All You Need to Know About Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and has been the official residence of the British monarch since 1837. Serving as the administrative center of the monarchy, this iconic palace hosts numerous official events and recep...

Founded On

1705

Founded By

John Nash, William Winde, Edward Blore, Aston Webb

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0SR, UK

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

530000

TICKETS

From $19.24

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 Ticket Options

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

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Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

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Combo (Save 5%): Changing of the Guards Ceremony + Afternoon Tea Cruise

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Plan your visit to Buckingham Palace

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Opening hours:

Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the public only a few times each year, typically from early July to late September. At the moment, the Palace is closed to visitors.
You can still visit the King's Gallery, which is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10am to 5pm, or catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays!

Best time to visit: If you want to explore the Palace in peace, try visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. During these times, you will likely run into smaller crowds. But if you don't mind the lively and chirpy atmosphere that comes with a big crowd, you can visit anytime you like!

More about timings

Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom

Find on Maps

Buckingham Palace, nestled in the heart of London, in the City of Westminster, and it's surrounded by notable landmarks as well as popular parks like St James's Park and Green Park, offering an escape within the bustling city.

Closest landmark: Victoria's Memorial (66m)

How to reach the palace?

Highlights of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace offers a peek into the United Kingdom’s amazing history and culture. Mentioned below are a few things to do at the palace.

Interior of the state room inside Buckingham palace

Tour the State Rooms

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

Watch the Changing of the Guard

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

Visit the Royal Mews

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

Interior of the queens gallery at the buckingham palace

Visit the 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 and Vermeer, it gained gallery status in 1962 and was sleekly upgraded for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Gardens with colourful flowers outside buckingham palace

Explore Buckingham Gardens

Dubbed "a walled oasis in the middle of London," Buckingham Palace's gardens stretch over 39 stunning acres. They include a rose garden, rare birds, wild plants, a tranquil lake, and 1,000+ trees, including oaks and planes!

Explore the art in Marble Hall

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

Check out the Music Room

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

Walk down the Grand Staircase

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

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 digs, and the heart of British royal life.

Know more

Construction of the Buckingham Palace

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

Who built it?

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. Talk about an architectural team effort!

Architecture of the Palace

Buckingham Palace has had some serious glow-ups over the years! 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 stunning sculptures—so much history in one place!

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.

How many entrances does Buckingham Palace have?

The Palace has two main entrances: the Central Gates on the west side, which welcomes official guests and state visitors, and the North Centre Gate, another key entry point.

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.