The Cathedral of St. John the Divine's magnificent stone structure (which is roughly the length of two football fields, making it the largest cathedral in the world—larger than Notre Dame and Chartres combined), continues to be a work- in-progress and is likely still to be under construction decades from now. Concerts and other secular events are frequently held here. Guided tours are available—and strongly recommended.
Best and worst times to go to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Although the cathedral is busiest on weekends, it is large enough to withstand the crowds. Remember, though, that this is a place of worship. You will not be able to inspect the altars during a service or special event, nor will you be allowed to take flash photos. If your interest is primarily in the Cathedral's architecture, art or history, it would be wise to avoid coming here on Sunday mornings.
Must see/do at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Look for the beautiful stained-glass windows in the bays on either side of the nave, which are dedicated to what one tour guide called "human endeavors." For example, one window is devoted to sports. You will see biblical figures in each frame of the window, surrounded by scenes of football, soccer, and baseball players. Other windows are dedicated to topics such as American history, the armed forces, and medicine.
Another "must see" is the Poet's Corner, where the names of famous American authors lie in the floor with a quote from each author underneath and the wall where children's poems are posted.
Finally, don't miss the nineteen two-foot tall statues that surround the front of the high altar. Each statue is of a significant individual who lived in one of the last twenty centuries. Most of these statues are of religious figures, beginning with Saint Paul. But Christopher Columbus, Shakespeare, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln are also represented.
Admission to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
The Cathedral is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Visitor Center and Pop-Up Shop are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cathedral's gardens and grounds are open during daylight hours. Visiting the Cathedral and taking a self-guided tour is free, although there is a suggested donation of $10. Prices for guided tours range from $7 to $17, depending on the specific tour you choose and whether you are eligible for a student/senior discount.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
The Cathedral is located at 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, one block east of Broadway. Although the Cathedral does not have parking facilities, there is on-street and garage parking available in the neighborhood.
By subway, take the 1, B, or C train to the 110th Street/Cathedral Parkway stop.
By bus, take the M4, M60, or M104 to Broadway at 112th Street; or take the M11 to Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street.
Insider tip for visitors to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
The St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals, which occurs on the first Sunday of October, is an extremely popular event. People bring all kinds of pets to be blessed and an elephant leads the procession down the aisle of the Cathedral.
Other places to visit near the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
The Cathedral is located in Morningside Heights, which is also home to Columbia University.
Author's Bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
The United Nations (U.N.) Headquarters is a group of buildings belonging to the international organization developed to promote global peace, security and economic development. Be sure to take one of the informative 45-minute tours led by representatives of the member countries. Among other things, you will learn that the land was contributed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and that since it is considered international territory, the U.N. has its own police force, fire department and postal service.
When to go to the United Nations
It is best to visit the U.N. on weekdays when guided tours are available; on weekends, you will only see the Visitor Centre.
Must see/do at the United Nations
The U.N.'s hour-long guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the way the U.N. works, and generally include the newly renovated General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber in the renovated Conference Building. Note that based on meeting schedules, some places may not be open to the public on the day you visit.
You can also see exhibitions presented in the Visitor Centre and other public spaces on topics of importance to the U.N., such as human rights, sustainable development, malaria, children in armed conflict, and violence against women.
There are a number of gift shops and bookshops at the Visitor Centre, as well as a post office where you can mail cards and letters using official U.N. stamps.
Admission to the United Nations
You can visit the U.N. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All visitors must exit the building by 5:30 p.m. Note that the U.N. closes for many U.S. and international holidays, so call or check the website in advance of your visit. Ticket prices for guided tours range from $9 to $18 plus a $2 fee if you purchase them online (which is recommended, since spots sell out quickly).
Parking and Public Transportation to the United Nations
The United Nations Headquarters does not offer parking facilities, but parking is available in private parking garages in the neighborhood.
By subway, take the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S trains to Grand Central Station; then walk east on 42nd Street to 1st Avenue. By bus, take the M15 or the M42.
Food at the United Nations
The Visitors Café at the U.N. Visitor Centre serves a variety of international cuisine, beverages and coffees. Vending machines selling snacks and beverages are also available.
Even better, though, is the $34.99 prix fixed buffet lunch in the Delegates' Dining Room, which features splendid views of the East River. This option is available to the public weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations can be made online or at 917-367-3314.
Insider tip for visitors to the United Nations
Pay careful attention to all of the U.N. rules regarding security checks, bringing identification, limits on bags and backpacks, and arriving early. They are serious when they say they won't allow you on a tour if you are late, even if you are late because the security line was longer than you expected.
Other places to visit near the United Nations
The United Nations is close to Grand Central Terminal. Even if you aren't planning to go through this train station to take the subway or a commuter rail, consider stopping by to admire the enormous and elegant Main Concourse, to grab a bite downstairs at the iconic Oyster Bar or a drink upstairs at the Campbell Apartment, to shop at Grand Central Market, or to take a guided tour to learn more about the history of this magnificent building.
Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
