St. Patrick's Cathedral

The gothic spires soar 330 feet above Fifth Avenue's fashionable shopping district, and inside are enough seats to accommodate more than 2,000 churchgoers. Visitors to St. Patrick's Cathedral will find solace from the clamor of Midtown Manhattan, as well as a vast yet intricate interior containing alters, shrines, stained glass panels and statues, all crafted with the exquisite detail expected of a cathedral that has hosted popes and dignitaries from around the world.

Parking and public transportation at St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is easily accessible by subway and bus. Multiple paid parking garages serve the area.

Best and worst time to go to St. Patrick's Cathedral
Guided tours are available on select dates. The cathedral's acclaimed choir performs during Sunday's 10:15 a.m. Mass. Some areas of the cathedral are closed off whenever regular mass is being celebrated. Advance tickets are required for some Masses during major Catholic holidays. Easter Sunday visitors will be treated to the whimsical Easter Parade along Fifth Avenue.

Admission to St. Patrick's Cathedral
Admission is free; contributions are accepted. Prayer candles can be lit for $2. The St. Patrick's Cathedral Tour app can be downloaded to your mobile device for a fee.

Must see/do at St. Patrick's Cathedral
The bronze doors that welcome visitors upon arrival are decorated with ornate sculptures, including one of St. Patrick himself. Inside, see the high alter and baldachin, or bronze canopy, that towers over it. Turning away from the alter, look up at the massive pipes of the gallery organ perched over the Fifth Avenue entrance, and the colorful rose window above that.

Other places to visit near St. Patrick's Cathedral
Rockefeller Center is directly across the street, recognizable by the Atlas statue. The Museum of Modern Art is a short walk away, and Radio City Music Hall falls in between.

Insider tip for visitors to St. Patrick's Cathedral
There is no specific dress code at St. Patrick's Cathedral, but visitors are asked to dress respectfully, and to remember they are in a house of worship.

Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City. She appreciates any source of solitude to be found amidst Manhattan's beautiful chaos. Follow her on Twitter.