Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksReligious SitesSightseeing ToursTheater & PerformancesChurches & Cathedrals
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Grace Cathedral, an Episcopal cathedral located in the heart of San Francisco, is a famed sightseeing destination for its striking Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass, two labyrinths, Interfaith AIDS Chapel, and arts and cultural programs. It is a working cathedral for all people, serving the community and its congregation with a deep commitment to social justice. A minimal sightseeing admission fee includes self-guided tours in multiple languages. Visitors also attend weekly yoga, monthly sound baths, and concerts. Religious services are held regularly. For more information, visit gracecathedral.org.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,357 reviews
Excellent
765
Very good
471
Average
109
Poor
10
Terrible
2
happytraveller77_88
Singapore, Singapore24 contributions
Dec 2019
We attended the Christmas Eve 2019 service which had a wonderful Choir of Boys and Men and we enjoyed their singing tremendously and the service. We sat in the very last row and the great thing was that the choir sang the first few songs from the back and later processed down the isle so we had a great view even though we were at the back. Great singing Choir. May God's love always resound through your singing!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dapper777
Monaco67,200 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
It was early evening and we walked from Union Square to the top of Nob Hill where this impressive cathedral is located.
It was not an easy walk due to the very steep incline of the streets.
It was Christmas time and it looked fantastic, with all the lights in the square.
This is a Frech Gothic-styled cathedral
From outside the solid buiding is stunning, and we found that the exterior beauty was more imposive and impressive than its extraordinary interior, which is not too ornate and rather austere.
It is lit up in the most exquisite way.
We walked around and enjoyed the beautiful stained glass , the murals depicting San Francisco's early year, and all the details that make it a beautiful place.
It reminded us of the grand gothic-style churches in Europe with very high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows.
We would recommend it as a favorite experience we had in the city.
If you're visiting San Francisco, this is a must-see attraction.
It was not an easy walk due to the very steep incline of the streets.
It was Christmas time and it looked fantastic, with all the lights in the square.
This is a Frech Gothic-styled cathedral
From outside the solid buiding is stunning, and we found that the exterior beauty was more imposive and impressive than its extraordinary interior, which is not too ornate and rather austere.
It is lit up in the most exquisite way.
We walked around and enjoyed the beautiful stained glass , the murals depicting San Francisco's early year, and all the details that make it a beautiful place.
It reminded us of the grand gothic-style churches in Europe with very high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows.
We would recommend it as a favorite experience we had in the city.
If you're visiting San Francisco, this is a must-see attraction.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ165,246 contributions
Aug 2019
A Lovely, and Iconic Cathedral
In August, while staying on Nob Hill, I took the opportunity to explore Grace Cathedral, a block and a half from our hotel. I had admired the structure from afar, on many occasions, but had never actually visited, so on this lovely Summer day, I changed that, and am glad that I did.
I first admired the architecture from Huntington Park, just across Taylor St, from Grace Cathedral, and a vantage point, that gave me a great view of the imposing structure. Then, I crossed over California St, to see it from an angle - just as imposing. Finally, I took the time to explore it some, from both inside, and out. What a magnificent cathedral.
This structure was built after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but in a style, that goes back a century, to French Gothic, and aspects of several cathedrals in France, can be seen, including buildings in Paris, and Chartres. Much of the French Gothic carries over to the interiors, as well.
While lovely, the interiors were a bit austere, based on the ornate exterior facade - lovely, but just not as imposing.
The Boys’ School, is attached, across a wide courtyard, but I did not explore its interior.
The one regret is that I did not take a guided tour of Grace Cathedral, but hope to, on another visit, later in the year.
If one did do such a tour, I would allocate at least three hours (I spent two, looking at the exterior and the interiors sections open).
In August, while staying on Nob Hill, I took the opportunity to explore Grace Cathedral, a block and a half from our hotel. I had admired the structure from afar, on many occasions, but had never actually visited, so on this lovely Summer day, I changed that, and am glad that I did.
I first admired the architecture from Huntington Park, just across Taylor St, from Grace Cathedral, and a vantage point, that gave me a great view of the imposing structure. Then, I crossed over California St, to see it from an angle - just as imposing. Finally, I took the time to explore it some, from both inside, and out. What a magnificent cathedral.
This structure was built after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but in a style, that goes back a century, to French Gothic, and aspects of several cathedrals in France, can be seen, including buildings in Paris, and Chartres. Much of the French Gothic carries over to the interiors, as well.
While lovely, the interiors were a bit austere, based on the ornate exterior facade - lovely, but just not as imposing.
The Boys’ School, is attached, across a wide courtyard, but I did not explore its interior.
The one regret is that I did not take a guided tour of Grace Cathedral, but hope to, on another visit, later in the year.
If one did do such a tour, I would allocate at least three hours (I spent two, looking at the exterior and the interiors sections open).
Written May 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,436 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the city's truly great cathedral where all sorts of important events happen. It's truly special at Christmas and Easter, but be prepared for crowds. On an average afternoon, it's just stately and important. On the top of the hill.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gagan_Gupta_1975
Macau, China634 contributions
Feb 2020
Walking distance from China Town or if you taking Hop on Hop off bus there is a stop and you may get down there to visit this place and after visiting this you can walk to China Town. Many other attractions near the church and lots of eating Joints as well.
Inside the church have Beautiful interior, grandiose space, wonderful and colorful glasswork
Inside the church have Beautiful interior, grandiose space, wonderful and colorful glasswork
Written May 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian
South San Francisco, CA3 contributions
Jul 2019
My favorite church in San Francisco. It's a beautiful place to de-compress and contemplate life among the stained glass windows and soaring ceiling. Don't miss the Ghiberti gilded bronze doors cast from the originals in Florence, Italy.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva T
United Kingdom5,655 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
It was stunning! The Cathedral is located at the top of Nob Hill, we used cable car to go there and then walked a bit up the California Street. The cathedral is the third largest Episcopalian cathedral in America. It was built over the course of 37 years after the 1906 earthquake completely destroyed the original structure of the former Grace Church, and fully was completed in 1964. It's not only place of worship but they organize regular yoga classes or various cultural events; they were rehearsing for one during our visit. The decoration is totally different to what we usually see in the cathedrals - here are walls painted with murals on different themes and everything is explained on digital displays. We felt very calming atmosphere there as not too many visitors been there. We paid entry ticket of $12 per person and it was worth every penny. It is place you definitely should visit when in the city.
Written September 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TooMuch2Do
Laguna Niguel, CA468 contributions
Jun 2022
We tour churches in Europe, so why not in the US? We took a ride share to Nob Hill and made it just in time for our 2:00 tour ($18 seniors). The docent explained the history of the church building, the replica front doors, the labyrinth, Keith Haring altar, history murals, Jacob’s Dream art installation, stained glass windows, and more. There are digital stations that give information about significant items if you can’t schedule a tour. Lots of history, architecture, and art to enjoy. Well worth a stop if you are in the area.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
Albuquerque, NM9 contributions
Nov 2020
I visited to see the building, but found a wonderful sense of peace and yes, grace. The Keith Haring AIDS altarpiece is a tearful moment of reflection on those dark days of our recent past. ALL are welcome in this house of god.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally J
Ramsbottom, UK116 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Visited this cathedral on our first day in San Francisco and what an amazing start to our holiday. It was World Aids Day and the cathedral was beautiful, with lovely murals hanging on the walls remembering those who had lost their lives and with lovely music playing. Really nice to walk round and enjoy the beauty and peace it offered.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lo siento, mi respuesta es demasiado tarde pero no sé los horarios de Grace Cathedral.
Written July 29, 2019
Oh yes! As a matter of fact, Grace was one of the first places in SF which offered spiritual and emotional support to the gay community at the beginning of the AIDS health crisis. Grace is a loving and embracing place of worship.
Written July 12, 2016
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