New York City is home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. But tucked into Little Italy is a much older and far more hidden piece of the city: the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral,New York’s oldest Catholic cathedral. And beneath its historic walls lies a network of burial vaults that you can explore on the Catacombs by Candlelight tour.
Explore New York’s underground catacombs by candlelight
The 1-hour-and-20-minute guided experience takes you behind the scenes of the Basilica, including areas that are normally off-limits to the public. You’ll meet your licensed guide in Lower Manhattan before heading inside the church and descending into its historic underground spaces.
The tour explores New York City’s only active Catholic catacombs, where bishops, prominent Catholic families, and other notable New Yorkers were laid to rest. The route also includes the Basilica’s two historic walled cemeteries and other hidden areas of the church grounds.
Catacombs by candlelight Tour 4.64 (5666 reviews)
17 September 2026 10:00 + more dates…