Hotels near Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the British sovereign since 1837. The Changing of the Guard ceremony on the forecourt is one of London's most iconic free spectacles, lasting around 45 minutes at 11:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from October to May, and daily during summer months. The pageantry of the guards in their scarlet tunics and bearskin hats, accompanied by a military band, is quintessentially London.

During the Summer Opening (typically late July to September), you can tour the lavishly decorated State Rooms where the King hosts official events - tickets cost around £33/~€38. The adjoining Queen's Gallery (£18/~€21) displays rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection, one of the largest art collections in the world. The Royal Mews (£17/~€20) showcases the ceremonial carriages including the Gold State Coach used at coronations.

Pro Tip: For the Changing of the Guard, position yourself along the Victoria Memorial or on the Spur Road side by 10:15 for the best views. Standing directly against the palace railings gives a poor vantage point as the action happens further back in the forecourt.