Old Royal Naval College Old Royal Naval College

How to spend a day in Greenwich

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.

  1. Time for breakfast
    1. 1
      Royal Teas Classic tea room
    2. 2
      River Gardens Café Riverside meals all day
    3. 3
      Midpoint Restaurant Tuck in to a Turkish breakfast
  2. Do some shopping
    1. 1
      Greenwich Market Hub of independent retailers
    2. 2
      Made in Greenwich Locally-produced craft items
    3. 3
      The Fudge Patch One for the sweet tooth
  3. Where to go at lunchtime
    1. 1
      Bianco43 Authentic Italian recipes
    2. 2
      Goddards Proper London food
    3. 3
      Heap's Sausage Café Meaty treats to take away
  4. Fun things to do in Greenwich
    1. 1
      Cutty Sark Unique nautical museum
    2. 2
      Greenwich Park Get back to nature
    3. 3
      National Maritime Museum Uncover naval history
  5. A drink before dinner
    1. 1
      Champagne + Fromage Cosy champagne stop
    2. 2
      Eighteen Sky Bar Luxury sky bar
    3. 3
      The Crown Craft beer central
  6. Top dinner spots
    1. 1
      Kitcho Elegant Japanese dining
    2. 2
      Kinaara Fine dining with a view
    3. 3
      Mountain View Traditional recipes from Nepal
  7. Stay out all night
    1. 1
      Oliver's Jazz Bar Cosy basement jazz bar
    2. 2
      Up the Creek A barrel of laughs
    3. 3
      Studio 338 A party you won't forget

Jump to

Time for breakfast

Royal Teas

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.

River Gardens Café – A day in Greenwich
River Gardens Café
River Gardens Café – A day in Greenwich
River Gardens Café
River Gardens Café – A day in Greenwich
River Gardens Café
River Gardens Café – A day in Greenwich
River Gardens Café
River Gardens Café – A day in Greenwich
River Gardens Café
River Gardens Café – A day in Greenwich
River Gardens Café
River Gardens Café – A day in Greenwich
River Gardens Café
River Gardens Café – A day in Greenwich
River Gardens Café

River Gardens Café

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.

Midpoint Restaurant

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.

  • 3 Anchor Iron Wharf, Ballast Quay, Greenwich
  • Website
    Midpoint Restaurant
    020-829 303 77
  • Read more on Thatsup

Do some shopping

Greenwich Market

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.

Made in Greenwich

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.

The Fudge Patch

One for the sweet tooth

The Fudge Patch is a cosy little spot in Greenwich, whipping up fresh, small-batch fudge on-site. They mix up classic flavours with fun, creative versions. It's ideal for picking up a gift, treating yourself to something sweet, or just dropping in for a free sample, which they're more than happy to give.

  • Oliver Bond Industrial Estate Agents, 7 Greenwich Market, Greenwich
  • Website
  • Read more on Thatsup

Where to go at lunchtime

Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43
Bianco43 – A day in Greenwich
Bianco43

Bianco43

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.

Goddards

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.

Heap's Sausage Café

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.

Fun things to do in Greenwich

Cutty Sark

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.

Greenwich Park – A day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park – A day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park – A day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park – A day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park – A day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park – A day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park – A day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park – A day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park

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.

National Maritime Museum

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.

A drink before dinner

Champagne + Fromage

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.

  • 34 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich
  • Website
    Champagne + Fromage Greenwich
    020-885 331 06
  • Read more on Thatsup

Eighteen Sky Bar

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.

The Crown

Craft beer central

The Crown in Greenwich is the area's only pub dedicated to craft beer, offering a weekly-changing selection from London brewers and beyond. It also serves thin, crispy pizzas and regularly hosts quizzes, live sport, DJs, and special deals. With its lively atmosphere and modern vibe, it's a go-to spot for both beer lovers and social gatherings.

Top dinner spots

Kitcho – A day in Greenwich
Kitcho
Kitcho – A day in Greenwich
Kitcho
Kitcho – A day in Greenwich
Kitcho
Kitcho – A day in Greenwich
Kitcho
Kitcho – A day in Greenwich
Kitcho
Kitcho – A day in Greenwich
Kitcho
Kitcho – A day in Greenwich
Kitcho
Kitcho – A day in Greenwich
Kitcho

Kitcho

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.

  • 57 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich
  • Kitcho
    077-208 118 20
  • Read more on Thatsup

Kinaara

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.

Mountain View

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.

Stay out all night

Oliver's Jazz Bar

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.

Up the Creek

A barrel of laughs

Up the Creek, founded in the 1990s by comedian Malcolm Hardee, has long been a top spot for comedy in Greenwich. It hosts impressive line-ups, including surprise appearances and the popular “Black Out” nights, where new acts must survive five minutes on stage without being voted off. With an in-house brewery, the club also serves fresh craft beers alongside the laughs.

Studio 338

A party you won't forget

Studio 338 brings Ibiza vibes to Greenwich, pulling out all the stops with CO2 cannons, giant LED screens, a booming sound system and Europe's largest terrace arena. The lineup regularly features big names that keep the dance floor heaving. Dance all night as the sun sets through the glass roof and the epic Octopus lighting rig kicks in.

A day in Greenwich – About the guide

Our guide on how to spend a day in Greenwich is updated regularly. If you know of somewhere great in Greenwich that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to planning a day in Greenwich. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

Send suggestion

Did we miss something in this guide?

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.