national cathedral tours

Visiting the Washington National Cathedral

With its neo-gothic architecture, medieval-style garden and eerie gargoyles, the city’s cathedral is worth a stop whether you’re worshipping or just looking on in wonder..

Stained-glass windows, Gothic spires and flying buttresses make the Washington National Cathedral look ages old, but the grand church was actually constructed during the 20th century. Though overseen by the Episcopal Church, the house of worship welcomes people of all faiths to its impressive site on the highest point in DC.

History and architecture

Stonemasons and builders erected the cathedral beginning in 1907, completing it 83 years later in 1990. Carved from Indiana limestone, the structure boasts a 30-story-tall central tower, an interior nine-bay nave and 215 stained glass windows, including one embedded with a moon rock. Inside, you’ll find a crypt level where Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson are buried. On the nave level, you’ll discover an intricately carved wooden choir area and numerous serene chapels.

On the exterior, you can search out the 112 gargoyles (decorative rain spouts) and grotesques (carved stone creatures) with the help of a map (available at the entrance) or via guided tours conducted during summer months. Be on the lookout for the grotesque of Darth Vader and the hippie gargoyle.

The grounds

You’ll find 59 acres of grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. around the National Cathedral. Enclosed by stone walls, the medieval-style Bishop’s Garden includes herb plantings, roses and a 13th-century Norman arch. Stone paths wind through Olmstead Woods, one of the only old-growth forests in DC. There’s also a cafe  serving coffee, desserts, brunch and lunch located on the grounds in the 1904 Old Baptistry building. Guided tours and a self-guided tour brochure can help you explore the green spaces.

Seeing the Cathedral

Church services and musical performances are the only way to experience the cathedral for free. Sunday services are open to all, and Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m., evening concerts fill the nave with singing. 

Outside of spiritual visits, admission to the cathedral is required: $12 for adults,  $8 for children ages 5 to 17 and free for kids 4 and under. The cathedral offers daily guided walking highlights tours with admission at 10:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, although check the  tour schedule  for the latest updates.

Numerous ticketed specialty tours, including seasonal gargoyle hunts , artisanship-themed walks  and tower climbs , are available to be booked in advance. You can also sightsee with Big Bus Tours , and its hop-on, hop-off tickets let you exit the bus to explore inside the cathedral once you're there.

After the National Cathedral, make a day of it exploring the Upper Northwest neighborhood .

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Washington National Cathedral (Tours & Visiting Tips)

A Visitor's Guide to the National House of Prayer in Washington, DC

TripSavvy / Victoria Chamberlain

The National Cathedral in Washington, DC is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Although it is the home of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and it has a local congregation of more than 1,200 members, it is also considered to be a national house of prayer for all people. The Cathedral is known as Washington National Cathedral, though its official name is the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The National Cathedral is an impressive structure and if you like to see amazing architecture, taking a tour should be at the top of your "to do" list when visiting the nation's capital. The Cathedral is English Gothic in style with exquisite sculpture, wood carving, gargoyles, mosaics, and more than 200 stained glass windows. The top of the Gloria in Excelsis Tower is the highest point in Washington, DC, while the Pilgrim Observation Gallery in the Cathedral's two west towers offer dramatic views of the city. Over the years, the National Cathedral has been the host of many national memorial services and celebrations. Services were held here to rejoice the end of World Wars I and II. The Cathedral was the setting for State funerals for four presidents: Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and George H. W. Bush. Following the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, George W. Bush honored the victims of that day with a special prayer service here. Other events held here have included a National Day of Prayer for Victims of Hurricane Katrina, funeral services for civil rights leader Dorothy Irene Height, memorial services for the victims of the school shooting in Newtown, CT, and former South African President Nelson Mandela. 

Tours of the National Cathedral

You can take a guided or self-paced tour of the National Cathedral and explore its dramatic art and Gothic architecture. Guided tours last approximately 30 minutes and are offered on an ongoing basis throughout the day (check the "Plan Your Visit" calendar on the Cathedral's website for tour availability on the day you're hoping to visit). No reservations are required. Be sure to take some time to walk the grounds as well. The 59-acre property includes gardens, three schools, a gift shop, and a cafe. The following tours are a unique way to visit the National Cathedral:

• Tour and Tea Program: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. (with some exceptions for holidays). Cost: $40 per person. A guided tour highlights the cathedral’s art, architecture, and history. Afterward, enjoy tea and scones in the beautiful St. Paul Room, complete with panoramic views of Washington, DC. Reservations are required. Make a reservation online.
• Gargoyle Tours: Available April through October. Take a tour with a gargoyle expert and learn the history of these fascinating creatures. The tour includes a slideshow followed by a guided outdoor tour, providing guests a chance to spot many of the whimsical gargoyles and grotesques, including monsters, dogs, cats, birds, horses—and even Darth Vader. Reservations are recommended. Admission is $22 per adult or $18 per child (12 and under), student or senior. Recommended for ages 10 and older. See an updated schedule and make a reservation.
• Tower Climbs: The climb takes between 75 and 90 minutes. You can climb the 333 stairs of the bell tower or explore the Western towers. The towers climb includes a close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while visiting the open-air walkway wrapping around two towers that are about 125 feet above the ground. The climb offers the best views of the Cathedral itself and 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Can't choose? Combine the two for a 2.5-hour grand tour. Make a reservation online  and avoid the line. Private tours for groups of 5 to 10 people are also available.
• Garden Tours, Volunteer Work Days, Woods Walks, and Bird Walks: These special events are a part of the All Hallow Guild’s Olmsted Woods Restoration and Stewardship Project. No reservations are required and the tours are free of charge. Call (202) 537-2319 or visit allhallowsguild.org for dates and times.

The Cathedral Grounds - Bishop's Garden and Olmsted Woods

All Hallows Guild was founded in 1916 to maintain the 59 acres of the Cathedral. The landscape was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. who created a park-like setting with open spaces and plants of historic interest that were native to America. Bishop's Garden was named for the Cathedral's first Bishop, Henry Yates Satterlee. The 5-acre Olmsted Woods include a stone footpath, the Pilgrim Way, a contemplative circle, native wildflowers and shrubs, and a host of migratory birds.  An outdoor amphitheater serves as a place for outdoor services.

Holiday Programs

Throughout the Christmas holiday season, you can take a guided tour, hear festive music, make Christmas decorations, or attend a religious service.  See the calendar of holiday events if you intend to join.

3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016. (202) 537-6200. The nearest metro station is Tenleytown-AU. The entrance to the parking garage is at Wisconsin Avenue and Hearst Circle.

$12: Adults (17 and up)

$8: Youth (5 – 17), Senior (65 and older), Students and Teachers (with ID), Military (current & retired) No admission is charged for tours on Sunday.

All groups with 15+ people must make a reservation to visit the Cathedral or its grounds at all times. For more information on group visits, visit the Cathedral's website .

The National Cathedral offers daily services available to the public. Special events are held throughout the year, including organ recitals, choir performances, the annual Flower Mart Festival , jazz, folk and classical concerts and more. For a weekly listing of special events, visit the official website.

• Monday–Friday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Tours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.; Sunday as available.
• Gardens: Open daily until dusk.

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Behind the Scenes (Sold Out) Thursday April 25 2024 at 2:00 PM

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

Guided Spotlights Tour (Limited Tickets Available) Friday April 26 2024 at 10:30 AM

Guided spotlights tour friday april 26 2024 at 12:30 pm, guided spotlights tour friday april 26 2024 at 1:30 pm, behind the scenes (limited tickets available) friday april 26 2024 at 2:00 pm.

Tower Climb: Bell Tower (Sold Out) Friday April 26 2024 at 2:00 PM

Guided spotlights tour friday april 26 2024 at 3:30 pm.

Self-Guided Sightseeing Friday April 26 2024

Guided spotlights tour monday april 29 2024 at 1:30 pm, behind the scenes (sold out) monday april 29 2024 at 2:00 pm, guided spotlights tour monday april 29 2024 at 3:30 pm, self-guided sightseeing monday april 29 2024, guided spotlights tour tuesday april 30 2024 at 1:30 pm.

Thematic Tour: Architecture Tuesday April 30 2024 at 2:00 PM

What are the basic elements shared by any Gothic building? Why is Gothic so well suited to religious structures? Through the Cathedral’s soaring walls and exquisite carvings, visitors explore the Gothic style and its unique characteristics, purposes, and building methods.

Guided Spotlights Tour Tuesday April 30 2024 at 3:30 PM

Self-guided sightseeing tuesday april 30 2024.

An Evening with Author Ray Suarez Tuesday April 30 2024 at 7:00 PM

LIVESTREAM An Evening with Author Ray Suarez Tuesday April 30 2024 at 7:00 PM

Guided spotlights tour wednesday may 1 2024 at 10:30 am, behind the scenes wednesday may 1 2024 at 11:00 am, guided spotlights tour wednesday may 1 2024 at 12:30 pm, guided spotlights tour wednesday may 1 2024 at 1:30 pm, self-guided sightseeing wednesday may 1 2024, guided spotlights tour wednesday may 1 2024 at 3:30 pm.

Online Book Study - Hope: A Users Manual Wednesday May 1 2024 at 7:00 PM

Guided spotlights tour thursday may 2 2024 at 10:30 am, tower climb: bell tower (sold out) thursday may 2 2024 at 11:00 am, guided spotlights tour thursday may 2 2024 at 12:30 pm, guided spotlights tour thursday may 2 2024 at 1:30 pm, behind the scenes (sold out) thursday may 2 2024 at 2:00 pm, self-guided sightseeing thursday may 2 2024, guided spotlights tour thursday may 2 2024 at 3:30 pm.

In the Company of the Saints Sunday May 5 2024 at 4:00 PM

Join the Washington National Cathedral Choir in a concert that explores the legacies of saints from St. Peter and St. Paul, to Hildegard of Bingen, to Martin Luther King, Jr.

LIVESTREAM In the Company of the Saints Sunday May 5 2024 at 4:00 PM

Guided spotlights tour tuesday may 7 2024 at 1:30 pm, behind the scenes tuesday may 7 2024 at 2:00 pm, self-guided sightseeing tuesday may 7 2024, guided spotlights tour tuesday may 7 2024 at 3:30 pm, guided spotlights tour wednesday may 8 2024 at 10:30 am, behind the scenes (limited tickets available) wednesday may 8 2024 at 11:00 am, guided spotlights tour wednesday may 8 2024 at 12:30 pm, guided spotlights tour wednesday may 8 2024 at 1:30 pm, self-guided sightseeing wednesday may 8 2024, guided spotlights tour wednesday may 8 2024 at 3:30 pm.

Tower Climb: Combination (Sold Out) Friday May 10 2024 at 11:00 AM

The Combination Tower Climb combines the Classic Tower Climb and Angels & Monsters climbs and lasts about two and a half hours. Explore the two western towers and includes a close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while visiting the open-air walkway wrapping around these two towers (about 125 feet above the ground). Climb the ringing chamber, 333 steps high in the Cathedral’s central tower, to find the best view of Washington, DC. This climb includes multiple views inside the Cathedral itself, up-close views of stained glass, and access to some of the Cathedral’s oldest stairs.

Guided Spotlights Tour Friday May 10 2024 at 12:30 PM

Guided spotlights tour friday may 10 2024 at 1:30 pm, behind the scenes (sold out) friday may 10 2024 at 2:00 pm, self-guided sightseeing friday may 10 2024, guided spotlights tour (limited tickets available) friday may 10 2024 at 3:30 pm.

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