Your ultimate guide to visiting Buckingham Palace, London

Who doesn’t remember seeing those iconic images of Prince Charles and Princess Diana share a magical kiss on the Buckingham Palace balcony during their wedding in 1981? Or Queen Elizabeth waving from it during 2022’s Platinum Jubilee? With a backdrop of impressive stone pillars, and tall windows leading back into a series of sumptuous State Rooms inside, this balcony is often the only part of the Palace most people are familiar with. But despite the fact that this is the official royal residence of the King and Queen of Great Britain, Buckingham Palace is actually open to the public for a few weeks every year, generally between July and September. During that time, you have access to nineteen magnificent State Rooms and their contents, which include priceless works of art, from paintings by Rubens and Canaletto to ancient Chinese vases. The building itself originally dates from 1703, when it was just a mere townhouse created for the Duke of Buckingham. Later it was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte, then expanded during the 19th century to finally become the London residence of Queen Victoria when she came to the throne in 1837. Today it has 775 rooms, and a set of beautiful gardens covering 39 acres. Here’s everything you need to know about Buckingham Palace...

Buckingham Palace at a glance

Suggested duration: You will probably need between two and two and a half hours to fully make the most of the experience.

Best time of day to visit: Tickets have timed entry but it’s best to try and arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Must-sees at Buckingham Palace: Don’t miss the White Drawing Room, probably the grandest of all the State Rooms, which serves as a reception room for The King and members of the Royal Family to gather before official occasions. It has also been used for Christmas broadcasts and as a setting for royal wedding photographs. The Throne Room is a magnificent room decorated in scarlet, whose centerpiece is the pair of throne chairs known as the Chairs of Estate. These were originally made for the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1953, and were also used for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. There’s also the Ballroom, the largest of the State Rooms, which features a musician’s gallery complete with an organ, which is used for State Banquets. The Music Room is renowned for its beautiful parquet floor, made from several different types of wood, while the Grand Staircase is a theatrical sweep of stairs carpeted in red velvet and highlighted by gilt banisters. One of the most impressive rooms is the Picture Gallery, which displays some of the greatest paintings in the Royal Collection, with works by Titian, Rembrandt and Van Dyck. Before your visit, watch the Changing of the Guard, a world-renowned ceremony which takes place several times a week in front of the Palace gates. Finally, enjoy a stroll around the Palace Gardens, where you’ll see a summer house, a rose garden, and the Palace tennis court, where King George VI and Fred Perry played in the 1930s.

Facts: Buckingham Palace is the 14th biggest palace in the world. It has 775 rooms in total, including 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, and 92 offices. The building itself is 108 meters long and 24 meters high, and the grounds also contain a swimming pool, cinema, doctor’s surgery and post office. There are 760 windows, 350 clocks, and around 40,000 lights. More than 50,000 people visit officially each year as guests at State Banquets, receptions, lunches, dinners and garden parties. The palace’s balcony is one of the most famous in the world, and the first recorded Royal balcony appearance took place in 1851, when Queen Victoria stepped out during celebrations for the opening of the Great Exhibition.

Opening hours: The Palace is open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM in July and August (with last admissions at 5:15 PM), and from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM in September (last admissions at 4:15 PM).

Address: Entrance to the State Rooms is via gate C on Buckingham Gate, London, SW1A 1A.

Why is Buckingham Palace worth visiting?

• It’s one of the most famous palaces in the world, home to one of the most famous Royal Families in the world.
• You’ll have the opportunity to see where Royals such as Prince William, Prince Harry, King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II spent a lot of their time.
• You’ll be able to see some magnificent architecture, interiors, sculptures and artworks.
• If you time your visit correctly, you’ll be able to observe the famous Changing the Guard ceremony; it takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at the Buckingham Palace Forecourt from 10.45am.

What to see at Buckingham Palace

• Don’t miss the Throne Room, a magnificent room decorated in scarlet, whose centerpiece is the pair of throne chairs known as the Chairs of Estate. These were originally made for the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1953, and were also used for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
• The White Drawing Room, probably the grandest of all the State Rooms, serves as a reception room for The King and members of the Royal Family to gather before official occasions. It has also been used for Christmas broadcasts and as a setting for royal wedding photographs.
• One of the most impressive rooms in the Palace is the Picture Gallery, which displays some of the greatest paintings in the Royal Collection, with works by Titian, Rembrandt and Van Dyck.

Best time to visit Buckingham Palace

The Palace is only open for a few weeks a year, between July and September. It’s better to try and come as soon after it opens in the morning as possible, to avoid the crowds. Book your timed ticket for 9:30 AM if you can, and get there at least 30 minutes beforehand. As you’ll mostly be indoors, weather isn’t too much of a factor, but you will get the chance to see the Palace Gardens, so try to avoid the hotter hours of the day and explore these either before midday or after 3:00 PM.

Tips for visiting Buckingham Palace

Are Buckingham Palace guided tours worth it?

There are audio guided tours available which will enable you to explore at your own pace, while learning about the rich history of this magnificent building, its interiors, and of the Royal Family who have occupied it for centuries.

Are there different entrances for Buckingham Palace?

There is only one entrance for visitors who wish to explore the State Rooms, and that’s via gate C on Buckingham Gate, London, SW1A 1AA.

Any other tips?

• Secure your tickets online as far in advance as possible; this guarantees entry, and helps you avoid the long queues which often form at the Palace gates.
• Expect security checks on entry, so take only a small bag if possible.
• Be aware that photography is not allowed inside, so take your pictures with the exterior of the Palace itself as a backdrop.

How to get to Buckingham Palace

• If you are coming from a central location such as Leicester Square, you can take the Piccadilly Line towards Heathrow Airport and disembark at Green Park. From there it’s a short walk.
• If you’re coming by taxi from somewhere central like Leicester Square, it should only take around 12 minutes, depending on traffic.
• If you want to walk there from Leicester Square, it will take around 22 minutes.

Is Buckingham Palace or certain parts of it suitable for people with mobility impairments, eg. climbing stairs to a dome?

The State Rooms tour is indoors, taking in several large rooms and halls over two floors, exiting via a long outdoor gravel path through the garden.

If you require step-free access, you must contact Buckingham Palace in advance on +44 (0) 303 123 7234 or specialistsales@rct.uk as the standard admission route is not step free. Accessible toilets and limited seating are available.

Buckingham Palace FAQs

Is there a dress code for Buckingham Palace?

There’s no official dress code, but smart casual attire is recommended. Comfort is key, especially when it comes to footwear, as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.

Are you allowed to eat or drink within the Palace?

No, with the exception of bottled water. The Garden Cafe on the West Terrace is open during the Palace’s Summer Opening, serving light bites, cakes, ice cream and hot and cold drinks, and there are a few ice cream stands located along the garden path towards the exit. You can only access these after you have been through the State Rooms.

Is there anything I should know about visiting with children?

Toilets and baby-care facilities are available at the start and end of guided tours. For safety reasons, pushchairs cannot be taken into the State Rooms; they must be checked in and collected at the exit. Baby carriers and hip seats can be borrowed free of charge, subject to availability.

Can you see the Changing of the Guard if you don’t have a ticket to the Palace?

Yes, this is absolutely free and takes place outside the Palace; the public can view it from surrounding areas such as The Mall or the edges of St James’s Park.

Is Buckingham Palace wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Buckingham Palace is wheelchair accessible. Visitors with disabilities are advised to contact the Visitor Services team ahead of their visit to ensure all accessibility needs are met. There is also a descriptive audio guide available for blind and partially-sighted visitors.