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St. Patrick's Cathedral
Category: Religious Organizations Churches Churches [Edit]
14 E 51st St(between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 753-2261
- Nearest Transit:
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5 Av/53 St (E, M)
51 St (4, 6, 6X)
47 - 50 Sts - Rockefeller Ctr (B, D, F, M)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
141 reviews for St. Patrick's Cathedral
140 reviews in English
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Review from Cee B.
1/28/2012 5 photos
Attended Christmas mass with my grandma, she had not been since she was a little girl. She loved every second of it & enjoyed looking at all of the statutes, etc. throughout the cathedral.
The architecture is striking, gorgeous, etc. Lots of history behind it. Recommended for tourists. -
Review from Sophia C.
2/1/2012
I can't even recollect how many movies I've seen this cathedral in, so I had to go check it out on my walking tour of NY architecture.
Bummer that it was under construction, so the exterior of it was covered up with various construction material. No matter, I still stepped in.
I was respectful, and knew to turn off the flash on the camera and even then, I was stared at like I was at a library being shushed at.
The place was beautiful, but with the loud talkers and others using their flashes on their cameras w/o any repimand...it kinda killed the appreciation of the architecture. -
Review from Brendan W.
1/28/2012 3 photos
First things first! I am a gay Irish man who despises the Catholic Church and all that it stands for. Like most Irish people we realise what complete and utter hypocrisy and corruption and nasty things have been going on within the Catholic Church.
OK so the disclaimer is out of the way, now onto my review!
I'm Irish. I'm in New York. I have seen St. Patrick's Cathedral in numerous movies and TV shows over the years (most memorable is Gremlin's 2) so I had to go see it.
I brought a factor 40 with me as I thought I may start to burn when I walked inside. But I was OK. Gods gaydar wasn't working that day.
It's a beautiful building inside and out. I even lit a candle. Had a sit down and soaked up the atmosphere. I still always find something quite peaceful about any place of worship regardless of whether it be a Church or a Synagogue etc.
I still whisper when I'm in a church. You're in God's house. Not your own house. So be quiet you noisy tourists speaking really loudly at the back. Jeez. Although if I was in MY God's house, that would be Lady GaGa's house and I would be screaming with excitement.
We went to the gift shop (see delirious picture of me with St. Paddy). Just reminded me of the weird little Catholic shops dotted around Belfast. You wouldn't want to be walking in wearing your hot pants and GaGa t-shirt.
Now I wouldn't say it was the highlight of my trip nor nothin but it was grand and nice and I can say I was there! -
Review from Hanie B.
Studio City, CA
2/8/2012 8 photos
Amazing catholic church. The most historical beautiful church I've ever been. Like I've said take subway n walk. It's my first time in my life, took subway n bus. Exploring NYC by myself (sneaking out...shhh) is the best thing ever happened in my life :) Spectacular.
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Review from Samantha G.
Seattle, WA
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
St. Patrick's Cathedral is gorgeous. I came here to view the cathedral and attend mass on a weekday.
One thing did bother me while I was visiting. While mass was going on, I couldn't believe how visitors in the back were talking loudly. 6 inch voices please.Listed in: New York City
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Review from C J.
Brooklyn, NY
12/26/2011
This review is specifically about Christmas Day mass in Spanish at 4pm.
No one can deny that this is an amazing building and as a tourist, I would certainly want to stop here to enjoy it.
However, as a New Yorker and one who was looking for a special Christmas Day mass, I was very underwhelmed.
It was probably not a good idea to go here on such a busy day, but I really thought I would get a different type of service since this church is so amazing and it was, after all, Christmas.
First of all, if I go to a mass in my native language, I want a priest who is a native speaker. I don't want to hear simple words mispronounced and an accent. Sorry, that might be un-PC and harsh, but I deliberately go to masses in Spanish so that I can feel like I'm back home, where I grew up and how I was raised.
Second of all, what a sucky sermon! I was expecting something inspiring, something that would make Christmas special like it's supposed to be. Instead, I got a retelling of Jesus' birth which I already know, and which I can certainly read in the Bible. Fine, that could've been part of the sermon, but couldn't the priest have added something from himself that we could take away on such an important day?
What a disappointment. I won't be going back again here for mass, but I also won't go back to enjoy the architecture because of the tourists. They are rude and have no respect for the services that take place there. It's shocking to me that the church doesn't close to tourists during mass times. They just walk around talking while the priest is talking. It's ridiculous. -
Review from Toan N.
New York, NY
12/5/2011
This church is super massive. You might bump into folks if you keep looking up. I was here for the 9:00AM Sunday mass. You can tour the church's interior between masses. Once mass starts, everyone is pretty much seated. Receiving the communion was quick because of multiple lines. They even have flat screen TV's on the pillars so you can get up close and personal with the altar.
If you have not memorized the new prayers, they have plenty of "cheat sheets" all over the church. -
Review from Cullen A.
New York, NY
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
My favorite church to visit in New York City. This church has so much history and beauty behind it. Every time I see it I am drawn inside it to just sit in one of the pews and look in awe of what man has created. Today I sat and I prayed for something good to happen, and later that day, something good did happen :) I'll see you again next Friday ;)
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Review from Michael F.
Brooklyn, NY
12/29/2011
This place is awful. The lines are to the door and there aren't any tables. We started with just plain dry crackers and some frankly awful wine. My party waited 30 minutes just to find out there wasn't even a second course. Never coming back.
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Review from Danielle F.
Orange County, CA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is definitely a must visit on any trip to NYC. I was lucky enough to come in at the perfect time for mass. They are very strict when it comes to taking pictures while within the red ropes and attending mass. However, all the people walking around while mass is in session are allowed to take pictures. A little weird.
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Review from Sharon P.
9/29/2011
This place is gorgeous. And it's a monument of Catholicism in America. This place is also a touristy nightmare.
I'm Catholic. Like a "must go to mass Sunday for my eternal salvation" type Catholic. This was my first trip to New York and to be honest, I had heard about St. Patrick's a lot, but didn't really intend on visiting. I just wanted to go to a quiet neighborhood church. Just my luck that this church would be the neighborhood church. I really should've done more research on nearby churches...
I woke up Sunday morning to head over with my friend. I think we made the 10AM mass? Now, I get that this church is a tourist attraction, but taking pictures with ridiculously bright flash while moving up and down the aisles DURING the actual mass and talking so loudly everyone can hear? That seems like a pretty big no-no... I also blame it on the cathedral too. The priest almost seemed like he WELCOMED the picture taking and the talking. I mean, call me old fashioned, but I believe when you're at a house a worship, whatever religion it may be, there should be a level of respect.
Thank goodness it was just for one week. I don't think I'll be coming back here on my next trip to New York. At least not for a mass... -
Review from Dominique F.
Arlington, VA
10/12/2011
Absolutely gorgeous; never in a million years would I have thought that I can find such a cathedral in the middle of Manhatten!
Even if you're not religious, this will take your breath away.Listed in: Churches I fell in love with…
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Review from Sonny G.
10/23/2011
It's been awhile since I've given a place 5 stars because Im not a big believer of perfection.
St. Patricks cathedral is just stellar, it goes above and beyond any other church you and I have ever seen. This church is an absolute masterpiece and a complete work of art. It's always filled with a huge crowd too.
If you haven't been here, come check out this wonderful piece of history.
Amen. -
Review from Chris B.
Red Hook, NY
12/24/2011
When I visited this place just a few years ago, when I stepped inside I felt this place was too enormous to actually have masses inside. however, this place didn't have as good a lighting as what you'd expect to find when church was in session. Although it was a bit pitch black, the candlelights sure helped spruce things up. I can only imagine what this place is like during a traditional mass.
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Review from Juan M.
9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Catholic and proud!
It was great to hit Mass and in such a huge place for both lay and religious.
Living in the South, we don't have as many places that draw one's attention upward like this place does - it's not required, but it's great when you find it. -
Review from Christina S.
Queens, NY
I have been living in New York for 24 years and never educated myself about the facts of the Cathedral. I became privy to the idea of learning the history and getting a tour through a good friend, who joined me on the day of. My friend, thanks to God, share the same religion as I do. One the day of tour, we caught the tail-end of mass and respectfully, paid our homage to our belief in God, Christ & Christianity...I was thankful for the moment. I have know people without a religion, without a god in their life, and therefore, lacking so much in connection with life & relationships. I strongly recommend getting a free tour during the summer months. I believe the last Wednesday, midday tour was on 8/31. You can look it up on Yelp. The tour guide has an extensive knowledge about the Cathedral from founder to foundation.
To learn more about the history, go to:
http://www.Saintpatric... -
Review from Annie S.
8/19/2011
For the past three years or so, every time I go home and see my grandparents, my grandfather has told me the same story about the time he and my grandmother took a bus trip from Boston to see Mother Theresa at St. Patrick's in the pouring rain. I see my grandfather about once a month. You do the math. But every time, I act like it's the first time because it really is worth remembering (and hearing the same story...over and over and over).
I'd say this is one of the most beautiful churches in the U.S. and for that, it gets 5 stars. I have seen churches all over Europe, and while it is no Sistine Chapel, it is still unbelievably gorgeous. I love the detached, historic feeling it emanates, especially for being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Fifth Ave.
Since working in Manhattan (over three years), I have gone to St. Patrick's to get my ashes on Ash Wednesday each year -- the only times I have been inside -- but I always take my time because you really can't take it all in during the time it takes for a priest to draw a smudge (cross) on your forehead. -
Review from Euripides X.
ASTORIA, NY
12/10/2011
Good NY church destination. Great to visit during Christmas while carolers sing outside.
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Review from Jason W.
11/24/2011
Words can't do something like this justice.
I had been wandering through the city and stumbled upon the Cathedral after being lost. Dude from out of town in arguably one of the biggest stories in the world finds refuge in a church isn't necessarily the newest story but I was at a point in my life where I was looking to understand the meaning of it all so to find this place the night Fashion Week was kicking off and even more people were circulating, I was pretty stoked/felt like I'd found sanctuary.
As I walked through and admired the artwork, the architecture, I felt an energy of something being there, alive, all around me. I've been driven to tears at the immense power of the Sacred in a variety of locations and personally believe in an aspect of One to it all but the thing that floored me here was the powerful experience I had when I encountered the statue of the Blessed Mother in the back. As soon as I saw it, I felt an overwhelming sense of Love, and tears started to form in my eyes. I had been dealing with some losses at the time and to see that gave me proof that I was not alone and that whatever is greater was truly in all things because the feeling that came with the tears was the same as the first time I'd experienced something that made me believe Love and God were both real, vast, amazing things and that was during a relationship where I felt deeply connected. To have the same feeling again, but at looking at a beautiful work of art humbled me, floored me, amazed me beyond words and I still try to put it together. Like I said, I've had other experiences in other settings of the Sacred and this was a very monumental one because it marked a personal turning point of healing that I will never forget.
Anyway, long story short, this place is beautiful and it is powerful. I say it's a must for any seeker of the unknown regardless of creed. -
Review from Michelle A.
Silicon Valley, CA
5/14/2011 1 photo
As I entered St. Patrick's Cathedral alone ( it was on my must visit list, I had something I needed for him to hear), I can feel the peacefulness surrounding me every where.
I am a Cathedral fan, where there is a Cathedral, I must visit and feel the vibe. As I walked to the front, amazed with the gold glowing lights, candles and impressive stained glass windows, then slowly paced around the sides to visit all the Saints, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. James, St. Patrick..... I come to Jesus, I stopped, quietly lit a candle with a deepest prayer from the most deepest love of my heart...................
I can't wait to return. Until we meet again.Listed in: The Places I will go!!!
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Review from DIANE S.
6/17/2011
I went to mass here on new years so pleasant seeing everyone start the new year right. The music is beautiful, the lighting is great and the singing is heavenly! Also there's a ton of masses and it's also televised.
I go to nyc all the time and sometimes when I get off the red eye bus from dc I get to nyc just in time for the first morning mass. There are so many and it's near Rockefeller. So I suggest go to the early mass and then go to the TODAY show yay. Or do it reverse go to the TODAY show and then mass.
Monday -
Friday: 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 am,
12 Noon, 12:30, 1:00, 5:30 pm (Music at 5:30 on Mondays and Fridays only)
Saturday: 8:00 am (in Lady Chapel)
12 Noon, Vigil Mass at 5:30 pm (Fulfills Sunday obligation)
Sunday: 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:15 am (Choir), 12 Noon, 1:00, 4:00 (Spanish), and 5:30 pm -
Review from Anthony A.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
4/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
St. Pat's Cathedral is a shining example of the gorgeous architecture and ornate design work that makes NYC such a visual feast. I don't think you need to bother with attending a mass here. A simple brisk stroll through the back of the church should suffice for most. If you're impressed by the dark stone exterior and far-reaching spires, then you'll be doubly impressed with the interior's vaulted, decorated ceilings and gorgeous stained-glass windows.
This is all coming from someone who's a firm agnostic; an almost total nonbeliever in a higher power. But no one can deny that this church is one of the most beautiful things to grace the city. Stop in. See it. Appreciate it.Listed in: New York, New York
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Review from Paige M.
7/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
St. Patrick's is a gorgeous cathedral that can be appreciated for the architecture by both religious and non-religious.The Gothic-style architecture is an elegant surprise amongst all the high rise buildings on 51st Street. The grandeur of the Cathedral is made up in details, not in size. Erected by 103 poor immigrants pledging $1000 each, it took over 20 years to build and opened in 1879.
St. Patrick's Cathedral is open from 6:30am - 8:30pm daily. Be sure to visit the gift shop while you're here. I found a lovely bookmark featuring the landmark and an Irish cross.
Viewing Time: 15 minutes -
Review from Monica M.
Yorktown Heights, NY
11/15/2011
Of course the church is gorgeous! It's a NYC must-see especially at Christmas. If you are a true Catholic, skip the mass because you will be disappointed. They need to do something about tourist control when mass is in session. Cameras flashing, people talking, tourists walking down the aisle. You literally have to climb over people to receive communion and also deal with people asking you to take their picture while kneeling to pray. You can't hear any of the scripture readings and don't bother singing because no one else does.
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Review from Adrienne A.
Los Angeles, CA
3/28/2011
Bless me Father, for I have sinned.
Or more accurately, I am currently in the act of sinning as we speak because I covet, desperately COVET, a Saint Patrick's Catherdral t-shirt.
This entry is not so much a review, as a solemn prayer:
I have been to this church, inside this church, in front of this church so many times, I just feel like being able to WEAR it is the next logical step. Saint Patrick, clearly one of the more daring and fun saints, would give me his blessing on this one, ay? It can't be from a fake source; it has to be from the Saint Patrick's Church Catherdral Gift Shop.
Your will be done.
Amen. -
Review from Sarah W.
Melrose, MA
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is one of the most beautiful churches I've ever been in. I can't believe how large it is in the middle of NYC!!!
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Review from Amy O.
10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful, but has lost something as it seems almost too tourist oriented.
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Review from monica y.
New York, NY
6/6/2011
This cathedral is arguably just as beautiful as Notre Dame on the inside. It is the 4th largest in the world and still an unfinished gothic style masterpiece, larger than Notre Dame (though not as pretty on the outside).
The cielings are so incredibly high you get a slight sense of vertigo staring up. The acoustics are lound so you have to keep to a whisper.
Its free, and try to take the way though the park behind the church. Its very nature like and so peaceful. You walk towards the large lake with weeping willows and take the stone stars all the way up to the cathedral. Its a lot of stairs but totally worth it for the view. -
Review from Jessica A.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2011 4 photos
Such a BEAUTIFUL cathedral!!
My friend (who has been to NY before) wanted to come here. Of course I wanted to check it out too. We happened to be at Rockefeller Center & realized that the cathedral was right there.
From the outside, I was already impressed! The architecture of it all was simply beautiful. Although it seems to be a tourist attraction, it's fairly quiet & peaceful when you enter. People are very respectful. Bags are checked before walking through the cathedral. It's a very large place. All the sides are filled with saints = beautiful. We took a stroll around & decided to attend mass since we happened to be there.
I really enjoyed coming here. It was a great sight to see :) -
Review from Guil M.
1/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not religious or anything but there is definitely something magical and sacred about this place. (I know it's a church and all, but I usually don't feel this way when I walk into a church every decade or so.)
Anyways, maybe it has something to do with the architectural beauty of it or maybe it is the mere fact that it's in the middle of NYC amidst technologically advanced automobiles and skyscrapers. Regardless of what it is that makes this place so enchanting, make sure you visit it when you're in New York! -
Review from Lovet O.
9/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Beautiful church with a fascinating history. Probably one of the most famous churches in the East. I was in awe of the architecture, sculptures and the history of the church. I stuck around for the tour and even though I was tired I'm glad I stayed because I learned a lot. Hope to come back again.
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Review from Ken R.
8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is seriously amazing. Great to visit just to see the architechture alone.
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Review from Ali K.
2/18/2011
St Patrick's Cathedral now by default how can you really yelp a church? Am i going to hell if i give it less than five stars? Are the priests all over the nation still diddling little boys? I don't know, but being a native New Yorker i have obviously always heard about this church and the pope visiting it when he makes his visit to NY. But then again i stick to my grandparents churches and try not to go all the way into the city for mass. I had planned obviously on going one day but i was basically forced into a field trip by my "nazi catholic high school teachers" yes you read that right! It wasn't one of those trips you could get out of.
Anyway the church was absolutely beautiful and picturesque, and just the history and everything that goes along being with it was awesome. In fact now that i think about it i was their while the Pope was their, that's pretty legit! -
Review from David P.
Pembroke, MA
7/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
A must to visit when you are in the area. Light a candle and say a prayer. Enjoy the beauty of the church and have a nice rest from shoppingand sightseeing.
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Review from Shelly F.
2/5/2011 1 photo
This is truly beautiful Church inside and out. When I am in New York I stay right next door which has given me an even better visual perspective of how amazing and thought out this Gothic style church really is. (see photo I posted) I love the fact that the roof is a cross. I have had the privilege of attending Mass here many time through out the last 18 years and it is always an experience to remember. Because of St. Patrick's I make it a habit of visiting old churches and missions every opportunity I get when I travel.
The church is open to the public for self guided tours daily. Stop in and check it out. -
Review from Ron C.
This is one of the nicest churches I have ever been to. I tend to go here than any other catholic church cause of location. You can shop at the stores around and go to mass all in one day.
Two birds with one stone.Listed in: Visiting NYC!?
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Review from Blanca V.
Madison, NJ
8/15/2011
Amazing and beautiful. I was a bit worried when attending St Patricks day mass but all was well organized. I was also concerned if I would be able to hear because usually large churches pa sys tend to echo but no echoing here I heard every single word.
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Review from Santiago A.
Chicago, IL
9/30/2010
I hardly ever go to church. I don't think I could be considered a good Catholic unless trying to be a good person is enough, without ever having my Confirmation. After my First Communion I've been to church maybe 5 times since.
With that said, I go to a place like St. Pats and think about people that are vehemently against religion. Some say churches like these are part of a system of control that results in needless opulence, at the cost of the devotees blinded by faith. I think of those people, their words, and look up at this spectacular structure. What do I see?
I see beauty, I see magnificent architecture, and I see people. Beyond the surface I see a tribute to humanity, not just a religion. I feel man's sense of good imbued into the stone and wood. It represents hope and the willingness, however temporary, to be a better person and have the world be a better place.
Whether you step inside and think, "oh, that's pretty" or feel an invigorating rush from your faith and beliefs, this is undeniably a place of calm in a sometimes turmultuous world. -
Review from sny p.
Princeton, NJ
9/3/2011
I try to go to here everytime i go into the city!
You feel calm and peace inside this church!
Its divine and beautiful! -
Review from Emily D.
6/10/2011
It's large, and it's usually got a lot of tourists. I've attended Mass here once, and found the tourists, and the gift shop in the cathedral, very distracting. It's a nice church but it's a *church*, not just a tourist attraction.
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