Inside Buckingham Palace | A Detailed Guide & What to Expect

What to expect inside Buckingham Palace

Throne Room at Buckingham Palace with ornate chandeliers and red decor.

Throne of power and pageantry

The palace's State Rooms are not museum pieces; they are the backdrops for state events. You'll walk through the grand corridors and into spaces like the Ballroom, where state banquets are held, and the Throne Room, a space so grand it feels like the heart of the British monarchy.

More about the State Rooms

King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace featuring classic paintings and ornate furniture.

Gallery of priceless treasures

Beyond the chandeliers and gold leaf, the palace is home to a spectacular art collection. Masterpieces by renowned painters like Rembrandt and Rubens hang on the walls, while priceless furniture and sculptures fill every room, curated by monarchs for generations.

More about The King's Gallery

Royal carriage with ornate gold details and tourists observing at Buckingham Palace.

Royal backstage

The Royal Mews reveals the practical, working side of the monarchy, and the operations that sustain royal pageantry. This is where you’ll see the famous Gold State Coach, a symbol of coronations, and get up close to the horses that pull the carriages on ceremonial occasions.

More about the Royal Mews

First-timer focus: If your time is limited, prioritize the State Rooms. They offer the quintessential experience of being inside the Palace and provide a true sense of its scale and grandeur.

Top highlights inside Buckingham Palace

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Grand Staircase

This marble staircase is the first thing visitors see as they enter the palace. It features bronze-cast balustrades and portraits of Queen Victoria's family.

Why it matters: It provides a dramatic and impressive welcome, setting the tone for the rest of the tour through the State Rooms.
Pro-tip: Take a moment to look up at the intricate dome ceiling and skylight that illuminates the staircase.

Throne Room

This is the heart of the palace's ceremonial purpose, used for royal receptions and official portraits.

Why it matters: The room features two thrones that are the centerpiece of the Royal Family’s formal life and were used for royal weddings.
Pro-tip: Look closely at the thrones to see the cipher of the monarch who used them.

Ballroom

As the largest of the State Rooms, this grand space is used for state banquets and investitures.

Why it matters: The sheer size and grandeur of this room, which can host over 1,000 guests, make it a focal point of royal hospitality and tradition.
Pro-tip: The Ballroom is often set up for a state dinner, allowing you to appreciate the scale and splendor of a royal banquet.

White Drawing Room

This is one of the most beautiful and opulent rooms, used by the monarch for intimate receptions.

Why it matters: It is a hidden gem that features a secret door, cleverly disguised by a large cabinet, which The King uses to enter the room.
Pro-tip: While this is a more formal room, look closely at the details of the furniture and art to get a sense of the monarch’s personal taste.

Picture Gallery

This long, art-filled corridor showcases a rotating selection of masterpieces from the Royal Collection.

Why it matters: It is the primary place to see works by artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto, providing a direct look at the art collected by the Royal Family.
Pro-tip: The gallery is meant to be a transition space, but take your time to appreciate the priceless art as you walk through.

Blue Drawing Room

This oval-shaped room is a highlight of the tour, known for its iconic sapphire blue silk and gilt furniture.

Why it matters: Used for large receptions and ceremonies, this room's exquisite design and opulent details make it a visual masterpiece.
Pro-tip: Look up at the ceiling to see the dome, which is supported by elegant, scagliola columns.

State Dining Room

This impressive room is the location for formal state banquets hosted by The King.

Why it matters: The room's long mahogany table and portraits of past monarchs provide a powerful sense of royal tradition and the importance of official hospitality.
Pro-tip: Pay attention to the intricate dinner service and grand candelabras, which are often laid out for the public to view.

Palace treasures

Throughout the State Rooms, you'll encounter a collection of royal treasures beyond the famous paintings.

Why it matters: From the Sèvres porcelain in the dining room to the exquisite sculptures and gilded furniture, these objects reflect centuries of royal taste and acquisitions.
Pro-tip: Don't forget to look at the details in the cabinets and side tables, which often hold some of the most intricate and valuable pieces.

How to get inside Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace opens its State Rooms and art collections to visitors from July 10 to September 28, 2025. Entry is through the designated left-hand side entrance, which is wheelchair accessible. All tickets must be pre-booked, and you must arrive 30 mins before your entry time. The Palace also offers alternative access arrangements for visitors with disabilities upon request, ensuring an inclusive experience.

How to explore Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace exterior in London, part of the Ultimate Changing of the Guard Experience.

All visits to Buckingham Palace require a timed entry ticket. It is essential to book your tickets online well in advance, especially for the popular Summer Opening. Your ticket guarantees entry for your chosen time slot. To ensure a smooth experience, arrive 15 mins early and have your e-ticket ready.

Soccer match in front of Buckingham Palace, London, during the Changing of the Guard tour.

The State Rooms are only open to the public during the annual summer opening, usually from July to September. For fewer crowds, aim for a weekday visit rather than a weekend. The quietest times are typically the earliest entry slots in the morning or the final slots of the afternoon.

Entrance to The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace with columns and trees.

The self-guided tour of the State Rooms takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to visit the Royal Mews or The King's Gallery as well, budget an additional hour for each. A full exploration of all three attractions can take a minimum of 3 to 4 hours.

Diamond Jubilee State Coach with ornate gold detailing in front of a historic building.

The royalist's trail:

2-3 hours (State Rooms tour): Follow the one-way route through the State Rooms, focusing on the Throne Room and the Ballroom.
4-5 hours (State Rooms + Royal Mews): After the Palace tour, walk over to the Mews to see the carriages.

The art and culture trail:

2-3 hours (The King’s Gallery + Royal Mews): Explore the changing art exhibition and then see the royal transport in the Mews.

Buckingham Palace gates, London, featured on the Royal Walking Tour.

The entire visitor route through the State Rooms is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Lifts are available, and manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge. Staff are available to offer assistance and answer any questions you may have.

Buckingham Palace illuminated at night, London, part of guided tour with Windsor Castle.

Security is strict, with an airport-style check on entry. Large bags, backpacks, and luggage must be left at the cloakroom.
Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside the State Rooms to protect the artworks and ensure visitor safety.
Eating and drinking are also not allowed inside.

Visitor tips

Arrive at least 30 mins before your scheduled tour to allow enough time for security checks and avoid feeling rushed.
You can pick up a free multimedia guide at the start of your visit, which will provide stories and expert insights into the palace's history and artwork.
Leave large backpacks or bags behind, as they're prohibited inside the State Rooms. Opt for smaller bags that you can easily carry with you.
Photography isn't allowed in the State Rooms to preserve the priceless artworks. Soak in the experience and let the beauty of the palace be your memory!
Pause to admire the Grand Staircase before heading into the State Rooms. Its breathtaking design makes the perfect introduction to your visit.
Look out for the hidden details in each room, like the secret doors in the White Drawing Room. They're subtle but add an extra touch of charm!
Feel free to ask the palace staff anything—they're full of stories and insider details about the rooms and their history!
Remember to keep a respectful tone and avoid loud chatter while touring to honor the royal etiquette and atmosphere of the Palace.

Frequently Asked Questions about what's inside Buckingham Palace

How big is Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is spread over 40 acres.

Who designed Buckingham Palace?

Architect John Nash designed most of Buckingham Palace in 1826. Architects such as Edward Blore, Aston Webb, and William Wilkins later remodeled and expanded it.

Where is Buckingham Palace located?

Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster in Central London.

What is the most famous room in Buckingham Palace?

The Throne Room is the most iconic, with its grand thrones and historical significance. It hosts important ceremonies like investitures and state openings.

How large is the Ballroom in Buckingham Palace?

The Ballroom, Buckingham Palace's largest room, spans 36.6 meters in length and hosts state banquets, accommodating up to 170 guests.

How long does a typical tour last?

Tours generally last about 90 mins, including time for guided commentary and the chance for self-paced exploration of notable exhibits.

Is there a dress code for visitors at Buckingham Palace?

There's no strict dress code, but visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid shorts, revealing clothing, and flip-flops. Casual yet neat attire works!

Are guided tours available inside Buckingham Palace?

No, there are no guided tours inside the Palace. However, your State Rooms ticket includes a multimedia guide that offers expert commentary, historical insights, and access to the Palace’s key attractions, ensuring you don’t miss any fascinating details.

Is photography allowed inside?

Photography is not permitted anywhere inside the State Rooms.