United States New York New York City New York City Guide Things To Do Essentials Restaurants Nightlife Where to Stay Neighborhoods Itineraries Events Getaways All New York City NYC Churches, Synagogues, and Temples Written by Heather Cross Heather Cross is a longtime New York resident who has written about the city since 2002. She is also a travel agent and NYC & Company-certified New York City specialist. Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines Heather Cross Updated 06/03/19 Share Pin Email Whether you're looking for a spiritual experience, or just want to appreciate the beautiful architecture, these spots are well worth visiting when you're in New York City. Do note that if you want to attend services on a popular holiday it's best to reach out to the house of worship's office directly to confirm the process. Some offer tickets by lottery or only to members on specific dates or for special services. 01 of 09 Abyssinian Baptist Church DennisInAmsterdam/Wikimedia Commons via Flickr/CC-BY-SA-2.0 The first Black church in New York City began in 1808 and dedicated its current Gothic-style church in Harlem in 1923. The Coptic cross on the alter was a gift from the king of Ethiopia. If you're planning to attend their service, read their visitor guidelines carefully to avoid disappointment. Visitors/tourists are only allowed to attend the 11:30 a.m. service (although there are certain days when visitors/tourists aren't allowed), must be dressed appropriately and are expected to stay for the entire 2 and 1/2 hour service. Denomination: Baptist Address: 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) Subway: 2/3 train to 135th Street/Lenox Avenue Phone: 212-862-7474 02 of 09 Bialystoker Synagogue Beyond My Ken/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0,3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0 The Bialystoker Synagogue was first organized in 1865 but made its home in a late Federal style fieldstone building built in 1905. This New York City landmark has a rich history, including playing a role in the Underground Railroad and hiding runaway slaves in the Synagogue's attic. Denomination: Orthodox Address: 7-11 Willett Street/Bialystoker Place Subway: F to East Broadway Phone: 212-475-0165 03 of 09 The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine TripSavvy / Alfonso Sjogreen The largest church in the United States (and some argue the world) the Cathedral of St. John the Divine has been a work-in-progress since its construction began in 1892. Consider taking a guided tour of the Cathedral to fully appreciate its beauty. It's also a wonderful place to experience a concert. Denomination: Episcopal Address: 1047 Amsterdam Avenue Subway: 1 to 110th Street/Cathedral Parkway stop Phone: 212-316-7490 04 of 09 Eldridge Street Synagogue Jason3091/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0 Opened in 1887, the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first great house of worship built in America by Eastern European Jews. A multi-million dollar restoration was completed in December 2007 and the best way to experience the Eldridge Synagogue's beauty is on a guided tour. Though the Synagogue hosts a variety of events, religious services are no longer held at the Synagogue. Address: 12 Eldridge Street Subway: F to East Broadway; B/D to Grand Street Phone: 212-219-0888 Continue to 5 of 9 below. 05 of 09 Friends Meeting House in Flushing Dmadeo/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0,3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0 Built in 1694, The Friends Meeting House in Flushing is the oldest house of worship in New York City. The Meeting House has a rich history, including serving as part of the Underground Railroad. Tours are offered after worship on Sundays from 12-12:30 p.m. Denomination: Quaker Address: 137-16 Northern Boulevard, Flushing Subway: 7 to Main Street/Flushing Phone: 718-358-9636 06 of 09 Mahayana Buddhist Temple Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images The Mahayana Buddhist Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in New York City and houses a beautiful 16-foot statue of the Buddha. Visitors can see scenes from Buddha's life depicted throughout the temple, and can also have their fortune read. Address: 133 Canal Street Subway: F to East Broadway Service Schedule: There are public services held on weekends, normally from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 07 of 09 Riverside Church TOWFIQ AHMED PHOTOGRAPHY/Getty Images The stone carvings and stained glass are among the most beautiful features of this Gothic Cathedral, completed in 1930 with financing from John D. Rockefeller Jr. Visitors interested in music will enjoy experiencing performances by the various choirs, as well as music from church's organs and carillon. Denomination: Interdenominational Address: 490 Riverside Drive Subway: 1 to 116th Street Phone: 212-870-6700 08 of 09 St. Patrick's Cathedral TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins Probably New York City's most well-known church, St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States and the seat of the Archbishop of New York. Visitors can walk around inside the Cathedral anytime it is open, but might enjoy attending Mass or a musical performance. The gift shop offers unique souvenirs and postcards. Denomination: Roman Catholic Address: Entrance on Fifth Avenue between 50th/51st Streets Subway: E, V to 53rd/5th Avenue Telephone: 212-753-2261 Continue to 9 of 9 below. 09 of 09 St. Paul's Chapel Ken Lund/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 Located directly across from the World Trade Center site, St. Paul's Chapel has a long history since its completion in 1766. In 1789 a thanksgiving service was held there in honor of George Washington's inauguration as president. Amazingly, on 9/11 it sustained virtually no damage and was an important location during the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Denomination: Episcopal Address: 209 Broadway Subway: 2/3 to Park Place, 1/4/5/A to Fulton St/Broadway-Nassau Phone: 212-233-4164 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit