Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of England's most famous landmarks. You can view its opulent exterior through the gates year-round, but the interiors of the royal residence are only open to visitors during the summer.

Come in the summer, when Buckingham Palace is open to the public, for the chance to peek into the staterooms, see the Throne Room, stroll through the palace gardens, and admire masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Canaletto in Queen Victoria's Picture Gallery. Don’t miss the Royal Mews—where you can see the family’s 18th-century Gold State Coach—and the Buckingham Palace Gardens.

• The palace is a must for history buffs and royal enthusiasts.

• Pair a stop at Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard ceremony and afternoon tea for a quintessential London experience.

• If the Royal Standard flag is flying atop the palace, it means the head of state is in residence. During all other times, the Union Jack flag is flown.

Buckingham Palace is located in central London at the heart of St. James Park, just across the road from the St. James' Park Underground Station and a 15-minute walk from the Victoria Coach Station and the adjacent Victoria Railway Station. It's a pleasant stroll from London attractions such as Westminster Cathedral—as well as the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben—and is often included as a stop on London walking tours.

The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is in the late morning, when the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. The palace interior is only open to the public during summer, usually from late July until the end of September, with tours running daily from morning until evening. While you can just show up for the Changing of the Guards, it’s wise to book your Buckingham Palace tour in advance, as tours of the interior are very popular and they do sell out.

Windsor Castle is the nearest residence to Buckingham, located just outside London. It can be visited on a quick, half-day trip from the city. Closer to the palace, Westminster Abbey is the resting place of many English monarchs and the site of some royal family weddings (including that of Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge).

Yes, touring Buckingham Palace—one of the most recognized palaces in the world—is absolutely worth it. Self-guided tours are available in summer, while guided tours are available in fall/winter, when the palace is otherwise closed to the public. Both tour options will get you a look at the fabulous State Rooms, gardens, and more.

Self-guided tours of Buckingham Palace—which concentrate on the Throne Room and 19 State Rooms—range from £19.50 to £30 for adults, and £16.50 for children over five years of age (children under five get in for free). Guided tours are £90 per person. All tickets regularly sell out and should be booked in advance.

Buckingham Palace is open to the public for self-guided tours from mid-July through mid-September; tours run only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. That being said, guided tours are offered from November through February, Thursdays through Mondays. Hours are typically around 9:30am to 6:30pm or 7:30pm, depending on the season. Tickets are always a must.

Guided tours of Buckingham Palace take around 90 minutes. Self-guided tours allow you to explore at your leisure—you’ll have access to 19 State Rooms, the Throne Room (where royal wedding photos are taken), the Grand Staircase, and, of course, all the fine art lining the walls, from Rembrandt to Rubens.

No, you cannot walk around Buckingham Palace for free. However, witnessing the Changing of the Guard outside the Palace is free—it takes place at 11:30am every morning during summer and every other morning during winter. To see the palace’s interior, tickets cost £19.50 to £30 for adults, and £16.50 for children over five.

The entrance for the Buckingham Palace tour is next to the Queen’s Gallery. If you walk straight up Buckingham Palace Road, it will be on the left-hand side. If you see a long queue forming, unfortunately, that’s probably the one you need to join. Don’t worry—visitors get let in according to their ticket time.