St Patrick's Cathedral Official Behind the Scenes VIP Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 To Expect
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Ever dream of visiting the behind the scenes quarters of St Patrick's Cathedral? See the archbishop quarters, where the Pope changed his outfit on his visit and more on this VIP guided tour with a Cathedral Historian. Hear personal stories about what makes St. Patrick’s one of the world's most famous Cathedrals. See areas of the Cathedral never before seen by the general public. Your tour will conclude with reserved front row seats for Mass.
Options
Fully Guided Exclusive Access
What‘s Included
Entry to sacristy
Live Tour Guide (Cathedral Historian)
60-Minute VIP Guided Behind the Scenes Tour
Entry to crypt (subject to availability)
VIP Front Row Reserved Seats for Mass
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good
MARGARET C,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great tour, tour guide very knowledgeable. She had a great manner and knew her stuff. However, very expensive for only one hour! I thought Mass was supposed to come after, but no Mass?
Behind the Scenes Tour of St. Patrick’s
Larry F,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00While the tour does cover the history of St Patrick’s in a manner that would probably interest Catholics and non-Catholics alike, a lot of the tour focused on minutia of Catholicism that might leave non-Catholics a little confused.
Our tour guide (Mr. Tamontana) was amazing . His words, knowledge and faith were all so inspiring.
784kerryf,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00To be able to walk through the cathedral to places where most have never been, was amazing. To see the cornerstone of where our New York City faith is based out of, this amazing church, was an amazing experience.
Tour of St Patrick's Cathedral
Lynn S,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was actively involved with st patricks church working on her credentials. Very knowledgeable about the church history and current day activities. Included info about the vision, the architects, and the builders from past to present. No discussion about religion was included.
A little disappointed
Anne M,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour guide was not the usual guide per her information. The 2hr tour started 20 min late and lasted 70 min. I think there were more stories to be shared about the Cathedral but we did not receive them. Disappointed.
Great !!!
normanp629,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an awesome experience!!! Tour guide was awesome!!! So knowledgeable!!!!!!!We went behind the scenes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent guide elevated interesting tour
N2310TSdavidb,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the 2pm VIP tour on Wednesday Dec. 17, 2025. The cathedral historian was very friendly, enthusiastic, and interesting to talk to and gave us fascinating details and stories about the cathedral. I wanted to see Pierre Toussant’s grave, which we missed seeing at the Old St. Patrick’s Basilica before it was moved. Our historian pointed out features related to Archbishop Terence Cardinal Cooke after I showed her a photo of Cardinal Cooke and me at my Catholic dorm’s dedication at Columbia. She gave us interesting background on the move of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s grave to Illinois from St. Patrick’s. Our guide made the tour even more special and I recommend it as it informs on so much of what you are seeing, how it got there or why it’s no longer there, and why it’s noteworthy.
Quick but informative!
Andrew P,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Good overview of the Cathedral. Went during December, so saw some Christmas related displays. Worth it.
Awesome tour guide
Kerri N,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was very knowledgeable, her enthusiasm of sharing her knowledge of the cathedral was contagious. She was absolutely amazing and I would recommend this tour anybody as long as she was the tour guide.
VIP experience at St. Patricks!
LD-3830,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We learned so much on the behind the scenes tour with our guide, Sophia! Sophia shared a wealth of information from history of contruction, lesser known stories, and architectural details. We loved getting to see areas of the cathedral that are restricted to regular visitors. Getting to stand on the high altar was worth it alone! Sophia answered all questions with so much knowledge and energy. Highly recommend for anyone interested in learning the history of the cathedral and seeing the architectural beauty up close.
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