Buckingham Palace sits at the heart of London, serving as both the official residence of the British monarch and one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of royalty.
This neoclassical building has welcomed sovereigns for nearly two centuries. Queen Victoria spent her first night here in 1837.
Today it’s a working palace that somehow balances private royal life with state ceremonies and public access. The logistics alone must be staggering.
Buckingham Palace Tickets
If you want to explore Buckingham Palace, there are several ticket options depending on your interests. From the iconic State Rooms to the Royal Mews and the King’s Gallery, here are the most popular choices:
🏛️ State Rooms Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
Step inside the official London residence of the King and walk through 19 magnificent State Rooms. See masterpieces from the Royal Collection and admire the grandeur of one of the most famous palaces in the world.
Explore a world-class art gallery within the Palace. Admire changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring works by some of the greatest artists in history.
Go behind the scenes of royal transport. See the working stables, horses, and iconic carriages including the dazzling Gold State Coach.
💂 Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
Follow your guide through The Mall and St James’s Park for the best views of the Changing of the Guard. Hear the history behind the pageantry while standing in prime positions.
👑 Interior Tour + Changing of the Guard (Guided)
Watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony with a guide, then enjoy exclusive entry to the State Rooms. Perfect if you want the full royal experience in one visit.
ℹ️ Good to Know
- Reserve now and pay later options available
- Wheelchair accessibility varies depending on the ticket; check details before booking
- Entry times may be limited during official royal events
Highlights
- Explore 19 decorated State Rooms during summer openings, including the Throne Room where royal wedding photographs are taken and the Ballroom used for state banquets
- View masterpieces from the Royal Collection, featuring works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto displayed throughout rooms designed for ceremonial occasions
- Walk through the palace’s 39-acre garden, apparently the largest private garden in London, complete with a helicopter landing area and over 350 different wild flower species
Tickets & Tours
Entry to Buckingham Palace requires advance booking. The State Rooms are only open to the public during specific periods each year. Standard admission includes access to the State Rooms, the palace garden, and an audio guide available in multiple languages.
The most comprehensive tickets combine palace access with entry to the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery. This creates a full royal experience that can easily fill a day. These combination tickets often provide better value than purchasing separate admissions. They allow visitors to explore different aspects of royal life at their own pace.
Audio guides enhance the experience significantly. They provide historical context and point out details that might otherwise go unnoticed. The guides offer content tailored to different interests, from architectural history to royal family anecdotes.
Things to Know Before Booking Buckingham Palace Tickets
- Seasonal Opening: State Rooms are typically open from late July through early October, when the monarch is not in residence
- Timed Entry: All tickets specify entry times to manage visitor flow; arriving 15 minutes before your slot is recommended for security clearance
- Advance Booking Essential: Limited capacity and high demand make advance booking necessary, particularly for weekend visits
- Audio Guide Included: Multilingual audio guides are included with admission and highly recommended for context
- Photography Restrictions: Most interior areas prohibit photography to preserve historic furnishings and respect privacy
- Security Screening: Airport-style security checks are required; minimal bags expedite the process
- Duration: Allow approximately 2.5 hours for the complete visit including State Rooms and gardens
What to See and Do
Tour the State Rooms
Any Buckingham Palace visit centers around the State Rooms. Royal entertaining unfolds across 19 carefully maintained chambers. These aren’t museum pieces gathering dust but working rooms where the monarch still hosts world leaders.
The White Drawing Room serves as the formal reception area where guests gather before state banquets. Its cream and gold décor, dominated by a chandelier, seems designed to impress visitors. The room has a hidden door, disguised within the wall panels, that allows the royal family to make dramatic entrances during formal occasions.
The most photographed space is probably the Throne Room. Two chairs of estate sit beneath a crimson silk canopy. Royal wedding portraits have been captured here, including those of Prince William and Catherine.
The Ballroom stretches 123 feet long. It provides space for state banquets accommodating up to 170 guests. The room’s musicians’ gallery and ceiling work showcase Victorian craftsmanship. Portraits of monarchs gaze down from gilded frames.
Discover Royal Treasures
Walking through the palace feels like browsing one of the world’s greatest private art collections. The Picture Gallery displays rotating selections from the Royal Collection. Works by some of history’s celebrated artists are here. You might encounter a Rembrandt self-portrait, pastoral scenes by Claude Lorrain, or Venice views by Canaletto.
The Blue Drawing Room houses what appears to be one of the most valuable pieces of furniture in the world. A table made for Napoleon that somehow found its way into the British royal collection. The room’s blue silk damask wall covering creates a backdrop that shows off each piece.
French furniture fills several rooms. Much of it was acquired by King George IV. These pieces survived the French Revolution. Sèvres porcelain, clocks, and gilt bronze ornaments reflect the luxury that European monarchs surrounded themselves with during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Experience the Palace Gardens
After touring the State Rooms, the palace gardens provide a welcome contrast to the formal interiors. At 39 acres, this private space feels surprisingly secluded. Hard to believe you’re surrounded by one of the world’s busiest cities.
The garden’s design reflects centuries of royal landscaping. From George IV’s original vision to modern conservation efforts that support over 30 species of birds and more than 1,000 trees. A three-acre lake, complete with an island, creates a habitat for the palace’s flamingos and various waterfowl.
Rose garden borders provide color throughout the summer months. The herbaceous border stretches 156 meters and offers what may be a masterclass in English garden design. Many visitors find the garden’s scale surprising.
Winding paths reveal new views and hidden corners. It’s easy to forget you’re in central London.
Witness the Changing of the Guard
The ceremony that draws the largest crowds happens outside the palace gates. The Changing of the Guard unfolds with precision timing and colorful pageantry. This isn’t just a tourist show but an active military ceremony where new guards officially take over duty.
The ceremony typically lasts about 45 minutes. Guards from different regiments participate, each distinguished by their unique uniforms and bearskin hats. The Guards bands provide musical accompaniment. They play everything from traditional marches to contemporary songs arranged for military band.
It’s free to watch, but securing a good viewing spot requires strategy. The ceremony draws hundreds of spectators, particularly during summer months and weekends. The best viewing positions are along the palace railings. Arriving at least 30 minutes early is advisable for clear sightlines.
Visit the Royal Mews
The Royal Mews sits in a separate area of the palace complex. It houses the working stables and carriage collection used for state occasions. This isn’t simply a museum but an active facility where royal transportation gets maintained and prepared for ceremonies.
The collection includes the Gold State Coach, used for coronations and weighing four tons. More practical vehicles like the Irish State Coach used for the State Opening of Parliament are also on display. Seeing these ornate carriages up close reveals craftsmanship and gold leaf detailing that photographs rarely capture.
The working stables house the Windsor Grey horses that pull these carriages during state occasions. Visitors can often see grooms caring for the horses and maintaining the harnesses. This provides insight into the ongoing work required to maintain royal traditions.
Pixabay LicensePana68 /PixabayPlan Your Visit to Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is only open to visitors during the summer. In 2026, the palace opens from 9 July to 27 September.
| Period | Opening Hours | Last Admission | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 July – 31 August 2026 | 9:30 | 17:30 | 19:30 |
| 1–27 September 2026 | 9:30 | 16:30 | 18:30 |
Note:
- The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout September.
- Outside of summer, the palace opens on selected dates only for small guided tours. Tours run between 10:00 and 15:30 and last around 90 minutes. Check the official website for available dates.
Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during July and August when it opens every day of the week.
| Period | Opening Hours | Last Admission | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 March – 24 October 2026 | 10:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 |
| 25 October – 1 November 2026 | 10:00 | 15:00 | 16:00 |
The Royal Mews is part of a working royal palace, so unexpected closures can happen at short notice. The following dates are already confirmed as closed:
- Saturday, 30 May 2026
- Saturday, 6 June 2026
- Saturday, 13 June 2026
Checking the official schedule before travel is advisable.
The King’s Gallery
Open throughout most of the year except during exhibition changes:
| Opening Hours | Last Admission | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | 16:15 | 17:30 |
The King’s Gallery is part of a working royal palace, so unexpected closures can happen at short notice. Here are the known dates to be aware of:
The gallery was closed from 24 November 2025 to 9 April 2026.
On the following Tuesdays, the gallery opens later at 14:00:
- 5, 12, 19, 26 May 2026
- 9, 16, 23, 30 June 2026
- 6, 13 October 2026
Check the official website before your visit to confirm current opening times.
Underground: Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, and Victoria stations all provide convenient access. Green Park is the closest (3-minute walk).
Bus: Multiple routes serve the area, including numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10, with stops along Constitution Hill and Buckingham Palace Road.
Walking: The palace sits in Westminster. Easily reached on foot from most central London hotels. The distinctive facade and Victoria Memorial make it impossible to miss.
Driving: Not recommended due to limited parking and congestion. Public transportation is far more convenient for reaching the palace.
More info on how to get there ->
St. James’s Park offers beautiful lake views and pelican feeding just across the road from the palace. Perfect for picnics before or after your visit.
Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are within 15 minutes’ walk. Easy to combine royal and parliamentary history in a single day.
The Mall provides a grand processional route from the palace to Trafalgar Square. Lined with flags during state occasions and always impressive for photographs.
Green Park and Hyde Park offer larger green spaces for relaxation. Speaker’s Corner and the Diana Memorial are within easy reach.
Garden Café: Located within the palace grounds, offering light refreshments and views of the garden
Gift Shop: Extensive selection of royal memorabilia, books, and exclusive palace-branded items
Accessibility: Full wheelchair access to State Rooms via step-free routes; companion entries available free of charge
Audio Guides: Available in 9 languages, plus specialized tours for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired visitors
Restrooms: Available throughout the visitor route with accessible facilities
Cloakroom: Limited storage for small bags; large luggage is not permitted
Tips for Your Visit
Best Time: Mid-morning on weekdays typically sees smaller crowds than weekends or early afternoons
Photography: Exterior photos are encouraged, but interior photography restrictions are strictly enforced
Weather Preparation: The garden visit is partially outdoors; bring appropriate clothing for British weather
Comfortable Shoes: Significant walking is involved, including standing on various floor surfaces from parquet to gravel paths
Audio Guide Strategy: Start the audio guide before entering each room for optimal timing and context
Garden Time: Allow extra time for the gardens, which many visitors find unexpectedly peaceful and extensive
Combination Planning: If visiting multiple royal sites, plan transportation between them to maximize your time
Did You Know? (5 Fascinating Facts!)
- The palace contains 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. That’s larger than most small towns’ entire housing stock.
- During World War II, the palace was bombed nine times. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) refused to leave London, famously saying “I’m glad we’ve been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face.”
- The famous balcony was added in 1851. The tradition of royal family appearances began in 1851 when Queen Victoria appeared there during the Great Exhibition, establishing a custom that continues today.
- The palace’s post office processes approximately 70,000 pieces of mail annually addressed to the royal family. A dedicated team responds to correspondence from around the world.
- Over 50,000 people attend garden parties, state banquets, and other official functions at the palace each year. This makes it one of London’s busiest event venues despite being a private residence.
History
- 1703: Built as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham by architect William Winde on what was then the western edge of London
- 1762: King George III purchases the property for Queen Charlotte, transforming it into a comfortable family residence known as “Queen’s House”
- 1826: King George IV commissions John Nash to expand and redesign the house into a palace, beginning the transformation into today’s structure
- 1837: Queen Victoria becomes the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as her primary residence, establishing its role as the sovereign’s London home
- 1847: The East Front is completed, creating the famous façade and balcony while enclosing the central courtyard
- 1913: Sir Aston Webb redesigns the principal façade, creating the iconic appearance that faces The Mall today
- 1940s: The palace survives World War II bombing attacks while serving as a symbol of British resilience and continuity
- 1993: State Rooms open to the public for the first time to help fund Windsor Castle restoration following the devastating fire
- Present: Functions as both working palace and visitor attraction, balancing royal residence duties with public access and state ceremonies
FAQ
When are the State Rooms open to visitors?
The State Rooms are typically open to the public from late July through early October each year, when the monarch is not in residence. Exact dates vary annually and are announced well in advance on the official website.
How long does a palace visit take?
Plan for approximately 2.5 hours for the complete experience including State Rooms, gardens, and time in the café or shop. Visitors can move at their own pace, though the audio guide content suggests optimal timing for each area.
Can you see the King during a visit?
The State Rooms are only open when the monarch is not in residence, so encounters with royal family members during public tours do not occur. The palace serves as a working royal residence, and private areas remain off-limits to visitors.
Is photography allowed inside the palace?
Photography is strictly prohibited within the State Rooms to preserve historic furnishings and respect privacy. Exterior photography of the palace façade and gardens is encouraged and permitted.
Are there tours available?
Self-guided tours with audio guides in multiple languages are the standard offering. The audio guides provide detailed commentary about each room’s history, art, and royal connections while allowing visitors to explore at their preferred pace.
What should I wear to visit the palace?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the tour involves considerable walking on various surfaces. There’s no specific dress code, though remember you’ll be in a working royal palace, so smart casual attire is appropriate.