You are likely familiar with catacombs. These underground ossuaries were primarily used for burial and other religious purposes. Rome and Paris‘ catacombs are globally renowned. However, only a few know New York is home to one of these man-made underground tunnels. The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral houses catacombs that have been the final resting place for many. Hence, today’s blog is titled “Must Visit in New York: Catacombs by Candlelight Tours OTA Ticket Comparison.”
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Chat with AI about Candlelight catacomb tours
Everything you need to know about New York Catacombs
- Address: 263 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Best Time for Catacombs by Candlelight Tours: The ideal time for the tour is during the evening as the candlelit setting enhances the atmosphere.
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
The New York Catacombs are among the must-see attractions in New York. They are located beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. It was the first Catholic cathedral in New York and was initially established as a cemetery for the Roman Catholic Church in 1801. It served as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York until 1879. The church is active and holds masses, confessions, and readings.
For over 200 years, the cathedral’s grounds have been the final resting place for many New Yorkers and bishops, including the first resident Bishop of New York, Bishop John Connolly. Many notable New York Catholics, including the Delmonico Family, are buried here. This labyrinth of vaults belongs primarily to bankers, political candidates, lawyers, merchants, and captains of industry. Andrew Morris, Francis Cooper, Charles O’Connor, and Civil War-era General Thomas Eckert are other renowned people buried here.
You can access the underground cemetery through Catacombs by Candlelight Tours. These tours are usually 80-90 minutes long and offer access to the off-limits areas, including the narthex and two-walled cemeteries.
How to get to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral?
Public transportation lets you quickly access the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Subway riders can take the B, D, F, or M lines to the Broadway-Lafayette Street Station or the N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, or 6 lines to the Grand Street Station. You can also walk to the basilica from nearby Little Italy or Chinatown.
Catacombs by Candlelight Official Tour operates from 266 Mulberry Street. It is located at the old Chancery building next to the cathedral. If you have directly booked from the official website without going through any Online Tour Agencies, check in with your guide at the location.
TourTeller’s Top Picks
While searching for New York Catacombs by Candlelight Tours, you will come across hundreds of options. They are available at diverse rates and by different OTAs. Instead of going through those never-ending suggestions, check out TourTeller’s top picks below:
New York Catacombs by Candlelight
Our first pick is Viator’s New York Catacombs by Candlelight tour. This 1.5-hour offer takes visitors behind the scenes of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, which is otherwise off-limits. A knowledgeable guide will assist you in exploring the depths of the catacombs while informing you about their hundred years of history. We recommend this tour to visitors who want to explore the catacombs with a professional guide.
Key Highlights
- Catacombs Exploration: This tour primarily focuses on exploring the New York catacombs and hidden areas visitors often miss. It also allows access to the parts of the church that are usually off-limits to visitors.
- English-speaking Guide: This activity features an English-speaking guide who offers commentary on the church’s history throughout the journey.
- Convenient Departure Times: Visitors can choose from multiple departure times depending on what’s convenient for them. This tour starts and ends at the church in Lower Manhattan.
Inclusions
- Professional guides
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Not Included
- Gratuities
Traveler’s Note
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals are allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
Ideal For
- First-time visitors seeking a comprehensive tour
- Travelers interested in unique activities
Reviews
Rated 4.7 stars out of 5 based on 2,678 reviews. This tour is highly recommended for visitors interested in history.
Price
- Starting from $38 per person.
Comparison Summary
This tour stands out for its thorough exploration of the New York Catacombs with an expert guide. The guide will offer extensive information about the basilica’s history and the story of Catholicism in New York. You can also see the resting place of some renowned New Yorkers. In addition, you can ask follow-up questions with your guide before saying goodbye.
Recommendations
- History buffs on this tour will enjoy learning extensively about the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral’s history.
- First-time visitors will find this tour particularly appealing as it offers access to hidden areas otherwise closed to the public.
Catacombs by Candlelight Guided Tour in New York City
Get ready to explore the hidden depths of the New York Catacombs. This Catacombs by Candlelight Guided Tour in New York City allows visitors to explore the off-limits areas of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Illuminated by candlelight, you will admire the cathedral’s Neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and high vaulted ceilings. A professional guide will be with you throughout the journey, offering information about the church’s historical and cultural values. We recommend this KKday tour to visitors who are sure about booking, as this offer is nonrefundable and can’t be canceled or modified.
Key Highlights
- Access to the off-limit areas: This guided tour offers exclusive access to the church’s off-limit areas.
- Expert Guide: This tour features an expert guide who offers information about the church’s historical and cultural significance. The guide will also share facts about who is buried in the 200-year-old catacombs.
Inclusions
- Guided tour
- Entrance to Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
Traveler’s Note
- Visitors must wear comfortable walking shoes.
- After booking this ticket, refer to your voucher for the final details, including meeting points, pick-up times, and pick-up locations.
- The meeting address is 34 Prince St., New York, NY 10012, USA.
Ideal For
- History buffs
- Families with older children
- Adventure enthusiasts
Reviews
This tour has not yet been rated or reviewed.
Price
- Starting from $39.01 per person.
Comparison Summary
This nonrefundable guided tour offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the New York Catacombs. Located within one of the oldest cathedrals, this unique attraction’s Neo-Gothic architecture, high-vaulted ceilings, and other architectural features attract hundreds of visitors. This tour stands out with its no-cancellation policy, meaning you can’t cancel, modify, or refund the activity once booked.
Recommendations
- Adventure enthusiasts constantly looking for thrilling activities will enjoy this guided tour.
- Families with older children or teenagers will find this tour helpful in bonding and engaging in a similar activity.
New York City: Catacombs by Candlelight
Next, GetYourGuide presents an exclusive Catacombs by Candlelight Tour. This tour explores the legendary Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, which has 200 years of history. The church has witnessed many historical events, including the struggles and accomplishments of prominent New York Catholics. Visitors will learn about these events in detail while walking with a professional guide. They will also access two walled cemeteries, which are usually off-limits. We recommend this tour to visitors who want to enjoy an informative journey through the New York catacombs.
Key Highlights
- Access to off-limits areas: This tour offers exclusive access to hidden areas inside the church that are usually inaccessible to the public. Your guide will take you through these off-limits corridors while providing commentaries.
- Two-walled cemeteries: This guided tour includes accessing hidden areas, including the two walled cemeteries behind the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.
- Resting places of high-profile Americans: The two walled cemeteries house the graves of prominent New Yorkers, including the Delmonico Family, Bishops, and members of influential families.
Inclusions
- Professional guide
- Complimentary tea lights
- Walking tour
Not Included
- Gratuities
Traveler’s Note
- This activity is not ideal for wheelchair users.
- People over 80 years old should not try this tour.
- Please wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
- Travelers must always remain respectful, as the church is an active parish.
Ideal For
- First-time visitors seeking a comprehensive tour
- Travelers interested in unique activities
Reviews
Rated 4.3 stars out of 5 based on 488 reviews. This tour is highly recommended for visitors seeking an informative guided activity in New York.
Price
- Starting from $38 per person.
Comparison Summary
This GetYourGuide offer is one of the hottest deals on our blog, “Must Visit in New York: Catacombs by Candlelight Tours OTA Ticket Comparison.” It stands out with its excellent inclusions, including a professional guide and complimentary tea light candles. This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the catacombs, including its off-limits two walled cemeteries. It is an activity worth investing 1.5 hours in.
Recommendations
- Groups will find this guided walking tour particularly appealing as it allows most travelers to participate and can accommodate over 50 people.
- Visitors interested in the Basilica’s history will enjoy learning about the church’s tales from a knowledgeable guide.
Catacombs by Candlelight Guided Tour in New York City
Finally, Musement’s Catacombs by Candlelight Guided Tour in New York guarantees an excellent experience. You will enter the historic Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, one of the oldest in NYC. It has stood tall for the last 200 years and witnessed the rise and fall of renowned New York Catholics. It is also the final resting place for many famous Americans. You will dive deep into the catacombs’ secrets with a professional guide and learn who is buried here. We recommend this ticket to budget travelers as it is slightly cheaper than other tours.
Key Highlights
- Access to Off-limits Areas: This guided tour provides access to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral’s off-limits areas, which are usually not open to the general public.
- Architectural Marvel: The cathedral is a neo-Gothic masterpiece with stained glass windows, high-vaulted ceilings, and a massive organ. Visitors will admire the architecture and learn about their significance.
- Experience the silence: Appreciate the ambiance while walking through this sacred place. The path is illuminated by candlelight, further adding to the somber atmosphere.
Inclusions
- Guided tour
- Entrance to Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
Traveler’s Note
- This tour is non-refundable and non-cancellable. Once booked, you can’t cancel or get a refund for this particular product.
- Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes.
Ideal For
- Thrill seekers
- History enthusiasts
- First-time visitors
Reviews
This tour is rated 3 stars out of 5 based on one review. It is highly recommended for visitors interested in learning about the church’s history.
Price
- Starting from $37 per person.
Comparison Summary
This is the last tour on our blog, Must Visit in New York: Catacombs by Candlelight Tours OTA Ticket Comparison. This Musement tour offers a guided experience that will give you insights into the church’s historical and cultural significance. It also provides information about those buried in the 200-year-old catacombs. This experience stands out with its competitive rate among other options.
Recommendations
- Budget travelers will find this tour ideal as it costs $1 cheaper than other options.
- Thrill-seekers on this guided tour will enjoy learning about the 200-year-old catacombs’ mystery.
Catacombs by Candlelight Tours OTA Ticket Comparison
(Source: Viator)
We have listed Catacombs by Candlelight Tours by four top OTAs: Viator, KKday, GetYourGuide, and Musement. It’s time to compare them based on duration, price, cancellation policy, etc.
| Features | Tour 1 (Viator) | Tour 2 (KKday) | Tour 3 (GetYourGuide) | Tour 4 (Musement) |
| Duration | 1.5 hours | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1.5 hours | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Tour Type | Guided Tour | Guided Tour | Guided Tour | Guided Tour |
| Guide Languages | English | English | English | English |
| Price (Starting From) | $38 | $39.01 | $38 | $37 |
| Group Size | Up to 15 travelers can participate. | Maximum 15 participants only. | Up to 26 visitors can participate. | This tour accommodates at least 15 visitors. |
| Cancellation Policy | Free Cancellation | No Cancellation | Free Cancellation | Non-refundable |
| Rating | 4.7/5 (2,678 reviews) | This activity has no reviews as of now. | 4.3/5 (488 reviews) | This activity has no reviews at this time. |
| Book | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability |
As you can see, Catacombs by Candlelight Tours are listed on four OTAs with slight similarities and differences. All OTAs offer 1.5-hour-long guided tours in which a maximum number of visitors can participate. The differences lie in their rates, cancellation policies, group sizes, and accessibility. You can choose and book the activity that ticks all your requirements.
Our blog on the Must Visit in New York: Catacombs by Candlelight Tours OTA Ticket Comparison has ended. We have handpicked offers from the top OTAs with diverse rates. These tours differ regarding tour operators, cancellation policy, price, and accessibility. You must always consider these factors when deciding whether to book a tour. Finally, find more travel deals and compare prices at TourTeller.
