Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s official London residence and administrative headquarters, at the end of The Mall near Green Park. You can admire its broad façade, famous balcony and gates from outside, or book a visit to see the State Rooms and royal art collection when tours are available. The rooms display historic furnishings and artworks, and special exhibitions add another reason to go inside. The Changing of the Guard brings music and marching to the forecourt, but crowds can make the palace harder to see clearly.
A royal residence since 1837
Buckingham Palace began as a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. George III later acquired the property, and George IV commissioned architect John Nash to transform it into a palace. It became the monarch’s official London residence in 1837, when Queen Victoria came to the throne.
The palace remains both a residence and an administrative headquarters. Its forecourt is the setting for official ceremonies, while the East Front is the best-known face of the building. The balcony there has been used for public appearances during celebrations and royal occasions. From outside, the gates and Victoria Memorial provide prominent points to view and photograph the palace.
Inside the State Rooms
When tours are available, visitors can enter a selection of the palace’s State Rooms. These rooms are used for official receptions and state occasions, and their furnishings and artworks give a closer look at the royal collection. The Grand Staircase and rooms in different colours, including the Green Room, Red Room and Blue Room, are among the interiors described in accounts of visits.
The rooms are part of a much larger building, which has 775 rooms. A tour covers only selected areas, so check the current visit information before planning your day. Special exhibitions can add a particular focus to a visit, with displays drawn from royal art and objects. The palace has presented exhibitions on subjects including royal travel art and the Edwardian period.
The Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is a handover of duties between the Old Guard and the New Guard. The ceremony takes place outside the palace and involves marching and music. Guards in red tunics and bearskin hats parade as responsibilities change hands, with the palace forecourt as their setting.
The ceremony is free to watch, but crowds gather around the gates and can block views of the building. Arriving early gives you more time to find a place to stand. If the parade is not your priority, visiting at another time can make it easier to focus on the façade and balcony. Ceremony schedules can change, so check current details before setting out.
Perguntas frequentes
Can you go inside Buckingham Palace?
Yes. Visitors can tour selected State Rooms when visits are available. Check the official website for current dates and ticket information.
How long do you need at Buckingham Palace?
Allow around 2 to 3 hours for a visit that includes the State Rooms. The tour of the rooms takes at least 2 hours.
Is the Changing of the Guard free?
Yes, the ceremony is free to watch from outside the palace. Arrive early because crowds can make it difficult to see.
Can you take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
No. Photography is not allowed inside the palace.
