New York: St. Patrick's Old Cathedral Catacombs by Candlelight

Descend into the hidden tombs beneath Manhattan's oldest cathedral

You descend into sealed cemeteries and candlelit catacombs beneath Manhattan's oldest cathedral, walking past tombs of bishops and prominent New Yorkers who shaped the city's Catholic history. The ninety-minute tour includes a professional guide, small groups, and access to off-limits spaces. Check in at 266 Mulberry Street fifteen minutes early, and plan not to confuse this with St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore New York Catacombs by Candlelight

• Join group tour at Old Cathedral
• Enter two walled cemeteries
• Visit catacombs beneath cathedral
• Learn history of notable burials
• Complete 90-minute candlelight tour

The experience

There's something about walking into a place that's been sealed off from the city above for two centuries that makes you stop talking. The catacombs beneath St. Patrick's Old Cathedral sit quiet under lower Manhattan, and the candlelight doesn't chase away the feeling that you're standing in a room where history actually happened, not performed, not curated, but lived and died. You check in at 266 Mulberry Street (corner of Mulberry and Jersey) fifteen minutes before the tour starts, and then a professional guide takes you into the off-limits areas: the two walled cemeteries and the catacombs themselves, where bishops rest alongside the New Yorkers who shaped the city's Catholic story.

The ninety-minute tour moves through spaces most people never know exist. You walk past tombs of people whose names appear in the city's founding documents, people who mattered to New York in ways that got buried with them. The guide doesn't rush. There's no reason to, in a place this old. The candlelight is part of it. It's not theatrical, just practical, the way these spaces were lit for a hundred years before electricity. Small groups mean you can actually hear what's being said, and the pace lets you stand in front of a tomb and read the dates without feeling like you're holding up the line.

One thing to know: this is St. Patrick's Old Cathedral on Mulberry Street in Nolita, not the famous one on Fifth Avenue. People show up at the wrong building sometimes. The old cathedral is where the catacombs are, where the history is, and where the tour actually happens. Wheelchair access is available, and if you need it, contact the operator in advance so they can prepare. Infants sit on a parent's lap, and kids need an adult with them, but there's no fitness requirement. The walk is steady and the spaces are navigable. All taxes and fees are included in the price.

What’s included

Your tour includes a professional guide who leads you through the off-limits catacombs and walled cemeteries beneath the Old Cathedral, all taxes and fees, and access to spaces closed to the general public. The ninety-minute experience is designed for small groups, and wheelchair accessibility is available with advance notice.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day except Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 start times, from US$ 38 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tommys New York

Is this one for you?Right for anyone curious about New York's buried history and willing to spend ninety minutes underground in candlelight. The tour moves at a steady pace through sealed spaces, so expect to stand and walk without rushing, which is exactly what lets you absorb the weight of the place.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

Is this the same St. Patrick's Cathedral as the famous one on Fifth Avenue?

No. This tour is at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral on Mulberry Street in lower Manhattan (Nolita). The famous cathedral on Fifth Avenue does not have catacombs or this tour.

How long is the tour?

Ninety minutes. Check in at 266 Mulberry Street (corner of Mulberry and Jersey) fifteen minutes before the tour begins.

What exactly do you see in the catacombs?

Two walled cemeteries and the catacombs themselves, where bishops and prominent New Yorkers have been buried for over 200 years. The candlelight is part of the experience.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but if you need wheelchair access, contact the operator in advance so they can make proper preparations.

What's included in the price?

Professional guide, all taxes, fees, and handling charges. Entry to the catacombs and cemeteries is included.

Do I need to be in good physical shape?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. The pace is steady and the spaces are navigable.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.