Buckingham Palace
The official London residence of the UK's sovereigns, famed for the Changing of the Guard and opulent State Rooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
State Rooms open for tours
Buckingham Palace
Best Time
State Rooms open for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The official London residence of the UK's sovereigns, famed for the Changing of the Guard and opulent State Rooms.
"A truly iconic London landmark, the Changing of the Guard is a must-see!"
🎯 Best Guard View Spots
Head to the Queen Victoria statue steps for a great vantage point of the Changing of the Guard.
👑 King is Home? Check Flag!
If the Royal Standard flag is flying, the King is in residence.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Changing of the Guard
Buckingham Palace Forecourt
Witness the iconic ceremony with precision marching and traditional music. A quintessential London experience!
State Rooms Tour
Inside Buckingham Palace (Summer only)
Explore the opulent State Rooms, adorned with priceless art and furniture. A glimpse into royal life.
Royal Mews
Adjacent to Buckingham Palace
See the magnificent royal carriages and horses. A fascinating look at royal transport through the ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Changing of the Guard
Palace Access: Know Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Guard View Spots
Head to the Queen Victoria statue steps for a great vantage point of the Changing of the Guard.
👑 King is Home? Check Flag!
If the Royal Standard flag is flying, the King is in residence.
🎶 Music to Your Ears
Enjoy diverse musical performances during the Changing of the Guard, from military bands to K-pop!
🚶♀️ Step Count Goals
Be prepared for a lot of walking to get the best views and explore the area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Guard View Spots
Head to the Queen Victoria statue steps for a great vantage point of the Changing of the Guard.
👑 King is Home? Check Flag!
If the Royal Standard flag is flying, the King is in residence.
🎶 Music to Your Ears
Enjoy diverse musical performances during the Changing of the Guard, from military bands to K-pop!
🚶♀️ Step Count Goals
Be prepared for a lot of walking to get the best views and explore the area.
☔ Weather Woes
London weather can be unpredictable; pack for rain even on a sunny day!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, especially the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. The State Rooms offer a stunning glimpse into royal opulence during summer openings. However, the limited access to interiors outside of summer and the significant crowds during popular events are common drawbacks.
"Interesting to be and see inside this storied place. The State Rooms are interesting and the chance to see the royal art collection is a real treat. I also enjoyed the special exhibition of art produced on the King Charles’s travel over the years as well as the throne room. It’s crowded but manageable. I also visited the mews with the carriages and would recommend. My disappointment was the limited access to the garden. The website lists the Royal Gardens as one of the highlights and includes pictures of the rose garden and other select spots. Once on-site I learned that much of the garden, including the roses I hoped to see, is off-limits unless you book a special tour, which were all booked. This is not made clear on the website when booking. Also note that the amount of time they indicate for the palace tour is far too long unless you’re planning to eat in the cafe and do a lot of shopping in the gift shop. I listened to the entire tour and spent time in all of the rooms and it took me 45 minutes or so—they indicate 2 to 2.5 hours. This can be an issue if you are booking multiple timed elements at the palace or tickets elsewhere."
Scott
"The palace is absolutely beautiful inside, but no photography. We really enjoyed our visit there. It's is a good bit of walking around but benches to rest on. There is a 20 minutes walk one you get outside to get back out to the main street but once again plenty of benches to rest."
robin st john
"Visiting the exterior of Buckingham Palace was an unforgettable experience. The building itself is stunning grand, elegant, and full of historic detail. The ornate black and gold gates and the famous balcony are even more impressive in person.
One of the best parts is how close you’re able to get. Unlike the White House, which is now set far back behind barriers, Buckingham Palace feels remarkably accessible. Standing right at the gates gives you a real sense of connection to the history and pageantry of the monarchy.
It was busy with crowds, but that’s part of the charm people from all over the world gathering to see this iconic site. Even without going inside, the exterior, the Victoria Memorial, and the Mall leading up to it make the visit completely worthwhile."
Brandi S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buckingham Palace is easily accessible via the London Underground. The nearest stations are Victoria (Victoria, District, and Circle lines), Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines), and St. James's Park (District and Circle lines). Many bus routes also stop nearby.
On-street parking is very limited and expensive in the area. It's highly recommended to use public transport. The nearest car parks are NCP London Victoria and Q-Park St. James's Park, but these can also be costly.
Yes, Buckingham Palace is within walking distance of several major attractions. It's a pleasant stroll from St. James's Park, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner. You can also walk from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, though it's a longer walk.
For the Changing of the Guard, arriving by Tube to Victoria or Green Park stations is recommended, as they offer direct access to the viewing areas. Be prepared for crowds and a significant amount of walking.
The surrounding parks and pavements are generally accessible. However, the crowds during the Changing of the Guard can make navigation challenging. Accessible routes to viewing areas are available, but it's best to arrive early.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms is ticketed and typically costs around £30-£35 for adults, with concessions for children and seniors. Tickets must be booked in advance, especially during the summer opening. Viewing the Changing of the Guard from the outside is free.
The State Rooms are usually only open to the public for a limited period each year, typically from July to September. Outside of these dates, interior tours are not available.
Yes, advance booking is essential for the State Rooms tour, as tickets sell out quickly. For the Changing of the Guard, no tickets are required as it's a public viewing event, but arriving early is crucial for a good spot.
If tickets for the State Rooms are sold out or you're visiting outside of the summer opening, you can still enjoy the exterior of the palace and witness the Changing of the Guard. Alternatively, consider visiting Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace, which offer similar historical interiors.
While the State Rooms require paid tickets, viewing the Changing of the Guard from the outside is free. There may be concessions for children, seniors, and disabled visitors for the State Rooms tour; check the official website for details.
🎫 👑 Onsite Experience
The Changing of the Guard ceremony typically takes place at 11:00 AM on select days. It's highly recommended to arrive at least 45-60 minutes prior to the start time to secure a decent viewing spot, especially during peak tourist season.
The area around the Queen Victoria statue in front of the palace offers excellent views. For a slightly elevated perspective, try the steps leading up to the statue. Avoid standing too close to the gates, as your view might be obstructed.
The ceremony may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions. It's always best to check the official Household Division website on the day of your visit for any updates or cancellations.
Photography is generally permitted in the public areas around Buckingham Palace and during the Changing of the Guard. However, restrictions may apply inside the State Rooms during tours.
Beyond the palace itself, explore the beautiful St. James's Park, walk through Green Park, or visit the Royal Mews and the Queen's Gallery for more royal insights.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic shot is from the front gates with the palace facade. For the Changing of the Guard, try to capture the guards in formation or the musicians. The Victoria Memorial offers a good vantage point for wider shots.
Photography and videography are generally not allowed inside the State Rooms during tours to protect the artworks and artifacts. Check the specific rules on the day of your visit.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, for the Changing of the Guard, you'll need to be there during the ceremony itself, so midday is your best bet for that specific event.
Yes, drone usage is strictly prohibited in the airspace around Buckingham Palace and other royal residences due to security regulations.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing close-ups of the guards and musicians from a distance. However, a standard zoom lens will work well for wider shots of the ceremony and the palace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If visiting during the summer opening, the State Rooms tour might be engaging for older children, but younger ones may find it less captivating. The Royal Mews is often a more universally appealing option for families, as the grand carriages and horses capture children's imaginations.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the free ceremony, explore the surrounding Royal Parks like St. James's Park and Green Park, which are beautiful and free to wander through.
🏛️ History Buffs
For a broader historical perspective, explore the Royal Mews to understand the evolution of royal transport and the craftsmanship of historical vehicles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
To get the best view, arrive at least 45-60 minutes before the scheduled start time, typically around 11:00 AM. Popular viewing spots include the area around the Queen Victoria statue and the steps leading up to it. Be prepared for large crowds, especially during peak tourist season. While the ceremony is free to watch from the outside, interior tours of the palace are a separate, ticketed event.
Interestingly, the music played during the ceremony can be quite diverse. While traditional military marches are common, you might also hear contemporary tunes, including popular songs from artists like K-pop stars, adding a modern twist to the historic ritual.
Visiting the State Rooms
Access to the State Rooms is limited to the summer months, typically from July to September, and tickets must be booked well in advance. The tour provides an immersive experience into the grandeur of royal life, with guides or audio guides offering insights into the history and significance of each room. Photography is usually not permitted inside the State Rooms to preserve the delicate artworks and furnishings.
If you're visiting outside of the summer opening period, or if tickets are unavailable, consider exploring other royal residences like Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace. These locations also offer impressive interiors and rich historical context, providing a similar, albeit different, royal experience.
Exploring the Royal Mews and Queen's Gallery
Nearby, the Queen's Gallery showcases rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring a diverse range of art, including paintings, drawings, and decorative arts. The exhibitions change periodically, offering a fresh perspective on the vast artistic treasures held by the monarchy. It's a wonderful complement to a visit to the palace itself, providing a more focused art experience.
Both the Royal Mews and the Queen's Gallery are typically open to visitors and can be accessed with a separate ticket or as part of a combined ticket with the State Rooms during their opening period. They offer a more in-depth look at specific aspects of the Royal Collection and royal heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit