Nothing says London quite like the gold gates of Buckingham Palace rising behind a line of red-coated guards, the rhythmic clomp of hooves echoing down The Mall, and the quiet hum of tourists snapping photos as the Union Jack flutters above. For Londoners, it’s more than a tourist hotspot-it’s part of the city’s heartbeat. Whether you’ve lived here five days or fifty years, there’s something powerful about knowing the Queen’s official residence sits just a stone’s throw from St. James’s Park, across from the National Gallery, and down the road from Fortnum & Mason’s famed tea rooms.
What You’ll See When You Visit
Buckingham Palace isn’t just a building-it’s a working royal residence and the ceremonial center of the British monarchy. The front facade, with its iconic balcony where the royal family waves during jubilees and weddings, is the most photographed spot in London. But the real magic happens at 11:00 AM daily during the summer months, when the Changing of the Guard takes place. Don’t be fooled by the touristy reputation-this isn’t a staged show. It’s a centuries-old military tradition performed by the Household Division, complete with bearskin hats, polished buttons, and a precision that’s almost hypnotic. Locals often stop for a moment on their way to Piccadilly or the Tube. If you want the best view, arrive by 10:30 AM. The crowd thins out after 11:15, and you’ll get a clearer shot without a sea of selfie sticks.
During the summer, when the Queen is in residence elsewhere (usually at Balmoral or Windsor), parts of the palace open to the public. The State Rooms are where you’ll find the throne room, the Grand Staircase, and the ballroom where Queen Victoria once hosted 10,000 guests. The furnishings? Not just ornate-they’re historical artifacts. The Gobelins tapestries, the Chippendale furniture, the porcelain from the Royal Collection-all were collected over 250 years of British history. There’s no audio guide, but the printed handouts are surprisingly detailed, and the staff in the rooms are often ex-military or heritage volunteers who’ve spent decades studying the palace’s quirks. Ask one where the secret passage behind the library is. They’ll smile, say nothing, and point to the fireplace.
How to Plan Your Visit
Timing matters. The palace opens to the public from late July through September. Tickets sell out fast-especially on weekends. Book online at royalcollectiontrust.org.uk at least two weeks ahead. Walk-up tickets are rare and never guaranteed. If you’re a London resident with an Oyster card, you get a £2 discount. Yes, really. It’s one of those small, quietly generous perks the city offers.
Plan your route. The nearest Tube stations are Victoria (District and Circle lines), Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria), and St. James’s Park (District and Circle). Avoid parking if you can-The Mall becomes a one-way zone during guard changes, and the nearest public car park is at the back of St. James’s Park, a 15-minute walk away. If you’re coming from the West End, take the 11 bus from Oxford Circus. It drops you right at the palace gates. If you’re walking from Trafalgar Square, it’s a pleasant 25-minute stroll past the National Portrait Gallery and the Churchill statue.
Hidden Corners and Local Secrets
Most tourists never leave the main courtyard. But if you walk around to the east side of the palace, past the gardens, you’ll find the Buckingham Palace Gate, where the Royal Mews is located. This is where the State Hearse, the gold-plated state coach from Queen Victoria’s coronation, and the modern-day Rolls-Royces used by the royal family are kept. The mews is open year-round and often less crowded than the State Rooms. You’ll see the 1902 State Landau, still used for coronations, and the carriage that carried Princess Diana to her wedding. The staff here are trained as historians, not just tour guides. Ask about the horses. One of them, a black Andalusian named ‘Polo’, has been retired since 2023 but still lives in the stables. Locals call him the palace’s unofficial mascot.
Don’t miss the palace gardens. They’re the largest private gardens in London-39 acres of lawns, fountains, and a 300-year-old weeping beech tree. You can’t walk through them, but if you visit in late spring, you’ll see the garden walls lit up with cherry blossoms. It’s a quiet, almost secret spot. Locals often bring their dogs here after work. The bench near the lake? That’s where the Queen’s personal gardener sits on his lunch break. No one talks about it. But if you’re quiet, you might spot him.
When to Go and What to Wear
London weather is unpredictable. Even in July, a sudden drizzle can roll in from the Thames. Bring a light raincoat. No umbrellas inside the State Rooms-they block views. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk over 3 miles if you do the full tour, including the mews and gardens. Locals joke that the palace has more stairs than the Shard. And they’re right.
There’s no dress code, but if you’re visiting during a royal event-like a state visit or Trooping the Colour-you’ll see more formal attire. The Queen’s birthday parade in June still draws crowds in smart jackets and hats. It’s not required, but it’s part of the ritual. If you’re a Londoner, you’ll know to check the Royal Collection Trust calendar. They post public events months ahead.
What to Do After Your Visit
Don’t rush off. The palace sits at the heart of London’s royal quarter. Walk south to St. James’s Park, where you can feed the pelicans at 3 PM sharp. It’s free, and the pelicans have been here since the 1600s. Then head to Fortnum & Mason for a proper English tea. The palace’s own tea blend, ‘Buckingham Palace Earl Grey’, is sold here. It’s not cheap-£18 for 100g-but it’s the only place in London where you can sip tea that once warmed the Queen’s morning cup.
If you’re hungry, try The Ritz’s afternoon tea (book weeks ahead) or the more casual but equally excellent tea room at Claridge’s. Both are a five-minute walk away. Or, if you want something local, grab a pie and mash from St. John’s on Duke Street. It’s been serving Londoners since 1936. The staff know the palace guards by name.
Why This Matters to Londoners
Buckingham Palace isn’t just a monument. It’s a living part of London’s rhythm. The guards who change shift are often from the same regiments that fought in Afghanistan. The staff who clean the rooms have worked there for decades. The gardeners know which roses bloom on the Queen’s birthday. For many Londoners, the palace is a quiet anchor in a city that changes fast. When the lights go out in the windows at night, it’s a signal: the royal family is home.
And when the bells of Big Ben chime at noon on a summer day, and the crowd falls silent as the royal carriages roll past, you realize something: this isn’t just a tourist attraction. It’s London’s oldest, most enduring tradition.
Can you visit Buckingham Palace all year round?
No. The State Rooms are only open to the public during the summer months, typically late July to late September. The rest of the year, the palace is a working royal residence. However, the Royal Mews and the gardens are open year-round, and the Changing of the Guard occurs daily in summer and every other day in winter.
Is the Changing of the Guard free to watch?
Yes. Watching the Changing of the Guard is completely free. You don’t need a ticket. Just arrive early to get a good spot. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and happens at 11:00 AM daily during summer. In winter, it’s every other day at the same time. Check the official Royal Mews website for updates, as weather or royal events can cancel it.
What’s the best way to get to Buckingham Palace from central London?
The easiest way is by Tube. Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines) is the closest, just a 5-minute walk. Victoria Station (District, Circle, Victoria lines) is also very close. If you’re coming from the West End, the 11 bus runs directly from Oxford Circus to the palace gates. Walking from Trafalgar Square takes about 25 minutes and passes several major landmarks along The Mall.
Are there any discounts for London residents?
Yes. London residents with a valid Oyster card get a £2 discount on palace State Room tickets. You must show your Oyster card at the ticket desk. There’s no online discount, so this only applies when you buy in person. Also, free entry is offered to children under 17 and disabled visitors with a companion.
Can you take photos inside the State Rooms?
Yes, but no flash or tripods. Photography is allowed in most areas, but some rooms-like the throne room-have restrictions to protect the artifacts. Signs are clearly posted. The palace encourages visitors to share their photos online using #BuckinghamPalace. Many of the official social media accounts feature photos taken by locals.
Is Buckingham Palace open during royal events like coronations or weddings?
No. During major royal events-such as coronations, state funerals, or royal weddings-the palace closes to the public. These events are private and often involve security lockdowns. The Royal Collection Trust always announces closures well in advance on their website. If you’re planning a visit, always check their calendar before booking.
