Housed in an aristocratic mansion and home to Britain's first art school (founded in 1768), the Academy is best known for its blockbuster special exhibitions -- like the record-breaking Monet, and the controversial "Sensation" drawn from the Saatchi collection of contemporary British art. The annual Summer Exhibition has been a popular London tradition since 1769. COST: £9. Daily 10-6, Fri. until 10 PM. Tube: Piccadilly Circus.