St Paul's Cathedral

Wren's dome, the Whispering Gallery and a climb to a view over the City.

The climb up through the Whispering Gallery to the Golden Gallery is 528 steps and the reward is the best close-up view of the Thames bends. The cathedral floor is grand rather than intimate; the crypt with Nelson and Wellington is the quieter part. Attending a service is free if you only want the interior.

When it works

Indoors, so the weather does not matter. Best morning, afternoon. Free to attend a service.

Good for a first visit.

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Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in London ranked for right now.