St. Paul's Chapel

The Basics

Built in 1766, St. Paul’s Chapel was modeled on St. Martin in the Fields in Trafalgar Square, London and is one of the finest examples of Late Georgian architecture in the US. The building has been the site of many historic events in its 250-year history. George Washington himself used to worship here—the pew he sat in is marked with a painting of the seal of the United States—and several important figures, including Revolutionary War hero Major General Richard Montgomery, are buried in the churchyard.

The church also has an active community and offers a full program of services for congregants as well as regular concerts. See the chapel on a tour of Lower Manhattan along with the 9/11 Memorial or the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The chapel offers free guided tours on Friday afternoons.

• The church entrance includes a short staircase that may be challenging for people with limited mobility.

• Please remember that the church is a place of worship and maintain a respectful manner and tone.

How to Get There

St. Paul’s Chapel is located at 209 Broadway in Lower Manhattan. To reach the chapel by subway, take the N, R, or W train to Cortlandt Street or City Hall. Alternatively, visit on a walking tour of the area that includes Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, and other sites in Lower Manhattan.

When to Get There

The chapel and churchyard are open every day. Church services are held four times a day on Sundays. Concerts are held on some evenings.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial

For New Yorkers, the 9/11 Memorial—dedicated to the office workers and rescue teams who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001—is a sacred space. The names of those who died are engraved around two water features that mark the sites of the Twin Towers. Spend some time reflecting on the events of that momentous day, and visit the on-site museum that documents the tragedy and examines its wider implications.

Ways to explore

Allow approximately 90 minutes to visit St. Paul’s Chapel, which is free of charge. Don’t miss the historic churchyard, with a cemetery featuring centuries-old graves. You’ll find an exhibition honoring the victims of the nearby 9/11 attacks and recovery efforts, including artworks forged from metals salvaged from the World Trade Center towers. Many guided tours of the Financial District include a stop here, often in conjunction with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The chapel also offers complimentary tours and hosts concerts featuring a range of genres, from classical music to jazz.

Accessibility

St. Paul’s Chapel is wheelchair-accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Cash or coin donations for lighting candles

What to wear

While there’s no official dress code, dressing modestly (and removing hats or sunglasses) is a show of respect.

Not allowed

Eating or drinking inside the church, carrying firearms or other weapons

Amenities

Nearby cafés and restaurants

Address

St. Paul’s Chapel is located in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District, a 2-minute walk from the Oculus transportation hub at the World Trade Center. There’s a lot to see and do in the area.

Driving

While it’s possible to reach the Financial District by car, parking can be hard to find, and public transportation is more convenient. A good compromise is getting dropped off in a taxi or a rideshare.

Public transportation

The nearest subway station is the World Trade Center, and virtually every NYC subway line stops here: 1, 2, 3; 4, 5; A, C, E; J, Z; and R, W. You can also take the PATH train from New Jersey or the M55 bus to Vesey or Liberty streets.

Best times to visit

Free guided tours are available at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. The days these are offered vary by season.

Best days to visit

Visit on Sunday morning to attend a family-friendly church service, or Sunday evenings for a special evening prayer sung to the glow of candles, known as Compline by Candlelight.

Best months to visit

October to early December are often the busiest months, as they coincide with school trips. For a quieter experience, visit outside those times.

Special events

From late September to June, St. Paul’s Chapel and Trinity Church host a concert series featuring live musical performances. You can hear everything from choir music to symphonies by Bach and Verdi.