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Historic piece of royalty and an absolute must see when in London. If you time it right you can view the changing of the guard which is always fun. If you have time when being a tourist and out sightseeing do a tour here if one is available. Always a good spot for pictures but be prepared for many others also doing the same. Both times I have been in London we made sure to visit the Palace.
While visiting London, I had to see Buckingham Palace! My friends and I were walking the city and the Palace was about a 25 minute walk from the tube station. Well worth it! I was told when the national flag was full staff that meant King Charles was present. That was pretty cool as it was full staff;))) The gardens leading up to and in front of Buckingham were gorgeous! The gates, trimmed in gold, were spectacular! I was able to see a few guards in front marching back and forth. No guards were outside the gate. I watched a gate open and saw someone important, I can only assume, drive inside. I watched The Crown on Netflix several years back and wished I could have toured the inside. But it was still great to see in person! If you get the chance take it!
The Buckingham Palace is official living quarters of the monarchs of the UK, so this is where King Charles is living. If you visit London during the summer months, you can actually get tickets to visit the inside of the Buckingham Palace. Most people like to come by the Buckingham Palace to see the formal changing of the guards. You can observe the full ceremony on Mon, Wed, Fri at 11am or a less formal version on Tues, Thurs, and Sat at 3pm. I hear it gets packed so you need to arrive an hour early to get a good spot. I personally didn't care to see all of that so I just swung by when it was convenient for my schedule. It's a palace. It's grand and pretty. I saw it, I took some photos, I left. No need to stay for hours and hours to burn vacation time. Even avoiding those prime times, I still found this landmark to be overly crowded and stressful. I think you should at least do a quick walk by, if not the whole experience, but manage expectations.
This was a must see for me when we visited London, so I was looking to reserve tickets for the tour inside back in January when our trip wasn't until August. I'm glad I did because even that far ahead I saw time slots already selling out. And since I did plan so far in advance, I was also able to get us tickets for the special East Wing tour that included the room behind the big balcony the royal family steps out onto to wave to the crowds. However, there was some confusion as to where to line up. There's a line for the regular tour that's on the left side of the palace if you're facing it. There's another lesser known line on the right side of the palace if you also bought tickets for the special tour. There were 2 women ahead of me who were as confused as I was so we wandered around together. Someone told them to go to the general line, but that didn't sound right to me, so I kept asking and was told by an actual docent, not a security guard, to go to the special line, but at that point I noticed that the 2 women had taken off and abandoned me, which I'm sure they regret now. While standing in the correct line, they did a head count and those 2 women were missing, so the tour went on without them. They did the special East Wing tour first and we got to see the ornate Oriental rooms behind the famous balcony and the mirrored and gold laden hallways along the way. Afterwards, we were allowed to join the rest of the crowds doing a self guided tour through the rest of the palace. On that first floor there's public restrooms and I highly suggest going there first because if you're on the upper floors, it's going to be more work for you and the docents since the self guided tour is roped off and one way only. Plus, how often do you get to say you went to the bathroom, or used the loo, in Buckingham Palace? It's unfortunate that photos aren't allowed inside because everything truly is gorgeous, but I could see how it would cause a traffic jam because everyone would be stopping to take hundreds of photos. Once you're outside, you're free to take all the photos you want and they also did a photo op where you can take your picture in front of a poster that makes it looks like you're on the balcony with the royal family. There's also a cafe, a souvenir store, and gardens in the backyard that you can enjoy. On a separate day we came to watch the captain's inspection which is like the changing of the guards, but without the parade and the guards stayed behind the gates. What you get really depends on the day's schedule, so I highly recommend checking it out online ahead of time. That way you know if it's even happening based on the weather and if so, what days and times. If you don't mind being far away, I recommend finding a spot on the stairs of the marble statue in front of the palace. That way you get a view above the gates and you're not squished between the crowds of other spectators. The closest public restrooms, though, were at the nearby park, but even then that was troublesome because the closest one was for children only and the adults one required payment. Plus, the janitors there were extremely ill tempered and rude, like they just had had it with tourists. This is such a quintessential London tourist spot unless you could care less about such things or the royal family. However, if this is what you're into like I am, do your homework online and make sure to reserve tickets as far in advance as you can. You can't avoid the crowds unless I suppose you come in the dead of winter, but once you're back home it'll be all worth it in the end.
Not sure what I should say here. If you want to see a building that other people have been to, that you've seen on TV, that you want to go take a picture of just like the thousands of other people there that day then boy is this the right place for you. If you are looking for somewhere to visit for more than ten minutes because it's so fascinating, this isn't the place for you. Maybe I'm missing something but it's a building with not much going on as you peer through the fence at a few guards standing there, walking a path back and forth once in a while. Maybe I wasn't there at the right time? Maybe I was looking at the wrong side? That's pretty much it. I felt like Clark Griswold looking at the Grand Canyon after "cashing" his check at the unattended register. Maybe hiring a Buckingham Palace tour would be the way to go?
We were here in September 2024 to watch The changing of the guard . Now this doesn't occur everyday but only on certain select days in September each week. Crowds line up behind barriers hours ahead of time to get the best spots for watching the parade . the parade starts close to Wellington barracks and winds up a broad avenue going up to and around Buckingham Palace . There are not only troops dressed in red uniforms and black fur hats but also in black uniforms. If you are fortunate they will be playing music also while marching. Nearby are St. James Park and Victoria memorial. Huge crowds make it impossible to move once the parade starts . got to watch your pockets for pickpockets in close quarters . Also remember to bring 50 pence pieces for paying for the toilet at James Park next door, the only public place for restrooms. Worth watching at least once during your visits to London. But those fortunate enough to come in the summer when they have tours of Buckingham Palace, can use the public restrooms before and after the tour.
Dream It. Plan It. Do it! I always try to live by these rules. When our flight was canceled and we had a few extra days in London, I decided to check an item off my bucket list. Luckily, there was space on the Buckingham Palace State Rooms Tour. This tour includes the 19 state rooms, as well as the throne room and the grand staircase. Great tour! There were alot of people but it was not over the top. There is a souvenir shop at the end of the tour with alot of great items. After our shopping excursion, we took a walk through the garden and stopped for ice cream at the ice cream parlor.
Buckingham Palace appears to be beautiful but it was either closed or we were not allowed in while we were there so it was hard to make any type of judgment. It appeared it could've been more well kept but again we were not allowed in and the gates were so far away we could not even see the fuzzyheaded guards that you have seen in the past. I'm not sure if they've moved the gates or if they've just closed the atrium in front but it's still a beautiful site and someplace to see.
4 months ago
Visiting the iconic Buckingham Palace was a must do on my trip to London. We planned our visit as part of a walking tour through St. James Park. We weren't alone. Hundreds of visitors were taking selfies in front of the massive gold and black gates. Everyone was hoping to get a glimpse of royalty that might pass through the massive black and gold gates. The palace from the Mall vantage point is a neoclassical addition that was completed in 1913. The famous balcony where I watched the Queen appear for decades is the central focal point. There is no charge for a walk by visit, but for a fee, you can tour parts of the inside. read more
We were exited about visiting the palace. The checkpoint and entrance is rather quick when you have the ticket online. The security is tight. The visit includes 14 rooms in the palace. We like the audio guide is included. We also like the opportunity to take the picture with the royal preset picture. What we don't like which the Royal collection and trust can improve are below. 1. No picture allow in the palace is kind of step back to ruin the interest of the visitors. Second the exit is a ten minute walks to the entrance if you decide to go back to front. Third the garden on the general admission is kind of let down. There are no flowers at all. Even the king bees hive cannot be seen because is block from view. Fourth the ice cream parlor blocks the possibility view to the palace from a distance view. I think the visit compare to many attractions in the London is not the best. Not sure to recommend this visit. read more
Historic piece of royalty and an absolute must see when in London. If you time it right you can view the changing of the guard which is always fun. If you have time when being a tourist and out sightseeing do a tour here if one is available. Always a good spot for pictures but be prepared for many others also doing the same. Both times I have been in London we made sure to visit the Palace. read more
An iconic moment if visiting London. Lots of tourists though, so either get there early for the changing of guards ceremony or go any other time to observe. This was my first time here and won't be my last (if I'm ever in the area again). read more
This was definitely a must see for us on our trip. It was cool to see where the royal family lives, but it's almost like going to the White House - nothing too special but some great architecture. We enjoyed walking in the park to get there and grabbed some ice cream as well. read more
7 months ago
While visiting London, I had to see Buckingham Palace! My friends and I were walking the city and the Palace was about a 25 minute walk from the tube station. Well worth it! I was told when the national flag was full staff that meant King Charles was present. That was pretty cool as it was full staff;))) The gardens leading up to and in front of Buckingham were gorgeous! The gates, trimmed in gold, were spectacular! I was able to see a few guards in front marching back and forth. No guards were outside the gate. I watched a gate open and saw someone important, I can only assume, drive inside. I watched The Crown on Netflix several years back and wished I could have toured the inside. But it was still great to see in person! If you get the chance take it! read more
18 days ago
Great artifacts and a lot of things to see. Highly recommended. They have all kinds of things to see. read more
The Buckingham Palace is official living quarters of the monarchs of the UK, so this is where King Charles is living. If you visit London during the summer months, you can actually get tickets to visit the inside of the Buckingham Palace. Most people like to come by the Buckingham Palace to see the formal changing of the guards. You can observe the full ceremony on Mon, Wed, Fri at 11am or a less formal version on Tues, Thurs, and Sat at 3pm. I hear it gets packed so you need to arrive an hour early to get a good spot. I personally didn't care to see all of that so I just swung by when it was convenient for my schedule. It's a palace. It's grand and pretty. I saw it, I took some photos, I left. No need to stay for hours and hours to burn vacation time. Even avoiding those prime times, I still found this landmark to be overly crowded and stressful. I think you should at least do a quick walk by, if not the whole experience, but manage expectations. read more
This was a must see for me when we visited London, so I was looking to reserve tickets for the tour inside back in January when our trip wasn't until August. I'm glad I did because even that far ahead I saw time slots already selling out. And since I did plan so far in advance, I was also able to get us tickets for the special East Wing tour that included the room behind the big balcony the royal family steps out onto to wave to the crowds. However, there was some confusion as to where to line up. There's a line for the regular tour that's on the left side of the palace if you're facing it. There's another lesser known line on the right side of the palace if you also bought tickets for the special tour. There were 2 women ahead of me who were as confused as I was so we wandered around together. Someone told them to go to the general line, but that didn't sound right to me, so I kept asking and was told by an actual docent, not a security guard, to go to the special line, but at that point I noticed that the 2 women had taken off and abandoned me, which I'm sure they regret now. While standing in the correct line, they did a head count and those 2 women were missing, so the tour went on without them. They did the special East Wing tour first and we got to see the ornate Oriental rooms behind the famous balcony and the mirrored and gold laden hallways along the way. Afterwards, we were allowed to join the rest of the crowds doing a self guided tour through the rest of the palace. On that first floor there's public restrooms and I highly suggest going there first because if you're on the upper floors, it's going to be more work for you and the docents since the self guided tour is roped off and one way only. Plus, how often do you get to say you went to the bathroom, or used the loo, in Buckingham Palace? It's unfortunate that photos aren't allowed inside because everything truly is gorgeous, but I could see how it would cause a traffic jam because everyone would be stopping to take hundreds of photos. Once you're outside, you're free to take all the photos you want and they also did a photo op where you can take your picture in front of a poster that makes it looks like you're on the balcony with the royal family. There's also a cafe, a souvenir store, and gardens in the backyard that you can enjoy. On a separate day we came to watch the captain's inspection which is like the changing of the guards, but without the parade and the guards stayed behind the gates. What you get really depends on the day's schedule, so I highly recommend checking it out online ahead of time. That way you know if it's even happening based on the weather and if so, what days and times. If you don't mind being far away, I recommend finding a spot on the stairs of the marble statue in front of the palace. That way you get a view above the gates and you're not squished between the crowds of other spectators. The closest public restrooms, though, were at the nearby park, but even then that was troublesome because the closest one was for children only and the adults one required payment. Plus, the janitors there were extremely ill tempered and rude, like they just had had it with tourists. This is such a quintessential London tourist spot unless you could care less about such things or the royal family. However, if this is what you're into like I am, do your homework online and make sure to reserve tickets as far in advance as you can. You can't avoid the crowds unless I suppose you come in the dead of winter, but once you're back home it'll be all worth it in the end. read more
4 months ago
Classic spot while in London but I wasn't as impressed as other buildings. The details weren't as interesting. Worth a stop to see the guards and the other touristy spots. read more
Not sure what I should say here. If you want to see a building that other people have been to, that you've seen on TV, that you want to go take a picture of just like the thousands of other people there that day then boy is this the right place for you. If you are looking for somewhere to visit for more than ten minutes because it's so fascinating, this isn't the place for you. Maybe I'm missing something but it's a building with not much going on as you peer through the fence at a few guards standing there, walking a path back and forth once in a while. Maybe I wasn't there at the right time? Maybe I was looking at the wrong side? That's pretty much it. I felt like Clark Griswold looking at the Grand Canyon after "cashing" his check at the unattended register. Maybe hiring a Buckingham Palace tour would be the way to go? read more
We were here in September 2024 to watch The changing of the guard . Now this doesn't occur everyday but only on certain select days in September each week. Crowds line up behind barriers hours ahead of time to get the best spots for watching the parade . the parade starts close to Wellington barracks and winds up a broad avenue going up to and around Buckingham Palace . There are not only troops dressed in red uniforms and black fur hats but also in black uniforms. If you are fortunate they will be playing music also while marching. Nearby are St. James Park and Victoria memorial. Huge crowds make it impossible to move once the parade starts . got to watch your pockets for pickpockets in close quarters . Also remember to bring 50 pence pieces for paying for the toilet at James Park next door, the only public place for restrooms. Worth watching at least once during your visits to London. But those fortunate enough to come in the summer when they have tours of Buckingham Palace, can use the public restrooms before and after the tour. read more
Dream It. Plan It. Do it! I always try to live by these rules. When our flight was canceled and we had a few extra days in London, I decided to check an item off my bucket list. Luckily, there was space on the Buckingham Palace State Rooms Tour. This tour includes the 19 state rooms, as well as the throne room and the grand staircase. Great tour! There were alot of people but it was not over the top. There is a souvenir shop at the end of the tour with alot of great items. After our shopping excursion, we took a walk through the garden and stopped for ice cream at the ice cream parlor. read more
5 months ago
Buckingham Palace appears to be beautiful but it was either closed or we were not allowed in while we were there so it was hard to make any type of judgment. It appeared it could've been more well kept but again we were not allowed in and the gates were so far away we could not even see the fuzzyheaded guards that you have seen in the past. I'm not sure if they've moved the gates or if they've just closed the atrium in front but it's still a beautiful site and someplace to see. read more
I arrived to the Buckingham Palace around 10:29am to view the changing of the guards. There was an abundance of people waiting outside but I managed to get a good spot on the side up against the railings. The changing of the guard ceremony was very intricate and quite a show. read more
11 months ago
Bucket List wish :) Finally seeing Buckingham Palace was a big moment for me! The building is stunning and the grounds are very beautiful. It was very crowded with tourists, and not much was happening besides guards at the gates -- but still, it felt special to be there. We snapped plenty of photos and soaked in the atmosphere. read more
1 year ago
This was a really cool site to see! The grounds are massive and beautiful! The fountain in the center of the courtyard was massive and ornate, much like the palace gates and the perimeter of the palace. We visit the Palace only about a week after the Queens passing. The palace was closed to visitors since the royal family was all there. It was still a very cool site to behold! Maybe some day we'll visit again read more
As I'm walking up to this incredible institution, I can't believe I actually in front of this institution. It's an aww moment, thinking of all of those pictures of the royal family standing on the balcony. Unfortunately, I did not see the changing of the guard, so I'll need to return to London someday. read more
Visited Buckingham Palace while in London. The palace is stunning, blending elegance and grandeur with incredible royal detail. We spent about 30 minutes exploring and taking in the atmosphere from out front -- I could definitely feel what all the pomp and circumstance is about, haha. Overall, an absolute must-see and one of the most visited landmarks in London. Saluti read more
6 months ago
We didn't go inside but, just looking at it from the outside was pretty extravagant. I'm sure experience would've been better if we got to visit inside. You could see the guards from the outside which was pretty cool. Till then, let's explore! read more
Were on the Palaces & Parliaments Tour in London and the main attraction is Buckingham Palace. The sheer size and architecture of the cement structure is mind-blowing. The Changing of the Guard ceremony was only on certain days and not today, although we were able to view the guard walking dressed in full uniform in front of the palace which is an historic visual to remember. Interior tours of the palace grounds beyond the gates are available. The Victoria Monument was directly across from the Buckingham Palace gates, including the Henry VIII hunting grounds, which is now a peaceful sanctuary as is the Royal Green Park nearby which is fully open to the public. FYI: The bathrooms are open to the public for a price of about .50 cents and the garbage cans are scarce but can be found near the two small cafes that serve coffee and sandwiches. read more
10 months ago
When it's your birthday trip and you're the birthday Queen, of course you visit the royal Buckingham Palace. Where else would I be? Buckingham Palace is home of the monarch, national and royal celebrations and Changing of the Guard. The grounds are massive and is a site to see. Changing of the Guard is on certain days and times of the week and we were actually there 4 hours too early for the next rotation. But we did see a fully dressed soldier in uniform which reminded me of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. That will always forever be engraved in my mind and hold a special place in my heart. You can book a tour here in certain rooms at the palace but during certain times through the summer months. They are closed most of the year. Just something to know ahead of time if you're planning a trip here. Other than that, I think you will enjoy just how gorgeous the grounds are and everything that surrounds it. read more
One of Britain's most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace, is also the scene of London's most popular display of pomp and ceremony: the Changing of the Guard. Unfortunately, our itinerary had no window for waiting for a guard change, and we missed it by choice. We reached here at 8 AM, and what a serene scene it was.. hardly 3-4 people. It was built in 1837 and has been the London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's accession. If you're wondering whether the King is in, look at the flagpole atop the building: if the royal standard is flying day and night, he's at home. On special state occasions, he and members of the Royal Family may even emerge on the central balcony. Note: i wanted to visit the palace, but King Charles III's London home is open for touring (except for the king's private quarters, of course) from July to October only. read more
Aside from seeing a world class, national monument, and the history surrounding it I was completely delighted to have the special pass to go on inside of the gates and visit the museum with us. Special permission to enter certain rooms to view artwork. No I didn't see Charles.This is the way to be a VIP for the day. read more
The Palace was pretty but the traffic around it was horrible. People were swarmed around the front gate blocking the view for photos. If you plan to see the changing of guards be prepared to be aggressive otherwise you won't see anything. Adjacent to the palace was a nice garden with amazing flowers. read more
We had heard there was special band so we waited at front of the gate for 45 minutes but when it started people thought pushing and shoving would get them through. London in general was crowded and my least fav place in our 3 weeks in UK. Hope to never return to London. read more
Severe tourist location in London. Came here today to watch the changing of the guards but that did not occur. The guards were saturated around the front of the palace in full uniform and seemed extremely well secured. There were hundreds of tourists near the front gates of the palace trying to vying for the best picture. Free to wander the outer grounds but a fee if you want a tour of the interior. read more
1 year ago
The Buckingham palace was really grand. The architecture, golden gate , the sculpture were great. No problem. Worse no police or security around the area to check locals who were criminals such as thieves, pick pocketers and scammers victimizing tourists. Our first time to be in London and had terrible experience in this place. I hope the government will increase their security measures since this place is one of country's treasured possession. Be careful when you are in London . read more
2 years ago
What an amazing palace! I've heard of Buckingham Palace, but this was so much more than I expected. It's so much bigger than I envisioned. I knew it was big; but this was massive! And the grounds surrounding it are awesome too. It's worth taking some time to visit. Make sure you give yourself enough time to deal with the crowds. This area gets super busy. read more
Visiting here is a must. They're open for tours to the public for a short time during the year starting in July. Be QUICK to purchase tickets on the Palace website for $35 otherwise they get bought up by 3rd party companies who sell them for a marked up price. I paid $90 for one ticket through Viator/City Wonders. My tickets included a guided tour along the side street leading to Buckingham Palace. We had to meet down the street from the Palace and check in with the tour leaders. Be sure to capture pictures on this street with all of the flags. If you're running late, catch your group before they reach the Palace entry. They take about 1 hour before they get there so catch up to them, because once they check in with the Palace staff and enter the Palace, you're out of luck. Luckily, I was able to rebook my tour for another date. This pertains to people who purchase a ticket through the Viator site. All others can just head to the Palace entry,scan your ticket, then go in. They don't have tickets at the door. No pictures are allowed inside so respect this. The Palace is immaculately decorated from the floor to the ceilings. The rooms you see are still in use today and you may even recognize them from tv. The guest restrooms are even nice and clean. You end the tour in what they call the garden which is really just the backyard, no gorgeous display of flowers which is what Americans consider a garden. On the massively huge "back porch" they have a cafe set up where you can grab something to eat with a sweet treat from the bakery with a coffee, tea or cold beverage. Down the path there are bathrooms and a souvenir shop. To exit you make your way down the path just beyond the gift shop. Take your time in here. It's a really wonderful Palace (place) to be lol. read more
1 year ago
I loved this place! This was well worth my experience. The palace was absolutely beautiful. I loved this palace more than the castles that I visited and other palaces. read more
The Royal residence, home of the Monarch where so many royal celebrations have taken place. This place is spectacular. You just feel it in the air. Looking through the gates you can see the guards. I first came on a Sunday, no changing of the guards. A lot less people around. Great views, loved walking around the fountain. Came back on a Monday witnessing the changing of the guards, they wore a completely different outfit. So many people watching, it was a mad house. Still amazing but just way too many people. read more
The palace grounds, as expected, were absolutely beautiful! It was an incredible experience to see the palace up close. they have a beautiful park in the area as well. I came on the day they were practicing for a parade so unfortunately I did not get to see the guards on the horses but on my next trip to London I will be sure to return to tour the inside & hopefully see some guards :) lovely experience and a must read more
Everything went great especially when you see the changing of the guard with thousands of people makes for a very fun but congested time LOL!! We got lucky King Charles' was in route. Military choppers all over the place guarding his arrival. I must say that the location of buckingham palace Is way better than the location of the White House in the US. The fact that everything was clean streets were free of hobo's and pan handlers made for a very fun and a scenic walk too and from the hotel. I would recommend getting there early, so you too could see the changing of the guard which occurs roughly around 10:00 AM. The police are deep and control the crowds with the upmost coolness!! So when in London and definite must see and!! read more
12 days ago
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Buckingham Palace - landmarks - Updated July 2026
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