Buckingham Palace Tour: What to See, When to Go, and Hidden Stories

When you think of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837 and one of the most recognized symbols of the UK monarchy. Also known as the Queen’s House, it’s not just a building—it’s a working royal palace, a museum, and a stage for national moments. Most visitors only see the front facade and the Changing of the Guard, but there’s so much more beneath the gilded gates.

Behind those grand railings lies a world of history, art, and quiet ritual. The State Rooms, a series of opulent chambers open to the public during summer months, filled with priceless paintings, furniture, and porcelain from the Royal Collection tell stories of kings, queens, and political deals made over tea. The Royal Collection, one of the largest and most important art collections in the world, owned by the reigning monarch in trust for the nation includes works by Rembrandt, da Vinci, and Canaletto—hanging in rooms where monarchs once held audiences. And while the Changing of the Guard draws crowds, few know that the ceremony dates back to the 17th century and still follows the same marching pattern as it did under Queen Victoria.

Timing matters. The palace opens for tours only between late July and late September, when the royal family is away. Outside those months, you can still see the Guard at 11:30 a.m. daily—but arrive early. The line snakes around the mall, and if you want a good photo with the balcony, you’ll need to be there by 9 a.m. Locals know the best view isn’t from the front gate—it’s from the Green Park side, where you can catch the palace without the crowd, especially at golden hour.

Don’t miss the garden. At 39 acres, it’s the largest private garden in London. It’s where the royal family hosts summer parties, and where the famous garden party for diplomats and charity workers happens every year. You won’t see it on the tour, but you’ll pass it on the way out—and if you look closely, you’ll spot the lake where the Queen once kept her swans.

What you won’t find on any official brochure? The secret passages beneath the palace, the hidden chapel where the royal family holds private services, or the fact that the palace has its own post office, police station, and doctor’s office—all inside the walls. This isn’t just a tourist attraction. It’s a living, breathing institution, still running on centuries-old routines.

Whether you’re here for the history, the architecture, or just to say you’ve stood where the Queen once waved, a Buckingham Palace tour gives you more than a glimpse—it gives you context. Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve walked those halls, tips from locals who know the best times to avoid the rush, and hidden details that turn a simple visit into something unforgettable.