Washington National Cathedral Tours

Washington National Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Washington National Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Washington National Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage architecture
Washington National Cathedral which includes religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral
Washington National Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects


Inside this vast, striking building are richly decorated chapels, important artwork and a stained-glass window that contains a piece of the moon.

Experience the Gothic grandeur of the Washington National Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Gargoyles, flying buttresses and striking sculptures adorn the exterior while mosaics, stained-glass windows and memorials decorate the interior.

The church is also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It welcomes people of all faiths as well as non-religious visitors. The institution has witnessed presidential funerals and often serves as a national focal point during times of mourning and celebrations.

After 83 years of construction, the cathedral was completed in 1990. Look for contemporary touches, among them a statue of Darth Vader from Star Wars atop the west tower. The figure was chosen as a modern-day symbol of evil.

Explore the cathedral’s art, architecture and grounds on your own or as part of a guided tour. As you walk through the building, appreciate the beauty of more than 200 stained-glass windows. Go to the west façade to see the Space Window which contains a piece of lunar rock. The geological sample was brought back to Earth by the crew of the first manned mission to the moon. 

Study the ornamental screens in St. Mary’s Chapel. They depict scenes from the life of the mother of Jesus. In the crypt, visit the Bethlehem Chapel with its symbols depicting the birth of Jesus. Come for organ recitals on Monday and Wednesday. These are preceded by a short talk about the musical instrument and its 10, 647 pipes. A longer recital takes place every Sunday.

Walk around the cathedral’s 57-acre (23-hectare) grounds that include the Bishop’s Garden. This flower-filled space is modeled after a medieval walled garden. Enjoy the excellent view of the church’s south side from here.

Washington National Cathedral is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) from downtown Washington and is easily reached by bus and metro. Paid parking is available in the cathedral’s underground parking lot. There are no charges on Sunday for those attending services and organ recitals. The cathedral is open daily.  Admission charges apply for guided and self-guided tours.

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Make sure to visit Crypt downstairs. Extra treat was the Bishop’s Garden.

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Things to do near Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral offers a rich blend of activities, including art exhibitions, live music performances, and engaging theater productions. Visitors can explore guided tours, embark on photo tours, and discover nearby city attractions. Additionally, there are shopping spots to enjoy, making it an ideal destination for a well-rounded experience in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Shopping

For shopping near Washington National Cathedral, visit CityCenterDC, just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere for families and businesses. Union Station Shopping Center, 6.4km away, also provides a lively shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, check out Union Market, located 6.4km away, for unique local goods.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Capital One Arena, just 4.8km from Washington National Cathedral, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the luxurious ambiance at the Cosmos Club, located 3.2km away. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, also 3.2km from the cathedral.

Adventure

Experience the beauty of Soapstone Valley Park, a scenic hiking trail located 1.6km from Washington National Cathedral. Enjoy the outdoors at Battery Kemble Trailhead, another hiking trail 3.2km away. For a fun adventure, visit the Rock Creek Tennis Center, located 3.2km from the cathedral.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Washington National Cathedral. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Kennedy Center for a theatrical performance. For family fun, visit the United States Naval Observatory and gaze at the stars, or challenge your friends at Bowlero Bethesda's arcade and adventure zone.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Washington National Cathedral

While visiting Washington National Cathedral, explore the rich culture and history of the area by checking out nearby attractions such as the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Theater. Take a stroll through the urban parks and enjoy family-friendly experiences. Don't miss the chance to admire the stunning architecture of the national cathedral and the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Washington, D.C., for a well-rounded vacation experience.

  • White House: The iconic White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. Located 4.8km from Washington National Cathedral, this historic building offers a glimpse into American political history and architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens and impressive security.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Situated 4.8km away, this modern event venue hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. With its spacious layout and state-of-the-art facilities, it is a hub for business events, blending functionality with a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Georgetown University: This historic university, located 3.2km from the cathedral, boasts stunning Gothic architecture and a rich educational legacy. Visitors can stroll through its picturesque campus, absorbing the cultural vibes and history that permeate the grounds.

Best time to go to Washington National Cathedral

The best time to visit Washington National Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Washington National Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Washington National Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Washington National Cathedral

To save money on your visit to Washington National Cathedral, consider traveling during the off-peak months of December to February, when hotel prices are lower. Fridays are generally the cheapest days to book, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find great deals by sorting prices from low to high and consider Eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Washington National Cathedral are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Washington National Cathedral is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Washington National Cathedral is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Washington National Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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