Buckingham Palace travel guide

Buckingham Palace, situated in the heart of Westminster, is a symbol of royal status and architectural grandeur. The palace's story began in 1761 when King George III bought Buckingham House, which was later transformed into a palace by architects John Nash and Edward Blore.

Over the years, the palace has undergone numerous changes and expansions, including the addition of the famous balcony, where the royal family greets the public during significant events. The palace officially became the sovereign's London residence when Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837.

Today, Buckingham Palace serves as the Queen's administrative headquarters and is a venue for many royal ceremonies, state functions, and tours. It is indeed a must-visit for anyone interested in the grandeur of royal history and architecture.

Buckingham Palace is a remarkable embodiment of architectural grandeur, boasting 775 rooms including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. A key feature is the opulent State Rooms, furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto. The palace's grand façade, with the famous balcony where the royal family appears during events, is another distinctive aspect.

The palace is also home to the Queen's Gallery, featuring rotating exhibitions of items from the royal art collection. The gardens of Buckingham Palace are famously the largest private gardens in London, showcasing a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Changing of the Guard, a time-honored ceremony, is another unique spectacle that draws millions of tourists each year. Lastly, the Buckingham Palace Mews, home to the royal stables and the collection of historic coaches and carriages, is an exceptional feature of this royal residence.

Located in City of Westminster, the iconic Buckingham Palace is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Westminster or as a stop on your countrywide road trip in England.

Westminster is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Westminster offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit the iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Hyde Park, Green Park, Marble Arch, Westminster Cathedral, and The State Rooms.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Westminster has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Westminster - a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in England!

Buckingham Palace is located in Westminster, England, and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. If you are arriving by plane, Gatwick Airport is approximately 24.51 miles (39.43 km) away from Westminster. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to the city, where Buckingham Palace is located.

If you’re already in Westminster, you can take a bus, taxi or even walk to the royal palace. The exact address of the attraction is London SW1A 1AA, UK, England.

You can also rent a car and drive to Buckingham Palace. With a rental car you will enjoy freedom to explore Buckingham Palace and other top attractions in Westminster at your own pace.

Before you set off on your exciting adventure, keep in mind that following the royal palace's no photos policy makes for a more enjoyable visit to Buckingham Palace.

With your travel plans in place and these guidelines in mind, you're all set for an unforgettable experience at Buckingham Palace!

The best time to explore Buckingham Palace is during the summer, between July and September, when the State Rooms are open to the public. During this period, the weather in Westminster is typically sunny and mild, making it an ideal time for sightseeing. Although it's a popular season and crowds are expected, the experience is well worth it because visitors can enjoy a rare peek into the palace's lavish interiors. Adding charm to this season are the Changing of the Guard ceremonies that occur daily, providing a unique British spectacle for tourists. To avoid the highest crowd levels, consider visiting on a weekday and purchasing tickets in advance. For those seeking a quieter visit, spring and fall also offer moderate temperatures and typically fewer tourists. However, please note that full access to the palace is more limited outside the summer months. Regardless of the season, a visit to Buckingham Palace promises a memorable experience steeped in history and grandeur.

No visit to Westminster is complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace, one of the most iconic attractions in England drawing large crowds of visitors every year. To make the most out of your visit at this unique royal palace, consider booking a tour in advance to avoid the lines and guarantee a seamless experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Buckingham Palace starting from 11.86 EUR below.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Westminster and top attractions like Buckingham Palace with a perfectly planned holiday package. Our travel packages include everything you need to explore Buckingham Palace and beyond. Whether you're looking for an adventure-filled getaway or a relaxing retreat, our holiday packages to Westminster, England, offer a variety of activities and experiences to suit all types of travelers.

Continue reading to find the best travel plans and tips for discovering this one-of-a-kind royal palace in England.

Wake up well-rested to a new day of exploring in Westminster by staying at a top-rated hotel in the heart of the city. With the city's most famous attractions like the stunning Buckingham Palace just a stone's throw away, you'll be in the perfect location to effortlessly immerse yourself in Westminster.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Buckingham Palace below.

Westminster offers a diverse range of top attractions. From museums and architectural wonders to sculptures and natural wonders, the city has something for everyone. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Westminster, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Hyde Park, Green Park, and Marble Arch.

Hyde Park is a bucket-list park and top attraction in Westminster, attracting numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 5 out of 5 stars in 114,540 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Hyde Park is London, UK.

Another appreciated attraction in Westminster is Green Park. This is just like Hyde Park, one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars among 21,804 visitors, it’s also one of the highest rated. The exact address of this park is London SW1A 1BW, UK.

Marble Arch is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Westminster. This triumphal arch and top attraction in Westminster has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 16,966 visitors. Visitors usually spend a moment at Marble Arch creating core memories of the city. This attraction is located at the address of London W2 2UH, UK.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Westminster below.