The most beautiful churches in NYC

One of New York’s most famous landmarks, this neo-Gothic-style Catholic cathedral draws thousands of tourists each year—it can seat 3,000 of them at once. Located directly across from Rockefeller Center, it was first built by in the 1800s as a replacement for Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Chinatown. Taking up an entire block, its notable design elements include a block’s work of Tuckahoe marble, a detailed rose window and a large sculpture of the Pietà.

Believed to be the world’s largest Anglican cathedral-church, St. John the Divine was built by the Episcopalians, in part to compete with the Catholics’ St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Built in the traditional stone-by-stone construction (a mix of limestone and granite), the cathedral exemplifies France's High Gothic style and features seven separate chapels, each named for a different patron saint.

With three centuries of history, Trinity Church is one of the most historical religious institutions in New York City. Built for the Church of England by charter from King William III, it was at one time the tallest building in the city due to its towering spire. Over the years, there have been various renovations and additions, joining together three separate buildings on the same lot. The church is constructed in the neo-Gothic style and boasts 23 bells which can be heard chiming through downtown Manhattan.

This Episcopal church was founded in 1868 for the neighborhood of Longacre Square, now called Times Square. Known for its heavy of use of incense, the church is sometimes called Smoky Mary’s. The main attraction here is the well-preserved Gothic architecture—with vaulting columns ideal for its famous booming organ pipes—along with the splashes of blue and gold added during a ’90s redecoration.

Modeled after the basilicas of Italy, this Neo-Romanesque church was designed by famed Brooklyn architect John Welch. Sitting in the neighborhood of Clinton Hill, the church boasts a facade with grand arches, stone walls and a 28-foot diameter rose window over the main door.

An Evangelical-Baptist church, Judson became a famous performing and visual arts space in the 1900s. It has since showcased works by everyone from painter Robert Rauschenberg to Yoko Ono and choreographer Trisha Brown, founder of Judson Dance Theater. Long dedicated to social outreach causes, including women’s rights and AIDS resources for the LGBT community, the church now engages in the New Sanctuary Movement for immigrant rights.

This Flatiron institution has served the city’s Catholic community since 1851—today it caters to a more progressive congregation. Originally founded by Fordham Jesuits, the original building was torn down in 1878, with a replacement reconstructed in 1882. The exterior of the church was made in the Neo-Baroque style, with stained glass windows and religious paintings and sculptures on the inside.

Located in the tourist-heavy Garment District, this Roman Catholic parish church was built in 1892 to cater to what was then a rapidly changing neighborhood. Constructed in the traditional Gothic Revival style, it’s known for being home to one of the largest mosaics in the country, The Glorification of the Mother of Jesus. The church is also known for operating one of the country’s longest-running breadlines, started during the Great Depression to feed the hungry.

The original Cathedral of the Archdiocese of New York, the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral was built 200 years ago in what is now Chinatown. Steeped in history, the building was attacked by anti-Catholic rioters in 1836. Along with its sister church, the nearby Shrine Church of Most Precious Blood, Old St. Patrick’s is a must-visit when strolling through Chinatown. (Pro tip: Take a walk through history with a candlelit tour of the catacombs beneath the church.)

Historically catering to the French-Canadian population of the Upper East Side, this Catholic parish church was designed by an award-winning Italian architect influenced by the styles of Mannerism. Named a city landmark in 1969, the church is distinguished as one of the only ones in NYC with a dome.

This charming Financial District church is built in the neocolonial style. Built in 1965, it’s named after Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born citizen to be canonized by the Catholic church. She also established the first Catholic girls’ school in America.

Belonging to the Church of Norway, this Midtown East institution serves as both a religious destination for Norwegian sailors and expats and a cultural center for folks wanting to know more about Norway. Inside, find models of Scandinavian seafaring vessels as well as a full-service cafe serving smoked fish and baked goods.

Built in 1901 in the Georgian style, this Chinatown church was first made for a Lutheran congregation that converted to the Episcopal denomination. It boasts narrow, Gothic-style windows, brownstone brick detailing and a copper octagonal tower designed by Henry Engelbert. Now a Catholic church, it caters heavily to local Chinatown residents.

St. Ann's is a Brooklyn mainstay for classical music and opera. Most notably, it's a regular space for One World Symphony's frequent operas, performed as semi-staged concerts that rise above modest means.

Greenpoint's Park Church Co-op is the occasional host of music events at its ornate space, but the crowd is more wine-sipping than beer-swilling.