Museums and galleries, historic parks and pubs, sweeping views and superb shopping: Greenwich is unique in London, combining world class attractions with a charming village vibe.

Start planning your visit today with our picks of the best things to do in Greenwich.

Your guide to Greenwich

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A family walks along the Main Deck of Cutty Sark, accompanied by a character actor dressed as the ship's captain. They are pointing to something behind the photographer, and the ship's rigging and lifeboat frames them in the background

Step aboard Cutty Sark

Cutty Sark is the world’s sole-surviving tea clipper – a legendary 19th-century ship that used to bring tea back from China at record-breaking speeds.

Now the ship takes pride of place in the heart of Greenwich. Book a ticket and explore every part of the ship, from the glorious views of the main deck to the rich delights of the lower hold. The adventure ends beneath the ship itself, as you walk through the dry dock with the gleaming copper hull above your head.

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Two friends stand and point at the Prime Meridian Line in the courtyard of the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Stand on the Prime Meridian Line

Take a hike through Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory, and travel through space and time.

Commissioned by King Charles II, the site incorporates the Christopher Wren-designed Flamsteed House – historic home to Britain's Astronomers Royal – as well as London’s Planetarium. Stand astride the historic Prime Meridian Line, where east meets west, uncover the history of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and see clocks and timepieces that have changed the world.

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Tulip Stairs in Queen's House

Walk in famous footsteps at the Queen's House

If you're a fan of Bridgerton or The Crown, the Queen's House might already feel very familiar. The classic building has become a popular filming location thanks to its sweeping views and stunning architecture.

But the Queen's House is so much more than a film set.

Great works by world-famous artists grace the walls, from J.M.W. Turner and Canaletto to Turner Prize winner Richard Wright. The building too is an artwork in its own right, designed by the architect Inigo Jones as the first classical building in Britain.

The jewel in the Queen's House crown is the iconic Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, taking pride of place in the Queen's Presence Chamber.

Visit the Queen's House

Travel the world at the National Maritime Museum

Discover epic stories of exploration and endeavour that have shaped our world today at the National Maritime Museum.

Permanent galleries take visitors on a journey around the globe, from the diverse cultures of the Pacific to the changing climate of the Arctic and Antarctic. Special exhibitions take you even further: visit Astronomy Photographer of the Year for dazzling space photography, and Women of the RNLI in 2024 celebrates the vital roles that women play in saving lives at sea.

Book free National Maritime Museum tickets

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Royal Museums Greenwich aerial view

Find the best views of London

Climb to the top of the hill in Greenwich Park and outside the Royal Observatory you will find a fantastic viewpoint in front of the statue of General Wolfe. It's beautiful whenever you visit, but head here at sunset and watch the shimmering lights of London break into life.

But that's not all Greenwich has to offer: space and symmetry abound at Sir Christopher Wren's Baroque masterpiece, the Old Royal Naval College. The elegant building's iconic twin domes perfectly frame the Queen’s House when viewed from the river.

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A group of diners enjoy afternoon tea beneath the historic ship Cutty Sark. The ship's hull can be seen 'floating' above them, supported by steel girders and a glass structure. On the table are cakes, sandwiches and fine china

Enjoy a unique London afternoon tea experience

Leave behind the traditional hotels and bus tours: at Cutty Sark, you can dine beneath the ship itself.

Indulge in a special afternoon tea sitting directly beneath Cutty Sark's iconic copper-clad hull. Choose from a selection of teas, sandwiches and sweet treats as you marvel at the historic engineering of the fastest ship of its day.

All table bookings include entry to the ship, so you can explore Cutty Sark at your leisure before or after your meal.

Book afternoon tea

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Shop at Greenwich Market

Vibrant Greenwich Market has been trading for centuries. A stone’s throw from Cutty Sark, this covered market, with its cobblestone floor and elegant portico, hosts dozens of unique designer-makers, vintage and handmade clothing sellers and street food vendors offering a tempting range of treats from around the world. It’s a first port-of-call for collectors of all stripes and an essential stop on any Greenwich shopping itinerary.

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An audience enjoys a Planetarium show at the Royal Observatory. They are lying back in big armchairs, staring up at a ceiling filled with blue light projections of distant galaxies

Visit London's only Planetarium

Join Royal Observatory astronomers and leading scientists on a fascinating journey into space, from planetarium shows and live science demonstrations to in-depth astronomy courses.

See what's on

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Find the best pubs in Greenwich

If the walls of Greenwich’s historic pubs could talk, they’d have many a tale to tell of the seamen, sailors and river workers who used to frequent them.

Take a break from the sights and have a drink by the Thames.

Riverfront pubs the Cutty Sark Tavern and Trafalgar Tavern still have a maritime atmosphere (Charles Dickens was known to visit the latter), while the Plume of Feathers is the oldest pub in Greenwich, in business since 1691.

Eating and drinking in Greenwich

See the world's greatest space photography

Glittering stars, shimmering galaxies, fiery suns and silver moons – wherever you are in the universe, don't miss Astronomy Photographer of the Year.

Every year photographers from across the globe compete in the prestigious astrophotography competition. This is your chance to see their spellbinding work.

Book Astronomy Photographer of the Year tickets

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A photo of Antony Gormley sculpture Quantum Cloud at sunrise. The sculpture sits on a platform in the River Thames

Greenwich has long been associated with culture and creativity.

Alongside world-renowned art collections at the Queen’s House and National Maritime Museum, Greenwich’s outdoor spaces and the River Thames itself are home to an array of cutting-edge artworks.

From Antony Gormley and Damien Hirst to Yinka Shonibare, follow our walking tour of contemporary art installations and sculpture around Greenwich.

Follow the route

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Set sail on a Thames cruise

Ships like Cutty Sark were once a frequent sight on the River Thames, so why not journey from central London to Greenwich by boat? The trip on a Thames Clippers catamaran provides spectacular views of key London landmarks en route to Greenwich, including the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe. The boat at Greenwich stops right outside Cutty Sark.

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Visit Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is the most historic of London’s eight Royal Parks. Originally used as a royal hunting ground, it’s now a wonderful spot for picturesque strolls and picnics under chestnut trees.

As well as the Royal Observatory and the world-famous Meridian Line, the 183 acres of hillside parkland encompass a beautiful rose garden, a boating pond and incredible views of the City of London and the Thames. There’s even a family of deer, said to be descended from Henry VIII’s original herd. It’s no surprise that it’s many a Londoners’ favourite city park.

Explore Greenwich Park

What’s On

Got a specific date in mind? Check out events taking place in Greenwich here.

Earth From Space
A fish-eye view of Earth taken from a satellite. Yellow and orange desert is visible along with deep blue ocean and wispy clouds
Exhibitions

Earth From Space

See the world through a satellite’s lens, and explore our changing planet at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Open daily | 10am-5pm
Free for Planetarium show ticketholders and Royal Observatory visitors
Royal Observatory
Women of the RNLI
Black and white portrait of a woman leaning against a boat
Exhibitions

Women of the RNLI

Celebrate 200 years of saving lives at sea at the National Maritime Museum
2 March – 1 December 2024
Free
National Maritime Museum
Astronomy Photographer of the Year
Image showing mountain and rocks in foreground, with rippling emerald aurora in the sky behind the mountain, which is reflected in a pool of water
Exhibitions

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum
Open daily | 10am-5pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Play Tuesdays
Family fun

Play Tuesdays

Bring your under 5 on a different adventure every week! Explore the Museum together through song, dance and stories
Term time Tuesdays | 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm
£4 per child and accompanying adult | Under 6 months free
National Maritime Museum
We Are Guardians
A graphic illustrating a planetarium show. A neon blue outline of the Earth is set amidst nature images such as dolphins, an elephant and an eagle
Planetarium shows

We Are Guardians

Join Earth's fleet of state-of-the-art satellites for an immersive exploration of their role in safeguarding our planet
Daily shows
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
The Sky Tonight
Images of constellations, the Moon, Mars, a comet and the Andromeda galaxy
Planetarium shows

The Sky Tonight

A classic guide to the night sky presented live by a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer
Daily shows
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Introduction to Astrophotography
Virtual Event Image
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astrophotography

Learn how to take images of the night sky in our online introductory astrophotography course
Tuesdays, 7-9pm | 6-week course beginning on 20 Feb 2024
£96
Online
Cutty Sark Toddler Time
Toddler running in front of the figureheads
Family fun

Cutty Sark Toddler Time

Listen, learn and play at Cutty Sark: bring your under-5s on a different adventure every week!
Wednesdays | 10.30am | 11.30am | 1.00pm | 2.00pm
£5 per adult
Cutty Sark
Lunchtime Concerts
Trinity Laban Concert in the Queen's House Great Hall
Events and festivals

Lunchtime Concerts

Enjoy musical performances in the Queen's House given by students from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance 
Select weekdays (see page for details) | 1pm-2pm
Free, drop in
Queen's House
Behind the scenes tours
A member of the conservation team shows a tour group a globe
Talks and tours

Behind the scenes tours

Explore the inner workings of Royal Museums Greenwich and see conservation in action on one of our guided tours
Second and fourth Thursday of every month (see page for details) | 1.30pm
Adults: £16 | Members: £12
Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre
Morning Stars
A collection of multi coloured stars seen by the Hubble Space Telescope
Planetarium shows | Community astronomy

Morning Stars

Our more relaxed planetarium shows for those who prefer a calmer environment, such as people with ASD
1, 5, 8, 12 April 2024 | 10.15-11.00am
£10 Adult | £5 Child | Free Companion tickets
Royal Observatory
SENsory Social Club
Social club hold colourful lights
Family fun | Identity

SENsory Social Club

Join the weekly online club for adults and young people with SEND
Friday during term time| 11am (Online session) or 1pm (Onsite session)
Pay what you can
Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre
Think Space Lectures
Photo of the Andromeda Galaxy - a dark black sky sprinkled with stars
Talks and tours | Observatory lectures

Think Space Lectures

Listen to astrophysicists from across the UK talk about cutting edge research in space science
See page for details
Free
Online
Saturday Art Club
Close-up shot of a person's hands as they use a felt-tip pen to draw an intricate pattern on a small piece of wood
Workshops

Saturday Art Club

Join the weekly creative drop-in for young people aged 13-16
Saturdays from October 2023 - April 2024 | 10am-1pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Character Encounters
Talks and tours

Character Encounters

Visit the National Maritime Museum every Saturday to discover a different character from history with their own fascinating story to tell
Saturdays
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Observatory Unlocked
Crowds outside the Royal Observatory
Experiences

Observatory Unlocked

Drop by and chat with our Royal Observatory Explainers as they bring science and astronomy to life
Saturdays and Sundays
Included with Royal Observatory admission
Royal Observatory
Meet the characters of Cutty Sark
James Robson the cook, one of the characters you can meet on board Cutty Sark. He wears a flat cap and red scarf, and is pointing at the ship's rigging
Family fun

Meet the characters of Cutty Sark

Meet colourful characters from Cutty Sark’s past and hear astonishing stories about life at sea in the age of sail
Weekends and Fri-Mon in school holidays | 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
Included with entry to Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark
Ted's Space Adventure
Ted the bear with a rocket, blue planet and the Sun
Planetarium shows

Ted's Space Adventure

Join Ted the bear on an adventure around the Solar System in this special live planetarium show for under-7s - perfect for little astronauts everywhere!
Weekends and holiday weekdays
Adults £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System
A red, yellow, pink and blue gas clouds behind images of Saturn and the Earth. Over the top of this are white, glowing sound waves and music notes.
Planetarium shows

Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System

Experience the Solar System like never before - by travelling on a spacecraft that can turn the objects in space into sound!
Weekends and holiday weekdays
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Saturday Super Store Tours
Inside Royal Museums Greenwich collections centre - rows of objects including two ships figureheads
Talks and tours

Saturday Super Store Tours

Come behind the scenes and explore the stores at the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre
Saturdays at 1.30pm
£12
Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre
Moons Beyond Counting
A collage of different moons of the solar system; Triton, Enceladus, Phobos, Pandora, Ganymede, Iapetus and Mimas
Planetarium shows

Moons Beyond Counting

Learn more about our own Moon and some of the more exotic moons of the Solar System in this show narrated by our Royal Observatory astronomers
Weekends and holiday weekdays in March
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
South Asian Astronomy: Holi Show
A colourful scan of the Moon behind a gold spacecraft on the Moon's surface. Next to these are two images of Hindu deities wearing gold and riding creatures. Above them is the word "Chandrayaan" in Sanskrit
Planetarium shows | Community astronomy

South Asian Astronomy: Holi Show

Celebrate the festival of colours by learning about South Asian connections to the objects we see in our night skies
Sunday 24 March 2024 | 10.30am
£10 Adult | £5 Child | Free Companion Tickets
Royal Observatory
The Art of Naval Portraiture
An oil painter of sailor Henry Carr
Talks and tours | Member events

The Art of Naval Portraiture

Celebrate the publication of a new book by Museum curator Dr Katherine Gazzard with this special talk at the Queen's House
Wednesday 27 March 2024 | 6.30pm-8.30pm
Free for Members – booking required
Queen's House
Tea in Transition: Herbal Tea Blending Workshop
A red clay teapot and white cup on a black saucer, both placed on a table
Workshops

Tea in Transition: Herbal Tea Blending Workshop

Learn about the healing properties of a range of medicinal plants, and learn how to combine them into unique blends as you create your own herbal teabags
Wednesday 27 March 2024 | 6.30 - 8.30pm
£7 Adults
National Maritime Museum
A man and a woman hug as they look out over historic Greenwich towards the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. They have their backs to the camera, and the woman's head is nestled in the man's shoulder

Visit Greenwich

Historic attractions, beautiful parks and stunning city views - discover the best that Greenwich has to offer