Climb to the dizzying heights of Washington National Cathedral with various Tower Climb Tours or get an insider’s look on a Behind the Scenes Tour! This is your only chance this year to see “upstairs” in the Cathedral!
Flower Mart Guided Tour offerings include:
Behind the Scenes
Friday, May 2nd & Saturday, May 3rd @ 1 pm
Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close. Step out secret doors to witness magnificent views from the heights. Behind the Scenes guided tours last 60-75 minutes and cost $35 per person.
Angels & Monsters Tower Climb (weather permitting)
Friday, May 2nd @ 11 am & Saturday, May 3rd @ 3 pm
Journey through staircases up the Cathedral’s two western towers! Then, enjoy an unprecedented close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while navigating the open-air walkway wrapping around these two towers—about 125 feet above the ground. The climb ends on the very top of the northwest tower, which provides the best views of the Cathedral itself, as well as 360-degree views of the surrounding area—over 200 feet above the ground! This guided tour is 75-90 minutes and costs $60 per person.
Bell Tower Climb
Friday, May 2nd @ 12:30 and 3 pm & Saturday, May 3rd @ 12:30 pm
The ultimate destination of this climb is the ringing chamber, 333 steps high in the Cathedral’s central tower. From here, visitors will find the best possible view of Washington, DC. The climb includes multiple views inside the Cathedral itself, up-close views of stained glass, and access to some of the Cathedral’s oldest stairs. This guided tour lasts 60-75 minutes and costs $50 per person.
Tower Climb Combination (the portions of this tour that are outdoor are weather permitting)
Saturday, May 3rd @ 11:30 am
The ultimate climbing event! This extended experience goes back-to-back to combine all the highlights of the Bell Tower and Angels & Monsters climbs. This guided tour is 2.5 hours and costs $90
All tour tickets will be available for purchase onsite (inside the cathedral) on the day of the tour.
- Prepare for rigorous activity. Those with a fear of heights or enclosed spaces should not participate; stairs include both enclosed stone staircases and also open metal, spiral stairs.
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches (4 feet). These tours are not appropriate for young children; Infants cannot be carried on the tour.
- All participants must be at least 11 years old; those aged 11-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, as the weather conditions are more extreme than at ground level.
