Sight guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Visiting Washington National Cathedral
Built in 14th-century English Gothic style between 1907 and 1990, the cathedral has soaring stone vaults, a stained-glass Space Window containing a fragment of moon rock and, high on the northwest tower, a Darth Vader grotesque designed through a children's competition.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Duane Lempke, CC0
Quick answer
Washington National Cathedral is a religious site in Upper Northwest, Washington, D.C.. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Upper Northwest
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- architecture, off the beaten path, views and history
- Best months
- September–November
About Washington National Cathedral
Built in 14th-century English Gothic style between 1907 and 1990, the cathedral has soaring stone vaults, a stained-glass Space Window containing a fragment of moon rock and, high on the northwest tower, a Darth Vader grotesque designed through a children's competition. The bell tower and the gardens give long views over the city.
Tip: Bring binoculars or a zoom lens to spot Darth Vader on the northwest tower from the garden.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Upper Northwest.
Best time to visit Washington National Cathedral
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- September: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- November: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-September the sun sets at about 19:17 local time (calculated for Washington, D.C.).
When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Washington National Cathedral is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen National Mall and Lincoln Memorial.
- No. 20 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
If you like Washington National Cathedral
- Lincoln Memorial — National Mall, 45 minutes
- Washington Monument — National Mall, 1 hour
- United States Capitol — Capitol Hill, 1.5–2 hours
- Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) — Capitol Hill, 1–1.5 hours
Staying near Washington National Cathedral
Where to stay in Washington, D.C. compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Washington National Cathedral?
Plan 1–1.5 hours.
+Is Washington National Cathedral free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Washington National Cathedral?
September–November, the quietest of the good months. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens to spot Darth Vader on the northwest tower from the garden.
+Do I need to book Washington National Cathedral in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.