Live Your Best Lives
Buckingham Palace, located in the City of Westminster in London, is the royal palace and residence of the British royal family. Its current owner is Queen Elizabeth II. The palace boasts 775 rooms and suites, and its grounds are home to vast gardens. Such a vast palace demands significant maintenance costs alone. Every year from April to September, the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace holds a Changing of the Guard ceremony from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and every other day at 11:30 PM. The ceremony, accompanied by military music and commands, features various parades and salutes, creating a regal atmosphere that often draws crowds and tourists, making it a renowned attraction. Buckingham Palace is ranked among the world's five most famous palaces, along with the Forbidden City, the White House, the Palace of Versailles, and the Kremlin.
May and June are the best months, followed by July and August.
It has a temperate oceanic climate with small temperature differences between the four seasons. The summers are cool and the winters are warm. The air is humid with frequent rain and fog, especially in autumn and winter.
It is recommended to play for 2 hours;
The Victoria gilded statue monument is a famous attraction here;
Nearby attractions: National Gallery, Oxford Street, Thames River, London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, etc.
State Offices: Adults £25; Seniors over 60, students £22.80; Minors aged 5-17, people with disabilities £14; Family tickets £60
Royal Day: Adults £45; Seniors over 60, students £40; Minors aged 5-17, disabled people £24.5; Family tickets £114.5 (Monday to Sunday, July 20 - September 29); Free admission for children under 5
9:30-19:00 (No entry after 16:45)
Built in 1703, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch. It is a symbol of the British monarchy and a key location for royal ceremonies, state occasions, and official events. The palace has been expanded and renovated over the centuries and is now one of the most recognized buildings in the world.
Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster, London. You can reach it easily by walking from nearby landmarks like Westminster Abbey or St. James’s Park. The closest Underground stations are Victoria (Victoria, Circle, and District lines) and Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines). Buses and taxis are also available.
The Palace is typically open to visitors from late July to early October for guided tours of the State Rooms. It’s recommended to visit early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily at 11:00 AM during peak season (April to July) and every other day in winter.
The entrance fee for the State Rooms tour is around £30 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Royal Collection Trust website or at the ticket office near the Palace. There are also combined tickets available for other royal properties.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season (summer months). Booking a few weeks in advance ensures availability, particularly for the popular summer tours.
A visit to Buckingham Palace can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether you are just viewing the exterior and gardens or taking a full tour of the State Rooms and other areas.
Guided tours are available during the summer months for the State Rooms, and audio guides are provided in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and others.
The best photography spots are outside the Palace gates, particularly during the Changing of the Guard. The front façade of Buckingham Palace provides an iconic shot, especially with the Victoria Memorial in the foreground. The view from St. James’s Park offers a picturesque setting as well.
Start with the State Rooms, followed by the Throne Room, and then head to the Grand Staircase. If time permits, finish the visit at the Royal Mews or enjoy a stroll in the gardens. Make sure to time your visit to include the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
There are no night visits or light shows at Buckingham Palace. However, special tours or events may be available during state occasions or the annual summer opening of the State Rooms. Be sure to check the official website for updates on special events.
It can get crowded during peak tourist season (June to August). To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon. The quieter months for a visit are November to March.
There are toilets and rest areas available at the Palace. The onsite café offers refreshments, and there is a gift shop selling royal memorabilia. Drinking water is available, and you can also find food vendors near the Palace.
Yes, Buckingham Palace is accessible for visitors with disabilities. There are ramps and elevators for easy access to the State Rooms and other areas. Children are welcome, and there are family-friendly activities available.
Both cash and card payments are accepted at the ticket offices, café, and gift shop. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted.
Yes, there are vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available at nearby restaurants, including The Ritz and St. James’s Café.
Yes, there is a gift shop selling royal-themed souvenirs such as mugs, keychains, books, and high-quality memorabilia.
