audio tour buckingham palace

• Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the central London working Home of the Queen of the united kingdom.

Here she meets other heads of state and holds national banquets.

She only stays in this building for formal occasions, usually she lives in Windsor Castle.

If her own flag is on the flagmast she is in residence in the palace.

Today, Buckingham Palace is very much a working building and the centrepiece of the UK’s constitutional monarchy, serving as the venue for many royal events and ceremonies from entertaining foreign Head of States to celebrating achievement at Investitures and receptions.

More than 50,000 people visit the Palace each year as guests to State banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and Garden Parties.

Her Majesty also holds weekly audiences with the Prime Minister and receives newly-appointed foreign Ambassadors at Buckingham Palace

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How To Visit Buckingham Palace In 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, And More

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: January 18, 2024

Don’t just stand outside and look for the full-mast flag that means the monarch is home — go in! Buckingham Palace is the British Royal Family’s official residence and even you can visit. That said, it can be tricky and you’ll need to plan ahead. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide with info on tickets, tours, what to see, and the palace’s history. Here’s how to visit Buckingham Palace.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our best Buckingham Palace tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in London .

Visiting Buckingham Palace: What We’ll Cover

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic things you can do in London—after visiting the palace itself, of course.

As the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837, it is replete with all the opulence you would expect of kings and queens. If it’s on your bucket list, you’ll find out what you need to know about how to visit Buckingham Palace in this guide. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see in Buckingham Palace
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of Buckingham Palace
• Places to eat nearby

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it .

Buckingham Palace Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

Visitors have access to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms and the Palace Garden for several weeks throughout the year. But for obvious security reasons, these can only be palace guided tours. Available dates vary based on the tours that the palace offers, but here’s what’s happening in 2023.

Palace-guided tours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November to May. Tours usually start at 4:00 pm on Fridays, and 11:00 am through 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Summer tickets: July 14 – September 24, with State Rooms closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets have a timed entry so you’ll want to book ahead , but the palace is open from 9:30 am to the last admission at 5:15 in July and August, and 4:15 in September.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place outside the palace building but within its gates. The public can view this ceremony without a ticket around 10:40 to 11:00 am every day. This time is not exact and is also dependent on weather. The ceremony only happens everyday in June/July and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the rest of the year.

Tickets and Tours:

Tickets must be booked online or booked here for a guided tour that includes the area around Buckingham Palace.

Palace-guided tours in the winter and spring:

Adults: £90 Family guided tour: ages 5-17 is £49.50, under 5 is free

Summer Buckingham Palace tickets if purchased in advance:

Adults: £30 Young adults (18-24): £19.50 Child (5-17): £16.50 Disabled: £16.50 Under 5: Free Families: automatic discount for 1 adult and 2 children or up to 2 adults and 4 children

Pro Tip: Your tickets can be validated for up to a year if you ask a Warden to stamp it before leaving!

Address: Buckingham Palace

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at Buckingham Palace

Short Answer: 2.5 hours for the State Rooms or 4.5 hours for the Royal Day Out

There are 19 State Rooms (the palace has a total of 775 rooms) so a meaningful visit will take a few hours. You’ll have access to several of the most ornately decorated rooms with treasures from the Royal Collection, paintings by old master artists, expensive sculptures, and elegant English and French furniture.

Also, you get to see the opulent and historic Throne Room. You might agree as I do that the White Drawing Room is even grander than the Throne Room. Find out for yourself!

What To See In Buckingham Palace

On your visit to the royal residence, make sure you see these incredible rooms and sights. There’s a lot of history and opulence to take in as you see Buckingham Palace. For a more detailed list with history, check out our article on the top things to see at the palace.

• The Changing Of The Guard
• The Throne Room
• The Queen’s Gallery
• The White Drawing Room 
• The Palace Garden
• Treasures Of The Palace
• The Ballroom
• The Gold State Coach
• The Diamond Jubilee State Coach
• The Grand Staircase

Buckingham Palace Tour Options

Guided tours to see Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard, and other important areas around this royal area are the best way to get to know this historic site. We offer several top-rated tours that you can choose to make your vacation in London the best ever.

The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour (2.5 hours)

Anyone can take an audio-guided tour, but if you book this tour, you get the special attention of a tour guide who knows incredible stories you won’t hear on that audio guide. Plus, you’ll first explore the serene St. James Park where you’ll hear about it’s transformation from a swampland to a deer park and a quiet oasis.

You’ll feel like you know the royals even better after exploring the Mall where official processionals and the Changing of the Guard have happened for centuries. Rest assured that your guide will get you to the right door at Buckingham Palace after entertaining you with stories of what you’ll see inside.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard (3 hours)

Clients love our skip-the-line access to the famous Westminster Abbey where they can enjoy a few minutes of quiet time with their guide in the nave of the abbey before the public enters.

There’s more to see at Westminster than you think, so having a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the Quire, Poet’s Corner, and more, is extremely helpful. And if the Changing of the Guard happens on the day of your tour, they’ll be sure to help you see it from several vantage points.

London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London (7 hours)

Our top-selling London tour is a must-do when you’re traveling to the heart of the United Kingdom. Your local guides are highly qualified and can share an unreal amount of cool facts and stories about London’s iconic sites and history. Starting at Westminster Abbey, you’ll be amazed at just how much of London you can see on foot and on a Thames river cruise.

Your skip-the-line tickets help you maximize your time, and your guides know where the best spots to see the Changing of the Guard are found. Your final stop at the Tower of London brings London’s more grisly history to life. It’s the perfect place to end your busy day tour of London!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if sightseeing tours in London are worth it .

Buckingham Palace Facts and History 

• The palace has a total of 775 rooms, 19 of which are state rooms open to the public. 
• There have been many properties on the site. From 1698, however, it was known as Buckingham House and was the home of the Duke of Buckingham, where it gets its name.
• In 1761, it became known as the Queen’s House after George III bought it for his wife Queen Charlotte.
• It became a palace for the first time in the 1820s when George IV had it lavishly restructured fit for a king.
• The royal family made it their official residence in 1837, and Queen Victoria was the first royal to officially live there as head of state.
• The palace entertains 50,000 invited guests a year. Also, it averages 578,000 paid visitors a year.
• The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens daily at 10.45 am. King Henry VII made them the official Royal Body Guard 500 years ago. 
• During World War II, the palace was repeatedly targeted but survived nine bombing raids. The Royal Family refused to move out despite concerns for their safety.
• The palace is heavily protected but in 1982 an intruder called Michael Fagan broke into the Queen’s bedroom while she was sleeping. When she awoke, they had a brief chat before she fled the room and raised the alarm.

Places To Eat Nearby

The good news is your dining options are plentiful, but you’ll need to choose wisely. You can dine like royalty on Buckingham Palace Road, very close to the palace. Or, on the same stretch of road, there are sandwich bars with a more laid-back atmosphere and casual dining.

Take your pick of traditional British fare or more exotic cuisines. Here are a few suggestions, but if you’d like more options, also check out our guide to the best restaurants near Buckingham Palace . 

The Laughing Halibut : £ | Takeaway —Grab some old-school fish and chips to take away or take a seat inside. It’s a great place for a quick lunch with good reviews.

Bon Gusto : ££ | Italian Cuisine —Fancy a change from British grub? Try this Italian restaurant with a selection of meat, seafood, and pasta dishes. There are also soups and Mediterranean salads.  

The English Grill : ££££ | Traditional British Fare —This restaurant promises you’ll dine like royalty. Indeed, it is ornately decorated with regal furniture and furnishings. You can enjoy traditional afternoon tea in a garden overlooking the Royal Mews. Also, the range of steak, salad, and dessert dishes (to name a few) are product-sourced from the same Royal suppliers as Buckingham Palace.

Find the best places to stay

Where To Stay in London

Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

Reader Interactions

Comments (10).

June 30, 2022

We Want to visit inside Buckingham Palace either on 13th or 14th July. Can you help us tour and visit it?

July 5, 2022

We don’t currently offer Buckingham Palace tours, but we’d love to take you around London to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, plus even more great locations on our London in a Day tour and Westminster Abbey tour .

July 1, 2022

Will we be able to turn up at Buckingham Palace and buy a ticket on the day? Shanthi

[email protected]

Not necessarily. Since the royal family uses Buckingham Palace, schedules and public access are subject to changes at short notice. Additionally, tours are not available every day. It’s best to plan ahead and purchase tickets before you arrive to have the best chance of entering the palace.

September 19, 2022

It’s my 70th birthday august 21 2023 and I would like to bring my children/grandchildren to visit Buckingham Palace. There will be 2 x Oaps, 3 adults, 1 child aged 9 and 1 aged 4. What would you recommend and at what cost? Thank you for your help Best wishes

September 21, 2022

What a fun trip! You can check their website for tickets next season. The palace is only open for 10 weeks in the summer, and it’s closed early this year due to the queen’s death. You can also book a trip out to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge for fun day trip to another royal residence.

In your ‘blurb’ “It became a palace for the first time in the 1820s when George VI had it lavishly restructured to be fit for a king.” This is incorrect. In actual fact it was ‘King George IV’ who died in 1830 King George VI was Queen Elizabeth II father and died in 1952

Thanks for letting us know about that typo! It makes a difference of generations!

I purchased four Buckingham Palace tour tickets for Thursday, September 29. I do have my confirmation email, but I don’t have the actual ticket email. If I would email my customer and order numbers to an office or a person, is there some way I could please get the email with the actual tickets.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and assistance with this matter.

You’ll need to check with the company from whom you purchased your ticket as they’ll have the accurate information.

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King Charles III opens parts of Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle for first time

(LONDON) -- King Charles III is giving the public a never-before-seen glimpse into two of the most iconic royal residences, Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle.

Starting this summer, members of the public will be able to tour the East Wing of Buckingham Palace for the first time, according to an announcement Wednesday from the Royal Collection Trust.

The tour will include a stop in the room that members of Britain's royal family gather in before stepping out on the palace's famous balcony, where they wave to the public after major events like coronations, jubilees and the annual Trooping the Colour.

The East Wing tour will also include visits to rooms used by the royals for official meetings and events, according to the Royal Collection Trust.

The tour, which will run daily in July and August, comes after five years of renovations to the East Wing to "upgrade the historic building's infrastructure, improve access and preserve it for future generations," according to the Royal Collection Trust.

Also opening this summer for the first time is Balmoral Castle, the royal family's estate in Scotland.

Balmoral Castle was particularly beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who spent the final months of her life there in 2022.

Starting on July 1, guided tours of the interior of the castle will begin for the first time ever, according to the castle's website.

The tours will run through Aug. 4, and are only open to 10 people at a time. Tickets for the Castle Interior Tour start at just over $120 per person, according to the website. Tickets for the Castle Interior Tour with Afternoon Tea, which is offered to adults only, will cost around $190 per person.

"You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family," the description for the tour reads. "Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesty's The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family."

Starting in early May, the castle's gardens, exhibitions and grounds will also be open to the public on a daily basis through mid-August, as they are each summer, according to the castle's website.

Tickets for tours of the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral can be purchased online, with prices ranging depending on group size, age and tour experience.

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Buckingham Palace Tour with Audio Guide and Royal London Walking Tour - Get Local Tour

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Buckingham Palace Tour with Audio Guide and Royal London Walking Tour

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Description

Get tickets to go inside Buckingham Palace in London. Explore the lavish interiors of the British royal palace and home of the Queen with an audio-guide. Learn about the Royal Family on an informative walking tour down the Mall and St. James's Park. Open to the public for two months every year, grab the chance to visit Buckingham Palace and learn more about the history behind the Queen's London residence. Explore the gardens of St. James's Park, built by Henry VIII where he kept crocodiles, camels and other exotic birds and is now the heart of ceremonial London. Pass by Clarence House, the residence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall before visiting Buckingham Palace. With your audio guide, explore the majestic halls and rooms of Buckingham Palace. Find some of the treasures of the Royal Collection and other rare art pieces gifted by various Heads of State.

Cancellation Policy

• Any cancellations made after 13:30 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

Activity Detail

• English-speaking guide
• English audio guide

Min/Max Quantity To Book

• Max Qty: 25 (Maximum tickets can be booked)

Start Timings

Check in/pickup location details.

• Arriving by Tube: From Piccadilly Circus, take exit No. 3 onto Regent Street/St James. Walk south down Regent Street towards St James Park (do not walk north towards Oxford Street). Waterloo Place is at the end of Regent Street. You will see the tall column with a statue on top. From Charing Cross Station, walk down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace, you will see the statue on your right at the top of some steps. Your guide will be wearing a blue polo shirt or jacket at the meeting point for easy recognition and will be holding a sign with the tour name.

Restrictions

• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests with a limited range of movement are not permitted to participate in this activity.
• Photography is not permitted within Buckingham Palace but is allowed within the gardens.

Additional Notes

• Due to increased security measures at many attractions, some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or VIP early access.
• To guarantee small group experience, this tour will be limited to a maximum of twenty-five (25) guests.

Dressing & Items to Bring

• Walking shoes
• Comfortable clothing
• Strollers are not allowed
• Large purses, bags or backpacks are not allowed

Contact Details

Supplier contact details, local contact details, emergency contact details.

You will receive an email containing a link allowing you to reset your password to a new preferred one.

The Queen's Gallery - Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Audio Guide

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• The Queen's Gallery Entrance Ticket
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• The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK Visit the Queen's Gallery and discover more about the history of the Royal Family, with your complimentary self-guided audio tour!
• Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• You'll start at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK Visit the Queen's Gallery and discover more about the history of the Royal Family, with your complimentary self-guided audio tour! See address & details
• 1 Westminster Abbey Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 2 Churchill War Rooms Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 3 Cenotaph Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 4 Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 5 Guard's Division Memorial Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 6 The Mall Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 7 Buckingham Palace Stop: 5 minutes See details
• You'll end at Buckingham Palace London SW1A 1AA, UK See address & details

• Michael N 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do walking tour... A wonderfully interesting and informative tour. Thank you to Margot, our amazing guide who took on a two-hour journey through Stratford-upon-Avon's history and Shakespeare's story. A must do... Read more Written April 5, 2024
• Suesangels6 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pantheon WOW WOW this place is amazing, the headphones helped with the experience, very good story telling and very informative. I would recommend this tour 10 out of 10 Read more Written March 21, 2024
• PatchInMyBackpack 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect DIY tour guide for solo travellers It's a free and easy DIY kind of tour of the Warwickshire! Perfect tour for solo travelers that likes to wander and has lots of time to spare! Read more Written March 18, 2024
• 619jeffry 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles ''What news on the Rialto?" Historic Rialto Bridge is important; it crosses Venice's Lagoon; it's the heart of Venice's business and commerce area. The Bridge's ramps have lots of shops. Crossing the Rialto Bridge is easy, it attracts locals and travelers. By the way, the Realto was similar to a stock exchange and gold market in days gone by. In Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," one of the actors asks "What news on the Rialto?" similar to saying "What's happening on Wall St? The Rialto is also known as "Shylock's Bridge." It's interesting and worth crossing. Read more Written March 11, 2024
• nomaler 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing experience and wasted time I took almost 2 hours by Uber to get there and wasted my time and money due to inconvenience. The presence of ongoing construction and the closure of entire buildings for maintenance prevented me from entering the premises and utilizing the app I paid. Unfortunately no prior notifications or information regarding these circumstances was provided me. Read more Written March 7, 2024
• Leekraushaar 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles No good Very disappointed as we were having trouble identifying the start point from their directions - which sent us to an abandoned shop - and although there was an email to contact them, which I did, I heard nothing back We obviously had to change our plans that day and I asked for a refund Despite emailing again after our trip there has still been no reply to apologise, clarify or refund Would not recommend Read more Written February 24, 2024
• 998lenad 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting historical tour Very chill way to explore the history of covent garden. Easy to understand and to listen to. Did like the possibility to take “breaks” and continue wherever you want Read more Written December 31, 2023
• ADM1111 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles STRONGLY RECOMMENDED It's not the first time I visit Kew Gardens. I start by saying that I had been visiting more than one botanical garden, included Rio de Janeiro (which is really, really remarkable). Actually, Kew gardens fascinates in summer and spring as well as in winter. Princess of wales pavillion, pagoda, the forest, Kew palace, Palm house, Temperate House, Edible Science and so on ARE unquestionably AMAZING. They provide each and everyone with 360 degrees about ecological worries. Read more Written December 27, 2023
• Departure68431959878 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Very nice place which is within walking distance, close to the trams and metros. The hostel is nice and comfortable. Read more Written December 26, 2023
• carmenfr93 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect way to explore London (solo) at your own pace Perfect way to explore the city :) I did some tours by myself, some with my bf and really enjoyed it! It is a great combination of historic but also contemporary information with more than a few tips for pubs and restaurants. I also really liked the app to help me navigate and find some "instagramable" spots - highly recommend! Read more Written November 28, 2023
• simongC6467JB 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Visiting times. Great place to visit, however be aware that on Friday doesn’t open until 4pm, this would help if on this page. Overall very interesting place to go too. Read more Written November 17, 2023
• nascar9900 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles No download. No reply from vendor. Wasted money. We ordered the audio tour, but after many attempts to download using multiple codes found in the “You’ve been charged” email, all we got back was “an error has occurred”. We called the vendor’s number but only got a message machine. We left a message, but no callback after 3 days. We sent them an email, but have not received a reply after 3 days. Wasted money, no vendor response. Will be requesting a refund from Tripadvisor. Read more Written October 5, 2023
• gracewW5094WP 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend this tour. Good value The audio tour was exactly what we wanted.The only problem we had was with the first stop as the narration kept cutting out. We saw all the main places of interest and enjoyed the dialogue Read more Written September 28, 2023
• etonn 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Great information, but the app needs to be updated. It was great information provided in the guided tour, however I was hoping the app would track your precise location and start once you arrive at a location. We spent the majority of the time trying to locate the buildings or area being referenced, and in many cases without success. Read more Written September 4, 2023
• 900iarah 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Learn about music, history and art of Brixton whenever you want Very interesting self-guided audio tour which shows history, music related spots and art of Brixton area. It has been an amazing way to walk around the neighborhood safely and learn a lot of cultural things. I really suggest trying this tour. To be fair, I had problems to download the audio guide by using the code I received from TripAdvisor booking, si I strongly suggest using their Vici Guides app directly to book the tour. Read more Written August 16, 2023

More to explore in London

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

The Queen's Gallery - Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket & Audio Guide provided by Vidi Guides

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The 5 best sightseeing tours of buckingham palace.

See one of Britain's top attractions on a walking, biking, bus or private taxi tour.

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

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A tour of Buckingham Palace is a must-do on your next London vacation.

On a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Come on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning to see the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area while sharing  knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a two-hour tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony, while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the corner of Piccadilly and Arlington Street (between The Ritz and The Wolseley), ending at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Tour

Price: From $164

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle. Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines. The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection – the ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

Full-day London with Changing of the Guard and Private Cruise

Price: From $158; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony, and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

The London Essentials Bike Tour

Price: From $38

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were really impressed by the knowledge of the guide. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

View & Book Tickets: GetYourGuide

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $461

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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Buckingham Palace is launching the first-ever tours of its balcony rooms

New tours this summer will feature parts of the palace never seen before by the public

For the first time ever, the public could get a bigger peek into the secret lives of the royal family. Buckingham Palace has announced plans to open its famous balcony rooms to us normies this summer, making it the first time regular folk will be able to look out the palace’s windows and literally see life through the eyes of the royals. 

The first ever tours of the palace’s East Wing, which includes Buckingham Palace’s iconic front-facing balcony, will launch on Monday July 15 to coincide with the annual opening of the State Rooms. Until now, every summer visitors have been able to tour the back rooms and gardens of the palace. Now they will be given access to the front   of the building, too. 

Built in the 1840s, the East Wing is the youngest part of Bucky-P. It was added to the royal residence by Queen Victoria who wanted extra space when she moved into her new gaff after becoming Queen. Highlights of the balcony rooms include the principal corridor which houses two state portraits of King Edward VII, and the yellow drawing room, which displays two large, hexagonal, nine-tiered Chinese porcelain pagodas. 

A limited number of East Wing Highlights Tours will run daily in July and August and need to be booked in addition to the standard admission ticket to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

East Wing Highlights Tours will go on sale on Tuesday April 9. Priority access will be given to Royal Collection Trust email subscribers for 24 hours, before remaining tickets go on general sale to the public on Wednesday April 10.

Tours of the East Wing and State Rooms cost £75. You can book online here .  

Never been to Buckingham Palace? Here’s everything you need to know . 

Listen to Time Out’s brilliant podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’:   the newest episode with Milton Jones in Richmond is out now .

Stay in the loop: sign up to our   free Time Out London newsletter   for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.  

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BUCKINGHAM PALACE, Tour

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BUCKINGHAM PALACE

You should know that the royal palace is named after the Duke of Buckingham, who had a simple, red brick residence built here at the beginning of the 18th century. King George III bought it in 1762 as a residence for his consort, Queen Charlotte, who enriched it with furnishings and works of art from other royal palaces. But it was his successor George IV who transformed the palace into the official residence of the royal family, which had lived in St James's Palace before then. All that is left of the Neoclassical renovations are the rear section, towards the gardens, and the beautiful interior façade  with porticoes and a loggia. Queen Victoria then had the garden enclosed with the two side wings to increase the number of rooms. And lastly, the front section of the palace was completely restored right before World War I.

As you can see, the central body of the palace is placed slightly forward, and has two symmetrical façade s at its sides. In the centre, above the archway leading to the courtyard, you can see the balcony where the royal family stands to salute the crowd, topped by the flagpole with the "Royal Standard", or official flag.

Including private apartments, utility rooms and reception rooms, Buckingham Palace has over seven hundred rooms in total; if you are in London in August and September you can visit about twenty of them, the so-called State Rooms . The Queen had the idea of opening the palace to the public in order to raise funds for the restoration of Windsor Castle, which had been damaged by a fire in 1993. The State Rooms look over the gardens and include the Blue Drawing Room , White Drawing Room , State Dining Room and Music Room . Some masterpieces from the royal family's private collections are displayed, including the world's most significant collection of Canaletto paintings. In the current Throne Room , decorated with red tapestries, white stucco and golden roses, you can see the twin thrones that were made for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.

Year-round you can visit the Neoclassical stables, where the court's carriages and cars are parked, and the Queen's Gallery , where temporary exhibitions are set up to display works from the royal collections.

FUN FACT: a few years ago, a bunker was built in the palace to protect the royals from the dangers of Islamic terrorism. The Sunday Times wrote that the bunker had cost the British a great deal: a million pounds!

This concludes our tour of Buckingham Palace . MyWoWo thanks you for staying with us, and will see you at the next Wonder of the World!

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Buckingham Palace’s Famous Balcony—Where Prince William and Kate Middleton Shared Their Iconic Wedding Kiss—Will Open to the Public This Summer

For the first time in history, guests will be able to take in the balcony's epic view for themselves.

Getty Images / Chris Ison - PA Images / Contributor

We all remember that picture-perfect moment on April 29, 2011: Minutes after Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in Westminster Abbey , they stepped out onto Buckingham Palace’s balcony, where they shared a few sweet kisses and waved to the thousands people below and beyond. This resulted in some of their wedding’s most iconic images—and starting this July, royal fans will be able to see the site of that epic kiss in person for the very first time in history. The palace’s East Wing will officially be open to visitors this summer after a major restoration project, the Royal Collection Trust revealed in a new press release. “The East Wing encompasses the front façade of the historic building and features the famous central balcony, where the Monarch and members of the Royal Family have gathered for public appearances during special occasions or historic moments since 1851,” the release shared.

These special guided tours, which will run through July and August, have been half a decade in the making. “Access this year has been made possible due to the conclusion of more than five years of improvement works to the East Wing,” palace officials reported in the release. “The essential works are part of the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme to upgrade the historic building’s infrastructure, improve access, and preserve it for future generations.”

Getty Images / Peter Macdiarmid / Staff

Though seeing the balcony—where the royal family gathers for wedding announcements, coronations, the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, and more—will undoubtedly be the highlight of guests’ tour of the property’s Principal Floor, there will be plenty of other sights, rooms, and objects to take in. “Led by expert guides, small groups of visitors will be able to visit spectacular rooms on the Principal Floor, furnished with highlights from the Royal Collection,” read the press release, which notes that the balcony will be the final point of the tour. “Visitors will discover the history of the Wing, first occupied by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children and still used by the Royal Family today for official meetings and events.”

Getty Images / Tim Graham / Contributor

The wing itself is nearly 200 years old, and has been a key part of royal life since its completion in 1849. “At the request of Queen Victoria, the architect Edward Blore was commissioned to draw up plans for alterations to Buckingham Palace, in order to increase the accommodation for her growing family,” noted the release. “Between 1847 and 1849, the East Wing was added, enclosing what had previously been an open, horseshoe-shaped courtyard, following George IV’s conversion of Buckingham House into a Palace to the designs of John Nash.”

If you’re planning a trip to London this summer, you’ll want to add this once-in-a-lifetime tour to your itinerary—and you’ll need to act fast, since space is limited. “A limited number of East Wing Highlights Tours will run daily in July and August, from Monday, 15 July,” explained the release. “Tours must be booked in addition to the standard admission ticket to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. The Palace will be open for seven days a week during July and August for the first time since 2019, returning to five days a week during September.”

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New Video Shows Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Royal Family's Iconic Palace Balcony Appearances

It's a little-known fact that Buckingham Palace is in the middle of a 10-year, multimillion dollar restoration

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

King Charles is inviting you in for a new view of Buckingham Palace !

On April 4, the royal family's social media pages posted a video about the reopening of the East Wing amid the royal residence's 10-year restoration , including the Centre Room leading out onto the royal residence's iconic balcony. Highlights included the royal family’s two major appearances on the terrace last year, from King Charles and Queen Camilla ’s coronation in May 2023 and Trooping the Colour , the annual public celebration of the monarch's birthday, the following month.

The clip shared on X panned into the ornate Centre Room as a voiceover explained the reopening follows five years of refurbishment.

"While all this incredible work is being carried out, the working palace continues to operate as usual throughout for guests, staff and the royal family," they said.

"As it enters its final three years, this ambitious program carries on with more work to be done to protect the historic building from risk of fire or flood, and to ensure it is fit for purpose for generations to come," the voiceover concluded, cutting to a shot of Prince George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis animatedly waving as they stood before their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton , on the balcony during Trooping the Colour last year.

The new peek into the palace came the day after the Royal Collection Trust announced that the East Wing of Buckingham Palace will open to the public for the first time ever through tours this summer.

The East Wing includes the front façade and balcony synonymous with royal celebrations like coronations and weddings since 1851, and tours of its Principal Floor will take viewers into the Principal Corridor, Yellow Drawing Room and Centre Room. The East Wing Highlights tours kick off July 15 and will be held daily through August, accessible through standard admission to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace ($95 for adults) for an undisclosed extra charge.

The Royal Collection Trust, which is an official Royal Household department tasked with looking after several royal residences, added that Buckingham Palace will also be open to the public seven days a week in July and August for the first time since 2019. The reservicing began in 2017 and is due to be complete in 2027, explained by Royal.UK as "a complete overhaul to prevent long-term damage to the building and its contents."

Chris Jackson/Getty 

The royal palace welcomes nearly 100,000 guests and 15 million tourists each year, but King Charles and Queen Camilla don't actually live there. Though the King, 75, and Queen, 76, host many meetings and audiences at the monarchy’s hub, the couple has called Clarence House their London home for years and apparently like it so much that they broke a 900-year tradition by sleeping there the night before their coronation.

The new access at Buckingham Palace comes on the heels of the update that Balmoral Castle in Scotland is opening to the public for the first ever. While the royals previously permitted tours at their cherished summer sanctuary in Aberdeenshire, access was limited to the grounds, gardens and castle ballroom. During a limited run from July to August, tourists are invited inside for the first time — and royal watchers couldn’t resist! According to Sky News , both the general castle tours and tours with tea sold out 24 hours after the access went live. 

Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty

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Royal biographer Robert Hardman speculated in his latest book The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy that King Charles would grant greater access to Balmoral as he modernizes the monarchy. 

"Balmoral is private property. However, it needs public footfall not just to help pay the bills but to bring benefits to the wider community and to remain in step with other stately homes," he wrote in the text, published in January.

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How to get tickets to the hidden quarters of Buckingham Palace

This summer the East Wing of Buckingham Palace will open to the public for the first time.

The East Wing forms the front of Buckingham Palace , meaning the general public will have the chance to see the famous balcony where members of the Royal family greet crowds during jubilees, coronations and other ceremonies. Previously, only the State Rooms were open to the public.

The opening of the East Wing comes after five years of works, part of a wider renovation programme across the palace designed to update the building’s infrastructure, improve access and to preserve its treasures for future generations. The introduction of East Wing tours comes as the Balmoral Estate in Scotland announced guided tours of its interiors for the first time.

The new Buckingham Palace tours will take place from mid-July to the end of September. Only a small number of tickets will go on sale, but royal fans can increase their chances of securing them by signing up to an exclusive (free) mailing list.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the East Wing of Buckingham Palace this summer, plus information on other ways to explore the royal residence including the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and the King’s Gallery.

What will you be able to see on the tour?

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace is the front section of the building, as viewed from the main gates, incorporating the famous balcony where members of the Royal family have appeared for special occasions since 1851.

Led by a tour guide, visitors will learn about the history of the East Wing, which was commissioned by Queen Victoria to make space for her growing family; previously, the plot was a horseshoe-shaped courtyard. The construction of the East Wing was financed through the sale of George IV’s Royal Pavilion in Brighton, in 1850, after which some of its Chinese-inspired furnishing and decorations were transferred to the new wing.

The tour will lead visitors to rooms on the Principal Floor including the Principal Corridor, which runs the length of the wing. Many artworks and antiques from the Royal Collection decorate the rooms, including paintings by Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Thomas Lawrence. There is also a spectacular painting by John Charlton showing Queen Victoria arriving at St Paul’s Cathedral during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

In the Yellow Drawing Room, decorated with restored hand-painted Chinese wallpaper dating from the 18th century, visitors can peruse fine features including the Kylin clock, featuring two Chinese lions, and two hexagonal, nine-tiered porcelain pagodas.

The tour concludes in the Centre Room, which leads to the famous balcony where some of the most iconic royal photographs have been taken. Within the room there are two Chinese 18th-century imperial silk wall hangings, presented to Queen Victoria by Guangxu, Emperor of China, to mark her Diamond Jubilee, plus a newly restored glass chandelier shaped like a lotus flower and a set of beautiful Chinese porcelain vases.

What happens on a State Rooms tour?

The State Rooms are the public areas of the palace where the Royal family entertain guests during state or ceremonial occasions. There are 19 rooms in total, featuring treasures from the Royal Collection, fine English and French furniture and artworks by Van Dyck and Canaletto. Visitors can roam these rooms – including the White Drawing Room (the royal reception room), the Throne Room (the work of architect John Nash) and the Ballroom, where state banquets take place – on a self-guided tour.

Visitors to the State Rooms can buy a combined ticket incorporating the highlights of the Palace Gardens (described as a “walled oasis in the middle of London”), led by an expert warden. 

When will the East Wing tours take place?

Self-guided tours of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will run from July 11 to September 29. The East Wing Highlights Tours will start from July 15. For the first time since 2019, Buckingham Palace will be open for visitors seven days a week in July and August but only five days a week (Thursday to Monday) during September.

How do I book tickets to Buckingham Palace?

Tickets for the East Wing Highlights Tours will go on general sale on April 10. However, subscribers to the Royal Collection Trust newsletter will be given priority access to tickets 24 hours before general sale, on April 9; you can subscribe to the mailing list here .

Admission to the State Rooms costs £32 in advance or £35 on the day. A State Rooms and Garden combined ticket costs £47 or £50 on the day. The East Wing Highlights Tour must be purchased alongside a visit to the State Rooms, costing £75 in total for adults. You can book tickets on the Royal Collection Trust website.

Other things to see at Buckingham Palace

One of the most popular (free) royal attractions in London is the Changing of the Guard, also known as the Guard Mounting, which takes place outside Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10.45am, lasting 45 minutes. 

You can also visit the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace (£17 for adults). Here you can witness what happens behind the scenes at the working stables, and take a close-up look at the 260-year-old Gold State Coach, used during jubilees and coronation ceremonies.

The King’s Gallery (formerly the Queen’s Gallery) has changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection (£19 for adults); the current exhibition is Holbein at the Tudor Court , which ends on April 14. The next exhibition, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography , begins on May 17 and charts the evolution of royal portrait photography since the 1920s.

Where to stay nearby

There is an entire suite of top-class hotels within a mile of Buckingham Palace. The pick, naturally, is The Goring , where Catherine, Princess of Wales and her family stayed on the night before the royal wedding in 2011. A fleet of footmen provide a butler service for suites, and all rooms come with complimentary do-it-yourself cocktails – much more fun than boring old champagne (rooms from £623).

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Guided Walking Tour of the Moscow Metro

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You would like, admiring the frescoes in kurskaya and komsomolskaya metro stations, marvelling at the architecture of the moscow metro, listening to your guide's commentary, essential information *, duration 1 hour 50 minutes, starting time 2:00 pm.

Set off to discover the most breathtaking stops on Moscow’s beautiful metro system on this walking tour.

Some of the stops on the Moscow metro are real masterpieces. Head underground and admire the Moscow metro with your guide.

During your guided tour, you will get to admire the Ploshchad Revolyutsii , designed by the architect Dushkin. There are no fewer than 72 sculptures in this station!

You will then explore Kurskaya station, built in 1938. The design, mosaics and slogans will immerse you in the era of Stalin. You will also see the frescoes depicting Russian victories in Komsomolskaya station.

Then, continue to one of Moscow’s must-see metro stations, Novoslobodskaya , which resembles an underground palace: marble, stained glass windows...

Join your guide to explore the most lavish and important metro stops in Moscow! 

• Availability: every day (excluding exceptional dates)
• Duration: 1 hr. 50 mins approx.
• Departure point: The Kremlin
• Languages: English
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• Metro tickets are included for the metro stations visited during the activity 
• A valid student card will be requested from participants who have booked the reduced student tariff
• A minimum of 2 participants is required to book this activity

Price includes

• Metro tickets
• The services of an English-speaking tour guide
• The guided tour of the Moscow metro

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• Access to stations not included in the tour
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Tips (optional)
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Tour of famous Moscow Metro. Explore the Underground World! (2 hours)

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On this tour you take in some of Moscow's most important and highly decorated stations. Carrying up to 7 million passengers a day and covering almost the entire city, the Moscow Metro is one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world. It's famous for the fine examples of social-realism which decorate many of its stations.

Visit some of the most important stations and get the chance to admire spectacular baroque-style ceilings, marble statues, busts of Communist heroes, stained glass windows, and ceiling mosaics depicting the bright Soviet future. Visit the most remarkable stations like Komsomolskaya, Kurskaya, Kievskaya and others, with the experienced guide who will bring you a full insight into their fascinating history.

• Tour of Moscow's Metro system visiting beautifully decorated key stations on the network.
• System that carries more than 7 million passengers per day
• Views of the most opulently designed tunnels & platforms
• Significance to the country—known as the “People's Palace”
• History & stories relayed by an expert local guide

If you wonder why the Moscow metro is considered one the most beautiful in the world, this tour is made for you!

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Ask a travel expert.

• Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

Departure and return point: nearest metro station to your central Moscow hotel  

Departure time:  flexible

Sights included in program

Thanks ! We will reply you in less than 24 hours (usually within 1-2 hours) .

Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis. In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

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Moscow Metro Underground Small-Group Tour - With Reviews & Ratings

Moscow metro underground small-group tour.

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 3 Hrs
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 10:00 AM
• Departure Details : Karl Marks Monument on Revolution Square, metro stop: Square of Revolution
• Return Details : Metro Smolenskaya
• If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
• Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda , then hear soviet stories from a local in the know. Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.

Know More about this tour

We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality — the walls depict plenty of Propaganda , with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas(grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.

Local English-speaking guide

Pancake snack and drink

Additional food and drinks

Tickets for public transport

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for the guide

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Traveler Reviews

This tour exceeded our expectations. Nikolai (Nick), our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, thorough, and has a great personality. He didn't take shortcuts and really covered everything that was on the agenda in great detail. We saw beautiful metro stations and learned the history behind them, including many of the murals and designs.

We did the tour with Anna her knowledge and understanding of the History surrounding the metro brought the tour alive. Well done Anna!

This tour was amazing!

Anna was a great tour guide. She gave us heaps of interesting information, was very friendly, and very kindly showed us how to get to our next tour.

Amazing beauty and history.

An excellent tour helped by an absolutely amazing guide. Anna gave a great insight into the history of the metro helped by additional material she had prepared.

great tour and guide - thanks again

great will do it again, Miriam ke was very good as a guide she has lived here all here life so knew every interesting detail.a good day

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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