Buckingham Palace, London, England

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch and one of the most famous royal landmarks in the world. Located in the heart of the capital, the palace is closely associated with the British monarchy and state ceremonies. It has 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms that open to visitors in summer. For tourists, it offers a rare glimpse into royal life, ceremonial traditions, and historic interiors when open to the public.

How to Get There

Buckingham Palace is situated in central London, at the western end of The Mall, close to St James’s Park and Green Park. The palace faces the Victoria Memorial, a major landmark and popular meeting point. Buckingham Palace is easily accessible by public transport:

• Underground (Tube): Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines), St James’s Park (District and Circle lines), or Victoria station
• Train: London Victoria Station, followed by a short walk
• Bus: Several bus routes stop near Buckingham Palace Road and The Mall
• Walking: Easily reachable from Trafalgar Square and Westminster

What You Can See

Visitors to Buckingham Palace can enjoy both outdoor and indoor attractions:

• The Changing of the Guard – a world-famous ceremony, usually held at 11:00 on several mornings a week; check the schedule before you go
• The State Rooms – lavishly decorated rooms used for official events and receptions
• The Picture Gallery – featuring works by Old Masters such as Rembrandt and Canaletto
• The Palace Gardens – the largest private gardens in London
• The Grand Staircase and Ballroom – highlights of royal architecture and design

The State Rooms open only in summer: in 2026 from 9 July to 27 September. The next summer opening is expected in July 2027.

Ticket Prices

Prices for the 2026 summer opening, booked in advance (tickets bought on the day cost a few pounds more):

• State Rooms (adults 25+): £33
• Young adults (18–24): £21.50; children (5–17): £16.50; under 5 free
• Changing of the Guard: free to watch from outside the palace gates

Visitor Information

The palace is open to visitors on a seasonal basis, mainly when the monarch is not in residence. A typical visit to the State Rooms takes 1.5–2 hours. Security checks are in place, and photography inside the palace is restricted. A multimedia guide in several languages is included in the ticket.