Greenwich, London: Insider’s Area Guide

Historic Greenwich strikes the right balance between old world sights and a thriving local scene. Big hitters such as the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark draw in the crowds but it’s the quirky markets and indie cafes that charm them once they’re there.

Add to that a gorgeous riverside location and you can see the appeal.

Reading through a list of Greenwich’s main attractions, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a borough with one foot stuck in the past. Sights like the Royal Observatory, Queen’s House and the Cutty Sark provide rare glimpses of days gone by.

Look a little further and you’ll find a more interesting story – one where former royal palaces rub shoulders with worker’s terraces, and cool bars sit in the shadow of a huge dome built to celebrate the millennium and the city’s only cable car.

Planning to explore Greenwich? This is what you shouldn’t miss.

PS: Take a sneak peek at some of Greenwich’s highlights in my Youtube video!

Map of Greenwich

Practical Tips for Exploring

Greenwich is split into two main areas – Greenwich and Greenwich Peninsula / North Greenwich. Older sights such as the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Observatory are in Greenwich, while newer sights such as the O2 Arena and Emirates Cable Car are on the Peninsula.
Greenwich is connected to central London by DLR, train, bus and boat. Catch an Uber water taxi from Central London to Greenwich for the most scenic route.
If you only have time to visit one location in Greenwich, make it the Painted Hall. There’s a reason it’s nicknamed London’s Sistine Chapel.