London Palaces / THE CHOICE, EXPLAINED

Buckingham Palace vs Windsor Castle: Which Should You Visit?

Choose Buckingham Palace for ceremonial interiors in central London. Choose Windsor for a castle-focused day outside the city. Your travel date may decide the question before your preferences do.

Reviewed 2026-09-18 · How we research our guides

At a glance: experience differences, not a live price comparison
CompareBuckingham PalaceWindsor Castle
Best forRoyal State RoomsA royal day trip
LocationWestminsterWindsor, outside London
ExperienceSeasonal palace interiorsWorking royal castle
Plan aroundHalf a dayMost of a day with travel

Compare palace entry before comparing prices

A Buckingham Palace walking tour can cover the exterior and royal neighbourhood without entering the State Rooms. A Windsor day trip can offer transport with optional castle admission. Put only equivalent entry options side by side, then add the cost and time of travel.

Choose Buckingham Palace for a central London itinerary

Buckingham works well when you want the palace to be one part of a Westminster day. Reserve the interior visit first, then arrange park time and other sightseeing around it. Do not assume the State Rooms are open on every date that an exterior walking tour operates.

Choose Windsor Castle for a destination day

Windsor makes more sense when you can give the outing room in your schedule. An independent ticket lets you decide how long to stay in town. A coach tour can be convenient, but check the actual time allowed at the castle and the pickup point before choosing.

Should you book both royal attractions?

Visit both if royal history is a major interest and you have separate time for each. For a short first trip to London, one carefully chosen interior visit plus an exterior Buckingham walk may be a more comfortable plan. Combining both in a guided day changes the pace and reduces your freedom to linger.

Read the individual experience guides

Sources and booking details

Our recommendations compare the experience and practical fit. Check current operator information and the selected ticket or tour before booking.

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Buckingham Palace

The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace Tickets

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Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace State Rooms Ticket with Royal Walking tour

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Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle Entry Tickets

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Windsor Castle

From London: Windsor Castle Half-Day Tour

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