The Most Beautiful Official Residences You Can Visit Around the World

It’s good to be king — or president, for that matter — for a lot of reasons, but luxurious lodgings are definitely a perk of the position. Some official residences still house their heads of state and are used mainly to conduct government business, while others are open for tours and welcome the public throughout the year — or at least on special occasions. Many official residences are often architectural manifestations of a nation’s pride and wealth. (In that regard, America’s White House is unusually modest.) If it’s governmental grandeur you’re looking for, here are seven of the most splendid official residences on the planet that welcome you for a visit.

Drottningholm Palace – Drottningholm, Sweden

The Swedish royal family makes their home in this opulent palace on an island in Lake Mälar, located near Stockholm, Sweden’s capital. Inspired by the palace of Versailles, Drottningholm was built in the late 1600s and is often cited as an outstanding example of European architecture from that period. The grounds also contain the Palace Theatre — which still uses its original 18th-century stage, sets, and machinery — and the glorious Chinese Pavilion. Except for the southern wing of the palace, which is the royal family’s private quarters, the palace and gardens are open to the public throughout the year.

Rashtrapati Bhavan – New Delhi, India

It’s fitting that the most populous nation on Earth has one of the largest official residences on the planet. While Rashtrapati Bhavan can’t hold anywhere close to India’s almost 1.5 billion inhabitants, it still has an unbelievable amount of room to spare. Situated on 330 lushly landscaped acres, the pink-and-cream sandstone palace was originally called the Viceroy’s House when it opened in 1929, while India was under British colonial rule. There are 340 rooms in the Neoclassical New Delhi residence, which covers almost 5 acres and is lavishly embellished with a 180-foot copper dome. Tours of the main building — including the library, ceremony room, and banquet hall — are available to visitors.

Buckingham Palace – London, England

Tourists can always observe the famous changing of the guard at the front gates of Buckingham Palace, but the iconic London residence of the British monarchy also opens its doors to visitors each summer. Originally built in the early 17th century, the palace was significantly expanded under Queen Victoria in the 19th century, when it became her official home. Today, Buckingham continues to serve as the backdrop for large royal state visits, official ceremonies, weddings, and other national celebrations.

La Fortaleza – San Juan, Puerto Rico 

While the White House may be (relatively) unassuming, the official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico is positively palatial. La Fortaleza (“The Fortress”) is just that — a military fort built to protect the Spanish colonial stronghold of San Juan. Construction began in 1533, and the imposing structure is now the oldest executive mansion in the Western Hemisphere. Free guided tours, available in English and Spanish, cover the dungeon (the fortress once served as a prison), the military fort, the circular tower, and the impressive Moorish gardens.

Imperial Palace – Tokyo, Japan

Surrounded by the gleaming skyscrapers of modern-day Tokyo, the grounds of the Imperial Palace are an oasis of calm and beauty. They take visitors back to the days when Japan was ruled by a shogun who built the fortresslike Edo Castle that originally occupied the site. A new Imperial Palace was constructed in 1888, and rebuilt in a similar style after its destruction during World War II. Guided tours of the palace grounds are available in Japanese and English year-round, but the inner grounds of the palace are open to the public only on January 2 and the emperor’s birthday, February 23.

Royal Alcázar – Seville, Spain

Spanish monarchs added their own flourishes to this 10th-century Moorish fort, making the Royal Alcázar of Seville an intriguing blend of styles that traces the country’s heritage and history. The Spanish royal family continues to use the upper levels of the property as their official residence when in Seville, making it one of Europe’s oldest occupied royal palaces. Tours of the grand halls and gardens are available to visitors, and Game of Thrones fans will surely recognize Alcázar as the home of the Martell family, who ruled the Kingdom of Dorne in the hit HBO series. 

Prague Castle – Prague, Czech Republic

Almost continuously under expansion, repair, and renovations since its construction around the year 880, Prague Castle is — according to Guinness World Records — the largest ancient castle in the world. Covering 17 acres, the castle serves as the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic, and also houses priceless works of art, the crown jewels, remains of monarchs, and many important historical artifacts. Many areas of Prague Castle are open to the public, with guided and self-directed tours available year-round.