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St Paul's Cathedral vs Westminster Abbey: which is worth it?

Side-by-side verdict, prices and tips. We pick a winner — but both have a place if you have time.

The verdict

Winner: St Paul's Cathedral

If you only have time for one, pick St Paul's Cathedral. Yes: for £24 you get the cathedral, the crypt and a dome climb with one of the finest views in London. Arrive at 8:30am opening, climb first, and remember it's closed to sightseeing on Sundays. Westminster Abbey is still worth it, just rank it below.

The dome and west front of St Paul's Cathedral
8.6/10
Winner

St Paul's Cathedral

From £24 · 2–2.5 hours

Yes: for £24 you get the cathedral, the crypt and a dome climb with one of the finest views in London. Arrive at 8:30am opening, climb first, and remember it's closed to sightseeing on Sundays.

Westminster Abbey in central London
7.6/10

Westminster Abbey

From £30 · 90 mins

Westminster Abbey is worth it if you care about British history. Book the earliest morning slot, allow 90 minutes, and use the included audio guide — it transforms the visit.

Side-by-side

SpecSt Paul's CathedralWestminster Abbey
TripScore8.6/107.6/10
VerdictMust-doWorth it
From£24£30
Value (score per £)0.360.25
Time required2–2.5 hours90 mins
SettingIndoorIndoor
Best time today8:30am opening, Mon–Sat9:30am opening
Value for money8.3/106.8/10
Experience9.0/108.4/10
Crowds & wait7.6/106.5/10

Who should pick which?

Pick St Paul's Cathedral if…

  • One of the world's great cathedral interiors, 300 years old and immaculately kept.
  • The dome climb tops out at a 360° open-air view over the City and the Thames.
  • Crypt tombs of Nelson, Wellington and Christopher Wren included.
  • Multimedia guide included in the ticket price.

Pick Westminster Abbey if…

  • 1,000 years of British coronations, royal weddings and royal funerals in one building.
  • Famous burials: Newton, Darwin, Dickens, Hawking — Poets' Corner alone is remarkable.
  • Jeremy Irons-narrated audio guide is genuinely excellent and included in the ticket.
  • Diamond Jubilee Galleries reveal the Abbey's medieval triforium for the first time in 700 years.