Buckingham Palace: Opening Hours, Tickets & Visit Tips

Check Buckingham Palace opening hours, ticket information, location, recommended visit duration, and practical tips before you go.

https://trhal.app/en/place-buckingham_palace.html

Quick information 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

AreaWestminster

LocationOpen in Google Maps ›

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

Recheck the official hours and price shortly before you go; both can change after our review date.
Save the location offline and allow extra time at entrances during peak periods.
Check the weather and carry sun or rain protection for the outdoor portion.
Arrive near opening time when possible to reduce queues and crowd pressure.
Open the exact map location

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 Abbey Hyde Park

Part of these itineraries

London 3-Day Itinerary — Day 1 London 5-Day Itinerary — Day 1 London 7-Day Itinerary — Day 1

Part of

LondonCity page ›