Buckingham Palace

If you are looking for a royal experience in London, you should definitely visit Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King and the administrative headquarters of the monarchy. Buckingham Palace is not only a symbol of national pride and history, but also a stunning architectural masterpiece that showcases the art and culture of Britain.

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms that are open to the public for 10 weeks each summer. The State Rooms are lavishly decorated with priceless paintings, sculptures, furniture and other treasures from the Royal Collection. You can also see some of the gifts that the Queen has received from foreign dignitaries during her reign. The State Rooms are also used for official ceremonies and receptions throughout the year.

One of the highlights of visiting Buckingham Palace is witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily at 11:00 am from April to July, and on alternate days for the rest of the year. The ceremony involves a colourful display of music and marching by the Queen's Guard, who wear their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and attracts large crowds of spectators, so make sure to arrive early to get a good spot.

Another attraction that you can enjoy at Buckingham Palace is the Queen's Gallery, which exhibits rotating collections of artworks from the Royal Collection. The gallery features paintings by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Vermeer, as well as rare books, manuscripts, jewellery and other objects. The gallery is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, except on Tuesdays when it closes at 4:30 pm.

If you want to explore the outdoors, you can also visit the Palace Garden, which covers 39 acres and is home to more than 350 types of wildflowers, as well as various birds and insects. The garden is also where the King hosts his annual Garden Parties for invited guests. The garden is usually closed to the public, except during the summer opening of the State Rooms, when you can exit through it after your tour.

Visiting Buckingham Palace is a memorable experience that will make you feel like royalty. You can book your tickets online or buy them at the ticket office on site. The ticket prices vary depending on what you want to see, but they usually include an audio guide that provides interesting information and stories about the palace and its inhabitants. You can also find a gift shop and a café on the premises, where you can buy souvenirs and refreshments.

Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, so make sure to plan your visit in advance and check the opening times and dates before you go. You will not regret spending a few hours in this magnificent palace that showcases the best of British heritage and culture.