Top 10 Things Not To Miss at Buckingham Palace in London in 2025
Angel Castellanos
Heading to London and wondering what all the fuss is about Buckingham Palace? Simple. It’s the epicenter of the British monarchy, oozing history, power, and serious grandeur. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on the must-see highlights at the Palace. Trust me, this is one landmark you don’t want to skip.
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Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings on the planet. As the official London residence of King Charles III, it’s been the royal crib since 1837—and let’s be real, it’s impossible to think of London or the royal family without picturing this grand monument.
This place isn’t just a pretty face; it’s been the backdrop for major events throughout the 20th century and serves as the working headquarters for the British monarch. Throughout the year, the palace buzzes with banquets, receptions, and state events, making it the center of royal life.
You can’t miss it—it’s smack dab in the heart of London. Right out front, the massive Queen Victoria Memorial demands attention, while the wide boulevard of The Mall leads straight to Trafalgar Square and intersects with Whitehall.
On one side, you’ve got the stunning St. James’ Park, perfect for a stroll. On the other, there’s the historic St. James’ Palace and a lineup of other royal residences. This is where history and modern royal life collide—don’t sleep on it!
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.
9. 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.
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.
7. The King’s Gallery
Photo courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust
The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a must-visit for art lovers. This public art gallery showcases stunning pieces from the Royal Collection, giving you a glimpse into the royal art world. What’s great is that it’s open almost all year round, from Thursday to Monday, so you can easily fit it into your London itinerary—unlike the main palace, which has its own admission schedule.
6. The Grand Staircase
Photo courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust
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
Photo courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust
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
Photo courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust
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 Duchess 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
Photo courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust
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.
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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
Photo courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust
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.
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Angel Castellanos, www.AngelsTravelLounge.com , is a multi-media travel expert and travel journalist that has appeared on BBC News, Los Angeles Times, Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS, Univision, Frommers Radio, USA Today. Angel is also an acclaimed speaker appearing as a featured travel expert with the Travel & Adventure Show and New York Times Travel Show. 80+ Countries, 5 Continents and counting. He's passionate about travel to Europe, especially to Italy & France, countries he's visited every year of his adult life.
