Greenwich is a vibrant suburb in the South of London with a beautiful view of the river. Here are our top 15 things to do in Greenwich.
1. Visit The O2
The O2 is a fantastic, multi-purpose entertainment complex on the Greenwich peninsula in South East London.
Originally it was built within the former Millennium dome. A large dome shaped structure built to house an exhibition to celebrate the year 2000.
It was rebranded The O2 arena and opened to the public on 24th June 2007. It opened with a concert by Bon Jovi.
In June 2012 ‘Up at The 02’ also opened. Where you can take an exhilarating outdoor climb over our world famous roof and enjoy the incredible views of London.
Although you’ll need to book your Climb The Roof of The O2 Arena tickets in advance.
Nowadays, various venues and activities are housed within the dome structure. The O2 arena, indigo at The O2, Cineworld, Hollywood Bowl, Sky Studios are some of the highlights.
As well as an Entertainment Avenue consisting of various bars and restaurants. A new shopping outlet also opened in 2018.
The O2 Arena, situated in the centre of The O2 building, is the venues main attraction. It hosts concerts from the world’s top stars and elite sporting events for up to 20,000 fans.
It’s in fact the second largest arena in the United Kingdom after the Manchester Arena and reportedly the busiest music venue in the world!
So if you’re looking for an event or show to add into your London itinerary you can check out what’s currently on via The O2 website.
2. National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum is situated in the National Maritime Museum Gardens in Greenwich, London.
Opened in 1937 by King George VI, it is the world’s largest maritime museum.
It’s part of Royal Museums Greenwich, a network of museums in the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.
Make the most out of your day with a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass, which includes the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.
The museum holds more than two million fascinating items relating to the history of Britain at sea.
Some of which include maritime art, cartography, ship models and plans, scientific and navigational instruments and many paintings. The museum also hosts various exhibitions.
The National Maritime Museum is open seven days a week from 10am – 5pm. There is no general admission charge but there are admission charges for side-gallery temporary exhibitions.
If you’re interested in seeing inspirational stories of exploration and endeavour at sea, then this is the place for you!
3. Greenwich Market
Established in 1737, Greenwich Market is located in Greenwich town centre.
This vibrant and colourful market sells antiques, art and crafts and a vast selection of tasty street food that reflects the diversity of London.
There are a variety of different shops and stalls selling beautiful and unusual items.
You will find some of the best British designer makers showcased in Greenwich Market.
If you want to just browse some great wares, need to find a unique handmade gift or want a great selection of foods to choose from, Greenwich Market delivers.
The market is open from 10am – 5.30pm seven days a week, including bank holidays and is worth a visit.
4. Explore The High Street
The high street may not be top of the things to do in Greenwich list. However, if you just fancy a stroll and a spot of people watching it’s an easy way to break up the day.
Full of traditional British buildings, as well as locals going about their daily lives, you’ll find a little less tourism and little more community on Greenwich high street.
In terms of shops, there’s everything you’d expect of a high street in London.
Maybe it’s your first visit to London and you’d like to try our popular fish & chips, or even pop your head inside a charity shop.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll certainly find plenty of snacks, buses and red phone boxes along Greenwich high street.
5. Greenwich Vintage Market
Based in Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich Vintage Market is a small, friendly market that sells an eclectic mix of products.
Although vintage by name and originally an antiques market, the traders have expanded in the last few years to include retro, craft and handmade products.
You can shop all things vintage, retro and more until your heart’s content and then enjoy a very vintage Afternoon Tea at the Tea Hut.
The market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8am – 5pm.
The last Friday of every month it is also home to The Greenwich Vintage Moonlight Market.
Open from 10am – 10pm it has the usual mix of stalls plus a pop-up bar and live local music.
6. Greenwich Theatre
Greenwich Theatre is located in Croom’s Hill, close to the centre of Greenwich.
You can expect a year-round varied programme of drama, music theatre, family shows and pantomime at Greenwich Theatre.
The theatre supports young and emerging theatre companies, regularly showing new work which subsequently transfers around the country, into the West End and around the world.
Greenwich Theatre also likes to support family theatre and produces the annual Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival and one of the country’s most acclaimed traditional pantomimes.
Dame Helen Mirren is a patron of Greenwich Theatre.
7. The Fan Museum
The Fan Museum is located at 12 Crooms Hill in two beautiful grade II listed houses that were built in 1721. They have been loving restored to retain their original character and elegance.
Opened in 1991, it is the only museum in the United Kingdom devoted to the history of fans and the art of fan making.
It’s home to a diverse collection of fans from around the world. Dating from the 12th century to the present day.
The fan collections are displayed in changing exhibitions. Exploring the different themes which have inspired fan makers throughout history: politics, fashion, fine art and architecture to name but a few.
Find the perfect memento of your visit in the museum gift shop. From hand painted fans to perfume bottles and fan-shaped soaps, the gift shop really is something of a treasure trove!
Admission prices:
Adults: £5.00
Concessions: £3.00
Children (age 7-12): £3.00
8. Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is a former hunting park in Greenwich and one of the largest single green spaces in south-east London.
Covering 183 acres, Greenwich is the oldest enclosed Royal Park and home to a small herd of Fallow and Red deer.
Situated on top of a hill, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the River Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.
This popular viewpoint makes for a great Fun Date Idea In London.
If you are looking for refreshments during your visit, there are two cafes. The Pavilion Cafe and the White House Cafe. Where you can get hot breakfasts and lunches, along with sandwiches, cakes and pastries.
There is also the Park View coffee cabin selling drinks and snacks that you can enjoy whilst taking in the stunning views of East London.
Greenwich Park is open daily from 6am for pedestrians and 7am for car parking all year round.
Closing times vary depending on the time of year but the earliest time the park closes is 6pm, usually in the winter months. Admission is free.
9. Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is an observatory founded in 1675 by King Charles II and situated on a hill in Greenwich Park.
It played a major role in the history of astronomy and navigation and because the Prime Meridian passes through it, it gave it’s name to Greenwich Mean Time.
The Great Equatorial Telescope is at the heart of the Observatory and is the largest of it’s kind in the world. It has played a key role at the Observatory since 1893.
You can get up close and personal with the stars in one of the planetarium shows (these are not included with entry to the Observatory). Here you learn all about Greenwich Mean Time and how Greenwich came to be the home of time.
There are live science, navigation and astronomy demonstrations scheduled throughout the day, that are perfect for families. (You may want to check the demonstration schedule before visiting as this varies.)
Booking a Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket in advance is recommended as it halves the price.
At the gate prices: Adults £16. Children £8.
10. Cutty Sark
Located next to the River Thames in Greenwich, the Cutty Sark is a British Clipper ship.
It was built in Scotland in 1869, originally made to carry tea back from China. It’s also famous for being one of the fastest ships of its day.
Opened to the public in 1957, this award winning tourist attraction is definitely one of the best things to do in Greenwich.
An ideal activity for all the family you can step aboard and discover the history of this famous ship.
You can meet the captain and colourful characters from Cutty Sark’s past and hear astonishing stories about life at sea in the age of sail.
The Cutty Sark has been raised 11 feet into the air so its hull can now be seen. It was the design of the hull that enabled it to travel at record-breaking speeds of 17.5 knots (20mph) from Sydney to London.
It’s recommended to book your Entrance Ticket to the Cutty Sark in advance.
However if you opt for the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass, it includes the Royal Observatory and The National Maritime Museum too.
Open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Admission is £15 Adults, £7.50 Children.
11. Sunset Along The River Thames
After a long day exploring all the best things to do in Greenwich, why not end it with a sunset stroll along the River Thames.
In front of the Cutty Sark and near the entrance to Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a great spot to watch the sunset over the city of London.
The boats on the river and the city backdrop make for some great London Instagram photo opportunities.
Another great spot for sunset, would be the top of Greenwich Park where the views are spectacular. That’s if you don’t mind walking down in the dark.
12. Greenwich Foot Tunnel
Opened in 1902 Greenwich Foot Tunnel runs beneath the River Thames, linking Greenwich on the south bank with Millwall on the North. It’s open 24 hours a day and is free to walk through.
You can find the Victorian domed entrance to Greenwich Foot Tunnel next to the Cutty Sark. There are circular steps at both ends of the tunnel but it is also serviced by a more modern lift. Around 4,000 people use the tunnel every day.
It takes approximately 5 minutes to walk through the tunnel and you get to experience a great example of Victorian architecture. There are rumours that it is haunted!
If you’re feeling brave you could try the 1.5-Hour Royal Maritime Greenwich Ghost Tour.
You will exit the tunnel at Island Gardens, a park on the southern tip of the Isle of Dogs, with a view across the River Thames to the former Greenwich Hospital, The Queen’s House and the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
Of the things to do in Greenwich this is worth doing, even if just to be able to say you have ‘walked under the River Thames!’
13. Ride The Uber Boats
For a fun and unique way of seeing the sights why not try a Thames Clippers Uber Boat.
The Uber Boats stop at 23 piers along the Thames between Woolwich Pier in the East and Putney Pier in the West, including Greenwich Pier.
They start from early in the morning until late at night seven days a week. Ticket prices vary but they do offer a value for money River Thames: Uber Boat Hop-On Hop-Off Pass, which gives unlimited, all day travel.
The fleet is made up of 20 vessels of various sizes and seating capacity. (You are always guaranteed a seat.) The largest Uber Boats carry 220 passengers.
All of the Uber Boats, apart from three, provide a fully licensed Café Bar that sells a range of snacks, sandwiches and cakes.
An exhilarating and unique way to get around London and see the sights, with the opportunity to hop on/hop off at any of the 23 different stops. Well worth hopping on one of these at Greenwich Pier.
14. Ride The London Cable Cars
The London cable cars, or Emirates Air Line, travel over the River Thames connecting both The Royal Docks and Greenwich areas of East London.
The Emirates Greenwich Peninsula Terminal is located on the south side, close to the O2 Arena.
Tickets cost Adult: £4 one way. Child: £2.50 one way. (If you don’t own a contactless bank card, you can purchase a ticket at the terminal which costs £5 for a single trip.)
If you want to combine the experiences you can book a Thames Clippers River Roamer & Emirates Airline ticket.
Opening times are:
Monday – Thursday: 7am – 9pm
Friday: 7am – 10pm
Saturday & Bank Holidays: 8pm – 10pm
Sunday: 9pm – 9pm (Lines close at 8pm during the winter months.)
The Emirate Air Line offer a wide range of packages, from champagne filled flights, to discovery experiences.
When riding the the London cable cars after the sun goes down, you can discover a unique perspective of London’s captivating night sky. Including the reflections of the O2 and the bright city lights of Canary Wharf.
This is definitely one of the best things to do in Greenwich, especially if you are there after dark.
15. Eat, Eat, Eat
Goddards of Greenwich
During your trip to Greenwich a great place to eat is Goddards of Greenwich, where you can try the traditional London dish of Pie and Mash.
Located in the centre of Greenwich, near the indoor market and between Greenwich Park and The Cutty Sark.
Opening times are:
Sunday to Thursday: 10am – 7.30pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Pie and Mash can be traced back to the 1800’s and is an important part of London’s food history. Established in 1890, this family run restaurant prides itself on baking the pies fresh daily, using locally sourced produce.
The air conditioned licensed restaurant can seat 125 people, so there is plenty of space for you to enjoy your pie and mash.
Along with the traditional Pie and Mash with liquor (parsley sauce) and jellied eels they also offer offer a range of pies including steak, chicken, vegetarian and vegan. Prices start at £4.60 for a single pie with mash. (Take aways are available.)
Soak up the atmosphere in this beautiful historic building with its traditional green and white tiling and wooden benches, whilst eating a dish that is steeped in history and ingrained in the very fabric of London.
Cafe Rouge
Cafe Rouge brings the cosy charm of a traditional French bistro to the heart of London.
Open seven days a week from 9am to 9pm, it offers an impressive choice of food for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, all at reasonable prices.
Cafe Rouge is situated on Stockwell Street, just a short walk from Greenwich Station and ideally located next to the Maritime Museum, Greenwich Market, the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park.
From brunch with friends to an intimate evening meal for two, Cafe Rouge promises a fantastic dining experience every time.
With French Onion Soup, Garlic Mushrooms, Beef Bourguignon and Fillet Steak Frites amongst the starters and mains they have available. They also do light lunches with tasty ‘croques’, baguettes and afternoon teas.
There’s something for every diner at Greenwich’s favourite French restaurant. You’ll find a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options also on the menus.
For the sunny days that call for a refreshing glass of wine, the outdoor terrace and porch also offer a wonderful al fresco dining experience.
A great place to stop, relax and recharge during your visit to Greenwich.
Where To Stay In London
Luxury – The London EDITION
The London EDITION is located in central London’s Fitzrovia district, with Oxford Street, Theatreland and Piccadilly Circus all within a 10-minute walk.
Inside, there is a Michelin star restaurant, 2 cocktail bars, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi and free use of the on-site fitness centre for all guests.
With a view of the vibrant city, each en suite room come with a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning.
An iPod docking station, bathrobes and a mini-bar are also provided.
Each evening, the restaurant offers a contemporary British menu using fresh, British produce.
Mid-Budget – Corus Hotel Hyde Park
Set within a 20-minute walk from Royal Albert Hall and boasting a stylish, spacious piano lounge, Corus Hotel Hyde Park features modern rooms with free WiFi.
The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Paddington Station, offering a direct train link to Heathrow Airport.
The cosy, air-conditioned bedrooms at Corus Hotel have private en-suite bathrooms and satellite TVs with on-demand movies.
Rooms also feature work desks, tea/coffee facilities, iron and ironing boards.
The conservatory brasserie serves a modern European menu using seasonal produce. Olio Bar offers light snacks and beverages, and overlooks Hyde Park.
Budget – The Queens Hostel
Featuring free WiFi, The Queens Hostel offers accommodation in London, just a 2-minute walk to Queens Park Rangers football stadium.
Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Rooms come with a shared bathroom.
You can play tennis at this hostel, and the area is popular for golfing.
For more places to stay in London, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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