Your guide to living in Greenwich
You’ll never be stuck for things to do living in Greenwich. As well as being home to Greenwich Mean Time and steeped in historical attractions, the area has open spaces, galleries, and a great selection of places to eat and drink. There truly is something for everyone in this neighbourhood.
Where is it?
You can find Greenwich on the River Thames between Deptford and Woolwich in south-east London.
What’s the transport like?
The nearest tube station is North Greenwich on the Jubilee line or you can catch the DLR to Cutty Sark station. However, if you want to take the scenic route, hop onto an Uber Boat and cross the river in style.
Where do the locals go?
Parks:
It’s a Londoner’s right of passage to climb Greenwich Park hill. The park is one of the largest green spaces in south-east London and the first enclosed royal park in the whole of London, covering 180 acres. We recommend taking a blanket and picnic to watch the sunset over the London skyline.
Walk under the river Thames using the Greenwich foot tunnel to visit Island Gardens. Check out the famous ‘Canaletto view’ and take a detour via the Old Royal Naval Collage, Queen’s House, Cutty Sark, and National Maritime Museum.
Events & Activities:
Greenwich has a rich background of royalty, seafaring, science and architecture, making it a fantastic place to immerse yourself in British history. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is the historic home of British astronomy, where you can view the UK's largest historic telescope. Don't forget to check out the live view in the Camera Obscura while you're there to enjoy the best view of London!
If you fancy something a little different, ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car to cross the Thames. Enjoy spectacular views of the Capital including; St Paul's Cathedral, The Gherkin, Maritime Greenwich and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
For the creatives among you, check out the NOW gallery at Greenwich Peninsula to view their latest exhibition. They showcase contemporary art, fashion, photography and design - the best part is that it’s completely free!
The best restaurants:
You can find Canteen in the design district, a permanent space for creatives to come and work together just a 5 minute walk from the O2. Mimicking the artsy vibe of the area, the outside appears as a giant perspex cloud revealing an inside that’s filled with benches, fairy lights and food vendors. Swing by after work or between meetings to treat yourself to some delicious street food, or maybe even a midday bloody Mary.
A favourite among locals is Greenwich Market which has been running since 1737. Brazilian churros, authentic empanadas, or even ramen noodle burgers - you name it and you can find it here. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat.
Craving comfort food? Stop by Goddards for traditional pie and mash. They’ve been serving pie for over 130 years, so it’s fair to say they know what they’re doing. Browse their wide range of fillings including chicken and ham and lamb and rosemary, as well as veggie and vegan options! Enjoy your meal along with lashings of gravy, liquor, and even eels (if you want ‘em!).
The Hill is a recognised local restaurant serving Mediterranean food. Try several dishes from their range of tapas and antipasti, or tuck into a hearty pasta dish. Served with a delicious red wine, of course!
The best pubs:
Contrary to its name, The Cutty Sark is a little further away from the famous tea clipper than its surrounding pubs - which, actually, is one of its benefits. This 200 year old pub allegedly serves some of the best fish and chips in Greenwich, and contains plenty of cosy corners for drinking.
Seat yourself alongside the Thames at the Trafalgar Tavern. You can spot this local landmark by the brightly coloured bunting outside; a contrast to the wooden floorboards, high ceilings and naval decorations inside. Enjoy fresh whitebait from the river with a pint of local beer, or head downstairs to Cribbs Parlour where you can find live jazz and sip on cocktails.
Oliver’s Jazz Bar is London’s ‘best kept secret’ when it comes to underground music bars. This is the perfect spot for a date night or a relaxing evening on your own. Picture a dimly lit room, hushed conversation and soft jazz playing in the background.
If you’re looking for a hidden treasure, The Prince of Greenwich is just the place. Located at the bottom of Point Hill, this unassuming pub contains beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and is adorned with mis-matched velvet seating and wooden stools. Make sure to order something from their regularly updated Italian menu.
The best coffee shops:
You’ll be spoilt for choice of quaint neighbourhood cafes in Greenwich. Black Eye London is the perfect spot for catching up with friends and grabbing a coffee or homemade croissant. Make sure to head over on a summer afternoon to make the most of their outdoor terrace. Or, if you’re passing through Greenwich Market, find the perfect lunch spot at Monsoon. This no-fuss cafe serves up paninis and sandwiches as well as a selection of fresh juices and hot drinks. For a special occasion, book an afternoon tea at the River Garden Cafe. Scones with jam and cream do taste better with a stunning view of the Thames, after all!
Shops:
Greenwich Vintage Market boasts over 40 stalls selling everything from antique furniture, vintage books, handmade clothes and jewellery. This is the perfect place to shop if you're looking for a unique gift.
The O2 isn’t just a music venue, it’s also a great place to shop. For a designer steal, check out the Icon Outlet to get 70% off brands including Adidas, Nike, and Calvin Klein.
If you’re in need of some retail therapy, wander down to Blackheath Village. It has a selection of independent shops and high street favourites to fill an afternoon.
What’s it famous for?
Greenwich is notoriously known for being the birthplace of the Prime Meridian. The area acts as a longitudinal marker, meaning that every place on earth can be measured in terms of its distance east or west! And yes, you can observe the Prime Meridian line itself.
Want to know the average room rent for Greenwich, and other London postcodes? Check out our latest guide here!