
Victoria and Albert Museum
Named in honour of Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert, this museum has existed for over 150 years. It contains a huge collection of decorative arts from all over the world and far back in time. Trying to see everything in one day would be exhausting, so use the excellen

Science Museum
Dedicated to scientific exhibitions and collections bar those related to the life sciences. A number of famous historical machines and inventions are housed here, from steam locomotives to the Apollo 10 command module. The space exhibits are especially popular. Exhibitions tend t

The Geological Museum
This venerable old institution was absorbed by the neighbouring Natural History Museum in 1985 but still has something of a separate identity. Unsurprisingly, devoted to all things geological with especially popular exhibits on vulcanology and earthquakes and fossils of all types

National Army Museum
This large museum traces the history of the British Army, and includes interesting and thought-provoking exhibits that go well beyond a collection of military equipment (though the museum does, of course, boast a large collection of it).

Memorial Scrolls Trust Museum
Following the mass murder perpetrated by the Nazis, the Jewish population of postwar Czechoslovakia was a tiny fraction of its former size, and religious persecution continued under the communist regime. This tiny museum tells the fascinating story of how, in 1964, 1,500 Torah sc

Chelsea Physic Garden
Garden founded by apothecaries in the 17th century to the medicinal properties of plants. It was only opened to the public in the 1980s, when it became a charity. The heat-sink caused by its thick walls, combined with the general waste heat of London itself, keeps the garden much

Rose Garden
The roses are mixed with herbaceous plants and bedding flowers so there's always some horticultural interest no matter the time of year, though the roses' peak is in June. Two interesting fountains depict Diana the huntress and a boy seemingly wrestling a dolphin.

Kensington Gardens
The western half of the twin parks and the half that is often forgotten in public consciousness. It tends to be more formal than its neighbouring park.

Albert Memorial
Highly detailed, Gothic-style monument to commemorate Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. Opposite the Royal Albert Hall.

Kensington Palace
A royal residence which is still used by Prince William, Kate and their young family. Much of it is however open to the public and it is a very popular tourist attraction perhaps due as much to its association with Princess Diana as anything else. The King's Gallery here is a mag

The Serpentine Gallery
A nice modern art gallery, near to the Serpentine. Too small to host a permanent collection, instead hosts temporary exhibitions which can last anything from a few weeks to over a year. Each summer a pavilion next to the gallery is designed by a different architect, which then ho
Roper's Garden
Small green area, with benches, by the Thames. Created in the crater of a World War II bomb site, it contains an ancient cherry tree to commemorate the visit of Gunji Koizumi, the man who introduced judo to the country. Named after Margaret Roper née More, to whom the area was a

Carlyle's House
Now preserved by the National Trust, this 18th-century house was the home of the historian Thomas Carlyle from 1834 and now houses a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Crosby Hall
All that remains of a Tudor mansion built in the City of London. In 1910, to avoid demolition to make way for a bank, it was moved brick by brick and reassembled at Cheyne Walk. It is now a Grade II* listed building and possibly the largest private home in the capital.

Royal Hospital
A retirement home for soldiers created by King Charles II. Tours around the listed building and grounds are regular and include the museum (which can be visited separately) whose exhibits contain military memorabilia donated by Chelsea Pensioners over the years.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Constructed in the Lombard style as an Anglican church in the 19th century, and passed to the Moscow Patriarchate in 1956. Rather beautiful and unique in London.

Royal College of Music
Victorian school of music created on a suggestion by Prince Albert. It is still an active school but visitors may be more interested in its museum and performances. The free museum houses instruments dating back to the 15th century with several unusual pieces. Performances—by stu

Saatchi Gallery
Prestigious contemporary art gallery worth a visit.

Whole Foods Market
The Kensington branch of this American chain of natural food supermarkets is the largest in the world.

Builders Arms
Gastropub near the Royal Marsden Hospital and just off the King's Rd.

Chelsea Potter
Traditional pub fare, but when warm outside, best people watching spot around. Also, Aussie and Kiwi barmen solidify the awesome environment here.

Chelsea Ram

Coopers Arms
Great pints, including Peroni on tap. Best Sunday Roast around, and more of a gastropub than a traditional pub.
The Cross Keys

The Fox and Pheasant

Maggie's
1980s-themed nightclub. Named after 1980s prime minister Margaret Thatcher, whose speeches can be heard playing in the toilets. At the splurge level of costs, both to get in and at the bar.

The Phoenix
Great pints, tremendous place for a pint on a sunny day. be sure to grab one of the outdoor tables and enjoy a cool pint on a hot day here (when not raining in London).

Queens Head
LGBT traditional pub; real ale and standard pub food separates it from the trendier Kings Rd establishments. Karaoke every other Saturday.

Courtfield
CAMRA-listed gastropub, serving food and a range of beers.

Drayton Arms
A mix of traditional pub and bohemian nightspot. A good range of beer and slightly more upmarket than some other pubs in the area.

Gloucester Arms
Traditional pub.

The Prince of Teck
Traditional pub downstairs with a dining area on the first floor.

The Queen's Head

Troubadour Wines
This cozy wine bar is a quieter alternative to the buzz next door. With a great selection of wines from around the world, many of which are not available anywhere else in London, this is a peaceful oasis where you can discover delicious and good value wines. Drink in or take home

Zetland Arms
Traditional pub near South Kensington station.
Hjem Kensington
Popular Danish café.

Admiral Codrington
Gastropub.

The Antelope
Traditional pub with many original features preserved from its Georgian origin.

The Hour Glass
This small, triangular, very easy-going pub just a little away from the main street bustle is a favorite among the locals, above all because the seating inside is designed to prevent overcrowding, but also for its pavement seating and upscale gastropub fare.