‘I’m going to complain to K: Tourists slam iconic UK royal landmark as ‘overrated’, ‘lame’ and ‘kind of ugly’
Tourists have criticized an iconic British landmark, labeling Buckingham Palace as ‘ugly’ and ‘overrated’.
Brits may feel disappointed when they realize that not every holidaymaker who visits London is impressed by the imposing building.
Despite its enormous fame and rich history, ‘Mira H’ was left disappointed when she visited him in April 2024 and described it on Tripadvisor as ‘lamb’.
She wrote: ‘We only visited it from 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 nicer looking buildings in London that look more like a palace than this place.
Buckingham Palace has housed royals since it was purchased by King George III for Queen Charlotte in 1761. Despite its enormous fame and rich history, ‘Mira H’ was left disappointed when she visited in April 2024, describing it as ‘lame’ on Tripadvisor
‘It was too busy, which made it very difficult to take good photos. I found it very boring.’
Another visitor, ‘Azy B’, himself a Londoner, said: ‘Boring. Nothing happens there! Just an old, ugly building.
‘Very busy for no particular reason. King is not here!’
Everyone wants to see it, but in my opinion it’s just a big, ugly building.
Visiting from the US, ‘Susan D’ commented: ‘Everyone wants to see it, but in my opinion it’s just a big, ugly building, with a very tall, black fence around it.’
Some also complained about the interior tour, a lack of toilets and the requirement that guests not carry bags on their backs inside.
The ‘Ankita S’ poster read: ‘Terrible, terrible, terrible!! All those guards ruined the whole experience for me and my parents!
‘We came all the way from abroad to see this Buck Palace sex party, only to be told to remove our bags at every point by obnoxious, nonsensical, unempathetic security guards during the tour of the State Rooms.
‘I had to keep explaining myself to every guard standing at every damn point that I have to carry my bag and I can’t lose my bag!
‘They tortured me terribly 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: some gave the monument much higher ratings and others labeled it a must-see.
Speaking 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 should definitely tick it off your bucket list when you visit London. But when you go to the changing of the guard, it gets very crowded and it is very difficult to see anything.”
While others raved about the structure. ‘MA Burns27’, also from the US, commented that it offered ‘unparalleled access to history and current events’ after taking a tour of the building for £90.
They added: ‘As the King was out of town, this tour included intimate visits to State Chambers, the Throne Room, the Royal Gallery and fantastic views of the original design for the garden party season.
The changing of the guard takes place four times a week: every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10:45 am
‘Unlike most royal tours across Europe, very little took place behind glass or ropes as it is all a ‘work palace’.
‘The expert trio of guides pointed out details large and small; and as an art history enthusiast, access to the Royal Gallery and its priceless collection with a group of just thirty people and enough time to view all the works was surreal – almost like a private audience with the Mona Lisa or David statue.”
One very happy tourist posted a rave review about the Changing of the Guard, which takes place four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10.45am.
‘Travel25346533585’ said: ‘Pure class and elegance. England knows how to create grandeur.
‘We even witnessed the famous changing of the guard. Of course we took a lot of pictures. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
‘There’s plenty of walking and waiting to do if you want to see the world famous Changing of the Guard.’
Buckingham Palace has housed royal families for centuries since it was purchased by King George III in 1761, after being built in 1703 as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham.
The King initially purchased the monument for Queen Charlotte, making it known as The Queens House.
Buckingham Palace eventually became home to the British monarchs when Queen Victoria came to power in 1837 – and the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, have lived in the property at least part-time ever since.
The enormous building, close to Victoria Tube Station, is a popular attraction for visitors wanting to witness the Changing of the Guard, but is also the backdrop for many national and royal celebrations.