Greenwich Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and lodging options in Greenwich, London with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Greenwich

Greenwich is situated in the southeast of London and is a significant district that holds a variety of historical and cultural importance. It is home to Royal Museums Greenwich, known for its maritime history, and its beautiful park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district offers a perfect blend of natural and cultural attractions, outdoor activities, gastronomy, and stunning landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in Greenwich

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Maritime Museum
  • Royal Observatory Greenwich
  • Cutty Sark
  • Queen’s House
  • Old Royal Naval College

Natural Attractions of Greenwich: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Greenwich Park
  • The O2 (Millennium Dome)
  • Thames Path
  • Emirates Air Line Cable Car
  • Severndroog Castle

Hiking/Biking Routes of Greenwich

Greenwich offers a plethora of hiking and biking trails. Some of the best routes include:

  • Green Chain Walk
  • London Loop
  • Thames Path National Trail
  • Capital Ring Route
  • Waterlink Way

Best Things to Do in Greenwich: Activities and Tours

  • Greenwich Market
  • Boat Ride along the Thames
  • Up at The O2
  • Cinema Museum
  • The Painted Hall

Week-Long Itinerary for Greenwich

  • Day 1: Explore Greenwich Park, visit the National Maritime Museum, and admire the view from the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
  • Day 2: Discover the historic Cutty Sark and the stunning architecture of the Queen’s House.
  • Day 3: Go on a boat ride along the Thames and visit the Old Royal Naval College and Painted Hall.
  • Day 4: Go on a walking tour of Greenwich’s hidden gems and visit the Cinema Museum.
  • Day 5: Step into history at the Churchill War Rooms and visit the iconic Tower Bridge.
  • Day 6: Visit the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington.
  • Day 7: Visit the famous attraction, The O2, and enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants with a beautiful view.

Food and Drink Scene of Greenwich

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pie and Mash from Goddards at Greenwich
  • Fish and Chips from The Plume of Feathers
  • Sunday Roast from The Vanbrugh
  • Beef Wellington from The Hill

Local Beverages

  • Meantime Brewery beer
  • Wheat Beer from Meantime Brewing Company
  • The Bunch of Grapes wine bar

Where to Stay in Greenwich: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Greenwich Hotel
  • Hilton London Greenwich
  • Holiday Inn Express London Greenwich
  • St Christopher’s Inn Hostel Greenwich

What to Buy in Greenwich: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • London-themed souvenirs from the Greenwich Market
  • Thames river-inspired jewelry from De Vos Jewellery
  • Greenwich-made pottery from Mary Mills
  • Hand-built bicycles from Sven Cycles

Local Culture and Customs of Greenwich

Greenwich’s rich history and diverse culture have given rise to its unique set of customs. Visitors should:

  • Respect the heritage sites and museums.
  • Follow the signs and instructions in public parks.
  • Respect the town’s sculptures, art galleries, and memorials.
  • Use public transportation and avoid taking private cars.

Best Time to Visit Greenwich

Greenwich is an all-year-round destination, but the months between March to June and September to November offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable hotel rates.

Do’s and Don’ts of Greenwich

Do:

  • Follow the rules of the national history landmarks and museums.
  • Plan enough time to visit attractions and indulge in the local gastronomy.
  • Respect locals and be polite in public areas.
  • Take public transportation instead of private cars.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Smoke in public parks.
  • Vandalize public places.
  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Greenwich

Greenwich is generally safe. However, visitors should take standard safety precautions, such as keeping their valuables safe, staying aware of their surroundings, and avoiding walking alone late at night.

Health in Greenwich

Greenwich offers excellent medical facilities. Visitors can visit Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Greenwich Dental Health Centre, and The Village Medical Centre for any medical emergencies.

Getting to Greenwich: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Greenwich

  • London City Airport
  • Heathrow Airport
  • Gatwick Airport

Bus Stations Near Greenwich

  • Greenwich Peninsula (Westcombe Hill)
  • Maze Hill
  • Cutty Sark (Greenwich Church Street)

Other Options

The nearest train stations are Greenwich, North Greenwich, and Maze Hill. Visitors can also take the Thames Clipper boat service to Canary Wharf, Westminster, and the Southbank.

How to Get Around in Greenwich

Greenwich offers a broad range of transportation options:

  • Buses
  • Trams
  • Taxis
  • Uber
  • Bike Rentals- Santander Cycles
  • Walking

Where to Go Next from Greenwich: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tower of London
  • Canary Wharf
  • Borough Market
  • The Shard
  • National Maritime Museum in Cornwall

Conclusion

Greenwich is a fascinating destination that offers plenty of attractions, outdoor activities, and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can enjoy the heritage sites, the local cuisine, and the friendly culture. This comprehensive travel guide to Greenwich will help visitors make the most of their trip and appreciate the beauty of this London district.

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