• Marble stairway leading to a church altar with a central doorway. Candles and a priest in the background.
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City, with American flag waving against a cloudy sky.
  • Church altar: ornate gold and stone decorations, stained glass, open wooden doors, and warm lighting.
  • Clergy and woman praying in a mausoleum. White walls, marble crypts, golden vestments, and a red cushion.
  • Looking up at a cathedral organ.  White, patterned ceiling and stained glass window are visible.
  • Sculpture of a figure kneeling before a standing person in a church with stained glass windows.
  • Interior of St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC, with ornate altar and columns, soft lighting.
  • Interior of a church crypt with a marble pillar, altar, and window with stained glass. Flags of green, red and white.
  • Marble-walled stairway leads to a green door, ornate ceiling with stained glass above.
  • Stained glass windows inside a cathedral, with light streaming through the colorful panes.
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City framed by skyscrapers on a sunny day.
  • Altar with white statues, candle stand with lit candles, and floral arrangement in a church.
  • Gilded altar, bible, and cross in ornate church. Golden pillars, blue stained glass, and white cloth.
  • Sign for Cathedral Parish House at 64 East 9th Street on a stone wall with a black gate and barred window.

St Patrick's Cathedral Official Behind the Scenes VIP Tour

Clock icon showing time is 7:00.

1 hour

Description


This small group, docent-led tour explores the cathedral and areas generally off-limits to the public including the sacristy and the crypt. Use a private entrance and step behind the velvet ropes.


Highlights


  • Explore hidden spaces above and beneath the sanctuary rarely seen by visitors
  • Step inside the hallowed crypt, final resting place of New York’s archbishops
  • Ascend the grand marble staircase for privileged access to the main altar
  • Admire glorious stained-glass windows, massive doors and an imposing Pieta
  • Hear captivating cathedral stories from your expert insider guide

Step beyond the velvet ropes for an intimate, small-group VIP experience at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Led by an expert docent, explore rarely seen spaces above and below the sanctuary that reveal hidden stories and treasures few visitors encounter.


Begin at a private entrance, passing through the sacristy and descending beneath the altar into the hallowed crypt, final resting place of past archbishops. Hear fascinating insights into the cathedral’s history, artistry, and spiritual legacy.


Ascend the grand marble staircase to stand at the main altar, enjoying privileged access and unique vantage points for memorable photographs and quiet moments of reflection, offered only to this select group of guests.


Admire the soaring stained-glass windows, the colossal Pieta, and the immense bronze doors operable by one hand. Learn of the 21 altars, 19 bells, and notable figures—from Babe Ruth to Andy Warhol—whose memorials form part of this landmark’s enduring story.


  • What's Included?

    • 60-Minute VIP Guided Behind the Scenes Tour
    • Live Tour Guide (Cathedral Historian)
    • Entry to sacristy
    • Entry to crypt (subject to availability)
    • VIP Front Row Reserved Seats for Mass

  • Exclusions

  • Please note

    • All visitors to St Patrick's Cathedral must pass through airport-style security
    • Participants are asked to dress and act appropriately since you'll be inside a church
    • Strollers are OK – but there are steps
    • Not suitable for pets or wheelchairs.
    • No luggage or large bags or outside food and drinks allowed

  • What do I need to bring?

  • Itinerary

    50th Street & 5th Avenue, Wheelchair accessibility located off the corner of 51st Street and 5th Avenue, 10022-6863 New York City

  • Meeting Points

    You can start this experience at the following places.


    St. Patrick's Cathedral Parish House Entrance

    East 51st Street 14, 10022 New York, US

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