Buckingham Palace Tours

Buckingham Palace featuring a castle, a city and heritage architecture
Buckingham Palace which includes a fountain, heritage architecture and a castle
Buckingham Palace showing a monument, a city and a castle
Buckingham Palace showing a city, a square or plaza and chateau or palace
Buckingham Palace featuring a fountain, heritage architecture and chateau or palace


Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.

First erected as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705, the palace has expanded through the centuries. Today, it’s one of the most visited sites in the world.

Cross the threshold of Buckingham Palace into the Grand Hall and admire the curving marble staircase decorated with portraits hung by Queen Victoria. Decorated with gold-accented candelabras and sovereign reds, the Throne Room is used for royal gatherings and receptions. This is the room that leads to the East Front Balcony, where Prince William and Catherine Middleton shared a kiss in front of the world following their wedding in April 2011. 

While neither an art gallery nor a museum, the palace’s private art collection rivals many national museums. Discover furniture crafted for kings and heirloom artwork from masters such as Rembrandt. 

The palace has more than 700 rooms. During August and September, when Queen Elizabeth II makes her annual visit to Scotland, 19 magnificent State Rooms are available for touring. These rooms showcase many pieces of art from the royal family’s private collection. There is an admission fee, which includes an audio tour, and pre-booking your visit at the Buckingham Palace web site is essential. As a guide, if the royal flag is flying atop the palace, the Queen is home.

Complete your London experience by catching the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony, which begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. on scheduled days. Most tourists have little luck in their efforts to distract the stoic soldiers. From the palace, take a leisurely stroll to Hyde Park, the affluent Kensington district and Green Park.

Alternatively, take the Underground train to the parks, all just a couple of stops away. 

The Buckingham Palace is located in the city of Westminster. You can catch a bus from London, and St. James’s Park is the nearest Underground station. Guided tours of the State Rooms are available daily in August and September.

Plan a trip to see Buckingham Palace

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Reviews of Buckingham Palace

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2543
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
1823
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
339
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
26
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
11
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Michelle

often crowded

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Check the weather it was raining hard for us so we saw it from far only

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Try to see the palace in Monday, Wednesday or Friday, so that you don't miss the changing of guards ceremony.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

If you aren't going inside, then don't bother. The outside is super boring. There are thousands of better looking buildings in this area.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Took a walking tour Did not purchase tickets.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Once you know your firm travel dates, begin checking the official palace web site for the "Private Tour." Although costly (about 75 GBP) you won't be packed in with the masses that tour the palace during the summer months. Instead, for over 2 hours you and only 14 other people are given an intimate tour by a palace warden that ends with a glass of champagne in the grand entrance.

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Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

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The Clermont London, Victoria

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Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

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citizenM London Victoria Station

citizenM London Victoria Station

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The Rubens at the Palace

The Rubens at the Palace

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The Grand at Trafalgar Square

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Buckingham Palace

During your visit to Buckingham Palace, you can explore nearby art galleries, enjoy a variety of shopping options, and indulge in the vibrant theater scene. Don't miss out on purchasing attraction tickets and activity packs for a more immersive experience. Consider taking an audio tour to learn more about the palace's rich history and significance. This combination of activities will make your trip memorable.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Buckingham Palace, visit Harrods, only 1.4km away, offering luxury goods. Borough Market, located 3.2km away, is perfect for gourmet food. Paddington Central, also 3.2km away, features family-friendly shops and dining options.

Recreation

At the O2 Arena, enjoy a vibrant sports atmosphere with various events and activities. Head to Hampstead Heath for serene walks and relaxation amidst nature. For a touch of luxury, visit Wimbledon Tennis Club, where you can indulge in upscale amenities and refined surroundings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 11.3km from Buckingham Palace, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, situated 1.6km away, provides an exciting indoor climbing experience. Don't miss the adrenaline rush at Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km away.

Nightlife

In Buckingham Palace, the London Eye offers thrilling views and adventure vibes just 1.6km away, while the London Dungeon combines culture and entertainment for a unique experience. Closer at 644m, Curzon Mayfair provides a romantic cinema atmosphere perfect for a cozy night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Buckingham Palace

When visiting Buckingham Palace, you'll find a variety of attractions, including lively streets, picturesque squares, and serene urban parks. These points of interest offer a mix of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, ensuring that every traveler can enjoy the rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere surrounding this iconic landmark. Whether you're exploring the local sights or simply soaking in the ambiance, there's something for everyone in this historic area.

  • Hyde Park: Experience the serenity of Hyde Park, an expansive urban park just 1.6km from Buckingham Palace. Enjoy family-friendly activities, outdoor picnics, and leisurely strolls among beautiful landscapes, making it a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus, located 1.1km away. This iconic street is known for its dazzling neon lights, bustling crowds, and lively street performers, offering an authentic taste of London’s dynamic city vibe.
  • Big Ben: Marvel at the grandeur of Big Ben, a historic clock tower situated 1.1km from Buckingham Palace. This cultural landmark represents British heritage and showcases stunning architecture, making it a must-see for any visitor.

Best time to go to Buckingham Palace

The best time to visit Buckingham Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Buckingham Palace falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Buckingham Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Buckingham Palace

To save money on your trip to Buckingham Palace, consider visiting between January and March, when hotel prices are lower. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Book your accommodations about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, marked by a green banner. Additionally, use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential package discounts. Don't forget to explore free activities around the palace to enhance your visit without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Buckingham Palace are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Buckingham Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Buckingham Palace is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Buckingham Palace is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Buckingham Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia