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Westminster Abbey vs St Paul’s Cathedral

First-time visitors to London often weigh Westminster Abbey against St Paul’s Cathedral- two world-famous churches that promise very different experiences in history and architecture. Below, we compare access, prices, highlights, and practicalities so you can decide quickly- or plan to see both on the same trip.

Quick comparison – Westminster Abbey vs St Paul’s Cathedral

FeatureWestminster AbbeySt Paul’s Cathedral

Location

Parliament Square, Westminster (SW 1)

The City, near Millennium Bridge (EC4)

Price

Adults from £31 online (from Oct 2025); concessions available.

Adults from £25 online; family & concession options.

What is it?

Coronation church and royal shrine with 1,000+ years of history.

Christopher Wren’s Baroque masterpiece with a climbable dome.

Built / Age

Mainly 13th–16th centuries (Gothic).

Rebuilt 1675–1710 after the Great Fire (English Baroque).

Height / Size

—

Dome height 111 m / 365 ft to cross.

Timings

Sightseeing hours vary by day; check calendar for services/closures.

Mon–Sat sightseeing; galleries and times vary by date- check the schedule.

Duration needed

1.5–2.5 hours (more if using the multimedia guide).

2–3 hours if climbing dome (longer with all galleries).

Queues / Wait time

Can be long at peak hours and service days- prebook and arrive early.

Peak queues, especially for the dome- prebook morning slots.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings outside major services/ceremonies.

Early weekday mornings; verify gallery access that day.

Accessibility

Step-free routes in most areas; some historic gradients/steps remain.

Lifts to main floor and Stone/Golden Galleries access vary; check daily notes.

Kid-friendly

Good with scavenger trails and audio; solemn spaces.

Engaging climb and views; many steps for upper galleries.

Highlights

Poets’ Corner, Coronation Chair (display varies), royal tombs, Cloisters.

Whispering, Stone & Golden Galleries; nave & quire; dome views over London.

Dining options

Cellarium Café & Terrace next door.

The Wren Café (crypt level).

Nearby attractions

Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Whitehall, St James’s Park.

Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Borough Market, Museum of London.

Photography

Personal photography permitted in some areas (e.g., Cloisters); restricted in the Abbey church.

Personal photography allowed on tours (no drones/tripods; restrictions during services).

Verdict – Which Should You Visit?

Short on time? Choose Westminster Abbey for royal history, tombs, and Britain’s coronation church- no stairs required.

Pick St Paul’s for architecture you can climb and enjoy sweeping city views from the dome.

Do both if you have two mornings; book timed entries and start early for lighter crowds.

See both with one pass

Max out value with a London sightseeing pass or combo that includes Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, saving money and queueing time- ideal for first-timers planning 2–3 days in London.

Book now

Major differences between Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral explained

History and architecture

Westminster Abbey: Medieval Gothic church, burial place of monarchs and national figures; the nation’s coronation site. St

Paul’s Cathedral: English Baroque icon by Sir Christopher Wren with a colossal triple-shell dome dominating London’s skyline.

Interiors of Westminster Abbey with ornate altar and vaulted ceilings.

Experience highlights

Westminster Abbey: Poets’ Corner, royal tombs, the Cloisters, Lady Chapel; exhibits vary with services and ceremonies.

St Paul’s Cathedral: Cathedral floor and crypt plus Whispering, Stone, and Golden Galleries when scheduled; panoramic views after a major stair climb.

Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Atmosphere and audience

Westminster Abbey: Reflective, ceremony-heavy; great for history lovers and culture travelers.

St Paul’s Cathedral: More active/physical visit if you climb; suits architecture fans, photographers, and older kids.

St Paul's Cathedral London interior view towards the High Altar with ornate arches and chandeliers.

Location and surroundings

Westminster Abbey: Steps from Parliament and Big Ben- easy to pair with Whitehall or the royal parks.

St Paul’s Cathedral: In the Square Mile by Millennium Bridge- pair with Tate Modern or a Thames walk.

Nave of Westminster Abbey showcasing Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

When to visit

Westminster Abbey: Check the daily schedule- services can limit access; morning slots help dodge crowds.

St Paul’s Cathedral: Galleries and hours vary by date; morning entries are calmest, especially for dome climbs.

St Paul's Cathedral West Towers and dome under clear blue sky, London.

Other practicalities

Westminster Abbey: Step-free routes exist but some gradients remain; photography is restricted inside the main church. Cellarium Café next door.

St Paul’s Cathedral: Lifts provide access to main areas; upper-gallery access and photography have daily conditions; café in the crypt.

What you’ll see at Westminster Abbey

Poets’ Corner

Memorials and graves to literary greats, from Chaucer to Dickens, set within the south transept.

The Lady Chapel interior with ornate ceiling and colorful banners, Westminster Abbey.

What you’ll see at St Paul’s Cathedral

The Nave & Quire

Grand Baroque volumes with mosaics and carved choir stalls leading toward the dome.

Whispering Gallery interior view at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, showcasing ornate architecture.

Visiting Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral exterior with iconic dome in London, England.
  • Westminster Abbey: Book online for dated entry (from £31 adult from Oct 2025). Sightseeing times vary with services; the online calendar flags closures. Audio guides included; guided tours available on select days.
  • St Paul’s Cathedral: Buy timed tickets (from £25 adult) covering cathedral floor, crypt, and (on scheduled days) dome galleries. Check the daily schedule for gallery availability and service interruptions.
  • Seeing both (combos/passes): London sightseeing passes and curated combos often bundle Abbey + St Paul’s, adding savings and fast planning- ideal if you’ll visit within 1–3 days.
  • Doing both independently: Yes, in one day. Book early morning at the Abbey, lunch nearby, then a mid-afternoon St Paul’s slot and dome climb if open. Expect a full day with walking and some queueing.
Tourists listening to a guide inside Westminster Abbey, viewing the cloisters.

Morning – Westminster Abbey (9:00–11:30)

  • By tube: Westminster station; arrive for first time slot.
  • Highlights: Nave, Poets’ Corner, Lady Chapel, Cloisters.
  • Optional: Check if the Coronation Chair is on display.
London Underground train at a station platform with signage for Bakerloo and Jubilee lines.

Lunch (11:30–12:30)

  • Nearby: Cellarium Café or cafés along Great George Street.
  • Transfer: Jubilee line to St Paul’s area (walk or tube via Mansion House/Blackfriars).

Afternoon – St Paul’s Cathedral (13:00–16:00)

  • Entry: Verify which Galleries are open that day.
  • Highlights: Nave & quire, crypt; climb to Stone/Golden Galleries for views.
  • Optional: Thames/Bridge photos via Millennium Bridge.

Evening (Optional)

  • Dinner: Bankside or City pubs/restaurants.
  • Extra: Sunset shots from the Golden Gallery (if open) or along the South Bank.
Flags and Big Ben at Parliament Square, London, on a cloudy day.

Westminster Abbey

  • Address: 20 Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA | Find on Maps
  • By tube: Westminster (Jubilee/Circle/District).
  • By bus: Routes serving Parliament Square/Whitehall.
  • By car: Not recommended; very limited parking- use public transport.

​Westminster Abbey location >

St Paul’s Cathedral

  • Address: St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD | Find on Maps
  • By tube: St Paul’s (Central) or Mansion House/Blackfriars (District/Circle).
  • By bus: Multiple City routes; short walk from Millennium Bridge.
  • By car: Congestion/ULEZ apply; use public transport.

​St Paul’s Cathedral location >

St Paul’s Cathedral dome illuminated at night in London cityscape.

Westminster Abbey

  • Sightseeing hours vary by day and are reduced/closed during services and state occasions; always check the online calendar before you book.
  • Allow 1.5–2.5 hours and arrive early for quieter aisles.

​Westminster Abbey timings >

St Paul’s Cathedral

  • Open for sightseeing Mon–Sat with last entry mid-afternoon; Galleries availability varies by date and weather.
  • Plan 2–3 hours if climbing; morning slots mean cooler stairs and shorter waits.

​St Paul’s Cathedral timings >

  • Dress & etiquette: Westminster Abbey: active place of worship- quiet voices, respectful attire; services may pause sightseeing. St Paul’s: similar etiquette; some areas close during services.
  • Photography: Abbey: restricted inside the main church; Cloisters often OK. St Paul’s: personal photos permitted during tours; no tripods/drones; restrictions during services.
  • Dome strategy (St Paul’s): Check that Whispering/Stone/Golden Galleries are open on your date; start the climb early and bring water.
  • Mobility planning: Both have step-free routes to major areas; historic steps/gradients remain. Confirm lift and gallery access on the day.
  • Rainy-day plan: Prioritize the Abbey if galleries close at St Paul’s due to weather; you can still explore St Paul’s floor and crypt.
  • Food breaks: Cellarium Café beside the Abbey; Wren Café in St Paul’s crypt- good for a mid-itinerary pause.
  • Booking tip: Timed online tickets reduce queues and guarantee entry around services or events at both sites.

Frequently asked questions about Westminster Abbey vs St Paul’s Cathedral

Can you visit both in one day?

Yes, book an early slot at the Abbey, travel to the City for a mid-afternoon St Paul’s entry, and check that dome galleries are open that day. Expect a full, rewarding day.

Which is more budget-friendly?

St Paul’s headline adult price is typically slightly lower than the Abbey’s online rate; family and concession options exist at both. Check current pricing before you book.

Which is better for first-time visitors to London?

Choose Westminster Abbey for the classic royal-history experience near Big Ben and Parliament; pick St Paul’s if skyline views and Wren’s architecture appeal more. Many travelers enjoy both on separate mornings.

Which is better for kids?

St Paul’s can be more engaging for older children thanks to the dome climb; the Abbey suits families who prefer stories, audio guides, and shorter walks without hundreds of steps.

How far apart are they?

Roughly 2 miles/3.2 km apart- about 15 minutes by tube (Jubilee/District/Circle connections) or a 35–40-minute Thames-side walk via Westminster Bridge and the Embankment.

What if I only have time for one?

Pick the Abbey if you want royal tombs and Britain’s coronation church. Choose St Paul’s if you want to climb for London views and see Wren’s Baroque interior.

Which has the better views?

St Paul’s- from the Stone and Golden Galleries when open and weather permits. The Abbey offers atmospheric interiors and cloisters but no high viewpoints.

Are both included in city passes?

Many London sightseeing passes include both venues; check your pass’s current inclusions and booking instructions as allocations and peak-day rules can change.

How long do you need at each?

Budget 1.5–2.5 hours for the Abbey depending on interest; 2–3 hours for St Paul’s if climbing the dome.

Which is bigger?

In height and interior volume experience, St Paul’s feels larger, crowned by its 111 m dome; the Abbey spans multiple chapels and cloisters with centuries of burials and memorials.