If you are planning to visit the City of London this summer, make sure you visit Buckingham Palace. The palace, known as the place where the Queen of England hosted friendly heads of state, will open to the public this summer.

Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's accession in 1837. Originally built for the Duke of Buckingham, it was purchased by George III in 1762 and later enlarged by George IV's court architect, John Nash, in 1825. The east wing was added in in 1846, and in 1913, when George V became king, the eastern front was given its Neoclassical look. To this day, when the sovereign is in residence, the Royal Standard flies over the palace, and units of the Guards Division, dressed in full uniform, board a guard. On a special occasion, the sovereign appeared with the members of the Royal Family on the central balcony. Tourists today can explore the palace complex's many sightseeing areas, from luxuriously furnished rooms to stunning works of art.

1 Changing Bodyguard

The changing ceremony of the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace has been a treasured London tradition since 1660. The show begins as troops from the Queen's Life Guard ride from Hyde Park Barracks and pass through Buckingham Palace to change guards in the Horse Guards. This colorful spectacle starts daily at 11:30 a.m. April-July (alternate days after) and lasts about 40 minutes. (For an in-depth history of the ceremony, as well as an up-to-date schedule, an inexpensive app is available from the Buckingham Palace website.)

2 Country Room

For eight weeks in the summer of 1993, the Chambers of Buckingham State Palace were opened to the public for the first time, the proceeds being devoted to the restoration of Windsor Castle, parts of which were heavily damaged by the fire the previous year. Following the success of this venture, the State Room is now part of an extraordinary tour that includes many of the extraordinary works of the Royal Collection, including paintings (Van Dyck and Canaletto), sculptures (Canova), rare porcelain and exquisite period furniture. Your tour includes a look into the Throne Room, Music Room, Image Gallery, and the spectacular White Drawing Room.

3 The Royal Mews

At the Royal Mews, you can see various state coaches and carriages, some of which are still used by the British monarch on state occasions. Most impressive of the trainers on display is the elaborate Golden State Trainer: built for George III in 1762 and used for every coronation since 1821. It is so heavy that it takes eight horses to pull it. Horses, including the famous Windsor Grays, are in stables at Mews.

Other items in the collection are Coach Australia, a gift from the Australian people in 1988 and whose king drives to the opening of the country's Parliament, and Coach Glass, acquired by George V in 1910 and used primarily for royal weddings. A number of Rolls Royce limousines (including the rare Phantom VI), Bentleys, and Jaguars are also on display.

Between April and October, a free 45-minute tour is included with admission to the Royal Mews, which are hourly led by Wardens in navy and red. This exciting tour explains the responsibilities of the Wimp staff and illustrates how royal travel is organized for special events.