Tourists have slammed an iconic UK landmark, labelling Buckingham Palace as ‘ugly’ and ‘overrated’.
Brits may feel put out when they realise that not every holidaymaker visiting London is impressed by the imposing residence.
Despite its enormous fame and rich history, ‘Mira H’ was left disappointed when she visited in April 2024, describing it on Tripadvisor as ‘lame’.
She wrote: ‘We only visited from the outside and I’m not going to lie, it was pretty lame and kind of ugly.
‘It does not look like a palace at all. There are more beautiful-looking buildings around London that look more like a palace than this place.
Buckingham Palace has housed royals since it was bought by King George III in 1761 for Queen Charlotte. Despite its enormous fame and rich history, ‘Mira H’ was left disappointed when she visited in April 2024, describing it on Tripadvisor as ‘lame’
‘It was too crowded, making it very hard to get good pictures. I thought it was very boring.’
Another visitor, ‘Azy B’, a Londoner himself, said: ‘Boring. Nothing happens there! Just an old, ugly building.
‘Very crowded for no special reasons. King isn’t around!’
Everyone wants to see it but, in my opinion, it is just a big, ugly building.
Visiting from the U.S, ‘Susan D’ commented: ‘Everyone wants to see it but, in my opinion, it is just a big, ugly building, with a very tall, black fence around it.’
Some also complained about the guided tour of the interior, a lack of toilets and the requirement that guests must not wear bags on their back while inside.
Poster ‘Ankita S’ said: ‘Terrible, terrible, terrible!! All those security guards spoiled the entire experience for me and my parents!
‘We came all the way from overseas to see this s***fest of Buck Palace only to be told to remove our bags at every point by irritating, nonsensical, unempathetic security guards inside the state rooms tour.
‘I had to keep explaining myself to every guard posted at every damn point that I have to carry my bag and I cannot lose my bag!
‘They tortured me to hell and spoiled my entire tour experience. I will complain to King Charles!’
King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony
Not everyone was so disappointed with the royal palace, of course, with some giving the landmark much higher ratings and others labelling it as a must-see.
From New York, ‘Gretel’ said it was a ‘bit overrated’ but added: ‘Buckingham Palace was cool to visit, and I’m glad I got to experience it.
‘It’s iconic for a reason, and you definitely have to check it off your bucket list when visiting London. However, when going for Changing of the Guard, it gets super crowded and it’s very hard to see anything.’
While others raved about the structure. ‘MA Burns27’, also from the U.S, noted it offered ‘unparalleled access to history and current events’, having taken a tour of the building for £90.
They added: ‘Since the King was out of town, this tour included intimate visits to state rooms, the throne room, the royal gallery, and amazing views of the initial set-up for garden party season.
The Changing of the Guard happens four times a week – every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10.45am
‘Unlike most royal tours throughout Europe, very little was behind glass or ropes because it’s all a “working palace”.
‘The knowledgeable trio of guides pointed out details great and small; and as an art history buff, access to the royal gallery and its priceless collection with a group of only 30 people and adequate time to peruse all of the works was unreal – almost like a private audience with the Mona Lisa or David sculpture.’
A very happy tourist posted a glowing review of the Changing of the Guard, which happens four times a week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10.45am.
‘Travel25346533585’ said: ‘Pure class and elegance. England knows how to put on grandeur.
‘We even witnessed the famous Changing of the Guard. Naturally we took many photos. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
‘There is plenty of walking and waiting if you wish to watch the world famous Changing of The Guard.’
Buckingham Palace has housed royals for centuries since it was bought by King George III in 1761, having formerly been built as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703.
The King initially purchased the landmark for Queen Charlotte, whereby it became known as The Queens House.
Buckingham Palace eventually became home to the UK’s monarchs when Queen Victoria ascended in 1837 – and the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, have lived at least part-time in the property ever since.
The enormous property, close to Victoria Underground station, is a popular attraction for visitors who want to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony as well as being the setting for many national and royal celebrations.
