Greenwich might just be one of the best areas in London to visit! Of course, we’re a little bit biased, but there’s a heap of the best things to do in Greenwich that are dotted all across the neighbourhood, which you really can’t miss.
Being one of the three Royal Boroughs in London (alongside Chelsea and Kensington, and Kingston-Upon-Thames), it’s made quite a name for itself for its centuries of history, some of the most iconic London palaces and London markets.
Plus, it’s only a stone’s throw from the very centre of London, so what’s not to love!
Now, for me, the thing that makes Greenwich so great (after all the historical spots) is that it’s totally walkable and really easy to stroll around in a day or two. This is great if you fancy seeing a different side of London, especially as it’s so different from other areas like Camden or Covent Garden.
With this in mind, I’ve highlighted a few of my favourite spots and the best things to do in Greenwich for your visit. Have the best time!
1.) The Painted Hall
Part of the Royal Navy College, the Painted Hall is totally awe-inspiring to see. Renovated to its former glory, it boasts some of London’s most beautiful Baroque interiors, which are easily accessible to all. There is a small cost for entry, but it’s honestly so worth it and, in my opinion, is one of London’s great works of art that you cannot miss – it’s beautiful. Just make sure to grab these Painted Hall advance tickets before you arrive. This way, you’ll waltz straight into the hall itself.
In fact, the Painted Hall is often nicknamed London’s Sistine Chapel (and it’s easy to see why). This masterpiece, from the 1700s, is just beautiful, and it’s the most amazing place to visit when exploring Greenwich.
Now, although you won’t have mass crowds entering all at once, if you do want to avoid the majority of other visitors at The Painted Hall, head across when it first opens. We visited at 10 am and we had the whole hall to ourselves for around 10 minutes. It was epic!
Not only that, when you buy a ticket to The Painted Hall, you can get it validated to be used to revisit the site as often as you want for the next year. It’s great if you’re visiting London again or plan to return at another time.
Additionally, The Painted Hall frequently hosts art installations by a variety of renowned international artists. These can be anything, and they’re typically so unique and beautiful to see. Over the years, we’ve visited The Painted Hall about twenty times, and we’ve managed to catch so many amazing installations within the hall itself.
For a great, and authentically Greenwich hotel to stay in the neighbourhood, make sure to book this room at the historic Pilot Inn. It’s perched in North Greenwich (so closer to the O2 and is a lovely historic boutique hotel. It’s totally charming and well worth booking, especially if you’re going to a concert at the O2 in the evening.
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2.) Queen’s House
It’s said, the Queen’s House was gifted to Anne of Denmark after her husband (then King James I) swore at (or around) her for accidentally killing his favourite dog whilst hunting. I mean, an actual house as an apology seems like a sweet deal, no? Built back in the 1600s, it’s really easy to visit after heading to the Painted Hall, as it’s only around a 10-minute stroll (door-to-door).
Plus, the House is totally free to enter and amazing to wander around and see the art within the royal rooms themselves. Like I said, Today, you can enter the Queen’s House (for free) and wander around the stunning art galleries, with the real draw inside being the art pieces by Gainsborough and Turner, too. Oh, and be sure to stop by the Tulip Stairs, which still stand proudly inside the Queen’s House.
It’s totally lovely and one of the best things to do in Greenwich if you love art and history. Visits take around 30 minutes, and it’s the perfect place to stop after wandering the Royal Naval College (Google Maps pin) and strolling toward Greenwich Park.
Also, depending on when you visit the Queen’s House in Greenwich, you may get to experience some of the amazing events they host throughout the year. For instance, closer to the festive period, the grounds of the Queen’s House (Google Maps pin) come alive with the most amazing ice skating rink, with direct views to the Royal Naval College. It’s so lovely, especially at sunset as the fairy lights twinkle. We go ice skating at the Queen’s House every year, and it’s always such a treat. Even if I’m not any good!
Read more: Ultimate city guide, best things to do in London
3.) Greenwich Market
Started almost 300 years ago, strolling through Greenwich Market is one of the best things to do in Greenwich if you’re feeling peckish.
Perched right in the heart of Greenwich (relatively close to the Cutty Sark), the market has some of the tastiest food stalls in all of London. With local suppliers, artists and foodie joints, you’ll be totally spoilt for choice. Not only that, on a Thursday, you’ll get to visit the Antique Market that takes over the hall! It’s great to grab a few vintage trinkets.
Also, just on the foodie side of things, if you fancy a proper London “pie and mash” then head to Goddard’s, that’s been going since the 1800s. They have the tastiest homemade pies, creamy mash and liquor! It’s something of an institution in London and a traditional pie and mash shop that was once the stable restaurant for locals living by the River Thames in London.
They even have jellied eels, which you can try once you’re here! You see, long ago, this was another stable food supply that working-class Londoners used to eat (as they were caught from the river). I can’t say I ever enjoyed jellied eels, but it’s traditionally London and worth giving it a go whilst you’re here. The pies and mash, though, are so good!
Also, don’t forget to stop off at the local coffee shop, 15 Grams. Their coffee is so good and easily one of the best independent coffee spots in all of Greenwich. Their cortados and breakfast cappuccinos are so good.
Oh, and if you love your brews, head away from the historic centre of Greenwich and visit Meantime Brewery. They have an on-site bar where they serve up their seasonal batches. We loved it, but it is a little away from the “main sights”, so be prepared for a longer stroll or short taxi ride. It’s a great stopping point if you’re heading from the Cutty Sark and going up the Peninsula to the O2.
Read more: Best markets in London
4) Cutty Sark
Perched right in the centre of Greenwich (near the Old Navy College) the iconic Cutty Sark is the world’s only surviving tea clipper. Nowadays, you can book a family-friendly ticket to get right inside the Cutty Sark, which is a must when visiting Greenwich.
Way back when, the Cutty Sark was blazing across the oceans, but now it stands proudly for you to hop on board and explore. It’s one of the best things to do in Greenwich if you’re interested in maritime history, especially as this maritime area of Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oh, and don’t forget to spot the figureheads that are kept below the Cutty Sark from a range of historical vessels. It’s the world’s biggest collection!
Best of all, you can actually book tickets to scale the heights of the Cutty Sark and abseil the mast. It’s such a great experience and totally unique. Just be sure to book this before arriving in Greenwich, spaces are limited, and the options don’t take place every day.
Afterwards, don’t forget to head over to Heaps Sausage Deli and Farm Shop for a breakfast roll. This is one of our favourite places to grab a quick breakfast, and they make the heartiest breakfast rolls, made with homemade sausages, bacon, eggs, and so much more. It’s so good and something of a local institution in Greenwich.
Plus, it’s perfect to grab on the go as you stroll through Greenwich Park.
Read more: Ultimate city guide, best things to do in London
5.) Maritime Museum
Strolling through the Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in Greenwich, especially on a wetter day. Part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, it’s totally free to enter, and you can easily spend hours wandering the exhibitions.
Be sure to spot Admiral Nelson’s uniform that he was wearing at the Battle of Trafalgar. You can even spot the bullet hole that fatally injured Nelson (look at the left shoulder). Best of all, like I said before, it’s totally free to enter (just like all museums in London) and it’s perfect for all the family to visit.
Afterwards, head for dinner and drinks at the Trafalgar Tavern. It’s one of the most iconic pubs in London, and it’s such a great place. They have live music, open log fires, tasty food and the most amazing outdoor space for drinks and tipples by the river. We love it and we’ve been so many times.
Read more: Best free museums in London to visit
6.) Eltham Palace
Around 20 minutes by taxi (or 40 minutes by train and a stroll), Eltham Palace is a former royal residence that’s unique. You see, starting life in the 1300s, Eltham Palace has gone through many transformations over the years. With its medieval hall and art deco wing, you’ll be able to stroll through the rooms and explore how the palace changed over the centuries.
The Tudor Courts would often use Eltham Palace for all their Christmas Celebrations, and where Henry VIII grew up! It’s totally gorgeous and well worth visiting for an afternoon trip. For me, it’s one of the best things to do in Greenwich and an often-missed palace to visit in London.
Read more: Best palaces in London
7.) Junk Shop
One of the best things to do in Greenwich is to explore its independent shops, vintage stalls and cute cafes. If you’re looking for some vintage treasures, pop over to the Junk Shop, which is a rabbit warren of little coves and floors to explore.
It’s got everything from vintage crockery, antiques and even a cute little tea room in the back. You’ll always find something quirky and cute here! They also have a small takeaway coffee shop within the Junk Shop, and well worth getting a cuppa before wandering through this treasure-trove, independent Greenwich shop.
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8.) Royal Observatory
Perched right within Greenwich Park (to the right of the above pic), the Royal Observatory and the Meridian Line a great places to explore if you love astronomy. Just make sure to grab these official Royal Observatory tickets before you arrive. This way, you can stroll around Greenwich Park and then pop into the Royal Observatory at a time that’s convenient to you, with no need to queue for tickets.
Once inside, take a tour of the Royal Observatory, see the historic telescopes and stand right on the Prime Meridian Line. Oh, and in the night, you might spot the laser that follows the Prime Meridian Line from the Observatory area and over the skyline of East London.
Afterwards, head down to Greenwich Grind for a brew and some lunch. We love it, and they have a pretty epic spot for a relaxed lunch that’s right next to Greenwich Market itself. Not only that, they do speciality cocktails at their bar. This place isn’t just coffee.
Oh, and for dessert, head next door to Dark Sugars. This is another independent gem in Greenwich, and they serve some of the best gelato in all of London. Honestly, it’s iconic and a spot you can’t miss for a sweet treat whilst in Greenwich.
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9.) The O2
Once known as the Millennium Dome, the O2 is a colossal dome structure within the Greenwich Peninsula. Filled with a mountain of outlets, branded restaurants, an arena and venues, it’s the kind of place you can go for an evening watching world-class artists from Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Adele, to name just a few! Be sure to check who’s performing before you visit and make a night of it!
Also, if you’re feeling up to it, book tickets to climb on top of the O2 on the Up at the O2 walkways, which is lovely around sunset. Oh, and take the cable car if you fancy heading across the Thames, too.
Book: Tickets to walk on the rooftop of the 02
10.) Old Royal Navy College
Including the Painted Hall (that I mentioned earlier), the Old Royal Naval College is totally stunning and right in the heart of historic Greenwich. Be sure to spend some time walking the grounds, taking in the beautiful buildings and seeing the magnificent chapel that’s centuries old. It’s totally beautiful and you really can’t miss it.
You might even recognise it from scenes used in the film, Les Misérables, Thor: The Dark World and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Plus, you can easily visit the Painted Hall and then stroll around the Royal Naval College at the same time. After all, they’re all on the same historical site in Greenwich. Have the best time!
Read more: Best palaces in London
11.) Greenwich Park
With thousands of years of history (from Roman times), to the centuries-old landscape, the Royal Greenwich Park has been a part of the community forever!
Once here, be sure to see the view across London (just across from the Royal Observatory), visit the Rose Garden and stroll the walking routes. It’s beautiful.
Depending on when you visit, you might even come across the cherry blossom! This happens in early spring, but the dates really depend on how mild the weather is. There’s no absolute set time.
Read more: Ultimate city guide, best things to do in London
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