Buckingham Palace

The standard admission ticket grants access to the 19 State Rooms, which are the heart of the working palace. This is the best choice for most visitors as it includes the Throne Room, the White Drawing Room, and the Picture Gallery.

If you have a full day, the 'Royal Day Out' ticket is the better value, adding the Royal Mews and The King's Gallery to your itinerary.

• State Rooms: The essential experience, focused on royal history and art.
• Royal Day Out: A comprehensive 4-5 hour package for enthusiasts.
• Exclusive Guided Tours: These are held during winter and spring when the palace is usually closed, offering a more intimate look at the rooms.

A common mistake is assuming the Changing of the Guard requires a ticket. The ceremony is free to watch from outside the gates, while the ticket is strictly for entering the palace interior during its limited opening season.

The most crowded slots are in the morning, as many visitors try to pair their entry with the Changing of the Guard at 11:00 AM. This results in heavy congestion at the security gates. For a more relaxed experience, book an afternoon slot after 3:00 PM.

The crowds thin out significantly, and the light in the Palace Gardens—which you walk through at the end of the tour—is ideal for photography.

Solo travelers and couples should aim for the final entry times of the day for the quietest atmosphere. Families are better off with mid-morning slots to ensure they have enough time to explore the Royal Mews before it closes.

While Buckingham Palace State Rooms are rarely included in standard city passes like the London Pass due to their seasonal nature, the Royal Mews and The King's Gallery are often covered. You can find combo deals that pair a State Room entry with a traditional Afternoon Tea at nearby Victoria hotels or a guided walking tour of St. James's Park.

Reduced pricing is available for young adults (ages 18-24) and children (ages 5-17), while those under five enter for free.

A significant benefit is the '1-Year Pass' scheme: if you purchase your ticket directly and ask a staff member to treat your purchase as a donation, they will stamp your ticket, allowing you to return for free for the next twelve months.

The standard entry includes a high-quality multimedia guide available in multiple languages, which provides a detailed narrative of the rooms and the Royal Collection. For the majority of visitors, this self-guided pace is perfect.

However, a guided tour is highly recommended during the winter and spring months. Since the palace is not open for general admission then, these exclusive guided tours are the only way to see the interior. They offer deeper historical context and access to anecdotes that aren't on the standard audio guide.

If you are visiting during the summer, the audio guide is sufficient unless you have a specific professional interest in royal art and architecture.

Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA

Green Park

Westminster

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the UK's sovereigns and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Monarch. Visitors can explore the grand State Rooms during the summer months and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony throughout the year.

The most common point of confusion is the location of the visitor entrance. While the famous main gates facing The Mall are the best spot to view the Changing of the Guard, they are not used for public entry.

If you are visiting the State Rooms, the entrance is located on Buckingham Palace Road, situated on the left side of the palace complex when facing the front gates.

From Green Park station, the walk takes approximately 10 minutes through the park. If you are arriving during the Changing of the Guard, the area around the Victoria Memorial becomes heavily congested with thousands of people, making it difficult to cross the road.

It is more efficient to approach from the Victoria station side to reach the Buckingham Palace Road entrance directly.

• Security screening is mandatory and follows airport-style procedures with metal detectors and bag scans.
• Large items, including suitcases and long umbrellas, must be deposited at the complimentary cloakroom before entering the State Rooms.
• Entry is based on strict timed slots; arriving early is recommended as the queue for security can take 20 to 30 minutes during peak hours.

What to consider before your visit

Access to the State Rooms involves a significant amount of walking through the palace and a half-mile walk through the garden to the exit. The garden paths are made of gravel, which can be tiring for those in thin-soled shoes.

Expect airport-style security checks at the entrance; these are mandatory for all visitors and can cause short delays even with a timed entry slot.

Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the State Rooms to protect the Royal Collection and maintain security. There is no formal dress code, but respectful attire is expected. Because the tour follows a one-way route, you cannot return to previous rooms once you have passed through them.

Prohibited and permitted items

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized backpacks (exceeding 45cm x 36cm x 20cm)
• Professional cameras, video recording equipment, tripods, and selfie sticks
• Food and alcoholic beverages
• Sharp objects, including pocket knives and multi-tools
• Drones and banners
• Small handbags and standard daypacks
• Bottled water in a transparent, sealable container

Cloakroom and luggage

There is a complimentary cloakroom located at the start of the tour for umbrellas and small items. However, this facility cannot accommodate large luggage or heavy travel bags. If you are traveling with suitcases, you must use commercial luggage storage services at nearby Victoria Station, as there is no storage for large items on-site.

Pushchairs and strollers are not permitted inside the State Rooms. They must be checked into the cloakroom at the entrance and collected at the end of the tour. The palace provides baby carriers free of charge for those visiting with infants.

What the neighborhood is like

• This is the ceremonial heart of London, defined by grand royal architecture and vast, manicured green spaces.
• The atmosphere is formal yet bustling with visitors, making it ideal for a classic sightseeing day and royal history immersion.
• It is a low-density area where quiet, exclusive residential streets meet major landmarks and government offices.
• The district provides a sense of historic permanence, with wide boulevards designed for royal processions and public celebrations.

Nearby on foot (up to 15 minutes)

• St. James's Park — Royal park with flower beds and a lake home to a famous pelican colony · 2 minutes
• Westminster Abbey — Historic site for royal weddings and coronations since 1066 · 14 minutes
• The Royal Mews — Working stables housing state vehicles and historic royal carriages · 5 minutes
• Churchill War Rooms — Underground bunker where the government directed the Second World War · 12 minutes
• Green Park — Peaceful wooded area perfect for a quiet royal stroll away from the crowds · 3 minutes
• Victoria Memorial — Large white marble monument located directly in front of the palace gates · 1 minute

15–30 minutes by transport

• South Bank — Riverside walk with the London Eye and vibrant street performers · 15 minutes by bus
• Harrods — Iconic luxury department store in the heart of Knightsbridge · 12 minutes by bus
• Covent Garden — Historic market square with street theatre and boutique shopping · 20 minutes by Tube
• British Museum — World-renowned collection of human history and culture in Bloomsbury · 25 minutes by Tube

Where to eat nearby

• The Goring Dining Room — Refined British classics in a luxury hotel setting near the palace · expensive · booking essential · 6 min walk
• Market Hall Victoria — Diverse food stalls with a rooftop terrace and high-quality casual options · mid-range · no booking needed · 10 min walk
• The Wolseley — Grand European cafe known for its breakfast and afternoon tea service · expensive · booking recommended · 12 min walk
• Bill's Victoria — Reliable contemporary British menu in a bright and energetic space · mid-range · can visit without booking · 11 min walk

Ready-made itinerary for the day

Start the morning with the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, then walk through the scenic St. James's Park toward Westminster Abbey. Stop for a diverse lunch at Market Hall Victoria before spending the afternoon exploring the Churchill War Rooms. End the day with a walk down The Mall toward the lights of Trafalgar Square.