St Paul's Cathedral

The masterwork of Christopher Wren is a wonder of architecture. Visit the Whispering Gallery to test your hearing and remain for evensong. Even though St. Paul's is a landmark, the cathedral as we know and love it today is, at the very least, version six. Mark three and Mark four both burned to the ground in 1087 and 1666, respectively. Mark five was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, and pieces of Mark four were used to construct Somerset House.

Thankfully, Sir Christopher Wren's design, finished in 1708, has endured 12 kings, two world wars, and is still a popular venue for important burials and weddings. Admiral Lord Nelson, Sir Christopher Wren, and the Duke of Wellington are already interred in the St. Paul's Crypt, if you're so willing to look. With a tourist pass, you can enter the undeniably cool Whispering Gallery as well as have access to these. Not really a museum, more of a promenade that circles the interior of St. Paul's most recognizable feature, its dome. Due to some remarkable acoustics from the early eighteenth century, you can hear someone conversing from the opposite end of this promenade, even if they are whispering.

Depending on how much time you have to explore, there are various different tour alternatives. Before embarking on a 90-minute guided tour, those who purchased main ticket will first be treated to a 15 to 20 minute introduction discussion (available Monday to Saturday, 10am-2pm). But for a little extra money, you may also participate in a longer, more in-depth Triforum Tour that only runs on specific days. If you're interested in going, check the website beforehand.

There are plenty of freebies available for those who are looking. Church services are held every day of the week, as are the free Choral Evensong sessions (Monday through Saturday at 5 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.). The grounds are also worth visiting if all you want to do is sit on the steps and sing "Feed the Birds" from "Mary Poppins" (which many people do). The surrounding gardens are created with many places for tourists and office workers to sit outside in the sun and are planted with flowers and trees to attract wildlife.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address:St Paul's ChurchyardLondonEC4M 8AD
Phone: 020 7246 8350
Price:£18 (online £16), £16 (online £14) concs., £8 (online £7) under-18s, free under-sixes, family £44 (online £39).
Opening hours:Sightseeing opening times: Mon–Sat 8.30am–4.30pm, Sun open for worship only.
Website: www.stpauls.co.uk