Top 9 Things Not to Miss at Buckingham Palace in London – The Tour Guy (2024)

Heading to London and want to know why Buckingham Palace is a mega-monument? It is the epicenter of the royal family in London and full of history. That’s why I created this article on the top things to see at Buckingham Palace in London.

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Best Things To See at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Currently the official London residence of King Charles III, it has been the residence of the British Monarch since only 1837.

It’s hard not to think of London or the royal family without Buckingham Palace. It has been the backdrop of significant events in the 20th century and, with many working offices, it’s the British monarch’s headquarters. Buckingham Palace hosts a variety of banquets, receptions, and State events throughout the year.

The palace is in the center of London, so you can’t miss it. The massive Queen Victoria memorial is right out front, and a wide boulevard called Pall Mall extends to Trafalgar Square and intersects with White Hall.

On one side of the street of the Mall, you have the picturesque St. James’ Park. On the other side, there’s the Tudor-era St. James’ Palace and various other royal residences.

9. The Front Facade of Buckingham Palace

Originally, the palace had a three-sided open courtyard with a triumphant Roman-style arch made entirely out of Carrara marble that stood prominently in front. Queen Victoria eventually built the fourth wing across the front and facade.

The stone facade and famous balcony we know today are new compared to other palaces as it was built in 1913 by the Queen’s grandfather, King George V.

Throughout the 20th century, the British public have seen the monarch and the royal family appear on the balcony for important national events and celebrations. The Queen famously made her last appearance on the balcony during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

8. The Changing of the Guard

The traditional British ceremonial pomp isn’t just reserved for the inside of royal palaces and castles. You can catch the Changing of the Guard, which happens in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

Elite soldiers and an accompanying military band participate in this ceremony, which dates back to 1689. The whole thing lasts about an hour and is a free spectacle. The ceremony occurs every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11 am. If you like music, history, or just a good parade, then definitely schedule it into your travel plans, but be sure to get there early.

If crowds aren’t your thing but you still want some of that British royal grandeur, head to the Horse Guard’s Parade to see the changing of the Queen’s Life Guard. This lesser-known mounted calvary ceremony is a one-of-kind event and less packed than the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This ceremony happens every day at 11 am and at 10 am on Sundays.

Popular London Tours

Popular London Tours

Best Selling Tour

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

How can you explore London’s top attractions without getting overwhelmed? By joining this guided small group tour! With 1,000 years of history and acres of buildings, the Tower of London is easier to explore and understand with the help of your local guide. Best of all, you’ll even see the famous crown jewels and have a boat ride down the River Thames.

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Top Selling Tour

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

This is the perfect tour for someone who wants to get to know the real Westminster Abbey. With skip-the-line entry, you get some quiet time in the nave of the abbey with your guide and small group before exploring the tombs of notable kings, queens, philosophers, and more. Depending on the day, you’ll even get to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

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Not ready to book a tour? Check out the best London tours to take and why.

7. The Queen’s Gallery

The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace contains the private art collection of Queen Elizabeth II that King Charles III has now inherited. The more than 7,000 paintings are the world’s finest private art collection, rivaling Europe’s most significant national art galleries.

The gallery has a permanent collection, a small jewelry collection on display, and a temporary exhibit section that rotates. The gallery is small compared to the National Gallery or the British Museum, but any lover of art will appreciate this lovely gallery. Admission to the gallery is not included in a Buckingham Palace ticket; tickets are sold separately.

6. The Grand Staircase

The gold and white Grand Staircase with rich red carpet has all of the trappings of a perfect entrance. It was built by John Nash in the early 19th century but redecorated in white and gold for Edward VII in the early 20th century.

The upper balcony has two staircases leading down both sides to the lower landing. The Grand Staircase features family portraits chosen by Queen Victoria. They include her grandparents, parents, and her uncle and immediate predecessor, King William IV.

5. The Picture Gallery

The Picture Gallery in Buckingham Palace is a special treat for art lovers. The Royal Collection, owned by the sovereign, is one of the most significant collections of art in the world. The British royal family has collected art throughout the generations from various masters, and this gallery gives the public a taste of the fantastic Royal Collection.

The room is 47 meters long and contains some of the most notable works within the Royal Collection, with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, and Van Dyck. The red brocade gallery sets off the artwork like Canaletto’s celebrations of Venetian beauty and Van Dyke’s portraits. Pieces from the Royal Collection can be seen throughout the palace and in other royal palaces, but there are always standouts in the Picture Gallery worth enjoying.

4. The White Drawing Room

Buckingham Palace is a royal office, a place for ceremonial State occasions, a venue for formal entertainment, an official residence, and a private home. George IV’s vision to turn Buckingham House into a palace resulted in 19 State Rooms. The White Drawing Room is one of the more well-known State Rooms of the palace.

Queen Elizabeth II frequently made appearances, was photographed, and held gatherings to meet special guests in this room. It’s also the location of the wedding photos of The Duke and duch*ess of Cambridge.

The White Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace has accents of gold emblems and details that sparkle, making the whole room look like a royal wedding dress fit for a queen. English and French furniture adorn this room, and one highlight is the exquisite portrait of Queen Alexandra by French artist François Flameng.

3. The Throne Room

The Throne Room of Buckingham Palace gives all the vibes of splendor and pageantry visitors look for when visiting a royal palace. This grand room is resplendent with gold and scarlet, high ornate ceilings, and golden sconces. The room’s focal point is the two crimson silk throne chairs known as the Chairs of Estate, used for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Other coronation chairs used by Queen Victoria and King George VI are also in the room. The thrones, with their rich scarlet brocade and golden trim, are set on a stage surrounded by ruby red tapestry. No visit to Buckingham Palace is complete without taking in the majesty of this room.

Popular London Tours

Popular London Tours

Best Selling Tour

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

How can you explore London’s top attractions without getting overwhelmed? By joining this guided small group tour! With 1,000 years of history and acres of buildings, the Tower of London is easier to explore and understand with the help of your local guide. Best of all, you’ll even see the famous crown jewels and have a boat ride down the River Thames.

(98)

See price

Top Selling Tour

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

This is the perfect tour for someone who wants to get to know the real Westminster Abbey. With skip-the-line entry, you get some quiet time in the nave of the abbey with your guide and small group before exploring the tombs of notable kings, queens, philosophers, and more. Depending on the day, you’ll even get to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

(94)

See price

Not ready to book a tour? Check out the best London tours to take and why.

2. Queen Victoria Memorial

The iconic circular memorial to one of Britain’s most famous queens, Queen Victoria, sits right in front of Buckingham palace. This tribute is fitting since Queen Victoria was the first reigning monarch to live in Buckingham Palace. She even started the tradition of the balcony appearance when she appeared in 1851 for the Great Exhibition.

The memorial is the tallest monument to any British monarch standing at 82 feet tall. A golden Winged Victory statue sits on top, and Queen Victoria herself sits enthroned, facing the Mall and Admiralty Arch.

Other statues representing courage, justice, motherhood, and constancy adorn the Memorial. Besides the fence along Buckingham Palace, this is the best place to view the Changing of the Guard.

1. The Ballroom

This enormous room is the largest State Room in Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria used it to hold magnificent costume balls. Today, it is the location for State dinners with foreign dignitaries and investitures.

The Ballroom also has a canopied throne with two throne chairs. These belonged to Queen Elizabeth II’s great-grandparents (King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra) for their coronation in 1902. King Edward VII began to modernize the palace in the early 20th century and many of his renovations have gone unchanged.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit Buckingham Palace.