Looking for the best Buckingham Palace tips? Here’s your ultimate visitor’s guide with everything you need to know — from a Londoner!
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Visiting Buckingham Palace is not about just showing up, snapping a royalty-worthy selfie, and scarpering off. Even if you manage to time it with the Changing of the Guard, there’s still so much more to see!
As your local guide, I’d like you to get a real feel of what courtly life looks like, the whispers of grand ballrooms, and the stateliness of royal garden teas. So allow me to pull back the royal curtain and guide you through a tour to the King’s abode.
This is your ultimate visitor’s guide to everything you need to know, plus the best Buckingham Palace tips for an an unforgettable slice of the London experience. (P.S. – You can thank me later on Instagram).
About the Author
Candace Salters is the founder behind Candace Abroad. She moved to London at 18 from the US (without ever having visited) and has built her life in the UK ever since.
On this blog, she shares the best London & travel itineraries and tips to help you experience your destination to the fullest.
P.S. – For more London & travel adventures be sure to follow along on Instagram or TikTok!
Buckingham Palace Tips: Your Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
Buckingham Palace in a Nutshell
🪷 Overview: Buckingham Palace is London’s royal rockstar. A mega-hit of grandeur housing 19 extravagant State Rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms; all singing the tunes of British monarchy.
📍 Location: Strutting its royal stuff right in the heart of London, the Palace is just a bag-swing away from St James’s Park and Green Park.
🕙 Opening Hours: While the palace is a year-round stunner, the State Rooms pull open their grand doors for public visits typically between July to October, 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (but check the website for changes, just in case the King decides to throw a party).
🎫 Tickets: Booking ahead is your golden ticket into the Royals’ humble abode. You can nab these online — the sooner the better! Adult tickets typically go for around £32, while children pay around £16 (well, you pay).
⏳ Suggested Duration: Block off about 2 – 2.5 hours to really soak in those royal vibes and experience the State Rooms in all their glittering glory. Besides, it’s a unique opportunity anyway, so why the rush?
Is it Worth Visiting Buckingham Palace?
Asking if it’s worth visiting Buckingham Palace and its State Rooms is like asking if it’s worth having a cuppa with your bestie – absolutely, positively, a thousand times yes!
Picture this: strolling through rooms dripping in gilded elegance, where the air hums with centuries of whispering courtiers and clinking tea cups. It’s not just a visit; it’s a sneak peek into the real-life, behind-the-scenes of a living, breathing royal soap opera!
Trust me, each room is like flipping through a glossy magazine of history and luxury — only better, because you’re actually there.
How to Get to Buckingham Palace
No matter your route, it’s super easy to get to Buckingham Palace.
From the heart of the city, like Trafalgar Square, it’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk. Just amble down The Mall, with the Union Jacks fluttering above you. It’s a straight shot to royalty, and honestly, the views are fit for, well, a queen.
But if you happen to be a bit further away, here’s the best (and quickest) way to get there!
By Tube: The closest Tube stations are St. James’s Park, Victoria, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner. Honestly, it’s like the Tube’s got a thing for the Royals with all these options.
By Train: Your golden ticket to Buckingham Palace is Victoria Station. Just follow the signs (or the selfie sticks), and you’ll be there in a jiffy. Plus, the walk from the station is filled with cute spots to grab a cheeky coffee or a snack.
By Bus: Feeling like a local yet? Jump on a bus! The numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 drop you super close. Plus, it’s a great way to see the city from above ground.
Best Time to Visit Buckingham Palace
Well, firstly, you ought to know that the State Rooms open their doors to the world from July to October. So if you definitely want to step inside the royal world of Buckingham Palace, there’s no other option but during those (usually) busy months.
Now, when it comes to avoiding the crowds, the trick lies in planning. The best way to achieve it is by visiting on a weekday and picking the earliest time slot possible for your tour. This means shortly after opening time – typically around 9:30 am.
This plan should give you a relatively calm visit before the afternoon crowds start to well up. Plus, you’ll have plenty of room to explore properly!
Is There a Dress Code for Buckingham Palace?
Surprise, surprise! There’s no official dress code for visiting the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace. But before you whip out your leopard sequins and platform glitter boots, hold up.
While there’s no hard and fast rule, let’s keep it on the smart side of casual. After all, you’ll want your Instagram snaps to ooze a little bit of that royalty vibe (and you’re stepping into the world of real life royalty, after all).
So, think comfortable but classy – like if Kate Middleton was going sightseeing.
Read More: What to Wear for High Tea in London
Other Important Tips for Buckingham Palace
Before you scoot off to Buckingham’s backyard, let’s go over some tips to keep you in the King’s good books.
Rule of thumb: beat the clock. Strut up 30 minutes prior to your scheduled entry time, which will allow you to queue. You may even enjoy a round of ‘spot the Beefeater’ while you wait.
Now, you might be tempted to go full paparazzi inside the palace (you know, for the gram). But keep an eye on the photo restrictions. Some spots are more camera-shy than others. Don’t worry, the staff won’t leave you guessing; they’ll point out no-photo zones.
You should also prepare for security check — we’re talking airport level.
The palace is no place for picnics, so no food or drinks. And sorry, but prams are also a no-no. Oh, and if you had plans to lug around your suitcase bursting with today’s shopping haul, think again!
Last on the list, make sure you ditch any prohibited items before you show up (camping knives, your limited edition London Big Ben lighter…you get the picture).
What You Can’t Miss in Buckingham Palace
Alright, you made it in! Well, Buckingham Palace is quite huge. So here’s a list of the top things to see and do while visiting the State Rooms.
The Throne Room
Imagine going from Netflix surfing to walking amidst the spot where Wills and Kate had their famous wedding pics taken! Undeniably breathtaking, this place has this magic that gives you the giggly butterflies while leaving you awe-struck by the grandeur.
The Queen’s Gallery
Put on your most reflective glasses because this place is nothing but bling. From majestic paintings to priceless artefacts, the Queen’s Gallery boasts a buffet of royal art and history that would make any culture vulture’s heart flutter.
The White Drawing Room
Sweet cream served with dollops of dazzling gold… It’s the twinkling jewel of the palace where walk-in closets hide secret doors and sofas are used as royal barricades. One of the more intimate State Rooms, usually used for small gatherings — if these regal walls could talk!
The Royal Mews
Who needs MTV Cribs when you have the Royal Mews lined with all the King’s horsies and carriages? Here, you can behold the carriages and liveries so dazzlingly intricate, you’ll probably leave humming ‘Pimp My Ride.’
The Palace Garden
Imagine a green oasis evoking English countryside charm in the heart of London. The garden is 39 acres of leafy bliss, where posh picnics meet summer garden parties. It’s a fab spot to contemplate your royal ambitions!
Treasures of the Palace
Buckle your seatbelts as the palace’s treasures take you on a journey of opulence! From Rembrandt’s masterpieces to a bonsai-size suit of armour gifted to Edward VI, every treasure is a bread crumb trail leading through centuries of rich history.
The Ballroom
Picture this – a massive, opulent room where state banquets happen and knighthoods are dished out. The palace’s ballroom is where chandeliers whisper stories of diplomatic dinners and royal waltzes, making you feel like you’re twirling right beside them!
The Grand Staircase
Sorry, golden carriage, but the first showstopper you’ll meet is the Grand Staircase. Coated in lustrous bronze and lit by an enormous skylight, this staircase is more breathtaking than Prince Charming’s grand entrance in any fairy-tale.
The State Banqueting Room
This is no ordinary dining hall, it’s a culinary theatre where diplomacy is served on a silver platter! Majestic portraits overlook the room, which has hosted everyone from Einstein to Obama, giving you a delicious meltdown of history and high society.
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach
This baby is the epitome of royal transport. Adorned with 24 gold-plated lamps, display panels of pure gold alloy and a crown acting as a time capsule, catching a ride in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach is what Cinderella’s dreams are made of!
Changing of the Guard in Buckingham Palace
You might’ve heard about this vibrant spectacle that combines the flair of military precision with the allure of Royal insignia. So I’m not surprised if you’re planning your Buckingham Palace visit to see the Changing of the Guard.
Known officially as the ‘Guard Mounting’, it involves the current King’s Guard handing over the responsibility of protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to the incoming New Guard.
It typically takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (and every day in summer) from 10:45am, and it last around 45 minutes. However, the schedules are not set in stone and can sometimes change at short notice; so it’s always good to confirm beforehand.
And please arrive with plenty of time to catch a good spot! This is a very popular activity in London, so it gets busy, busy.
Don’t miss Changing of the Guards, London Guide: 10 Top Tips for the ultimate guide regarding when to arrive, where to see it, and so much more!
What to Do Near Buckingham Palace
Satisfied with your royal excursion? Don’t leave the area yet! You can complement your amazing day with one or two of these amazing activities near Buckingham Palace.
St. James’s Park
Come on! You can’t leave Buckingham Palace without strolling one of the most famous parks in London. And once you’re there, you’ll see why it stands (and even exceeds) its reputation. Gorgeous gardens and elegant swans make the perfect setting for a royal afternoon.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
Now, if you’re up for enjoying a British tradition in the most sophisticated way, there’s nowhere like The Ritz to feel like a queen. This place is best known for its afternoon tea, and it’s just a few minutes away from Buckingham Palace.
West End
London is almost a synonym to arts and theatre, and almost next to Buckingham Palace you have some of the best shows in town — like Hamilton and Wicked!
Buckingham Palace Tips FAQs
Q: What is the best time of day to visit Buckingham Palace?
A: Early bird gets the worm, so hit up Buckingham Palace right after it opens at 9:30 am for a crowd-free adventure.
Q: How much time do you need in Buckingham Palace?
A: Buckingham Palace isn’t a “alright, that’s all” kind of place, so set aside about 2-2.5 hours to drink it all in.
Q: Can you wear jeans to Buckingham Palace?
A: You can rock a pair of jeans at Buckingham Palace, just make sure you look smarter than your just-rolled-out-of-bed look.
Q: Is it worth going inside Buckingham Palace?
A: Absolutely! Stepping inside Buckingham Palace is like diving into a decadent cream cake of British history, art, and culture.
Q: Can you visit Buckingham Palace for free?
A: Well, fresh air and eye-feasting on the façade is free, but for a peek behind those golden gates, you’ll have to shell out a few quid. Get your tickets beforehand to avoid disappointments, though.
Thanks for reading my Buckingham Palace Tips Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:
- Changing of the Guards, London Guide: 10 Top Tips
- Tower of London Tips for Your Visit
- Visiting St Paul’s Cathedral
- Your Guide to Westminster Abbey
- The Best Guided Tours of London
- Best Tips for Visiting Edinburgh Castle — from a Travel Blogger!
Happy Londoning,
