Best for
Royal history fans, first-time visitors, ceremony and pageantry enthusiasts
Time needed
30–45 minutes for the ceremony; 2–2.5 hours for a State Rooms visit
Worth it?
Yes for the free ceremony and exterior year-round; the State Rooms are worth it if your visit lines up with the summer opening
Skip if
You're visiting outside 9 July–27 Sept and hoping for interior access
About Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace began life in 1703 as a private townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham before George III bought it in 1761, and it became the official royal residence only under Queen Victoria in 1837 — the first monarch to actually live there. The building has been expanded and refronted several times since, most recognisably with the iconic east-facing facade added in 1913, the backdrop for the balcony appearances seen at royal weddings, jubilees and state occasions.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony, held in the palace forecourt, is the free daily spectacle most visitors come for — currently scheduled on select days rather than strictly every day, so it's worth checking the schedule before planning around it. The ceremony sees the King's Guard formally handed over with a full military band, typically lasting 45 minutes.
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The State Rooms — 19 lavishly furnished rooms including the Throne Room, the Ballroom and the White Drawing Room, hung with treasures from the Royal Collection — open to paying visitors only during the King's summer absence, roughly nine to ten weeks each year. In 2026 this runs from 9 July to 27 September, making the interior one of London's genuinely rare, date-limited experiences rather than a year-round ticketed sight.
Outside that window, the palace is viewed from the forecourt, The Mall or St James's Park — all free — with the Royal Mews and The King's Gallery next door offering year-round paid alternatives to see royal treasures and state carriages.
What to See: Highlights
- 1The Changing of the Guard ceremony in the palace forecourt (check schedule)
- 2The State Rooms, open only during the summer opening window
- 3The Throne Room, Ballroom and White Drawing Room, hung with Royal Collection treasures
- 4The palace's 1913 east front, the backdrop for royal balcony appearances
- 5The neighbouring Royal Mews and The King's Gallery, open year-round
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Insider Tips
Check the Changing of the Guard schedule in advance — it doesn't run daily year-round
State Rooms tickets for the 2026 summer opening (9 July–27 Sept) should be booked well ahead
Arrive early for the Changing of the Guard to get a clear view along the railings
Outside the summer window, the Royal Mews and The King's Gallery are year-round paid alternatives
Combine with a walk through St James's Park for the classic view back toward the palace
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Getting There
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
Open in Google Maps →- 1St James's Park or Victoria (both Circle, District lines) — roughly a 10-minute walk. Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria) is also close.
Where to stay
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
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Should You Visit?
Visit if...
- You want to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony
- Your visit falls within the 2026 summer opening (9 July–27 September)
- You're interested in the Royal Collection's paintings, furniture and decorative arts
- You want the classic palace photo from the forecourt or Victoria Memorial
Skip if...
- You're visiting outside the summer opening window and specifically want the State Rooms
- Royal ceremony and pageantry don't particularly interest you
- You dislike crowds — the forecourt gets very busy during the Changing of the Guard
Ready to Book Your Visit?
More to See in London
Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
The Elizabeth Tower's Great Bell and the Gothic Revival Palace of Westminster — Britain's seat of government, viewable free from outside, or climbed on a rare, popular guided tour.
Trafalgar Square
London's grand ceremonial square, watched over by Nelson's Column and four bronze lions, fronted by the National Gallery — free, open 24/7, and the geographic heart of the city.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
London's largest and most central royal park, split into Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, with the Serpentine lake, Speakers' Corner, and the Diana Memorial Fountain and Playground.