Kensington, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge

Top Reasons to Go

The V&A Museum: The greatest museum of decorative arts in the world—even Edwardians got "interactive" by sketching in the Sculpture Court (stools are still provided today).

Natural History Museum: Watch children catch on that the museum's animatronic T. rex has noticed them—and is licking its dinosaur chops. Then see some of those fearsome teeth for real in the dinosaur room.

Kensington Palace and Gardens: Address to everyone from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana, this holds an array of treasures, including the Royal Dress Collection.

Harrods' Food Hall: The granddaddy of all London department stores, even Harrods' decor glitters—note the shiny mosaic of fish in its famed food hall.

Linley Sambourne House: Stuffed with Edwardian antiques, 18 Stafford Terrace is almost like a theater set for The Importance of Being Ernest.