VIBE

This striking white marble gothic cathedral on Fifth Avenue once towered over the neighborhood but is now markedly dwarfed by next-door Rockefeller Center. Nonetheless, the airy interior–with its altars by Tiffany & Co., stained-glass windows from Chartres, and soaring marble arches–remains as graceful and serene as ever. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is not only the largest neo-gothic Catholic church in the country, but, at over 125 years old, also one of the most historic.

GO HERE WITH

Architecture buffs

WHY WE LIKE IT

Not only is it fun to scope lovely architecture and connect with New York’s rich Catholic heritage, but a visit to St. Patrick’s also offers an interesting insight into the way the city has grown–the juxtaposition of the historic façade with Rockefeller Center’s towering Art Deco style is an only-in-New-York sight to behold. We love coming in and strolling the aisles, taking in the shrines, and reading the various plaques and dedications throughout the church.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It would be great if there were regularly scheduled tours because the architectural history of the building is fascinating.

GOOD TO KNOW

Requiem masses have been said here for many of the city’s most famous Catholics, including Babe Ruth, Robert Kennedy, and Celia Cruz. On a lighter note, St. Patrick’s has also been featured in a number of films, ranging from Beneath the Planet of the Apes to Spiderman. As in many high-traffic tourist destinations, it is worth watching out for pickpockets on this Fifth Avenue block.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine (New York); Trinity Wall Street (New York); Westminster Abbey (London); St. Paul’s Cathedral (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.