13 Best Things to Do in Greenwich London

Posted 13/09/2023 | 13th September, 2023

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Situated in southeast London, Greenwich is a not-so-secret hot spot in the capital and the home of Greenwich Mean Time. I love the way that Greenwich effortlessly blends the old and new. Cutting-edge architecture mixed with cobbled streets. Old school pubs nestled between modern art exhibitions.

You will be happy to learn that Greenwich is packed with museums, beautiful parks, and plenty of shopping. Of course, there are also tonnes of incredible places to eat and drink. So, if you’re planning on visiting Greenwich and aren’t sure where to start, here are the best things to do in Greenwich, London.

Arrive in Style – IFS Cable Car

The IFS Cable Car is the best way to arrive (or leave) Greenwich. Hovering 90 meters above the Thames offers a unique view of the city and a convenient way to avoid the tube during rush hour. Cabins arrive every 30 seconds and transport you between the Greenwich peninsular and the Royal docks in just ten minutes. Priced at £5 per journey, this ride is one of my favourite cheap things to do in London.

Top Tip: after 7 pm, the journey slows down and offers an even more tranquil experience. Plan your trip for sunset and enjoy watching the day melt away from an incredible angle.

The Royal Observatory

No guide to the best things to do in Greenwich would be complete without a mention of The Royal Observatory. It is one of the most visited attractions in the whole of London and perfect for those who are obsessed with all things astronomy.

The Royal Observatory is home to UK’s largest refracting telescope, the first clock to ever show Greenwich Mean Time, and the incredible Octogan room. Enjoy snapping a selfie on the Prime Meridian Line, with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and another in the western.

For an extra special treat, enjoy one of the planetarium shows. This is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Greenwich and great for all the family.

Tickets are £16 per adult and £8 per child.

Cutty Sark

The incredible ship sits right on the bank of the Thames and is synonymous with Greenwich. The Cutty Sark was built in 1869 to carry tea back from China. It is best known for visiting almost every major port in the world, but now stands proudly in South East London. The Cutty Sark has had a pretty traumatic life. It ventured between London and Shanghai nine times, was rescued from a scrapyard in 1951, and was almost destroyed in a fire in 2007.

You can admire the Cutty Sark from afar, offering a spectacular photo opportunity. However, if you want to learn a little bit more about the history of the boat, I would recommend hopping onboard and exploring.

This day out is perfect for all of the family. Tickets are £16 for adults and are definitely one of the best things to do in Greenwich.

National Maritime Museum

Every trip to Greenwich should include a wander around the Maritime Museum. There are 14 different galleries, each exploring a unique area of Maritime history. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular museums in London.

There are plenty of interactive exhibitions which are excellent for children.

The National Maritime Museum is completely free, so there is no pressure to take in everything in one go. Upon each return, you will surely discover something new!

The Old Royal Naval College – Things to Do in Greenwich London

A former hospital, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the birthplace of Tudor monarch Henry VIII: the Old Royal Naval College is a must-visit on your Greenwich adventure. Incredibly, the Old Royal Naval College welcomes over 1.2 million visitors every year!

This attraction takes you through 600 years of British history, focusing on the rich royal history of the country. Be sure to pay a visit to the Painted Hall, which has earned its name of the ‘UK’s Sistine Chapel’.

The Queens House and Tulip Staircase

This incredible piece of architecture was completed in the 17^th century as a gift for Queen Anne, who unfortunately passed away before its completion.

No longer home to any royals, the Queen’s House is now packed with world-renowned art from across the globe. The house features artwork from Tania Kovats, Peter Adjaye and Christy Symington, to name a few.

In my opinion, the Queen’s House is one of the best free days out in London.

This place is packed with excellent photo opportunities, with the Tulip Staircase being everyone’s favourite!

Greenwich Market + Greenwich Vintage Market

Every Greenwich itinerary must include a stroll around its famous markets. Originally opened in 1737, the Greenwich market is now packed with stalls selling unique handmade items and delicious food.

The market is one of my favourites in the whole of the capital. It is located right in the heart of Greenwich, just a short stroll from the Cutty Sark. Although it might not quite be on the scale of Borough or Camden market, its village-like atmosphere and friendly staff make it a pleasure to peruse.

Greenwich market is open seven days a week until 5:30 pm throughout the summer but closes on a Monday during the winter.

Greenwich Foot Tunnel

It might seem strange that a foot tunnel made it to the best things to do in Greenwich, London. However, the Greenwich foot tunnel is a true sight to behold, allowing 4000 people each day to travel under the Thames on foot.

The Greenwich tunnel was opened in 1902, allowing the north side of the river to access the south easily. Although lift access has now been installed, many commuters take the spiral staircase up and down each day. Be prepared for a good workout, though; there are over 100 steps on each side!

Greenwich Park – Things to Do in Greenwich London

Greenwich Park is one of my favourite green spaces in the city. Not only does it offer fantastic running, cycling and walking routes, but it has some of the most spectacular views in the city. The park is essentially one colossal hill (pretty rare in London), so the views over the skyline are unbeatable. Heaps of events are hosted in this popular park, with regular free music concerts popular with people from across the city.

The Line Public Art Walk

The Line is a unique art exhibition walking trail connecting the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with the O2. This is one of the most interesting walks in London and takes under three hours to complete.

There are 22 art pieces to enjoy en route, starting with the ArcelorMittal Orbit, synonymous with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. Next, follow the waterways of east London, admiring the pieces until you meet the Thames.

Utilize the cable car mentioned above, which will transport you to the south side of the river, where there are six further pieces to be admired. The walk finishes with ‘A Bullet from a Shooting Star’. This magnificent piece is an incredible 35-meter tall steel structure in the form of an upside-down electricity pylon, precariously balanced.

Whether you’re an art lover or not, the Line is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Greenwich.

Up at the O2

The O2 is one of the most recognizable buildings in the capital, and up at the O2 offers visitors a chance to scale the building. This exhilarating climb offers those brave enough incredible 360-degree views across the whole of Greenwich.

The climb takes around an hour, and you will complete the experience as part of a group with an experienced guide. The whole experience lasts for approximately 90 minutes when you factor in the safety briefing and the chance to take in the views at the top.

Prices start from £38 for adults, and climbs can be booked during the daytime, sunset, and twilight.

If you’re doing the climb for a special occasion, be sure to book the celebration climb, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne whilst enjoying the incredible London skyline.

Davy’s Wine Vault

The twelfth and final of the best things to do in Greenwich has to be Davy’s wine vault. Davy’s is a spacious bar and restaurant famous for its extensive wine list. Whilst I wouldn’t rank Davy’s as the best place to eat in Greenwich, it is an excellent place to enjoy a drink before sampling the rest of what the borough has to offer.

Greenwich Peninsular Driving Range

As you can see from my sheer amazement that I hit the ball, golf is not my forte. However, the Greenwich Peninsular Driving Range is among the best things I’ve done in Greenwich.

Located just a ten-minute walk from the O2, this driving range allows novices and professionals alike to hone their golf skills. You can play multiple games with the various greens on the court. Or, if you’re anything like me, simply enjoy the experience of hitting the ball as far as you can.

Unsurprisingly, this place gets extremely busy, so booking is essential. You can choose your bay, and there is the option of the bottom tier or top tier. I would recommend booking for sunset, as the views over Canary Wharf as the sun sets are truly remarkable.

Things to Do in Greenwich London – FAQs

Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Greenwich?

As you have seen, there are many amazing things to do in Greenwich so staying for a couple of days in perfect. The Hilton is a great option, or choose the reliable Premier Inn for a more budget-friendly option.

How Do I Get to Greenwich?

Greenwich is located in southeast London and is easily reachable from anywhere in the capital. The main tube stations are North Greenwich or Cutty sark, accessible by the jubilee line or DLR. However, I recommend the Thames clipper or IFS Cable car for a more scenic ride into the area.

Where Is the Best Place to Park in Greenwich

As with the rest of central London, parking can be expensive and hard to find. However, there is an underground Cutty Sark car park ( SE10 9HT) or a pay-and-display car park on Burney Street (SE10 8EX). Both charge a reasonable £3.60 per hour and are free after 6.30 pm.

Where Is the Best Place to Eat in Greenwich?

There are many great places to eat in Greenwich, including all the London favourites such as Franco Manca, Honest Burger and Sticks’n’Sushi. If traditional pie and mash is your thing, head to Goddards at Greenwich, which many consider the best place to try this dish in the city. For something a little more upmarket, try Champagne + Fromage.