Set in lively Westminster, Buckingham Palace is surrounded by London’s charm in every direction. Green parks, impressive monuments, and world-class museums all sit within a short walk. You can spend hours exploring nearby attractions, relaxing in the gardens, or finding the best photo angles of the Palace before moving on to the next must-see stop.
Top things to do near Buckingham Palace
Victoria Memorial
1-min walk (67 m)
Grand monument in front of Buckingham Palace, crowned with gilded angel sculptures.
Cost: Free
Green Park
1-min walk (90 m)
Quiet royal park with open lawns, mature trees, and peaceful walking paths.
Enjoy refined cocktails and live piano music at The Ritz London Bar.
Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
Cost: Cocktails from £25
Tip: Dress smartly; the Ritz has a formal dress code for bar and lounge areas.
The Royal Opera House
Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House showcases internationally acclaimed operas and ballets year-round.
Distance: 18-min tube ride (2 km)
Cost: From £20
Tip: Arrive early to explore the historic foyers and glass-roofed atrium before the performance.
Magic Mike Live
The show delivers interactive performances blending acrobatics and dance routines.
Distance: 18-min tube ride (1.7 km)
Cost: From £49
Tip: Opt for front-row or central seating for maximum engagement with performers.
Family-friendly activities near Buckingham Palace
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Solve puzzles and physical challenges at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, London.
Distance: 17-min tube ride (1.4 km)
Cost: From £39.50
Tip: Bring a water bottle; sessions can be physically and mentally demanding.
The Paddington Bear Experience
Explore Paddington’s station, Aunt Lucy’s home, and his London adventures firsthand.
Distance: 15-min walk (1.6 km)
Cost: From £31
Tip: Bring young children’s favorite Paddington toys for extra engagement and photo opportunities.
Shrek’s Adventure London
Join Shrek, Donkey, and friends on a London-based interactive adventure experience.
Distance: 15-min walk (1.6 km)
Cost: From £24
Tip: Check showtimes for live performances to coordinate your visit with favorite segments.
Twist Museum
Navigate twisting corridors filled with glowing walls, interactive exhibits, and visual surprises.
Distance: 14-min tube ride (1.7 km)
Cost: From £19
Tip: Use wide-angle or portrait mode to capture full immersive rooms and light reflections.
Seasonal events
London Marathon (April)
Watch thousands of runners pass by Buckingham Palace in the final stretch of this world-famous race.
Distance: The Mall
Cost: Free to watch
Tip: Follow marshals’ instructions; cordoned-off areas ensure safety and uninterrupted viewing.
Trooping the Colour (June)
Experience London’s grand military pageantry and royal procession on Horse Guards Parade.
Distance: Starts from Horse Guards Parade, ends at the Palace
Cost: Free to watch
Tip: Pack a small foldable stool or mat for comfort during long standing periods.
London Pride Parade (July)
Thousands march, dance, and cheer along iconic streets celebrating Pride and diversity.
Distance: Various routes
Cost: Free
Tip: Wear bright or rainbow-colored outfits to fully join the festive spirit.
Bonfire Night (November 5)
Experience London’s autumn skies ablaze with color during Bonfire Night festivities.
Distance: Various locations
Cost: Free–£15
Tip: Carry a small thermos with hot drinks to stay cozy during festivities.
Christmas at Buckingham Palace
See the palace and surrounding parks decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees.
Distance: At the palace
Cost: Free
Tip: Bring a travel mug; hot drinks from nearby cafés enhance the festive stroll.
Changing of the Guard (Year-round)
Red-coated guards march with precision, horses trotting past Buckingham Palace gates.
Distance: At the palace gates
Cost: Free
Tip: Listen for bugle calls and drum cadences to anticipate key moments in the performance.
Shopping near Buckingham Palace
Cardinal Place
Cardinal Place offers high-street fashion, gourmet food, and sleek indoor shopping vibes.
Distance: 7-min walk (640 m)
Cost: Free to browse, meals from £10
Tip: Start at the upper level for luxury stores, then explore casual shops downstairs.
Victoria Place shopping centre
Explore fashion, electronics, and eateries under one contemporary, glass-roofed space.
Distance: 10-min walk (800 m)
Cost: Free to browse
Tip: Combine your visit with nearby Victoria Place eateries for a full shopping day.
Piccadilly Arcade
Browse designer stores and specialty boutiques under ornate, glass-roofed walkways.
Distance: 12-min walk (1 km)
Cost: Free to browse
Tip: Take time to admire the ornate Victorian architecture while moving between stores.
Burlington Arcade
Historic covered arcade featuring luxury boutiques, jewelry, and classic London charm.
Distance: 14-min walk (960 m)
Cost: Free to browse
Tip: Check boutique websites in advance for exclusive collections or limited-edition items.
Fortnum & Mason
Elegant store renowned for gourmet products, unique gifts, and quintessential British style.
Distance: 14-min walk (965 m)
Cost: Free to browse, gifts from £5
Tip: Stop by the Tea Salon for a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience.
Harrods
Check out seven floors of high-end fashion, jewelry, homeware, and fine dining.
Distance: 18-min tube ride (1.7 km)
Cost: Free to browse, gifts from £10
Tip: Start at the Food Halls to enjoy gourmet treats and iconic luxury hampers.
How to plan your day near Buckingham Palace
Path: Palace forecourt → Victoria Memorial → St James’s Park
Changing of the Guard – 30 min
Victoria Memorial photos – 15 min
Park walk – 30 min
Alternative: Quick stop at The King’s Gallery or Royal Mews instead of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Path: Palace → King’s Gallery → Royal Mews → Lunch at a nearby restaurant
Palace grounds and gallery – 1.5 hrs
Royal Mews – 1 hr
Lunch at The English Grill – 1 hr
Alternative: Add a quick stop at Victoria Memorial.
Path: Palace → Westminster Abbey → Big Ben → Churchill War Rooms → Trafalgar Square
Buckingham Palace area – 1 hr
Abbey + Big Ben – 2 hrs
War Rooms – 1.5 hrs
Trafalgar Square – 1 hr
Alternative: Add a pit stop at the National Gallery.
Path: Palace lit-up → Dinner → St. James Park stroll
Palace forecourt at dusk – 30 min
Dinner at @51 Restaurant & Bar – 90 min
Night stroll at St. James Park – 45 min
Alternative: Finish with cocktails at Millbank Tower.
Path: Palace gates → St James’s Park → Royal Mews → Ice cream stop
Changing of the Guard – 30 min
Park playtime – 45 min
Royal Mews visit – 1 hr
Ice cream break – 20 mins
Alternative: Walk to Guards Museum; kids would love to see the costumes of past military guards.
Path: Palace sunset → Park walk → Dinner near St James’s
Photos at Victoria Memorial – 30 min
Evening walk in Hyde Park – 45 min
Cozy Italian dinner at Pronto A Mangia – 90 min
Alternative: End the date with a ride on the London Eye, with champagne in your hands.
Visitor Information
The best way to visit Buckingham Palace and nearby attractions is on foot or via public transit. Here’s how:
Closest tube stations:
Green Park (Piccadilly, Jubilee, Victoria Lines): about 6 minutes’ walk through scenic Green Park
St. James’s Park (District, Circle Lines): roughly 8 minutes’ walk via Petty France and Buckingham Gate
Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle Lines): around 9 minutes’ walk; also a major train hub
Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line): approximately 13 minutes’ walk, passing Wellington Arch and Green Park
Taxi / Ride-hailing: Designated taxi stands are near Victoria Station, with drop-off points around Buckingham Palace including Buckingham Gate and The Mall
Bikes & scooters: Docking stations for bike-sharing and scooters are near Green Park Station on Piccadilly Road and around Victoria Station, providing convenient access to the palace
Grosvenor Hill Car Park (Mayfair): Located in Mayfair, 15 min walk through Green Park, £8/0-1 h, £16/1-2 h, £32/2-4 h, £45/4-6 h, £55/6-24 h. 24-hour access, CCTV, wheelchair accessible. Pre-book via apps is recommended.
Q-Park Victoria: Secure car park near Victoria Station, 10 min walk. Safe, well-managed, convenient for public transit. Early booking is recommended for best rates.
Alternative Parking: Street parking and drop-off zones available on Buckingham Gate and Buckingham Palace Road, limited and regulated. Nearby public lots around Green Park and St James’s Park offer extra options.
Restrooms: Public toilets are in St James’s Park, a 5-min walk from Buckingham Palace, and inside the Palace gardens at the end of the State Rooms tour. Baby-changing facilities are available at both locations.
ATMs: Accessible at Victoria Station and commercial areas around Buckingham Palace Road and Victoria Street.
Lockers: Found at major transport hubs including Victoria Station and Green Park Station.
Water fountains: Located along walking paths through St James’s Park and Green Park.
Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi is available in Green Park and major underground stations, including Victoria and Green Park.
Shaded seating: Available near the Grenadier Guards Memorial and on park lawns in St James’s Park and Green Park.
Metro: Green Park (Piccadilly, Jubilee, Victoria lines) and St James’s Park (District, Circle lines) are the nearest stations. Step-free access is available, though some escalators may require assistance.
Taxis: London black cabs are wheelchair accessible with retractable ramps and can drop off near Buckingham Palace on Buckingham Gate or Buckingham Palace Road.
Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available at the start of the State Rooms tour and in the gardens area. Baby-changing facilities are also provided.
Wheelchair accessibility: Step-free entrances via an alternative access gate, motorized buggy transport across the gravel forecourt, accessible lifts inside, and loaner manual wheelchairs or rollators available by prior arrangement.
Service animals: Assistance dogs are welcome throughout Buckingham Palace and the gardens.
Hearing loops & tactile paths: Available on request for State Rooms tours, with audio guides provided for visitors with hearing impairments.
Visitor Tips
Early arrival: Arrive early to secure a good spot for the Changing of the Guard; Victoria Memorial or The Mall offers quieter viewing.
Phone charger: Bring a portable charger as mobile signals can be patchy with large crowds and park walks.
Contactless travel: Use contactless or Oyster cards on public transport to skip queues at ticket machines.
Wi-Fi access: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi at Green Park and Victoria stations to check updates or book experiences.
Hidden gems: Check out nearby hidden gems like the Shepherd Market for extra historical and cultural experiences.
Bike Hire: Use bike hire points near Green Park and Victoria for flexible, scenic ways to explore parks and streets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do Near Buckingham Palace
Yes, the area is safe with regular police presence. St James’s and Green Park are open until dusk, and nearby streets remain lively after dark.
Yes, it is highly walkable with flat, wide pavements. Key landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square are within 20 minutes on foot.
Locals enjoy relaxing in St James’s Park, dining at The Goring, and browsing exhibitions at The Queen’s Gallery.
Green Park is the most popular for picnics thanks to its shady trees and open lawns, only five minutes from the palace.
The Victoria Memorial offers direct symmetry. St James’s Park lake gives a leafy frame, and The Mall provides ceremonial views.
Children enjoy the Royal Mews with carriages, playgrounds in St James’s Park, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Head indoors to The Queen’s Gallery, Churchill War Rooms, or the National Gallery to escape the rain.
Absolutely. The district is flat, with wide pavements and pedestrian crossings. Most attractions are within a 20-minute walk.
Yes, Victoria Station offers left luggage services and lockers for travelers.
Dogs are welcome in St James’s Park and Green Park but must be kept on a leash. They are not allowed inside palace attractions.
Yes, the London City Pass includes entry to Westminster Abbey, The Shard, and other nearby attractions.
The Victoria Memorial and The Mall are beautifully lit at night, offering great photo opportunities.
