The view
After threading up through the dome's brick cone and a tight iron-railed spiral, you emerge onto a narrow balcony encircling the lantern at the summit of Wren's dome. The 360-degree panorama takes in the Thames, the Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, the Shard and the City's glass towers.
The 528-step climb is steep and the upper flights are open to the dome's interior void, giving dizzying downward views into the cathedral. On the way up you pass the Stone Gallery and the famous Whispering Gallery.
How to get there
St Paul's Underground station (Central line) is directly adjacent, about a two-minute walk; Mansion House (District/Circle) and City Thameslink rail are also close.
Height of the viewpoint
External gallery at ~85 m (280 ft) ringing the top of the dome, reached by 528 steps. Full cathedral height 111.3 m to the top of the cross.
