Inside Buckingham Palace: Explore the State Rooms Like Royalty

It’s one thing to stand at the gates of Buckingham Palace, snapping photos with tourists and watching the Changing of the Guard. But it’s a whole other level of wonder to step inside. Yes, inside. If you time your visit just right (typically from mid-July to late September), you can walk through the grand doors and explore the world-famous Buckingham Palace State Rooms. And let me tell you—it’s every bit as regal, dramatic, and jaw-droppingly beautiful as you'd imagine.

This isn't your average museum stroll or stately home tour. Here, you're surrounded by active history, where world leaders are hosted and royal celebrations take place. It’s the heart of the monarchy and the crown jewel of royal London attractions. Ready to wander through history like royalty? Let’s step inside.

The moment you enter, you’re struck by the sheer scale. The ceilings are high—soaring, really—and the décor is rich without ever feeling over-the-top. Every detail has intention. Gold trims, velvet drapes, glistening chandeliers. And just when you think you’ve adjusted to the opulence, you step into the next room, and your jaw drops all over again.

There are 19 Buckingham Palace State Rooms in total that open to the public during the summer. Each room serves a ceremonial or official purpose, used regularly by The King and members of the Royal Family.

The rooms are arranged in a way that naturally flows, guiding you through a story—though the real magic is how quiet and peaceful it feels. Yes, you’re walking where heads of state and monarchs have stood, but it’s surprisingly serene.

Let’s talk highlights—because there are plenty.

One of the most iconic stops is the Throne Room. It's dramatic, crimson, and utterly theatrical—famous as the backdrop for royal wedding portraits. Standing before those twin red thrones feels surreal. This space is still actively used today for receptions and official ceremonies. You might even recognize it from countless royal documentaries or news clips.

And then there’s the Ballroom, which is arguably the grandest space in the entire palace. It stretches across the length of a small aircraft hangar but with the elegance of a chandelier showroom. This is where State Banquets happen—imagine long tables dripping with crystal, silver, and gold. The setting has hosted everyone from Nelson Mandela to President Obama.

You’ll also pass through the White Drawing Room, one of the most intimate yet luxurious spaces. Used by the royal family before official events, it's also a favorite among visitors. Not just because of its gold accents and ornate piano, but because it offers a glimpse into the more personal side of royal life.

If you're using apps like Smartify or the official Royal Collection Trust app, you can dig even deeper as you move through each room. These tools enhance the experience, offering little-known facts and stories that bring the palace to life. From Queen Victoria’s love of elaborate balls to how each portrait was selected, you’ll leave knowing far more than you came with.

Beyond the architecture and design, one of the biggest draws of a visit to the Buckingham Palace interior is the Royal Collection. This isn’t just any art collection—it’s one of the most important in the world.

Think: Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, and Canaletto. The paintings alone are worth the visit. But you’ll also find rare French and English furniture, delicate porcelain, and other priceless objects.

The best part? These pieces aren’t sealed away in glass or behind ropes. They’re part of the room, enhancing the space as they were originally intended. While you're admiring a gilded chair or ornate cabinet, remember—you're not just looking at decoration, but at real, living history.

For art lovers, it's easy to get lost here. Downloading the Smartify app before your visit means you can scan artworks and immediately access in-depth info, artist bios, and historical context. It adds so much richness to what you’re seeing—plus, it’s free.

So whether you’re deep into palace tours London or just casually interested in history, you’ll find something that resonates.

After winding through those extraordinary rooms, your tour doesn’t just end abruptly. Instead, you exit through the vast palace garden—another hidden gem in the city.

The Buckingham Palace garden is the largest private garden in London. It feels worlds away from the nearby hustle of The Mall or Green Park. You’ll pass lush lawns, wildflower meadows, and a large lake complete with swans gliding by.

It’s a fitting end—one that eases you gently out of royal grandeur and back into the real world. And honestly, it’s the perfect moment to pause and let everything sink in. The golden walls, the historic portraits, the hush of the ballroom—it all stays with you long after you've left.

The gift shop (yes, there’s one, and it’s pretty fantastic) is just before the exit. While souvenirs are optional, grabbing a small keepsake—a postcard, a book, maybe a replica crown pencil—feels like a nice way to carry a bit of that royal energy with you.

There are plenty of palace tours in London—Kensington, Hampton Court, the Tower of London. Each has its charm, its ghosts, its royal echoes. But none quite match the experience of being inside Buckingham Palace itself.

Maybe it’s the scale. Maybe it’s the weight of recent history, or the sense of still being very much alive and relevant. Unlike others that are preserved relics, Buckingham Palace is an active royal residence. That’s what makes it so fascinating.

Every detail feels current and intentional, as if the Queen might walk in at any moment. And yet, it’s also deeply tied to centuries of tradition.

Whether you’re a royal enthusiast, a design lover, or simply curious about life behind gilded doors, this is one experience that leaves a lasting impression.

So yes, the crowds outside the gates are always big. But now that you know what lies beyond those gates—and through those enormous doors—you might just find yourself planning a return visit next summer.

Just don’t forget to book in advance. The State Rooms are only open for a short window each year, and they’re wildly popular for a reason.

Visiting the Buckingham Palace State Rooms is more than a tourist experience—it’s a rare chance to be immersed in royal living history. From priceless art to ornate ballrooms, and intimate drawing rooms to grand exits through blooming gardens, every moment is layered with elegance and meaning.

And while London is brimming with royal London attractions, none offer the combination of history, art, and present-day tradition quite like this. The Buckingham Palace interior isn’t just beautiful—it’s deeply human, steeped in centuries of celebration, diplomacy, and quiet grace.

So next time you're in London, skip the selfies outside the gates and take the bold step inside. Your inner royal will thank you.