10 Sacred & Religious Sites in New York City That You Shouldn't Miss

May 15, 2022 Terina Blouin

Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City

1. Kelly Temple

10 E 130th St Harlem, New York City, NY 10037-3707 +1 212-289-9618 http://www.kellytemplecogic.org/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Kelly Temple

One of the Harlem churches in which inspiring gospel music is an integral part of the sermon.

2. Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church

340 144th Street, Convent Ave., New York City, NY 10031 +1 212-368-4754 [email protected] http://www.greatertabernaclebc.org
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church

We're located in the historic Hamilton Heights section of Harlem. Established in 1954, we are a small church with a big heart. Our doors are open to any and all who want to know more about Jesus Christ and serve Him to the fullest. Join us on Wednesdays at 6:30pm for Bible Study and Prayer Service and on Sundays at 11:00am for worship service.

3. Trinity Church

Broadway at Wall Street, New York City, NY 10006 +1 212-602-0800 http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/
Excellent
47%
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44%
Satisfactory
8%
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4.5 based on 1,487 reviews

Trinity Church

Trinity Church Wall Street is in the midst of a two-year rejuvenation project to enhance the overall worship experience, make spaces accessible and welcoming, upgrade technology and infrastructure, and address deferred maintenance. The nave, or main body, of Trinity Church is currently closed to tours but offers Sunday services at 11:15am. Sunday services at 9:15am are also held in Trinity's Chapel of All Saints, and 9am family service and 8 pm Compline services take place at St. Paul’s Chapel. During the week, you can join us in the Chapel of All Saints at these times as well: Morning Prayer Weekdays at 8:15 am and 9 am; Midday Eucharist Weekdays at 12:05 pm; and Evening Prayer Weekdays at 5:15 pm.

Reviewed By Bridstow - Peterborough, United Kingdom

The Church is in the financial district just a short distance from the New York Stock Exchange. Although most of the Church was closed for refurbishment I have rated this highly because of its exterior, historic value and the churchyard in which you will find among others the burial place for Alexander Hamilton 1757 - 1804 First Secretary of The Treasury and his first born son Philip 1782 - 1801. The Chapel of All Saints is open daily for prayer during the refurbishment The Church is well worth a visit but if wanting to look inside I would advise checking whether the works have finished to save disappointment.

4. The Met Cloisters

99 Margaret Corbin Drive Fort Tryon Park, New York City, NY 10040 +1 212-923-3700 [email protected] http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/met-cloisters
Excellent
73%
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4.5 based on 5,095 reviews

The Met Cloisters

Branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that was constructed out of sections of French medieval monasteries, offers an extensive collection of statues, paintings, stained glass windows and tapestries.

Reviewed By JohnK3353 - Brooklyn, United States

If in the mood for time transportation, check out the glorious Cloisters Museum in northern Manhattan. Yes, a bit of a schlep to get there (take the A or 1 subway) but worth it. Once there, a quietly serene transportation back to the Middle Ages - like walking through an exquisite monastery - the whole 9 yards, what with winding staircases, tiny chapels, gardens, crypts, and galleries loaded with amazing Christian art. And several gorgeous gardens, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades (cliffs) of New Jersey on the opposite side of the river. Never mobbed with tourists (unlike its Mother Museum The Met), the Cloisters can be enjoyed on dual levels. Medieval art in a unique museum that doesn't seem like a museum, or just a quiet place for reflection and/or contemplation, in a placid environment. In manic, maddening, Manhattan.

5. St. Paul's Chapel

209 Broadway b/t Fulton Street & Vesey Street, New York City, NY 10007-2977 +1 212-602-0800 http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/about/stpaulschapel
Excellent
63%
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7%
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4.5 based on 3,435 reviews

St. Paul's Chapel

Founded in 1766, St. Paul's Chapel is part of the Trinity Wall Street parish. George Washington prayed here after his inauguration as President in 1789. It is open to visitors daily and worship services are held in the chapel every Sunday. The chapel regularly hosts community events, concerts, and art exhibitions. The churchyard is open to visitors who wish to visit the historic memorials and monuments or enjoy a moment of quiet. Free guided tours are offered Fridays at 3pm. Meet at the pulpit inside St. Paul’s Chapel. Beginning Sunday May 13, the 8 am, 9:15 am, 11:15 am, and 8 pm Compline services will take place at St. Paul’s Chapel.

Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States

This small, beautiful chapel is grounded in America's founding history (it was founded in the 18th century and George Washington worshipped here), as well as in more recent history - given it's geographic location near the World Trade Center site, it offered refuge to first responders. There are stuffed animals and other memorials to acknowledge 9/11, in a sobering yet comforting reminder of where we've been and how far we've come. There's also a small cemetery next to the chapel. It's both a memorial and an active church with services, so while you're allowed to walk through the chapel, please remember to be respectful of the community still praying there.

6. Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine

1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York City, NY 10025-1747 +1 212-662-2133 [email protected] http://www.stjohndivine.org/
Excellent
62%
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4.5 based on 1,525 reviews

Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine

This cathedral, the world's largest, is entirely hand-crafted.

Reviewed By StephenS3055 - Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

We fortunately decided to pop into this stunning, beautiful and grand Cathedral when walking past it We was absolutely surprised by the Scale, Grandour and Architecture. The 125 year old Cathedral is a MUST to visit being The Largest Cathedral in the World: of over 2.3 football pitches in length There is so much to see and take in. The main Cathedral has supporting gothic beautiful smaller chambers. The Artwork & displays are stunning This ended up being amongst the highlights of our New York visit Definitely a MUST and highly recommended Anne & Stephen Sheppard

7. Grace Church

802 Broadway at 10th Street, New York City, NY 10003-4831 +1 212-254-2000 http://www.gracechurchnyc.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 76 reviews

Grace Church

Ornate and even a bit eerie, the neo-gothic Grace Church is nonetheless lovely.

Reviewed By Itinerant_Foodies - Greensboro, United States

We came here three times during our stay in NYC, all three times for organ concerts (which are referred to as meditations). Patrick Allen, the organist is very good and uses the organ to its best effect while he plays through either the Bach pieces or other works. All concerts are compelling and worth a listen whether you’re meditating or just listening. Be sure to take the tour of the church as well—it’s history is fascinating.

8. Temple Emanu-El

1 E 65th St At Fifth Ave., New York City, NY 10065 +1 212-744-1400 http://www.emanuelnyc.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 55 reviews

Temple Emanu-El

Founded in 1845, this is the oldest reform congregation in New York City and one of the world's largest Jewish houses of worship, which features striking architecture, beautiful mosaics and stained-glass windows.

Reviewed By localgal920 - Brooklyn, United States

Temple Emanu-El was established in lower Manhattan, first using a former church, then, shortly after the Civil War, building a synagogue on Fifth Avenue just north of 42nd Street, and then, just before the stock market crashed in 1929, completing this spectacular structure just off Central Park. A visitor will have the opportunity to see a synagogue as spectacular as any European cathedral, which could in fact be mistaken for one, including the stained-glass windows, but all the imagery is Jewish. We visited three chapels, all of which are in regular use, and also visited a museum upstairs which has a permanent exhibit and also rotating exhibits of Judaica. The exhibit on offer in March of 2019 was of "yads" (Torah pointers).

9. St. Thomas Church

1 W 53rd St, New York City, NY 10019-5401 +1 212-757-7013 http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/
Excellent
64%
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4.5 based on 491 reviews

St. Thomas Church

Built in 1913, this impressive church contains statues of more than 40 saints and bishops.

Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States

St. Thomas Church on 5th Avenue in NYC close to St.Patrick’s Cathedral is very impressive for it’s architecture. Certainly worth visiting when walking on 5th Avenue.

10. Riverside Church

Riverside Drive at 120th Street 91 Claremont Ave, New York City, NY 10027-5706 +1 212-870-6700 http://www.theriversidechurchny.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 163 reviews

Riverside Church

This church has a bell tower with an observation deck offering terrific views.

Reviewed By CasaHoffa - Huatulco, Mexico

Riverside Church is a magnificent structure and an inspiring house of worship, especially when they have the handbell and choir concerts. The Church is situated adjacent to a park along the Hudson River offering a wonderful sunny day outside venue.

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