CityBuddy
Posetite Kensingtonsku palatu
Best time to visit
Visit on a weekday morning right when gates open at 9:30 AM to avoid the biggest crowds. Summer months (July-September) are the only time the State Rooms are open, so plan ahead.
Budget tips
Tickets cost £30 for adults, but children under 17 go half price and under-5s enter free. A family ticket saves about 15%, and the London Pass includes entry with skip-the-line access.
Recommended for
History enthusiasts, Royal family followers, Architecture lovers, Families with older kids
Plan your visit
2.5-3 hours
About
Quick facts: The palace's Sunken Garden was transformed into a memorial for Princess Diana in 2017, featuring 4,000 seasonal flowers that bloom at different times of the year. Over 500,000 visitors pass through its wrought-iron gates annually, many hoping to spot a royal waving from the balcony or a royal baby photo op outside the Lindo Wing nearby.
Highlights: The palace still has a functioning laundry that hand-presses the Queen's linens with a 150-year-old mangle, and you can sometimes smell the lavender starch drifting through the state rooms. Upstairs, a secret door disguised as a bookshelf once let royal staff move between wings unseen, a Victorian-era trick that still fools visitors today.
Insider tips
- Skip the audio guide queue by downloading the free app on your phone before you arrive.
- The Changing of the Guard happens at 11:00 AM but show up by 10:15 for a spot at the front gates.
- Photography is banned inside the State Rooms, but the garden and exterior shots are fair game from the front lawn.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the State Room tour covers nearly a kilometer of marble floors and red-carpeted corridors.
Where to Stay in London
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in LondonPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting London, United Kingdom, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
More attractions in London
All attractions in London →
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers
31 dana u Londonu: Prolećna avantura u kraljevskom gradu
Provedite ceo mesec u Londonu u proleće, istražujući kraljevske palate, svetske muzeje, živopisne pijace, zelene parkove i kultne znamenitosti uz autentični doživljaj britanske prestonice.
6-Day London Immersive Culture & Hidden Gems Tour
Dive into London's rich history, captivating culture, and secret local treasures through museums, iconic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path explorations perfect for the discerning culture and history lover.
7-Day Winter London for Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorers
Discover London's hidden gems, local favorites, and authentic neighborhoods away from the tourist crowds this winter.
5-Day London Autumn Adventure for Culture & History Enthusiasts
Discover London's rich heritage, hidden gems, vibrant markets, and local traditions in a curated journey that blends iconic museums, secret spots, and authentic cultural experiences.
3 Giorni a Londra per Esploratori Fuori dai Percorsi Turistici
Scopri le gemme nascoste di Londra con tour gratuiti, mercati locali, scorci nascosti e atmosfere autentiche lontano dai flussi turistici in una primavera vibrante.
3-Day London Autumn Cultural & Hidden Gems Explorer
Discover London's rich history and vibrant culture while uncovering its hidden gems and local secrets this autumn.
6-Day London Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorer
Discover London's hidden gems, secret spots, and authentic local experiences that most tourists miss. Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure away from the crowds.
5-Day London Summer Adventure
Explore London's iconic sights, historic landmarks, vibrant markets, and beautiful gardens in a perfectly balanced 5-day summer trip.
7-Day London for Culture and History Enthusiasts with a Local Twist
Dive into London's rich history and vibrant culture while uncovering hidden gems and local favorites away from the crowds.