The 9 Best Attractions in Greenwich (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 9 picks

The best things to do in Greenwich in 2026 are standing on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, exploring the Cutty Sark, gazing up at the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College, the free National Maritime Museum, the view from the top of Greenwich Park, and lunch at Greenwich Market.

Maritime Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily fills a day. Arrive by Uber Boat from central London for the best approach, past Canary Wharf to the Old Royal Naval College. The National Maritime Museum and Queen's House are free; the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark and Painted Hall charge, and Royal Museums Greenwich sells combined tickets.

1. Royal Observatory Greenwich — Greenwich Park

Stand astride the Prime Meridian, home of Greenwich Mean Time.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for First-timers · Families

The Royal Observatory, at the top of Greenwich Park, is where the Prime Meridian of the world runs. You can stand with a foot in each hemisphere, see historic timekeepers and visit the Peter Harrison Planetarium.

The views over the Queen's House, the Old Royal Naval College and Canary Wharf are superb.

Good to know: Book a planetarium show to combine with your visit.

Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ

Google Maps Website

2. Cutty Sark — Greenwich

The last surviving tea clipper, which you can walk on and underneath.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families

The Cutty Sark, raised above a glass-roofed dry dock, lets you explore its decks and cabins and walk beneath its gleaming hull.

It stands by the river, next to the DLR station and the pier.

Good to know: Combined tickets with the Royal Observatory save money.

King William Walk, London SE10 9HT

Google Maps Website

3. Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall — Greenwich

Wren's riverside masterpiece and 'Britain's Sistine Chapel'.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · First-timers

Christopher Wren's Old Royal Naval College is the centrepiece of Maritime Greenwich. Its Painted Hall, decorated by Sir James Thornhill, is one of the most spectacular interiors in Britain.

The grounds and chapel are free; the Painted Hall is ticketed.

Good to know: Lie on the daybeds in the Painted Hall to take in the ceiling.

King William Walk, London SE10 9NN

Google Maps Website

4. National Maritime Museum — Greenwich

A free museum of Britain's seafaring history.

Best for Families · Budget

The National Maritime Museum tells the story of Britain and the sea, from exploration and trade to Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar, with hands-on galleries for children.

Entry is free.

Good to know: Families should head to the interactive children's galleries.

Romney Road, London SE10 9NF

Google Maps Website

5. Queen's House — Greenwich

An elegant 17th-century royal villa with its famous Tulip Stairs, free.

Best for Couples · Budget

The Queen's House, designed by Inigo Jones, was England's first classical building. Its spiral Tulip Stairs and art collection, including the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, are free to see.

It sits between the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park.

Good to know: Photograph the Tulip Stairs from the bottom looking up.

Romney Road, London SE10 9NF

Google Maps Website

6. Greenwich Park — Greenwich

A royal park with one of London's best views.

Best for Families · Couples · Budget

Greenwich Park climbs from the river to the Royal Observatory, and the view from the top, across the Queen's House to Canary Wharf and the City, is one of London's classics.

It has a rose garden, a deer enclosure and plenty of space for a picnic.

Good to know: Walk up to the statue of General Wolfe for the classic view.

Greenwich Park, London SE10 8QY

Google Maps Website

7. Greenwich Market — Greenwich

A covered market of street food, crafts and antiques.

$ BudgetBest for Couples · Budget

Greenwich Market is a covered market in the town centre with street-food stalls, arts and crafts, vintage and antiques depending on the day.

It is the easiest place for lunch on a Greenwich day out.

Good to know: Weekends are busiest and best for food stalls.

Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ

Google Maps Website

8. Greenwich Foot Tunnel — Greenwich

A Victorian tunnel under the Thames to the Isle of Dogs, free.

Best for Budget · Families

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel, opened in 1902, runs under the Thames from beside the Cutty Sark to Island Gardens, where you get a classic view back across the river to the Old Royal Naval College.

It is free and open around the clock.

Good to know: Walk through to Island Gardens for the best view of Greenwich.

Cutty Sark Gardens, London SE10 9HT

Google Maps

9. IFS Cloud Cable Car — Greenwich Peninsula

A cable car across the Thames with views of Canary Wharf and the O2.

$ BudgetBest for Families

The IFS Cloud Cable Car crosses the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, giving views of the O2, Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier.

It is run by Transport for London, and is a fun add-on to a Greenwich day.

Good to know: Go at dusk for the city lights.

Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Greenwich from central London?

By Uber Boat by Thames Clippers from piers such as the London Eye or Embankment, which is the most scenic route, or by DLR to Cutty Sark station, or by train from London Bridge to Greenwich.

Is Greenwich worth a day trip?

Yes. The Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, Painted Hall, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park and market easily fill a day, and much of it is free.

Is the National Maritime Museum free?

Yes, entry to the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House is free. Some special exhibitions charge.

Can you stand on the Prime Meridian for free?

The Meridian Line courtyard is inside the paid Royal Observatory site, but a line of the meridian is also marked outside the Observatory walls, where you can take photos for free.

Where should I eat in Greenwich?

Greenwich Market's street-food stalls are the easy choice for lunch. See also our London pubs guide for riverside pubs.

1. Royal Observatory Greenwich — Greenwich Park

2. Cutty Sark — Greenwich

3. Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall — Greenwich

4. National Maritime Museum — Greenwich

5. Queen's House — Greenwich

6. Greenwich Park — Greenwich

7. Greenwich Market — Greenwich

8. Greenwich Foot Tunnel — Greenwich

9. IFS Cloud Cable Car — Greenwich Peninsula

Frequently asked questions

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