Regardless of your religious affiliation, Saint Patrick's Cathedral is worth seeing. The architecture is really impressive and children can appreciate the pure ‘big-ness’ of it all. It is open to visitors and is well worth walking around the main room to see all of the marble statues. It is really an impressive building!

Our group came up to St. Patrick's Cathedral actually by accident. We were walking from Rockefeller Center. We looked down the street to find this beautiful cathedral tucked away in between giant towers. This cathedral is like one you would see in France or England. It's made in that style. We entered the church as it is still clearing from Sunday Mass. You find the local parishioners mixed with the tourists that are mixed with the homeless all under one roof. You feel the need to be silent when you come into this building. To walk in silence and to take it all in. The beauty of the archways, the nave, the organ, and everything in between. This is a MUST-SEE sight.

The doors to the cathedral were opened in 1879. The architect was James Renwick, an American. The Lady Chapel was designed by another American, Charles Mathews.

I think that the most unique thing about the cathedral is that it is located on 5th Avenue among the swanky shops, posh hotels, and tall modern buildings. It looks totally out of place, though it compliments its area. It creates a beautiful contrast of new and old New York.

Entrance is free and photographs are allowed as long as mass is not in progress. There is a small gift store on site.

One word...breathtaking. Nothing like this back home in KY. I've seen cathedrals in Spain, but never one this large in the USA. I have been to St. Patrick's several times and I never get tired of walking through the double doors at the front and seeing people praying in the pews. I could spend hours looking at the various altars. I think there is nothing more striking than the sight of the flowers left at the feet of the saints here. I am not Catholic, but there is still something sacred about this place. My sister and I were lucky enough to see a wedding here one afternoon, bride in white and all. I lit a candle here for a dear friend's uncle who was sick and left feeling like I'd done a good deed. The stained-glass windows are beautiful and I can't really describe what it feels like to see the sun shine through them. The gift shop is very nice too. Some of the rosaries are quite pretty. I think it is an ideal spot to pray, meditate, or just think. It is a real refuge in the 'city that never sleeps'.