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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Buckingham Palace Summary
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| Public website: | www.rct.uk |
United Kingdom – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: | Pound Sterling (GBP) |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in the UK, especially in cities. Contactless payments and mobile payment options are increasingly popular, with smaller businesses also accepting cards.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in the UK, with 10-15% in restaurants. Taxi drivers generally expect a 10% tip or rounding up. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in many parts of the UK, especially in parks, festivals, and licensed premises. However, it's banned on public transport or in certain public spaces. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in all public spaces, including bars and restaurants. There are designated outdoor smoking areas. |
| Christmas (December) |
Christmas is widely celebrated, expect crowded markets and higher accommodation prices. |
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| Bank Holiday (August) |
Busy periods, especially in cities and along coastal areas. Many businesses close. |
| New Year’s Day (January) |
A major public holiday with celebrations and closures in some sectors. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 999 or 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Bolt, Free Now, Ola |
| Other: | The UK is well-prepared for tourists, with excellent infrastructure. However, be aware of language barriers in remote areas. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom
State Rooms open to visitors mainly July to September, plus limited winter and spring dates; book ahead
Changing of the Guard takes place on selected days, usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11:00, and can be cancelled in heavy rain
Don't miss
- 🎖️ Watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony
- 🏰 Tour the lavish State Rooms during summer opening
- 🌸 Stroll through the beautifully maintained Palace Garden
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Buckingham Palace began as Buckingham House in 1703 and evolved into a grand royal palace through expansions in the 19th century under architect John Nash. It became the official London residence of the British monarch with Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837.
The palace hosts 775 rooms including the elaborately decorated State Rooms used for official ceremonies and receptions. Iconic features include the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase and the famous balcony where the royal family appears on special occasions.
The extensive palace gardens are the largest private gardens in London and serve as venues for royal events and celebrations. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours, afternoon tea in the garden café and special exhibitions, particularly during the summer when the palace opens to the public.
Visitors should book tickets well in advance due to high demand in peak seasons. Security checks are strict and some areas can get crowded. Photography is permitted in certain areas but not inside the State Rooms.
Why travel to Buckingham Palace?
Knowledge before you go
- State Rooms open July-September only. Book tickets early.
- Arrive early for Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11am most days.
- No photography inside; tours last 2-3 hours through 19 opulent State Rooms.
- Combine visit with nearby St. James's Park for perfect picnic spot and palace views.
How to travel to Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is centrally located in London, accessible via several London Underground stations including Green Park, Victoria and St. James’s Park. From Heathrow Airport, travelers can take the Heathrow Express or the Piccadilly Line to central London and connect via Tube or bus to the palace area.
Access summary
- From Heathrow (LHR): Piccadilly or Elizabeth line plus Tube, about 45–60 minutes.
- From Gatwick (LGW): Train to Victoria, then 10–15 minute walk or short Tube.
- From Paris/Brussels: Eurostar to St Pancras, then Tube to Green Park, 20–30 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Buckingham Palace
London offers a wide range of accommodations near Buckingham Palace, from luxurious hotels like The Goring and The Ritz to boutique guesthouses within walking distance, providing great access to central London attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Buckingham Palace
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
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Camera
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🎒
Small rucksack
🧶
Light jumper
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 17% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
This place also uses Pound Sterling, so no money exchange necessary.
Safety information overview
General safety
Buckingham Palace and its surrounding area are among London’s safest tourist spots, with heavy police presence, CCTV and controlled access. Visitors should stay alert to pickpockets in crowds, avoid sharing personal details and follow official security instructions for a secure visit.
Accessibility
Buckingham Palace offers limited accessibility: a few wheelchair‑accessible entrances and lifts, but many historic rooms remain inaccessible. Visitors should plan ahead, request assistance and use the palace’s guide services for mobility support to navigate the grounds safely.
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