Experiences
Things to Do in Greenwich
Maritime history, a hilltop observatory and the line where time begins.
In short: our top picks are Royal Observatory Greenwich, Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Greenwich packs an improbable amount of history into a riverside village. You can stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, climb aboard the Cutty Sark and take in Britain’s Sistine Chapel at the Painted Hall, all within a short walk. The park climbs to one of London’s best views over Canary Wharf. Round it off in the covered market and the neighbourhood’s riverside pubs and restaurants.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Royal Observatory Greenwich | Greenwich |
| Cutty Sark | Greenwich |
| National Maritime Museum | Greenwich |
| Greenwich Market | Greenwich |
| The Painted Hall | Greenwich |
| Greenwich Park | Greenwich |
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Editor’s choice
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Why we pick itStraddle the Prime Meridian with a foot in each hemisphere, at the 1675 observatory that set the world's clocks.
observatory
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Cutty Sark
Why we pick itClimb aboard the last surviving tea clipper, a record-breaking 19th-century ship dry-docked beside the river.
historic ship
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National Maritime Museum
Why we pick itThe world's largest maritime museum, full of exploration stories from Nelson's coat to polar expeditions, and free to enter.
museum
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Greenwich Market
Why we pick itA covered market dating to the 1700s, strong on arts, crafts, antiques and a genuinely good food court.
covered market
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The Painted Hall
Why we pick itOften called Britain's Sistine Chapel, a vast baroque hall covered floor to ceiling in painted allegory at the Old Royal Naval College.
baroque landmark
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Greenwich Park
Why we pick itLondon's oldest royal park climbs to a hilltop view over Canary Wharf and the river.
royal park
Before you book
The DLR to Cutty Sark is the quickest route, but the river boat from central London is the scenic one. Most of the big sights cluster around the market and the park, so a single day covers them on foot. Note the planetarium is closed for renovation until 2028.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Royal Observatory Greenwich is our editor's choice: Straddle the Prime Meridian with a foot in each hemisphere, at the 1675 observatory that set the world's clocks. Royal Observatory Greenwich, Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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