CITY. Although it's said to occupy one of the world's ugliest buildings, this gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions dealing with historic and modern art. At times, it has caused a stir for opening such exhibits as the "Art of Star Wars," a fun, somewhat irreverent display that looked at the art associated with the groundbreaking films. The gallery presents a wide range of exhibits that concentrate on individual artists, genres, themes, and the like. Past shows have focused on Oscar Wilde and the influence of rock and roll in fashion. TUBE: Barbican

BLOOMSBURY. This institution is part gallery, part museum, and ­ of course ­ part library. With its fascinating exhibits, the library is a great place to learn about British history, especially political and literary history. Items such as the Magna Carta, which changed the world of politics in 1215, and the Gutenberg Bible, which in 1455 was the first book printed using Gutenberg's world-altering printing press, are awe-inspiring and well presented. Exhibitions on greats such as Oscar Wilde or on particular literary styles make the library a must for visitors interested in the written word. TUBE: King's Cross St. Pancras or Euston Square

BLOOMSBURY. One of London's top tourist attractions, this museum seeks to cover all areas of human knowledge under one roof ­ and it succeeds on all counts. What began as a "cabinet of curiosities" in 1753 now includes galleries dedicated to ethnography, Egyptian monuments, and the arts of Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific. The Great Court, completed in 2000, incorporated additional gallery space, along with cafés and shops. Although it's impossible to cover the museum in one day, a 90-minute guided tour provides a brief glimpse of the museum's many treasures and can help you decide what to examine more closely when you return. TUBE: Holborn or Russell Square

ST. JAMES'S. Buckingham Palace is a sightseeing must. Queen Victoria moved into the vast mansion in 1837; since then, generations of royals have made the palace their home. Although wandering the grounds and taking photos of the elaborate exterior are always popular, the interior (some of which is open only during summer months) is a treasure trove of art, furniture, sculpture and decorative goods. Walk around the corner to the Royal Mews to see the queen's coaches and horses. Admission is by timed ticket, available by phoning 20-7766-7300 or e-mailing bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk. TUBE: Victoria or Green Park or St. James's Park

ST. JAMES'S. Offering a glimpse of a city under siege, these underground chambers illustrate British efforts to thwart German bombs and hostilities during WWII. They're where Prime Minister Winston Churchill led the government, coordinated communications, and held out against Nazi aggressions. The rooms are laid out much as they were when the war ended, complete with furniture, maps, and technology. Churchill lived here at times, and a portion of the museum is devoted to his life and leadership. TUBE: Westminster or St. James's Park