Top 5 Royal Palaces in London and How to Visit

One of the best-known royal palaces in the world, Buckingham Palace is the primary (official) residence of the British monarch. The palace features 19 state rooms, which are normally open to the public for three months each summer. During the rest of the year, admire the palace and its famous balcony from behind gilded gates or stop by for the Changing of the Guard ceremony—just don't forget to arrive well before the scheduled procession to beat the crowds.

How to visit: Experience life as a member of the British royal family on a tour of the State Rooms, or stroll through St. James' Park to a luxury hotel for afternoon tea.

Set in the heart of central London, Kensington Palace is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and was once home to Princess Diana. In recent years the palace has become the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (as well as other lesser royals), and is perhaps most popular for its whimsical gardens and swanky Orangery.

How to visit: Stop by the Kensington Orangery for high tea, before touring Kensington Gardens. Alternatively, admire the palace on a royal parks tour.

Located on the banks of the River Thames to the southwest of central London, 16th-century Hampton Court Palace is a masterpiece of baroque and Tudor architecture. Once King Henry VIII's private residence, it was built to rival the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and is now best known for its medieval Great Hall, impressive hedge maze, and costumed performances.

How to visit: Take a private tour of Hampton Court Palace and learn all about the famed Haunted Gallery, as well as the palace's former royal residents.

The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in Central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. Once part of the Palace of Whitehall—and the site of one monarch's bloody demise—this national monument now welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites, as well as the spot where King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.

How to visit: Combine a trip to the Banqueting House with an exploration of Westminster Abbey on a private, half-day tour. There, admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.

The Tower of London is a UNESCO-listed landmark dating back to the 11th-century Norman Conquest of England. One of the city's most popular attractions, the tower is protected by the famous Beefeater guards and has housed the royal family's Crown Jewels since the 14th century. Following alterations made by notorious ruler Henry VII, many visitors have claimed to have seen ghosts in the towers and corridors.

How to visit: Get a glimpse at the famed Crown Jewels on an early-access tour of the Tower of London and skip the long lines. Or, opt for another VIP experience, which includes a visit to Tower Bridge.