tour Desk staff. The Tour Desk is located inside the cathedral, just past security.

Hours of operation

Every day: 9am - 5pm

Address

St. Patrick's Cathedral Self-Guided Audio Tour

St. Patrick's Cathedral,
5th Ave between 50th/51st Streets,
New York, NY 10022

Telephone: 212.753.2261

Closest Subway

  • 5 Avenue/53 St station

Closest Bus Stop

  • E 50 St & 5 Av

Description

Guests can enjoy a flexible self-guided audio tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral at their own pace, exploring its soaring Neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass, bronze doors and sacred spaces. The experience runs about an hour and is narrated with rich storytelling that deepens your understanding of the cathedral’s history, art and spiritual significance.

Official tours include Apple iPads with disposable headphones provided (or you may use your own device and headphones), plus multilingual options to suit international visitors.

What's included:
- Self-guided audio-visual tour
- Use of cathedral iPads
- Disposable headphones
- Available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese
- Kids tour also available (English only)
- Souvenir laminate on lanyard

Itinerary:
1. Security Screening & Entry - Enter through the main doors and proceed through standard cathedral security screening.
2. Tour Desk Check-In - Visit the official Tour Desk located just past security inside the cathedral to redeem your booking.
3. Receive iPad & Headphones - Collect your Apple iPad and disposable headphones (or prepare your own device if preferred). Select your language.
4. Orientation & How-To Instructions - Staff will provide a brief overview of how to navigate the interactive tour and map.
5. Begin at the Bronze Doors - Start your journey at the iconic Fifth Avenue bronze doors.
6. Explore the Nave & High Altar - Discover the soaring Neo-Gothic architecture, magnificent organ, and the main sanctuary.
7. Visit Side Chapels & Shrines - Explore sacred chapels, devotional shrines, and breathtaking stained-glass windows.
8. Learn the Cathedral’s History - Follow the narrated stops highlighting art, architecture, and pivotal moments in New York’s history.
9. Personal Reflection & Photos - Pause for quiet reflection or photography where permitted.
10. Return Equipment - Conclude your experience by returning your iPad at the Tour Desk before exiting.

Average tour duration: approximately 60 minutes. Enjoy at your own pace.

Restrictions:
- Active House of Worship - As a functioning cathedral, access may be limited during Mass, funerals, or special liturgies. Guests must remain respectful and quiet at all times.
- Mobility Accessibility - The main cathedral floor is wheelchair accessible. However, some areas may have limited access due to historic architecture. The self-guided tour does not include stairs-only restricted spaces.
- Standing & Walking - The tour lasts approximately one hour and involves extended standing and walking. Seating is available in pews throughout the cathedral.
- Pregnant Guests - The tour is generally suitable for pregnant guests, as it is self-paced with no strenuous activity required.
- Children - Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. The quiet, reflective environment may not be suitable for very young children.
- Security Screening - All guests must pass through security screening. Large bags, luggage, or prohibited items are not permitted.
- Headphone Use - Disposable headphones are provided. Guests who prefer may bring their own compatible headphones.
- Photography - Photography is permitted without flash. Tripods and professional equipment are not allowed.

Guests who have specific accessibility concerns are encouraged to inquire in advance.

Health & Safety:
- Security Screening Required - All guests must pass through cathedral security prior to entry. Please allow extra time during peak hours.
- Active House of Worship - The cathedral remains open for prayer and Mass throughout the day. Guests must maintain respectful behavior and follow staff instructions at all times.
- Walking & Standing - The tour lasts approximately one hour and involves walking and standing on marble floors. Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
- Slippery Surfaces - Marble flooring and steps may be slippery, especially in wet weather. Please walk carefully.
- Mobility Access - The main floor of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible. Seating is available in pews for guests who need to rest.
- Headphone & Device Use - Disposable headphones are provided with sanitized Apple iPads. Please handle equipment carefully and return devices to the Tour Desk at the conclusion of your visit.
- Children Supervision - Children must remain supervised at all times. Running or disruptive behavior is not permitted.
- Emergency Procedures - In the event of an emergency, follow the instructions of cathedral staff and security immediately.

Your safety and the preservation of this historic landmark are our top priorities.

Disclaimers:
- Access Subject to Change - As an active house of worship, areas of the cathedral may be temporarily restricted due to Mass, funerals, special liturgies, security protocols, or private events.
- Operational Interruptions - Portions of the tour may be adjusted without notice due to restoration work, maintenance, or unforeseen circumstances.
- Crowds & Wait Times - Entry and security screening times may vary, particularly during holidays and peak seasons.
- Technical Issues - While every effort is made to ensure devices function properly, temporary technical interruptions may occur.
- Personal Property - Guests are responsible for their personal belongings at all times.
- Force Majeure - The Cathedral and tour operator are not responsible for closures or disruptions caused by events beyond their control, including weather, public safety concerns, or government directives.