Greenwich is one of those places in London that feels like it was designed to be a treasure chest—with the lid left slightly open so the gems can spill out onto every street corner. From the Royal Observatory sitting proudly atop Greenwich Park to the quiet, postcard-perfect grounds of the University of Greenwich on the other side, every step brought a new surprise.
I could’ve spent two full days here, just to do justice to each attraction (and maybe have a second round of street food at Greenwich Market). But even with limited time and a well-paced stroll, we managed to squeeze in seven attractions without totally exhausting ourselves.
Top of the list? The place where I finally crossed off a very specific bucket list goal: standing in two time zones at once.
1. Royal Observatory
Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
If you watched A Walk to Remember growing up, you’ll remember how incredibly romantic it was when Landon took Jamie to stand in the middle of two state lines—because on her bucket list, she’d written: Be in two places at once.
Same energy here. Except in my case, I wasn’t splitting myself across state borders. I wanted to be in two time zones at once. So, naturally, we made a beeline for the Royal Observatory.
The first thing we did was to rush straight to the Prime Meridian line. I stood there, one foot in the east, one foot in the west. In my head I was like, “Achievement unlocked.” 😎
Raffy, my partner in crime, took it a step further. He dropped down and did pushups on the line. So technically, he was working out in two time zones at once. 🤣 Gotta give it to him for creativity.
Overall, the Royal Observatory was a fun and surreal experience. A perfect photo opp, a goofy memory, and a quiet little thrill knowing we’ve stood at the very spot where the world agreed to set its clocks.
2. The Painted Hall
The only reason I wanted to go to Greenwich in the first place was to stand on the Prime Meridian line for my bucket list. But once I found out it was also home to breathtaking places like The Painted Hall, I knew it had to be a full day trip. And no regrets about that!
I can’t even begin to describe the experience inside The Painted Hall. The photos online, even the most gorgeous ones, don’t do it justice. Because when you’re actually standing there, beneath that ceiling, even the halls of Versailles would probably give a respectful little nod.
Every inch of the space is covered in elaborate paintings. Look closer and you’ll start to notice tiny, intricate details that could keep you staring for hours. Heroes, gods, heavenly realms… all brought to life with paint and pure talent. You can even lie down on the cushioned benches and just stare upward at the most beautiful ceiling you’ve ever seen. Take your time. The guards don’t mind. 😅
Pro tip: Go early. On a weekday, if you can. We arrived just as it opened and had the whole place to ourselves for a good 30 minutes. We had plenty of time to take all the photos, soak in the silence, and marvel at the sheer effort of the artists who did all of this by hand, centuries ago, without any modern tech.
Oh, and don’t skip the audio guide! That’s how I found out it was used in Pirates of the Caribbean, along with a bunch of other fun facts I won’t spoil for you. 😇
3. Queen’s House
Before visiting the Queen’s House, I had one very important question: Did a queen actually live here? The answer, of course, is yes. But, like many royal stories, it comes with a bit of sadness.
The house was originally commissioned by Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I, as a peaceful retreat away from the chaos of court life. But Anne died before it was completed. It was later finished for Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I—hence the name, Queen’s House.
Today, we commoners get to stroll through it as part of the National Maritime Museum. I found myself getting drawn into the elegant halls filled with portraits of British royalty, naval commanders, and epic sea battles. It’s quiet, regal, and honestly a bit dreamy.
We even had the chance to attend a small concert in one of the grand rooms. Talented women played harps and sang with voices so angelic, it felt like the paintings themselves were listening.
Between the music, the history, and the art, it was one of those moments I quietly tucked away and promised not to forget.
4. Eat at Greenwich Market
5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Fancy some yang chow fried rice? Or maybe chicken tikka masala is more your vibe? Whatever you’re craving, Greenwich Market is the place to be. It’s an absolute haven for foodies, especially those of us who believe the best part of any day trip is the food and drinks. 😋
This bustling indoor market is packed with international food stalls run by small businesses, each serving up something flavorful and unique. It’s the perfect spot to rest your legs, refuel, and dive headfirst into a world tour of street food.
Once you’ve satisfied your taste buds, take a few extra minutes to wander around the other stalls. There are handmade crafts, quirky art pieces, and plenty of souvenirs if you want something more meaningful than a magnet (no shade to fridge magnets—I collect them too!).
5. Explore the University of Greenwich
Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London SE10 9LS
We were supposed to visit this really cool historic Victorian bowling alley tucked inside one of the university’s older buildings. But when we arrived, we found out it was closed for the day because graduation was happening.
And right on cue, the grounds started filling up with students in their togas, proud parents carrying bouquets, and siblings running around with cameras. Since we had time to explore, we decided to just soak it all in—the joy, the nostalgia, the resounding pride buzzing through the air.
Looking back, I think it was actually a gift to visit the University of Greenwich on graduation day. It made the place feel alive, not just as a beautiful, historic campus, but as a space filled with real people, real stories, and years of hard work coming to a close.
We weren’t just admiring the architecture anymore. We were witnessing it in motion—watching it celebrate the very people it was built to hold. And to this day, I’m still thankful we happened to be there at just the right moment.
6. Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park, just below the Royal Observatory and a short walk from the University of Greenwich, is where the city breathes. Students, locals, and the occasional tired tourist (hi, it’s me) gather here to wind down after a busy day.
We lucked out with great weather during our visit—sunny but breezy, the kind that makes you want to stay outdoors forever. I watched dogs chasing frisbees, kids racing through the grass, and couples lounging on picnic blankets as if it was the only thing on their to-do list.
It’s the perfect spot to pause, especially if you’re full from all the amazing bites at Greenwich Market and not quite ready to dive into another attraction. Rest your legs, find a bench, and just be for a while.
If you’ve still got a little energy left in you, climb the hill. There’s cemented stairs that make the trek easier, and if you time it right, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning sunset view. From up there, you’ll see the Greenwich skyline stretch out below, with the Queen’s House standing proud at the center.
7. Cutty Sark
King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
After a leisurely walk along the pier behind the University of Greenwich, we finally laid eyes on the Cutty Sark—one of the most iconic ships in the world. Even from the outside, it’s a striking sight. Though I have to admit, it was a little funny seeing such a legendary ship just… sitting there, on land. Not afloat, but still holding court like the maritime queen she is.
You can, of course, explore the ship’s interior with a ticket, but we weren’t able to do that because we used up all our time eating and drinking at the nearby Greenwich Market. 😅 Zero regrets, but maybe next time!
Anyway, this one’s worth a visit if you want to board one of the fastest sailing ships of its time. It was originally designed to carry tea from China to Britain during the peak of the tea trade. Speed was the name of the game, because—well—the British take their tea very seriously. 🫖
If you’re short on time like we were, admiring it from the outside is still a treat. There are plaques and guide descriptions posted near the entrance, so you can still pick up some fun facts without stepping foot on deck.
Final Thoughts
Don’t skip Greenwich if you’re looking for things to do in London! It’s packed with history, nature, and charm—from straddling time zones at the Royal Observatory to getting lost in the ceiling art of the Painted Hall.
Even if you only have a day, you can see a lot. The main attractions are all within walking distance of each other, and getting around is a breeze thanks to intuitive signs, open green spaces, and of course, the blessed gift of strong mobile data. 😊
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