must-see places in london greenwich

Last updated Feb 05, 2023

In southeast London along the south bank of the River Thames lies the charming borough of Greenwich. With a blend of history, culture and natural beauty Greenwich is well worth a visit, and offers a unique experience for every kind of traveller.

Our aparthotel on Greenwich High Road is conveniently located just a 2 minute walk from Greenwich Station, meaning you can travel into central London via DLR and tube in just 40 minutes. London City Airport is also within easy reach within 30 mins and Gatwick is under an hour away. Below is our hitlist of some of the best things to do while you’re there!

Greenwich Park

Nestled to the eastern edge of Greenwich you’ll find the beautiful Greenwich Park, one of London’s oldest and largest green spaces. The park itself spans 74 hectares and overlooks the Queen’s house, a former royal residence built between 1616 and 1635. Today, the space is used to display the museum’s substantial collection of marine paintings and portraits of the 17th to 20th centuries, and for other public and private events. Open to the public daily, entry is free of charge – it’s definitely worth the visit!

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Cutty Sark

A famous British clipper ship built in 1869, Cutty Sark was one of the last and fastest tea clippers to be built, designed for the China tea trade. The ship is named after the fictional witch from Robert Burns' poem "Tam o' Shanter."

Today, the Cutty Sark is preserved as a museum ship, nestled beside the Greenwich Pier and Greenwich Maritime Museum. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its history as a merchant vessel, as well as the role of tea clippers in the 19th-century maritime trade. An iconic symbol of Britain’s maritime heritage, the Cutty Sark is worth adding to your itinerary whether you’re a history enthusiast, maritime buff, or just looking for a unique cultural experience.

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Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market is an experience like no other. Open 7 days a week, extra stalls open on Saturdays and Sundays drawing huge numbers of curious visitors. An excellent spot for foodies, the market offers every kind of cuisine you can think of, from vegan ice cream and veggie Ethiopian dishes to empanadas and freshly made sushi. Ideal for vintage lovers too, there are stalls selling vintage clothing, textiles, homewares and lots more. It’s a proper treasure trove!

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Greenwich Royal Observatory

The observatory is famous for being the location of the Prime Meridian, the line that divides the Earth's eastern and western hemispheres, as well as establishing Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the standard for timekeeping around the world. Historically, the Royal Observatory also played a crucial role in astronomy. Founded in 1675 by King Charles II to improve navigation at sea, over the years it became a hub for astronomical research, with telescopes used for studying the stars and planets.

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Tempted to discover more of southeast London? Book your next London getaway here.

London England

staying at london greenwich 

Arty bars, craft markets, sprawling parks, collectives, international cuisine, speciality stores, and kebab shops.