Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British Royal Family; the State Rooms open to visitors only seasonally (usually summer); the Changing of the Guard is on
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace Attraction

The official residence of the British Royal Family; the State Rooms open to visitors only seasonally (usually summer); the Changing of the Guard is one of London's most famous free events.

Entry priceExterior viewing and the Changing of the Guard are free; entry to the State Rooms is seasonal and paid (needs a recent price/date check)
Visiting hoursState Rooms are seasonal only; the Guard change is usually at 11:00 on specific days — needs a schedule check at time of visit
Closed dayVaries seasonally
Visit duration30-120 min
Needs bookingNo
Family-friendlyNo
Quick decision

Plan the visit

Use this quick decision guide to place Buckingham Palace inside a realistic London day. The key variables are visit length, crowd level, booking needs and what is nearby—not a generic “must-see” label.

Visit time30–120 min
Best windowEarly morning
CrowdsBusy
BookingUsually not required
AreaWestminster
FitFamily-friendly

Before you go

Common questions

How long should I allow for Buckingham Palace?

Allow about 30–120 min. Add extra time for queues, security checks, photos and nearby stops.

Do I need to book Buckingham Palace?

Usually not required. Availability and entry rules can change, so verify again close to your visit.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning is the most practical starting point in our itinerary data. Expected crowd level: Busy.

Practical tip

Best time to visit: early morning · Expected crowd level: High · Not suited to a rainy day (a fully outdoor activity) · May not suit the winter season

Nearby places
Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)Westminster AbbeyHyde Park
Part of these itineraries
London 3-Day Itinerary — Day 1London 5-Day Itinerary — Day 1London 7-Day Itinerary — Day 1
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