KENSINGTON. In 1851, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, coordinated a Great Exhibition to highlight worldly innovation. Its success led him to propose a permanent hall for such events, but he died in 1861 before it met fruition. The inconsolable queen erected this extravagant monument in his memory. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Gothic-styled, medieval-inspired structure included allegorical figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Fashioned of granite and marble, the memorial also features a 14-foot statue of the prince himself. Nearby sits Albert Hall, the domed structure that he originally envisioned. Completed in 1871, it hosts both classical and contemporary concerts. TUBE: South Kensington

WESTMINSTER. Arguably London's most famous landmark, this clock tower rises above the Houses of Parliament, former site of the Palace of Westminster. Although the tower has long been called "Big Ben," that moniker actually belongs to the tower's largest bell, which weighs more than 13 tons. The tower itself is 320 feet high, and its four clock faces are each 23 feet across. The tower, however you choose to refer to it, is a striking focal point for the Houses, especially when the sun throws the entire structure into golden relief. TUBE: Westminster

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

EMBANKMENT. Actually created for Thutmose III in Heliopolis, this obelisk was retrieved in Alexandria, where it had been moved by the Romans. More than 60 feet tall, the spire was sculpted in 1475 BC and later inscribed by Ramses II. The British were given it in 1819 but didn't have the means to move it until 1877. Even after a special ship was crafted for the task, storms almost resulted in the obelisk's loss. In 1878, it finally landed safe and was erected beside the Thames. Later, it was joined by two bronze sphinxes and adorned with plaques relating its history. TUBE: Embankment or Charing Cross

GREENWICH. About four miles from downtown London, Greenwich is ideal for a day trip. Its attractions are legion and include the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, Queen's House, Millennium Dome, wonderful Greenwich Park, and the clipper Cutty Sark. In addition to straddling two time zones at the prime meridian (where Greenwich Mean Time is established), visitors enjoy plenty of charming pubs, restaurants, and shops. There's also a great market that'll keep you browsing for quite a while. For the best experience, travel to Greenwich on one of the Thames cruise boats. TUBE: Trains run to Greenwich from the Charing Cross, Waterloo, or London Bridge tube stations.