Buckingham Palace

Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the Royal Family and where Queen Elizabeth II currently resides.

History

Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, the building was acquired by King George III in 1762 as a private residence. Since the eighteenth century, the palace has been enlarged and remodeled on several occasions.

Extraordinarily, the palace survived the air attacks during the two World Wars. During World War I, the Palace remained unharmed. However, during World War II it was bombed on several occasions, destroying the palace chapel in 1940.

Visiting Buckingham Palace

Tourists can visit the Royal Palace, but it's only open to the public a couple of months a year: between July and October. If you're in London during these months, you can either buy the least expensive ticket which gives you access to the State Rooms and Buckingham Palace, or you can purchase slightly more expensive tickets which include a visit to the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery.

As well as visiting Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard takes place in the forecourt throughout the year, attracting thousands of travelers annually.

Buy tickets for Buckingham Palace

To avoid queues, the most convenient approach is to buy tickets online in advance. You can do so by clicking on this link.

Schedule

21 July – 31 August: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
1 September – 30 September: 9:15 am to 6:30 pm.

Price

The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace: 
Adults: £ 30 (US$ 38.20)
Young people between 18 and 24 years old: £ 19.50 (US$ 24.80)
Children between 5 and 17 years old: £ 16.50 (US$ 21)
Children under 5 years old: Free admission

Royal Day Out (The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Mews) 
Adults: £ 55 (US$ 70)
Young people between 18 and 24 years old: £ 36 (US$ 45.80)
Children between 5 and 17 years old: £ 30 (US$ 38.20)
Children under 5 years old: Free admission

Buckingham Palace Ticket £ 32 (US$ 40.70)

Transport

Tube: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines)
Buses: 11, 211, 239, C1, and C10.

Nearby places

Green Park (256 m) St James’s Park (613 m) Apsley House (739 m) Westminster Abbey (955 m) Piccadilly Circus (1.1 km)