The distinct maritime feel of Greenwich gives it a unique character. Perhaps that’s what makes it such a popular place for a day out for both London residents and visitors to the city. There are lots of places to see and things to do in Greenwich, so it’s not too hard to fill up a fun day in the area. If you’re wondering about the best ways to enjoy a day here, we know some great shops, eateries, bars, and activities that you won’t want to miss out on. Take a look at our guide to how to spend a day in Greenwich.
How to spend a day in Greenwich
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Time for breakfast
Classic tea room
Get a classic English experience at popular independent tea room Royal Teas. This charming venue has a cosy atmosphere and indoor and outdoor tables. Food is served all day. The lengthy breakfast options include fruit salad, a veggie fried breakfast, or a sausage and egg ciabatta. Afternoon tea is also served.
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76 Royal Hill, Greenwich
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Royal Teas
020-869 172 40 - Read more on Thatsup
Riverside meals all day
Family-run restaurant River Gardens Café has a friendly atmosphere and a modern look. Tables have great views of the Thames and the dining room is spacious and modern. There's plenty of choice for breakfast, including fresh pastries, fried breakfasts, pancakes, and mini portions for kids. You can bring your dog too.
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20 River Gardens Walk, Greenwich
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River Gardens Café
020-885 803 69 - Read more on Thatsup
Tuck in to a Turkish breakfast
Kick off your day the Turkish way with breakfast at Midpoint Restaurant. This riverside eatery has outdoor seating, large windows, and a modern look. Food is served all day and for breakfast you can go for a traditional Turkish option or dishes like omelettes, fried breakfasts, or a health-conscious granola bowl.
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3 Anchor Iron Wharf, Ballast Quay, Greenwich
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Midpoint Restaurant
020-829 303 77 - Read more on Thatsup
Do some shopping
Hub of independent retailers
Right in the heart of the area you’ll find Greenwich Market, a covered market bringing a broad range of stores and independent vendors together. It often gets busy and it’s a popular spot for fashion, jewellery, crafts, and antiques. Don’t miss the street food section full of tempting global bites.
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5b Greenwich Market, Greenwich
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Greenwich Market
020-826 950 96 - Read more on Thatsup
Locally-produced craft items
At Made in Greenwich you can shop for unique crafts and gifts made by local producers. This award-winning social enterprise aims to support the local community. Amongst the options you'll find art, books, homeware, and greetings cards. It's a great place if you're looking for unique gifts you can't buy elsewhere.
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324 Creek Road, Greenwich
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Made in Greenwich
020-826 948 83 - Read more on Thatsup
Modern shopping centre
You can shop til you drop at Outlet Shopping at The O2. There’s a lot to discover at this multi-level shopping centre with fashion, accessories, fragrance, gifts, sportwear, toys, and beauty all packed in under one roof. You’ll find stores from sought-after brands as well as a variety of different eateries.
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Peninsula Square, Greenwich
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- Read more on Thatsup
Where to go at lunchtime
Authentic Italian recipes
Italian food fans can enjoy at meal at Bianco43. This is a spacious restaurant with a clean rustic look, dishing up authentic recipes with ingredients imported from Italy. Pizza is a popular choice here, with varied toppings to choose from. Pasta, antipasti, and classic desserts are available, plus cocktails and Italian wines.
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43 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich
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Bianco43
020-885 826 68 - Read more on Thatsup
Proper London food
Get some traditional British grub from green-fronted eatery Goddards. Founded in 1890, this is an old-school pie and mash shop with a classic white-tiled dining room. Tuck in to a traditional minced beef pie or an alternative filling, including veggie and vegan recipes. It’s all served with mash and liquor or gravy.
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22 King William Walk, Greenwich
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Goddards at Greenwich
020-830 596 12 - Read more on Thatsup
Meaty treats to take away
Get a hearty lunch at Heap’s Sausage Café. This is a local deli doing counter-service food for takeaway. Food is freshly-prepared with local ingredients. In the morning there are sausage sandwiches and fried breakfasts. Later in the day you can try burgers, hot dogs, and sausages with mash for a casual lunch.
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8 Nevada Street, Greenwich
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Heap's Sausage Café
020-829 391 99 - Read more on Thatsup
Fun things to do in Greenwich
Unique nautical museum
One of Greenwich’s best known landmarks is the Cutty Sark, a groundbreaking historical clipper ship. Now a fascinating part of the local landscape, it’s also an interesting museum where you can explore the decks, learn about the challenges of sea travel during past times, and meet characters from the ship’s history.
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King William Walk, Greenwich
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Cutty Sark
020-885 844 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Get back to nature
For green surrounds and gorgeous views into Central London, take a walk in Greenwich Park. This expansive park is a sanctuary for wildlife and is also home to the Royal Observatory and the meridian line, which are both fascinating sites. There’s plenty of space for strolling around or lounging on the grass.
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Greenwich Park, Greenwich
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Uncover naval history
Learn all about Britain’s fascinating maritime history at the National Maritime Museum. There’s plenty to discover including fun interactive displays, artwork, nautical curiosities, more than 230 ship figureheads, and a record-breaking speedboat. There’s a special section for kids aged under seven too and lots of child-friendly activities for the whole family.
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Romney Road, Greenwich
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National Maritime Museum
020-885 844 22 - Read more on Thatsup
A drink before dinner
Cosy champagne stop
Savour a glass of fizz at Champagne + Fromage. This warm and rustic venue is a bistro, bar and shop, bringing Londoners quality champagne and cosy French cooking. The wide choice of champagne bottles makes this a great spot for a drink, with some vintage bottles available too.
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34 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich
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Champagne + Fromage Greenwich
020-885 331 06 - Read more on Thatsup
Luxury sky bar
At Eighteen Sky Bar you can take in striking views of the river and the city from an 18th floor location. The venue is sleek with moody lighting, plush furniture, cool music, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cocktails and champagne are the speciality here, and private hire of the venue is available for events.
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18th Floor, 1 Waterview Drive, Greenwich
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Eighteen Sky Bar
020-846 369 14 - Read more on Thatsup
Top dinner spots
Elegant Japanese dining
For Japanese dining in a smart space, try Kitcho. It has a calm atmosphere and a big choice of dishes. Sushi fans are in for a treat with elegant rolls, sashimi, and platters. Dishes like noodles, tempura, and salads are served too. Complete a meal with sake and Japanese beer or soft drinks.
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57 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich
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Kitcho
077-208 118 20 - Read more on Thatsup
Fine dining with a view
Sample Indian fine dining whilst taking in great views of the city at Kinaara. This contemporary venue looks sophisticated and sleek. The refined menu includes culinary influences from all over India. Food is complemented by the vibrant range of original cocktails and a lengthy list of international wines.
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1 Waterview Drive, Greenwich
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Kinaara
020-846 369 13 - Read more on Thatsup
Traditional recipes from Nepal
For some of Greenwich's top Nepalese and Indian cooking, head to Mountain View. This understated local restaurant has a simple and comfortable dining room but takeaways are available too. Classic recipes are on the menu like pakora, momo dumplings, biryani, and tandoori dishes. Complete a meal with beer, wine, or soft drinks.
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160 Trafalgar Road, Greenwich
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Mountain View
020-885 802 27 - Read more on Thatsup
Stay out all night
Cosy basement jazz bar
Oliver’s Jazz Bar is a favourite amongst London’s jazz fans. With cosy furniture and a roaring fire in the basement venue, it’s a comfortable place to check out live music and enjoy a drink. Music is on every night of the week and the bar is fully-stocked with a tempting range of drinks.
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9 Nevada St, Greenwich
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Oliver's Jazz Bar
020-885 836 93 - Read more on Thatsup
Drinks with action
Break out your competitive streak at Boom Battle Bar. This lively and modern bar offers punters a great range of games and activities – axe throwing, darts, pool, shuffleboard, karaoke, beer pong, and crazy golf are all options for your night out. Wine, beer, cocktails, and bar snacks like nachos are served.
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23 Entertainment Avenue, Greenwich
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Boom Battle Bar The O2
020-885 811 11 - Read more on Thatsup
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