If you’re looking for a London experience that’s a little off the typical tourist track, Greenwich is the perfect spot that’s just far enough from central London to feel like an escape. Many people only associate Greenwich with the famous Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, but there’s so much more to do there! So let me fill you in on how to spend the best day out in Greenwich.

1️⃣ Morning: Kickstart you day with history and views

If you opted for the boat to get to Greenwich (more on this at the end), you'll face Cutty Sark as soon as you step off the boat. This historic ship was the fastest and most famous of the 19th century 'tea clippers'. You can explore the ship's decks and discover what life was really like for sailors during the Golden Age of Sail. Kids usually love clambering around the deck, and there’s a café in the glass-roofed gallery underneath. If ship history isn’t your thing, it's still an impressive sight from the outside.

If you're on the look out for a solid English breakfast, Heap’s Sausage Cafe is a proper local spot—quirky and unpretentious, with hearty portions. If you’re not a big breakfast person, the coffee and pastries at The Green Cafe are just as good. Other great options in Central Greenwich include Paul Rhodes Bakery and the Monsoon Cafe while the Black Eye Coffee, the Coffee Studio and the River Gardens Cafe (river views and terrace) will require a 10-min walk from the center.

Once fueled up, head to Greenwich Park where you can explore the Flower Garden, stroll through the Queen's Orchard or hop on a pedalo on the boating lake in summer (kids will love it). But the most popular activity remains the climb to the top of the hill for a sweeping view of the city and Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers rising in the distance.

This is also where you'll find the famous Royal Observatory and the Meridian Line. If you’re a fan of astronomy or timekeeping, this is a can’t-miss but if you only want that split-second of standing over the Prime Meridian for a fun photo op, you can skip paying for the official ticket and straddle the Prime Meridian from the outside gates (Instagram won’t know the difference 🤫)

The Peter Harrison Planetarium, located next door, is always a hit with kids and adults alike! It offers high-definition space shows narrated by expert astronomers, making complex cosmic concepts easy to understand. Check the show schedule on their website and book in advance as shows tend to sell out quickly, especially during weekends and holidays.

2️⃣ Midday: Lunch break & market hunt

Lunchtime means heading to Greenwich Market, with stalls offering delicious international street food, including fresh pastries, vegan dishes, Caribbean, Thai, Indian, ramen burgers and more! If you’re seeking a more British pub experience, check out The Admiral Hardy, Richard the First (with a large beer garden), the Old Brewery (outdoor terrace) or the Trafalgar Tavern (outdoor seating by the river). They all serve up solid British classics like fish and chips, pies, and a nice pint.

Once you've eaten, you can explore the other stalls at the market selling handmade products and vintage items.

3️⃣ Afternoon: Museums and Maritime marvels

The Old Royal Naval College on the banks of the river was originally established as a retirement home for sailors in the 17th century. It is home to the Painted Hall, often dubbed the 'Sistine Chapel of the UK' (the ceiling is a real jaw-dropper 😮) as well as the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul.

If museums are your thing, the National Maritime Museum is free and packed with fascinating exhibits. This is the world's largest museum dedicated to seafaring, home to must-see objects such as relics from the Titanic and the jacket worn by Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Right next door, the Queen’s House is a stunning example of Palladian architecture and houses a renowned art collection. It’s free and worth popping in just for the iconic Tulip Stairs, an Instagram favorite.

4️⃣ Additional activities to consider

• One of Greenwich’s underrated gems is the Fan Museum. It’s small, it’s random, and it’s never packed. Even if you’re not into fans (and who really is?), the building itself is gorgeous
• The Ranger's House in Greenwich Park hosts a collection of 700 works of art, including Renaissance paintings, porcelain, tapestries and one of the best Spanish Renaissance jewellery collection in Europe. But the gallery is only open from April to October, Wednesday to Sunday.
• You can cross the River Thames by walking the Greenwich Foot Tunnel located 15m under the Thames! You'll end up in Island Gardens on the other side offering an excellent panoramic view of Greenwich. You'll find the entrance of the tunnel in a dome next to Cutty Sark
• You can venture further West to explore the edgy neighborhood of Deptford, offering markets, breweries and craft-beer bars. One highlight is the Deptford Market Yard, a collection of bars, indie shops and craft-beer taproom located under old railway arches.

🧁 Afternoon tea treats

If you’re craving a classic British afternoon tea, Greenwich has a few lovely spots to indulge:

• One option is the Undercroft Cafe, located in the basement of the Painted Hall, and offering finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, alongside a selection of cakes and sweet treats. But you have to book your afternoon tea at least 3 days in advance.
• If you’re seeking a scenic spot that also has tea options, River Gardens Café (just off the riverside path) is a great choice for a relaxed afternoon break. They have a warm, friendly atmosphere where you can grab a pot of tea, homemade pastries, and enjoy the view of the Thames.
• Finally, Cutty Sark offers a unique afternoon tea experience, sitting directly beneath the ship. Table bookings include entry to the ship so you can explore before or after your meal. You can book on their website.

💡 Good to know

• If you happen to visit Greenwich on the first Sunday of the month, you can visit the Painted Hall for £5 instead of the usual £16.5
• Your ticket to the Painted Hall includes a 30-min guided tour of the hall (running 5 times a day) as well as a 45-min "600 Years of History" tour of the Old Royal Naval College (also running 5 times a day)
• If you want to visit both the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, you can purchase the 'Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass', which is essentially a combined ticket saving you almost 25%
• On Tuesdays and Fridays at 1PM, you can attend a free concert in the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul. The concerts are about 45-min long

How to get to Greenwich?

From Central London, there are 3 main ways to reach Greenwich:

1. River boat (my favourite) 🛥️

This is by far the most scenic way to get to Greenwich. The river boats give you fantastic views of iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, The Shard, and Canary Wharf along the way. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers runs regular river bus services all year round. You can catch a boat from piers like Westminster , Embankment or London Bridge and hop off at Greenwich pier. Tickets can be bought at ticket machines at the pier before travel, but to save time and money touch in and out with your Oyster or contactless card. You can also buy your tickets online or use the Uber app or the Thames Clippers Tickets app. Expect a 30 to 45 min journey depending on which pier you're starting from.

The downside? It’s pricier than the DLR or train (see below), and if you’re running late, it’s not the fastest option.

2. The DLR 🚝

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is basically an above-ground metro system that connects the City of London to parts of East London. It's quick, easy, and budget-friendly (just use your Oyster or contactless card). You can hop on the DLR from Bank or Tower Gateway stations and get off at Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich. The station is right in the heart of Greenwich, so you’ll step straight into the action!

3. Southeastern trains 🚆

Trains run frequently from London Bridge, Cannon Street, or Charing Cross stations to Greenwich Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the main attractions. It’s not the most scenic route but it's great if you want a no-frills, direct route and you can also use your Oyster or contactless card.