Discover thrilling secrets hidden beneath New York’s oldest cathedral. Go behind-the-scenes at St. Patrick’s Basilica in Little Italy. See areas of the church that are otherwise barred from the public.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 2 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Gain access to off-limits areas with your guide
Walk through two cemeteries that are closed to the general public
See the resting places of many high-profile Americans

Full description

For over 200 years, the catacombs of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral have served as the final resting place for the faithful departed. This historic place has witnessed the many struggles and accomplishments of prominent New York Catholics.

Gain exclusive access to off-limits areas, including two walled cemeteries. Experience the only active Catholic Catacombs in New York City. See where bishops rest alongside prominent New York Catholics, such as the Delmonico Family and the first resident Bishop of New York, Bishop John Connolly. This labyrinth of vaults belongs largely to bankers, lawyers, captains of industry, merchants, political candidates, and even to a Civil War-era general Thomas Eckert.

Includes

New York City entry ticket
Catacombs of Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral entry ticket
Access to The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral
Live tour guide

Not suitable for

Pregnant women
Wheelchair users
Children under 18 years
People over 80 years

Meeting point

• Check-in is at 266 Mulberry Street (corner of Mulberry Street and Jersey Street) • Please note this tour is at the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral and not St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Cash
Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Shorts
Sleeveless shirts
Video recording

Know before you go

The tour is currently not fully wheelchair accessible. There is one flight of stairs down to the catacombs level.
This is an active parish. All customers must be reverently respectful at all times.
All tours are subject to availability and the local partner reserves the right to adjust the experience, tour date, and time for technical, operational, health and safety, or other reasons
Tea light candles are included
Gratuities are not included

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 177 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.8/5
Value for money
4.2/5
Service
4.3/5
Organization
4.6/5

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Totally thought this was going to be a more spooky tour based on the marketing of it and social media adverts I had been seeing - it's not really spooky at all but REALLY AMAZING storytelling and the history is fascinating. Our guide was an excellent storyteller and would love to go on another one of his tours!

March 31, 2022

This tour was one of the highlights of my trip to New York. It was very interesting to learn about the history of the area, particularly as my wife and I are Irish and the history of how the area went from majority Irish, to Italian was very interesting. Our tour guide Ronnie was excellent and we bought really enjoyed the tour.

March 23, 2022

Dan our tour guy was fenomenal he discussed every detail and showed us around it was a great experience, he made out experience unforgettable. I will definitely go back with my kids So that they can learn about our Catholic Church, our anscestors great food New York City wine makers for us the adults :) etc because you will learn things I never imagine or thought I will hear it thank you Dan. You don’t have to tip the tour staff but you guys should they deserve it :)

November 7, 2020

New York City: Catacombs by Candlelight

New York City: Catacombs by Candlelight

About this activity

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