Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, in London

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British sovereign in London, famous for its changing of the guard. The London audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this majestic palace, heart of the monarchy and one of the most well-known symbols of the capital.

The residence of the sovereign and the changing of the guard

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the sovereign of the United Kingdom and one of the most emblematic monuments of the capital. Originally a simple aristocratic residence, it became a royal residence in the nineteenth century and was enlarged and embellished to take the majestic appearance that we know, with its long neoclassical façade turned towards a vast esplanade and its golden gates. The palace counts hundreds of rooms, including sumptuous ceremonial salons, and shelters the offices of the monarchy. When the royal flag flies at the summit, it is that the sovereign is present. In front of the palace takes place the famous changing of the guard, a colourful ceremony where the guards in red tunic and bearskin cap, accompanied by music, succeed one another in a perfectly regulated ballet, which attracts each day a crowd of visitors. A symbol of the British monarchy and theatre of the great national ceremonies, Buckingham Palace is a must-see stop of the discovery of London.

What to see

You admire the official London residence of the sovereign of the United Kingdom, become a royal residence in the nineteenth century, with a long neoclassical façade turned towards a vast esplanade and golden gates, counting hundreds of rooms, in front of which takes place the famous changing of the guard, a colourful ceremony of the guards in red tunic and bearskin cap. Buckingham Palace is a symbol of London. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Buckingham Palace lies at the end of St James's Park, in London, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire it freely from the esplanade and the gates; the changing of the guard takes place according to a calendar that varies, and the visits of the ceremonial apartments follow their own seasonal hours. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What is Buckingham Palace?

The official London residence of the sovereign of the United Kingdom, become a royal residence in the nineteenth century; this majestic palace with a long neoclassical façade counts hundreds of rooms, and it is in front of it that the famous changing of the guard takes place, with its guards in red tunic and bearskin cap.

Where is Buckingham Palace?

At the end of St James's Park, in London, in the United Kingdom.