Search for more travel tips

10 Unmissable Things to Do in Greenwich, London

greenwich-london-main-image

Greenwich is one of those parts of London that feels like a break from London. Think huge green spaces, riverside pubs, street food and skyline views without the central London crowds.

You can stand in two hemispheres, explore a ship that travelled the world and climb over The O2, all in one day. Here are ten Greenwich stops that are actually worth your time.

Quick navigation

1. Stand on the Prime Meridian

At the Royal Observatory, you can stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and the other in the western.

It is a classic Greenwich photo, but the stories of space, navigation and timekeeping inside are just as interesting.

The walk up is steep, so wear sensible shoes and take your time.

Plan your Royal Observatory visit

Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich

2. Take in the view from Greenwich Park

This is the Greenwich view you have probably seen all over your feed. From the top of the park, you can look across the Queen’s House and Old Royal Naval College towards Canary Wharf.

Grab lunch from the market, find a spot on the grass and stay for golden hour.

Check Greenwich Park opening times

View across Greenwich Park towards Canary Wharf

3. Step aboard the Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is hard to miss. The huge sailing ship sits beside the Thames, raised above a glass-covered dock.

Explore the decks, hear stories from its voyages and stand directly underneath the ship’s hull.

Book Cutty Sark tickets

The Cutty Sark sailing ship in Greenwich

4. Eat your way around Greenwich Market

Do not visit Greenwich Market after a big breakfast. The covered market is packed with dumplings, fresh pasta, loaded desserts and street food from around the world.

Once you are full, browse its vintage clothes, art, jewellery and independent stalls.

Check Greenwich Market opening times

Food stalls inside Greenwich Market

5. Look up inside the Painted Hall

The Painted Hall looks impressive in photos, but the scale only really makes sense when you are standing underneath it.

Its huge Baroque ceiling is filled with figures, symbols and stories. Afterwards, explore the riverside grounds of the Old Royal Naval College for free.

Book Painted Hall tickets

Painted walls and ceiling inside the Painted Hall in Greenwich

6. Visit the National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum explores life at sea through maps, art, ship models and objects connected to journeys around the world.

General admission is free, it is right next to Greenwich Park and it is an easy save when the London weather turns.

Plan your National Maritime Museum visit

Entrance to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich

7. Find the Tulip Stairs

The Queen’s House is home to a major art collection, but its spiral Tulip Stairs tend to steal the attention.

Entry is free, and the building’s clean symmetry, curved staircase and Thames views make it an easy place to fill your camera roll.

Plan your Queen’s House visit

The Tulip Stairs inside the Queen’s House

8. Walk underneath the Thames

Walk underneath the River Thames through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, which connects Greenwich with the Isle of Dogs.

Once you reach the other side, turn around for one of the best views back towards the Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Park. The tunnel is free to use.

The tiled walkway inside Greenwich Foot Tunnel

9. Climb over The O2

Up at The O2 takes you across the roof of the arena to a viewing platform 52 metres above the ground.

Choose a daytime, sunset or twilight climb for panoramic London views. If heights are not your thing, The O2 also has live music, restaurants, bars and bowling.

Book an Up at The O2 climb

Visitors climbing over the roof of The O2

10. Take the scenic route into London

After a full day in Greenwich, skip the Tube and take a river boat into central London.

Services connect Greenwich with London Bridge, Bankside, Westminster and Battersea. Find a window seat and watch Tower Bridge and the riverside skyline pass by.

Check TfL river routes and fares

River boat travelling past Greenwich on the Thames

Stay close to it all

Stay at Generator Greenwich and put the best of the neighbourhood within easy reach.

Spend the day exploring the market, museums and park, then head to The O2 or find a riverside pub for the evening.

When you are ready for central London, jump on a train, the DLR or a river boat and you are good to go.

Book Generator Greenwich

Things to Do in Greenwich FAQ

Is Greenwich worth visiting?

Yes. Greenwich has major museums, historic landmarks, green spaces, street food and some of London’s best skyline views.

What is Greenwich famous for?

Greenwich is best known for Greenwich Mean Time, the Prime Meridian, the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark.

How long should I spend in Greenwich?

One full day is enough for the main sights. Stay for two if you want to explore the museums slowly or spend an evening at The O2.

What can you do for free in Greenwich?

Free options include Greenwich Park, the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Greenwich Market and the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.

What is the best way to reach Greenwich?

You can travel by train, DLR, bus or river boat. Arriving on the Thames takes longer but comes with much better views.

Is Greenwich easy to explore on foot?

Most historic attractions are close together. The walk to the Royal Observatory is steep, while The O2 is in North Greenwich and needs a separate local journey.

Why stay at Generator Greenwich?

Generator Greenwich keeps you close to the neighbourhood’s museums, green spaces, river connections and The O2.