Tourists have criticized an iconic UK landmark, labeling Buckingham Palace “ugly” and “overrated”.
Britons may be annoyed to realize that not all tourists who visit London are impressed by the imposing residence.
Despite her enormous fame and rich history, ‘Mira H’ was disappointed when she visited her in April 2024 and described her in tripadvisor as “lame.”
She wrote: ‘We only visited it from the outside and I’m not going to lie, it was pretty boring and kind of ugly.
‘It doesn’t look like a palace at all. There are more beautiful buildings in London that look more like a palace than this place.
Buckingham Palace has hosted royals since it was purchased by King George III in 1761 for Queen Charlotte. Despite her enormous fame and rich history, ‘Mira H’ was disappointed when he visited her in April 2024, describing her on Tripadvisor as ‘boring’.
‘There were too many people, which made it very difficult to get good photographs. I thought it was very boring.’
Another visitor, ‘Azy B’, also from London, said: ‘Boring. Nothing happens there! Just an old, ugly building.
‘Very crowded for no special reason. King is not around!
Everyone wants to see it but, in my opinion, it’s just a big, ugly building.
Visiting from the United States, ‘Susan D’ commented: ‘Everyone wants to see it but, in my opinion, it’s just a big, ugly building with a tall black fence around it.’
Some also complained about the guided tour inside, the lack of bathrooms and the requirement that guests not carry bags on their backs while inside.
The poster ‘Ankita S’ read: ‘Terrible, terrible, terrible!! All those security guards ruined the whole experience for me and my parents!
“We came from abroad to see this shitty party at Buck Palace only to be told to remove our bags at every point by irritating, nonsensical and unsympathetic security guards on the tour of the State Rooms.
‘I had to keep explaining to every guard stationed at every damn point that I have to carry my bag and I can’t lose it!
‘They tortured me to hell and ruined my entire tour experience. I will complain to King Charles!
King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
Of course, not everyone was so disappointed with the royal palace, with some giving the monument much higher marks and others labeling it a must-see.
Speaking from New York, ‘Gretel’ said it was ‘a bit overrated’ but added: ‘It was great to visit Buckingham Palace and I’m glad I got to experience it.
‘It’s iconic for a reason, and you should definitely tick it off your bucket list when visiting London. However, when you go to the changing of the guard, it gets very crowded and it is very difficult to see anything.’
While others praised the structure. ‘MA Burns27’, also from the US, noted that it offered ‘unparalleled access to history and current events’, having taken a tour of the building for £90.
They added: ‘As the King was out of town, this tour included intimate visits to the State Rooms, the Throne Room, the Royal Gallery and incredible views of the initial setup for the garden party season.
The changing of the guard occurs four times a week: every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10:45 am
‘Unlike most royal tours of Europe, very little was behind glass or ropes because the whole thing is a “working palace.”
‘The trio of expert guides pointed out details big and small; and as an art history buff, accessing the royal gallery and its valuable collection with a group of only 30 people and adequate time to examine all the works was unreal, almost like a private audience with the Mona Lisa sculpture or David.’
One very happy tourist posted a glowing review about the changing of the guard, which takes place four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday starting at 10:45 a.m.
‘Travel25346533585’ said: ‘Pure class and elegance. England knows how to look great.
‘We even witnessed the famous Changing of the Guard. Naturally we took a lot of photos. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
“There is a lot of walking and waiting if you want to see the world famous Changing of the Guard.”
Buckingham Palace has hosted royalty for centuries since it was purchased by King George III in 1761, and was previously built as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703.
Initially, the King purchased the monument for Queen Charlotte, so it became known as The Queens House.
Buckingham Palace eventually became the home of the monarchs of the United Kingdom when Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, and the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, have lived at least part-time in the property since then.
The huge estate, near Victoria tube station, is a popular attraction for visitors wanting to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, as well as being the scene of many national and royal celebrations.