Buckingham Palace
7.3Friend Score / 10Known forbuckingham palaceroyal residencestate roomschanging of the guard
The King's official London residence opens its State Rooms only in summer — 9 July to 27 September in 2026, £33 adult — and the interiors genuinely deliver. The rest of the year you're looking at a famous facade through railings. Changing the Guard is free but a serious crowd commitment; arrive very early or watch from the Mall.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Green Park, Victoria and St James's Park stations, all about a 10-minute walk |
| Time needed | 2-2.5 hours for the State Rooms; 45-90 minutes for Changing the Guard with a decent spot |
| Best time to go | First State Rooms slot of the morning; for the Guard, claim a spot by 10am for the 11am ceremony |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.3/10- Value6.5
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level3.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if the King is home?
- Check the flagpole: the Royal Standard flying means the monarch is in residence; the Union Flag means he's not. It's a nice detail to point out that most people beside you at the railings won't know.
- How long does the Buckingham Palace tour take?
- The self-guided State Rooms route with the included multimedia guide takes about two to two and a half hours, ending with a walk through the gardens. There's a garden cafe, and your ticket can usually be converted to a 1-year pass if you get it stamped on exit.
- What happens at Buckingham Palace outside summer?
- The State Rooms close, but the Royal Mews (carriages and the Gold State Coach) and the King's Gallery exhibitions run for much of the year with separate, cheaper tickets. The facade, the Victoria Memorial and guard changes carry on regardless.
- When is Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace?
- The ceremony starts at 11am and usually runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, weather permitting — but check the Household Division's schedule for your date because it changes. It's free; the catch is that front-railing spots go 60-90 minutes early in summer.
- What do you actually see inside Buckingham Palace?
- Nineteen State Rooms — the Throne Room, White Drawing Room, Ballroom and the Picture Gallery hung with Rembrandts and Van Dycks from the Royal Collection. You don't see private apartments; this is the ceremonial slice of the palace.
- Is Changing the Guard worth the wait?
- Once, yes — the bands and precision are great spectacle. But if you don't fancy standing in a crowd for over an hour, watch the marching detachments on the Mall or at Wellington Barracks around 10:45am instead and skip the palace scrum entirely.
- Can you go inside Buckingham Palace?
- Only in summer — in 2026 the State Rooms are open 9 July to 27 September, daily until 31 August and Thursday to Monday in September. Book ahead on rct.uk because popular dates sell out.
- How much are Buckingham Palace tickets?
- State Rooms tickets are £33 for adults 25+, £21.50 for 18-24s, £16.50 for children over five, under-5s free. Same-day tickets sometimes exist but cost a few pounds more and sell out fast.
Nearby in Ask London
- Buckingham PalaceAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
- St James's ParkPark0.58 km · 7 min walk
- St James's ParkAttraction0.58 km · 7 min walk
- The Wolseley PiccadillyRestaurant0.68 km · 8 min walk
- Wiltons RestaurantRestaurant0.72 km · 9 min walk
Where to stay near Buckingham Palace
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