Washington National Cathedral

This is one of my favorite places in DC to visit! The National Cathedral is an amazing place, whether you are religious or not. It is a fascinating, truly US version of the immense cathedrals elsewhere. The outside is somewhat ‘plain’ by foreign standards — which sounds strange to say with the flying buttresses, pinnacles, gargoyles and grotesques, and other outstanding stonework — but to me it represents a distinctly US cathedral, instead of a copy of others. As others have mentioned, definitely look closely at the incredible gargoyles and grotesques and see what amazing figures you can find!
Inside, the numerous large and small halls and rooms are beautifully decorated with stonework, glasswork, woodwork, and fabric. («Fabric-​work»?) Surprises are everywhere, from Woodrow Wilson’s tomb — in a bay at the end of an aisle of seats in the main sanctuary — to the stained glass windows depicting US history (including the window depicting the Apollo space missions, in which a piece of lunar rock is embedded), to the tombs embedded in the walls of what is now the gift shop. (Alright, that last part still seems odd and irreverent to me – perhaps I’ve always been mistaken about them being tombs? — but that’s where they chose to put the gift shop.)
Several different tours are given throughout the day, with special events and tours occurring throughout the year. These cover the inside as well as the outside, including the lush grounds, which are a pleasure to wander.
A parking garage below the front grounds is nice, although I don’t know how regularly the garage is full.

The Washington National Cathedral is a slice of Europe in NW DC. Unlike the old European cathedrals, this one is newer (It was finished in the 90s I believe), but it still has the same awe appeal as the European cathedrals.
Before the earthquake in 2011, it was free to visit, but since the damages from the earthquake cost millions, visitors now must pay $ 11 «suggested» donation. Once inside, you can explore the cathedral (Note: It’s not catholic, but Episcopal). Each stain glass window is unique and tells a story and if you catch the sun at the right time, the colorful display against the Indiana limestone is gorgeous.
A few key things to see: Make sure you go up to the other floors of the cathedral to look down on the sanctuary and for a great view of Washington, DC. Also, be sure to see Woodrow Wilson and his wife’s grave inside the main floor. He’s the only US president to be buried in DC (He was an elder at the cathedral).
If you want a DC adventure, sign up to do the bell tower climb. It’s a great, unique DC experience.

Recently I have visited the National Cathedral. Washington National Cathedral, is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. I went there on a Sunday as the parking was free and it is also open to the public after 12:30 pm. If you decide to go on other days be ready to pay a parking fee and also the guided tour fee which is $ 11.
There is nothing much that you can do in here except swallowing in the exceptionally huge architecture and guess what it is worth it. Once you visit this place you will appreciate the architectural design, the stain glass windows and the sheer mass of the Cathedral. You will also be able to get a 360 degree view of the capital Washington D.C.
Overall, I would suggest you to visit the place, it is a must to go if you are visiting Washington D.C.

Great stained glass windows! It lives up to the name of National Cathedral. Parking is free on Sunday and is open to public after 12:30. Otherwise, you have to pay for the parking and admission/​tour to see inside the cathedral. Guided tour is well worth it ($ 11 for adults and $ 7 for 5 – 17; students, seniors and active military & veterans), but just going to the places and taking your own sweet time is also a good way to see what you want to see. Can you find the Darth Vader gargoyle on the tower?

Wow! This cathedral is absolutely stunning. We recently took a group of students and they were all amazed with the massiveness and beauty of the building. I would highly recommend stopping by. Their tours are by donation and give you a general knowledge about the cathedral. Make sure you ask to see the Darth Vadar on the outside!

Horrible experience. The workers are rude. Do they really wonder why their donations are falling off. I will never bring family here again.

This cathedral is absolutely breathtaking! However, there isn’t too much to do here besides take in the views from the observation deck or walk the grounds.
The day I visited they had a mass going on so I wasn’t able to view the grand service room. The observation deck is pretty neat though. It’s a teeny tiny gothic hallway with just enough space for you to walk around the top of the cathedral. You can see the whole DC from high up above!
There are about 5 floors closed to the public. This was a bit disappointing. If you do go don’t expect too much. I don’t even think the gift shop was open.

This cathedral is amazing! Great place to visit, learn, and pray. The staff is extra friendly and service is nice. Check out the different shrines!
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Me and my Junior year class (8 students and 3 adults… only part of the class went on this trip) in High School took a trip to Washington D. C (back in 2013) and went into the Washington National Cathedral.
We visited the Cathedral for like 30 minutes — 1 hour and took part in the service; but overall the architectural design, the stain glass windows and how huge the Church service hall was amazing.
Based on people’s reviews. People are stating that you have to pay in order to get in, but we never paid… maybe it was a Sunday? Other than that, its a must to go if you are visiting Washington D.C.

Very beautiful, and almost certainly worth the $ 11 admission fee. This was a great thing to do for an afternoon as a tourist, without being too touristy. Architecture is wonderful, they’ve got some really interesting features (including Woodrow Wilson’s grave!), and good sights of DC up at the top. I was a little sad that we were there in the winter, so the garden was less than impressive. But I can imagine that it would be wonderful in the summertime.
The only problem is it’s so far from the metro! I wish that it was easier to get to… I’m not sure I would ever come back here if I have to drive/​park or call a cab.

Stunning! Beautiful! Humbling! A great place to start my first day of the New Year.
There’s a daily tour with a guide (at a cost) or you can tour it on your own (still with a cost). Each alter and section of the church had signs to help you understand the beauty of it all. It’s a huge church and they are still continuing to expand.
You can light up a candle and pray or just sit and take it all in.

I remember the first time I stepped into the Washington National Cathedral (WNC) it was in 2006 when I was living in the area. Despite their being a nearby metro station, I still have to walk about 20 min before I actually got to the cathedral itself. However it was a worthwhile journey. The building is absolutely incredible.
Many people remark about going to Europe for the most gorgeous cathedrals. I agree that a lot of the ones in Europe have history but guess what Americans, we have a real beauty right here in our own country! Nestled in a little residential area and often times not busy at all, the WNC offers an escape from the crazy downtown clustered with tourists scrambling to get into the free museums. The WNC does have a fee. Be sure to bring your camera =)

This is a true National treasure. It compares to some of the classic European cathedrals that I’ve been in. They offer tours which are very interesting. I would say this is a must stop location while visiting DC. I attended a private function there which was fantastic. If you ever have the opportunity to go to a function in this space don’t pass it up.

Gorgeous cathedral with one of the best 360 degree views of the city. I love architecture, gargoyles and gardens, so I naturally love going up to the top of the cathedral and admiring the view from DC’s highest point. The cathedral has beautifully intricate details, including breathtaking stained glass.
Tip: Visit on Sundays, when it is free.

A must visit for tourists in DC as well as locals. Don’t forget to take the elevator to go all the way up, you will have a beautiful view of the whole town from four different angles. I believe It is free on Sundays which is amazing.

Huge, breathtaking, an institution.
In Washington D.C., then this is a must visit.
Enjoy!

Even if you have no religious bone in your body, the architectural beauty, as all other Unilocalers have mentioned, is worth the journey. As you walk up to this amazing cathedral, you will be awestruck as you peer into every aspect of human creativity represented in stone and stained glass. If you are able to visit during different times of the year and even daylight, you will be treated to the varying natural glow provided to the colorful representations of religious episodes in stained glass.
There is something to be said for a religious journey, but even without that, visiting this glorious cathedral will lift your spirits to a higher place or purpose– if you let it.
Be sure to walk around the grounds, perhaps sitting on a bench under a lovely deciduous tree near well-​manicured lawns, or visiting the Bishop’s Garden. Stop by the store or café if so inclined. Great experience for out-​of-​town visitors, but there is always something here for locals, too. Check the website for special events.

We decided to walk from Georgetown to the National Cathedral (about 45 minutes on a gentle but persistent upward climb so do it before the sun gets too strong!).
The cathedral itself is quite impressive and surprisingly new (built from 1907 to 1990). Like most everything in Washington, it’s clean and big and under repairs outside from the earthquake about 5 years ago. The renovation needed prompted a restoration and polishing of the beautiful stained glass, which glistens.
Of most interest to us was a special exhibit of original letters from soldiers and nurses sent from Germany at the end of WW II. It was fascinating to see the words of contemporaneous witnesses, especially after our visit to the Holocaust museum the day before.
We luckily happened upon this by chance but had we known we would have planned it for sure! We were also there on a Sunday morning just before the 11:15 service so were able to hear the church bells and the organ playing, which were added benefits.

A great historical and peaceful place to spend an afternoon. The cathedral is breathtaking. There are hidden gems all throughout, including a moon rock from the Apollo 11 mission. Military members are allowed in for free. If you are lucky, you will go on a day where there is singing in the main cathedral.
After exploring the cathedral (I would give it at least two to three hours), stroll on out to the café for a drink, then into Bishop’s garden. Beautiful flowers and great fields of grass to picnic or nap on.
It’s a bit of a drive, but you can go down embassy row on the way there and then feel like you are out of the hustle and bustle of DC.
This is worth it for religious and non-​religious alike. Our nation’s second largest cathedral, with beautiful stained glass pieces all throughout and other historical statues and memorials.
We just missed the tour, so make sure to look up tour times in advance. It would be worth it to have a guide.

Enjoy gothic architecture, learn why the color purple for Lent and head upstairs for tea time (advance tickets are a must). The docents give a great tour (you hear a different perspective with each docent) The only negative to the tour? Wheelchair accessibility, try as they might to retrofit the old staircases, I witnessed first hand the difficultly in maneuvering the ramps up and down the stairs. I state this as a cautionary warning and encourage family and friends to prepare to pitch in to ensure those with less mobility can still have a great tour.
Tea is wonderful. I believe the proceeds above operating costs are given back to the church via the «Ladies» group serving and preparing the tea. The tea itself is a standard Ceylon from what I could discern (loose leaf). We each received 5 mini-​appetizers/​desserts to eat with tea. We were encourage to walk around the 6^th floor windows and take pictures (neat to see the Washington Monument from the Cathedral when just hours before I saw the Cathedral from the Washington Monument).
Also, don’t forget to take a look at the Crypts in the basement (the gift store is well stocked as well).