Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch.

It has been the sovereign’s primary residence since 1837.

Beyond being a royal home, the Palace is a symbol of the British monarchy and a hub for state occasions, national celebrations, and official events.

When the monarch is not in residence (typically during the summer), parts of the Palace — especially the lavishly furnished “State Rooms” — open to the public so visitors can tour and appreciate its grandeur, art, history and royal heritage.

The State Rooms and Royal Collection inside the Palace boast opulent rooms like the Throne Room, Ballroom, Grand Staircase, richly furnished drawing rooms, and many treasures of art, décor and royal heritage.

Where it is Located

Buckingham Palace is located in central London, United Kingdom. Its address is generally given as Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA.

It lies close to notable landmarks and parks, and is accessible by various public transport options (underground, bus, etc.) because of its central location.

Opening Times

Because the Palace is a working royal residence, public access is limited and seasonal:

1. For 2025, the “Summer Opening” — when the State Rooms are open to visitors — runs from 10 July to 28 September 2025.
2. Typical visiting hours during summer: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (though “last admission” may be earlier).
3. Because entry is by timed ticket (with a set time-slot), it’s important to arrive around the time printed on your ticket (not too early, not late) for smooth entry.
4. Outside summer months, the full State Rooms tour is generally closed. However, smaller-group guided tours or other parts of the Royal Collection may open on selected dates — but public access is more limited.

Ticket Price (General Admission)

For the Summer Opening (State Rooms) in 2025, typical ticket prices are:

1. Adult (25+): £32
2. Young adult (18–24): £20.50
3. Children (aged 5–17): £16.00
4. Children under 5: Free (ticket still required)

Tickets include access to the State Rooms, a multimedia guide (available in multiple languages), and — for 2025 — special exhibitions such as “The King’s Tour Artists” exhibition.

If you plan to visit during peak season, it’s strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance online, because timed-entry slots sell out fast.