Discover the Best Things to Do in Greenwich

The borough of Greenwich offers a plethora of attractions for visitors. A few days in on our visit in London, this area has been recommended to us nonstop so we made the decision to take a train and actually go exploring, and boy, were we impressed.

Here’s a list of some of the best things we found exploring Greenwich, from amazing museums and artworks, to the busy market! There’s a lot of things to do here so without further ado, let’s step right into the heart of Greenwich!

My Picks of the Best Things to do in Greenwich

Greenwich Park

Aside from the gorgeous view of the River Thames, there is a bunch of things to see in Greenwich Park that everyone has to visit. Don’t be like us and actually plan your visit to Greenwich park because once you step inside, you’ll be a bit overwhelmed at the many attractions inside, and best of all, it’s all free to visit!

Now, there’s a lot of stuff around Greenwich park, aside from it being, well, a landscaped park. So, we’ll try to go over a few of them, mainly the stuff that I think are well worth the trip. The park itself was a former hunting park or rather known as a deer park, and one of the largest patches of green across London. It’s an absolutely massive piece of land filled with things to do and even see. Whether you want to go for a relaxing stroll or do a crazy putt London adventure golf, it is the place to be!

National Maritime Museum

The park is intimately connected to a lot of London’s naval history. This includes the UNESCO world heritage site of the National Maritime Museum. As someone who can’t swim but is endlessly fascinated with the ocean, mainly because of Pirates of the Carribean, this museum is a gem to me. It holds a wide collection of ship exhibits, maritime art, and navigational equipment used globally hundreds of years ago.

Don’t forget to also check out some of their interactive exhibitions like the opportunity to fire a cannon and try to shoot down a pirate ship. I don’t know why this was meant for kids because it’s a lot harder than it sounds.

Royal Observatory

Nestled in the historic core of Greenwich, the Royal Observatory Greenwich is a highly esteemed establishment that is well-known for its commitment to astronomy and the study of time. It invites visitors to investigate celestial wonders, browse its illustrious exhibits, and is home of Greenwich Mean Time or the Prime Meridian Line. Marked by a strip of brass, the Prime Meridian line was immensely significant to ancient astronomers and navigators, I mean, nowadays, we just use a clock. But by stepping across the line, you’ve technically travelled to another time zone from GMT to UST and vice versa. Faster than any plane could.

The Greenwich Observatory is also home to the Peter Harrision Planetarium which is London’s only planetarium. Watching a show here is simply mesmerizing as you could see how the different stars and planets align with each other and get treated to an educational lecture on how people used to interpret these stars to guide their way.

Cutty Sark

Technically this is part of the museum but it’s such a good attraction it deserves it’s own spot. So, you know how tea is such a big deal here for the Brits? Well, a big contributor to the tea culture here is because of the historic Greenwich Cutty Sark. A surviving tea clipper, and it’s one of the best if not THE best sailing boat of its time.

It was super fast and approximately carried around 10 million pounds of tea during its time, I can’t say for sure if the Cutty Sark is the reason we have tea being served in almost every restaurant but if it is, then I’d like to say a warm ‘thank you’. Aside from delivering tea from China, it was also briefly a fighting ship, which kinda adds to the charm and history of this boat to Greenwich. You could learn more about it when you visit!

Queen’s House

Lastly, we have one of the best things to do for art lovers here. It’s the Queen’s House in Greenwich London. It’s right on the boundary of Greenwich Park and Blackheath so it’s not too far and would probably take you around 5 minutes to get from the station. The Queen’s House served as a gallery for the artworks the royal family had collected and commissioned.

It was begun by Queen Anne of Denmark in 1616 and completed by Queen Henrietta Maria in 1635. It’s one of the best places to admire pieces of artwork in Greenwich since hundreds of years ago. From the entrance itself you could see beautiful artwork from the ceiling.

Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market is a vibrant hub of activity, boasting a diverse array of unique market offerings that delight visitors with its eclectic mix of arts, crafts, and delectable grub from the food stalls that surround it Visitors can leisurely browse through the stalls, discovering one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and street food.

The market’s lively atmosphere and distinctive offerings create a memorable shopping experience for all. Everything here is made locally, so each pound you spend, you’ll know that it’s going to an independent business and you get something amazing that you know was made with love and passion.

The O2

The O2 Arena is a versatile indoor venue that accommodates a range of events, such as sporting competitions, musical performances, and entertainment shows, offering a vibrant and dynamic entertainment encounter. You’re also treated to amazing views of London at the top, and not just any view of the London skyline but also glimpses of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers and the the Olympic Park!

Everything from indoor skydiving, interactive games, and shopping, the O2 seemingly has anything and everything to please locals and tourists alike. It’s exactly why I consider this spot as one of the main Greenwich attractions that everyone should visit.

Old Royal Naval College

An architectural marvel rich in history, the Old Royal Naval College is a monument to Greenwich’s maritime and royal past. Visitors are captivated by the majesty of its historical buildings and the stories of its maritime adventures, which provide an engrossing trip through time.

Capturing centuries of naval history, the Old Royal Naval College radiates architectural beauty reflecting the lavish lifestyle of its bygone era. Explore its fascinating stories, which range from important naval actions to its connections to well-known personalities like Henry VIII and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Greenwich Peninsula

The Greenwich Peninsula, which combines cutting-edge design, modern architecture, and sustainable living, is a monument to transformative urban development. The peninsula, which accommodates a variety of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, is a compatible example of modernity mixed with greenery, meeting the needs and lifestyles of both locals and visitors.

From bustling cultural centers to gastronomic hotspots, the Greenwich Peninsula provides a wide range of entertainment and dining options, guaranteeing a lively and dynamic experience for everyone. It’s a massive place that anyone visiting Greenwich would probably stumble onto here. You could enjoy amazing performances at theatres or on the street, amazing food, and even a relaxing stroll through a nature preserve at the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park.

Thames and Cable Car

Experience thrilling trips along the Thames River and discover the famous cable car while taking in stunning views of the serene waters below and London’s magnificent skyline. The Thames and cable car experience immerses guests in an array of architectural beauty and natural beauty.

Follow its path through historical sites, lush greenery, and busy waterfronts. The experience is an attracting trip that reveals the ageless charm of Greenwich from a fresh and thrilling vantage point, whether it is a leisurely cruise along the river or an exhilarating ride on the cable car.

Painted Hall

Any guide to the best things to do when anyone heads to Greenwich should include the Painted Hall. Unfortunately it’s not free to enter, kind of expected since the artwork located in the Painted Hall are some of the most amazing pieces I have ever seen so it would be hard to imagine that it should be free of charge since they need the money to maintain it.

For those with an appreciation for both art and history, the painted hall is a must-see. The paintings are rich in history and are in excellent condition. A staff member will explain the paintings in a talk, so be sure to attend or purchase the audio guide. The tour of the former Royal Naval College and the buildings surrounding it is also included.

Looking for More Guides?

The best part about the things to do in Greenwich is that most of these spots are just a stone’s throw away from each other. But, if you want to experience the best restaurants, cafes, and other places in this area then you might need some help. Check out some of our other guides for help!

And if you’re looking for good food, unlimited drinks, and plenty of laughs, which I’ll be honest, who isn’t? Then head to our comedy club! Our comedy shows are simply amazing with comedians with a sharp wit and plenty of jokes to make even the most serious person crack a smile!

FAQ

Q: What are the best things to do in Greenwich?

A: There are plenty of things to do in Greenwich, from visiting the historic Royal Observatory Greenwich and the prime meridian line to strolling through the beautiful Greenwich Park and exploring the vibrant Greenwich Market.

Q: How can I visit the O2 Arena in Greenwich?

A: The O2 Arena is easily accessible by public transportation, such as the London Underground and bus services. You can also reach it by taking the Emirates Air Line, a cable car that offers stunning views of the city.

Q: What can I see at the Royal Observatory Greenwich?

A: At the Royal Observatory Greenwich, you can explore exhibits on the history of astronomy, stand on the iconic Prime Meridian Line, and visit the Peter Harrison Planetarium for fascinating shows about the universe.

Q: What activities can I enjoy in Greenwich?

A: In Greenwich, you can enjoy activities such as taking a ride on the Emirates Air Line, visiting the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, exploring the Victorian tunnels at the Greenwich foot tunnel, and taking a leisurely stroll along the riverside.

Q: What is the best way to spend a day in Greenwich?

A: The best way to spend a day in Greenwich is to visit the Royal Museums Greenwich, take a stroll through Greenwich Park, explore the Greenwich Market, and enjoy a relaxing ride on the Emirates Air Line for panoramic views of London.