Buckingham Palace tours: What to See and How to Experience London’s Royal Heart

When you think of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837 and the center of royal ceremonies and state events. Also known as the Queen’s House, it’s not just a building—it’s a living symbol of British tradition, pageantry, and power. Most people picture the Changing of the Guard, but there’s so much more to see when you actually go inside. The Palace isn’t open all year, but during summer months, the State Rooms open to the public, letting you walk through gilded halls, see priceless art, and stand where kings and queens received world leaders.

These tours are deeply tied to other London royal attractions, key sites connected to the British monarchy, including Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London. You can’t fully understand Buckingham Palace without seeing how it fits into the larger royal map. For example, the Queen’s Gallery next door displays rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection—same pieces you’d see at Windsor or Holyroodhouse. And just across the Green Park, you’ll find St. James’s Palace, the original Tudor seat of power that still hosts royal offices today. The Palace grounds themselves connect to Hyde Park and St. James’s Park, making it part of London’s royal green belt, where monarchs once hunted and now locals jog.

What most visitors don’t realize is that the Palace isn’t just about grandeur—it’s about routine. The Guard changes every day in summer, rain or shine. The balcony appearance after royal weddings or Trooping the Colour is planned months ahead. Even the flag flying above means the monarch is home. These aren’t just tourist tricks; they’re centuries-old rituals still alive today. And if you’re curious about how real people live and work inside, the tour includes the famous balcony, the ballroom where state banquets happen, and even the Queen’s private chapel.

Many people think Buckingham Palace tours are only for history buffs or the wealthy. But the truth? It’s one of the most accessible royal experiences in the world. Tickets are affordable, timed entry keeps crowds manageable, and audio guides give you context without needing a PhD in British royalty. You’ll walk through rooms where Prince Charles held his first birthday party, see the same chandeliers that lit Queen Victoria’s coronation, and hear stories about how the Palace survived WWII bombs and royal scandals alike.

And while you’re there, don’t miss the surrounding area. The Mall leads straight to the Palace gates, lined with flags and lined with people on summer evenings. Nearby, you’ll find the Royal Mews, where the Queen’s horses and carriages—including the gold state coach used at coronations—are kept. That’s a separate ticket, but it’s worth it. And if you’re into photography, the front of the Palace at sunrise, with the guard in full uniform, is one of London’s most iconic shots.

So whether you’re here for the history, the spectacle, or just to say you stood where the royal family lives, Buckingham Palace tours give you a real look into a world most people only see on TV. It’s not just a building—it’s a stage where Britain’s past and present meet every single day.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve walked those halls, tips on avoiding the crowds, and hidden details most tour guides skip. These aren’t generic lists—they’re firsthand experiences from locals and visitors who got the full picture.