Discover Buckingham Palace | History, Architecture & More

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0SR, UK

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

09:30–19:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

530000

TICKETS

From $18.98

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Buckingham Palace survived 9 German bombs during WWII.

The wine vaults, located beneath the West Wing, are the oldest part of the palace.

If a royal standard flag is flying over the palace, then the King is in the palace. However, if the Union Flag is, then he is elsewhere.

Buckingham Palace Tickets and Tours

Buckingham Palace State Room Tickets

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr. 45 min.

Audio guide

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The Buckingham Palace Ticket

Free cancellation

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Flexible duration

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Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Free cancellation

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Flexible duration

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

Free cancellation

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Flexible duration

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Why is Buckingham Palace a must-visit attraction?

1/4

A glimpse into royal grandeur

Step inside and be awestruck by the opulence of the State Rooms. Adorned with priceless art from the Royal Collection and exquisite furniture, these rooms are where the King hosts official engagements and receptions.

Witness British tradition

The world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony is a spectacle not to be missed. The precise drills, the scarlet tunics, and the music create an unforgettable display of British pomp and pageantry.

Discover hidden gems

Explore the Royal Mews and marvel at the collection of historic coaches and carriages, including the Gold State Coach used for coronations and royal weddings.

Connect with living history

Buckingham Palace is a symbol of British heritage and the enduring monarchy. Visiting allows you to connect with centuries of tradition. Keep an eye out for the Royal Standard flying high above the palace – it signifies that the King is currently in residence!

What to see at Buckingham Palace

Interior of the state room inside Buckingham palace

State Rooms

Ready to live like royalty? From July 10 to September 28, 2025, you can wander the State Rooms—think epic ceilings, priceless art, fancy furniture, and a handy audio guide to spill all the royal tea!

Changing the Guard

Feel the royal energy at Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard! Happening Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11am, this 45-min tradition is free to watch and a must-see for every London trip.

Royal Mews

The Royal Mews is where royal rides meet history! From majestic horses to the Gold State Coach and Bentleys, this 14th-century gem is a mix of stables, carriages, and state vehicles.

Interior of the queens gallery at the buckingham palace

King's Gallery

The King's Gallery—formerly Queen Victoria's Chapel—is now a treasure trove of art! Packed with 450 Royal Collection works from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and others, it gained gallery status in 1962 and was upgraded for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Gardens with colourful flowers outside buckingham palace

Palace Gardens

Dubbed "a walled oasis in the middle of London," Buckingham Palace Gardens stretch over 39 acres and include a rose garden, rare birds, wild plants, a lake, and 1,000+ trees, including oaks and pines!

Marble Hall

Calling all art lovers! The Marble Hall showcases portraits of Queen Victoria's family, including her mother and Princess Feodora. Once home to marble sculptures, it's now a royal art treasure trove you can't miss.

Music Room

Nicknamed the Saloon State Room, the Music Room screams royal glam with its blue columns. It has hosted royal events, from parties to international diplomacy—this room is history wrapped in sophistication!

Grand Staircase

Enter Buckingham Palace like a VIP on the Grand Staircase! Draped in royal portraits, it's a gateway to the State Rooms, where 7,000 guests annually join receptions, State Banquets, and more.

Brief history of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace started as Buckingham House in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, but it wasn't until 1761 that King George III made it a royal residence for Queen Charlotte. Under King George IV, architect John Nash turned it into a grand palace. By 1837, Queen Victoria made it her home, and it's been the royal family's base ever since. Over the years, it survived suffragette protests and bombings during WWII and has seen many royal events like royal weddings and the birth of future crown holders.

With 775 rooms, today, Buckingham Palace is not just a monarchial landmark—it's a bustling hub of royal activity, the monarch's official London home, and the heart of British royal life.

Detailed history

Buckingham Palace East Front with tourists gathered in London, England.

Who built Buckingham Palace?

It all started in 1703 with William Winde, who built the first version of Buckingham Palace—then called Buckingham House. Fast-forward to the 19th century, when John Nash transformed it into the grand Palace we know today. Edward Blore wrapped it up in 1830, putting the finishing touches on the design. Later, Sir Aston Webb worked his magic in 1913, adding the iconic east front and royal balcony.

Buckingham Palace guards in red uniforms marching during Changing of the Guard, London.

Architecture of the Palace

Built in a Neo-classical style, the exterior was initially made with Bath stone and revamped with Portland stone in 1913. Inside, it's a royal wonderland with ornate ceilings, grand chandeliers, and artworks by legends like Rembrandt and Rubens. The State Rooms are filled with gilded furniture, intricate plasterwork, and sculptures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buckingham Palace in London

Why is Buckingham Palace famous?

Buckingham Palace is famous as the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom. It has been the home of British royalty since 1837 and boasts grand architecture and an extensive art collection.

What can I do at Buckingham Palace?

You can tour the State Rooms, explore Buckingham Palace Gardens, check out the King's Gallery, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Is photography allowed inside Buckingham Palace?

Photography is generally allowed inside Buckingham Palace, but only for personal, non-commercial use.

Are guided tours available at Buckingham Palace?

At the moment, you can get a guided tour for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Can visitors explore the King's Gallery separately from the rest of the Palace?

Absolutely! You can buy tickets just for the King's Gallery and enjoy it on its own, separate from the full Buckingham Palace tour.

What's the best time to visit Buckingham Palace to avoid crowds?

To beat the crowds, aim for early mornings right when it opens at 9:30am or later in the afternoon, just before closing. Weekdays are also a great choice, as weekends tend to be busier with tourists.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to Buckingham Palace?

You should plan to spend about 3-4 hours at Buckingham Palace, depending on how much you want to explore and soak up all the royal history.

Is there a dress code to visit Buckingham Palace?

There's no formal dress code, but since Buckingham Palace is a royal residence, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully. Casual attire like jeans and a shirt is fine, but avoiding flip-flops, athletic wear, or anything too revealing is best.

Is Buckingham Palace accessible to people with mobility issues?

Yes, Buckingham Palace is fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. You can borrow manual wheelchairs and rollators for free, and mobility scooters are allowed in designated areas to ensure a smooth visit.

Are pets allowed at Buckingham Palace?

Pets aren't typically allowed at Buckingham Palace, but guide dogs are welcome to accompany visitors.