A day by the river

The best things to do in Greenwich

The cruise from Westminster, the Royal Observatory and the meridian line, the Cutty Sark, a ghost walk and a Bridgerton walk: here is how to spend a day there, with honest advice on what is free, getting there by boat or train, and which tickets to buy at the door.

By the Things to Do in London editorial team 5 tours compared Prices checked 24 October 2026

See our 5 picks
Greenwich Park's lawns sloping down to the Queen's House, with Canary Wharf behind
Short answer

The best things to do in Greenwich are the river cruise from Westminster, the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park. The Royal Observatory closes on 2 November 2026 until summer 2027.

The cruise takes 1 to 2 hours, from €21. The Cutty Sark sells its own tickets. GetYourGuide shows prices in your own currency.

Our 5 picks for Greenwich

A cruise to get there, then a walk once you arrive. All five have free cancellation.

  • The twin domes of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich seen across the Thames from €21 per person Our top pick

    1–2 hours 4.5 (25,702) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Westminster to Greenwich river cruise

    A sightseeing boat from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier, with live commentary in English. An audio guide in 11 languages comes with it.

    Best for Getting there the scenic way

    Check availability: Westminster to Greenwich river cruise on GetYourGuide
  • A long stone colonnade at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich from €19 per person

    2 hours 5.0 (80) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Ghosts of Greenwich walk

    A 2-hour evening walk with ghost stories, pirates and the history of local pubs. It starts at Cutty Sark Gardens, for up to 15 people. It does not suit children under 10.

    Best for Couples and friends in the evening

    Check availability: Ghosts of Greenwich walk on GetYourGuide
  • The white Queen's House in Greenwich at the end of a gravel path from €32 per person

    2 h 30 min 4.9 (9) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Bridgerton walking tour in Greenwich

    Few reviews so far (9). A 2.5-hour walk to places from the Bridgerton series, with entry to the Queen's House. It starts at Greenwich station.

    Best for Bridgerton fans

    Check availability: Bridgerton walking tour in Greenwich on GetYourGuide
  • The Cutty Sark clipper ship at Greenwich under a dramatic sky from €18 per person

    3 hours 4.5 (6) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Greenwich adventure game

    Few reviews so far (6). A 3-hour treasure hunt with clues sent to your phone. It is self-guided, for up to 6 players. It does not suit children under 16.

    Best for Families with teens and friends

    Check availability: Greenwich adventure game on GetYourGuide
  • A hand pouring a pale beer from a bar tap from €36 per person

    3 hours 5.0 (2) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Greenwich historic pub tour

    Few reviews so far (2). A 3-hour guided walk about pirates, smugglers and the Royal Navy, with optional pub stops. Food and drinks are extra. Adults only.

    Best for Adults who like history and pubs

    Check availability: Greenwich historic pub tour on GetYourGuide

Greenwich tours compared

Greenwich tours compared
TourFromDurationWho it suitsWhy we picked it
Westminster to Greenwich river cruise 4.5 (25,702)€21
per person
1–2 hoursGetting there the scenic wayThe classic way to reach Greenwich, with 4.5 from 25,702 reviews.
Ghosts of Greenwich walk 5.0 (80)€19
per person
2 hoursCouples and friends in the eveningThe best-rated Greenwich walk here, with 5.0 from 80 reviews.
Bridgerton walking tour in Greenwich 4.9 (9)€32
per person
2 h 30 minBridgerton fansThe only film-location walk in Greenwich.
Greenwich adventure game 4.5 (6)€18
per person
3 hoursFamilies with teens and friendsA playful way to see the sights on your own.
Greenwich historic pub tour 5.0 (2)€36
per person
3 hoursAdults who like history and pubsGreenwich's sea story told through its riverside pubs.
  • Westminster to Greenwich river cruise

    €21 per person1–2 hours 4.5 (25,702)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Getting there the scenic way
    Why we picked it
    The classic way to reach Greenwich, with 4.5 from 25,702 reviews.
  • Ghosts of Greenwich walk

    €19 per person2 hours 5.0 (80)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Couples and friends in the evening
    Why we picked it
    The best-rated Greenwich walk here, with 5.0 from 80 reviews.
  • Bridgerton walking tour in Greenwich

    €32 per person2 h 30 min 4.9 (9)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Bridgerton fans
    Why we picked it
    The only film-location walk in Greenwich.
  • Greenwich adventure game

    €18 per person3 hours 4.5 (6)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Families with teens and friends
    Why we picked it
    A playful way to see the sights on your own.
  • Greenwich historic pub tour

    €36 per person3 hours 5.0 (2)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Adults who like history and pubs
    Why we picked it
    Greenwich's sea story told through its riverside pubs.
  • Small group: Ghosts of Greenwich walk, max 15; Greenwich adventure game, max 6.
  • None of the 5 includes hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point.
  • All 5 offer free cancellation.
  • Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 24 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.

Getting to Greenwich by river

The easiest scenic way is the cruise from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier. It takes 1 to 2 hours and starts from €21. It has live commentary in English.

For a Thames river cruise from Greenwich back to town, the Uber Boat is the simple choice. The DLR and trains are quicker.

The Uber Boat to Greenwich

The Uber Boat is a river bus, and it runs about every 20 minutes. It takes about 45 minutes from London Eye Pier and 25 minutes from London Bridge Pier. From Tower Pier it takes about 20 minutes.

A Central and East single costs £13.50 online and £17.70 at the pier. With contactless it costs £11.40 to £13.70.

By train or DLR

The DLR stops at Cutty Sark, 2 minutes from the ship. Trains from London Bridge reach Greenwich in about 8 minutes.

You can also take the Jubilee line to North Greenwich, then a bus of about 25 minutes. See how to get around London for fares.

Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark tickets

Buy these from Royal Museums Greenwich. None of our picks sells them.

The Royal Observatory closes on 2 November 2026 for building works. It should start to reopen from summer 2027. The Cutty Sark stays open.

Official prices (on the Royal Museums Greenwich site)
TicketAdultChildOpen
Cutty Sark£22£11Daily 10am–5pm, last entry 4:15pm
Royal Observatory£24£12Daily 10am–5pm until 2 November 2026
Day Pass (Cutty Sark and Observatory)£38£19As above

The meridian line and the 1pm Time Ball

The Royal Observatory ticket includes the Prime Meridian line. At 1pm each day, a red Time Ball drops on Flamsteed House. It does not run in high wind.

Check the Royal Museums Greenwich site to see if the Time Ball drops during the closure. The Peter Harrison Planetarium is also closed.

Free things to do in Greenwich

The National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House are free to enter. Both open daily from 10am to 5pm. Booking is recommended.

Both should stay open while the Royal Observatory is closed.

Greenwich walking tours

Pick the ghost walk for an evening and the Bridgerton walk for the day. The ghost walk has 5.0 from 80 reviews.

The Bridgerton listing includes a visit to the Royal Observatory. That part closes on 2 November 2026, so check what the tour does instead.

For the centre, see our London walking tours guide.

Before you go to Greenwich

  1. Check the date

    The Royal Observatory closes on 2 November 2026 until summer 2027. Plan around it.

  2. Take the boat one way

    Cruise there and take the DLR or train back. The trains are quick.

  3. Book free museums

    The National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House are free. Booking is still recommended.

  4. Mind the age limits

    The ghost walk is for 10 and over. The game is for 16 and over, and the pub tour for adults.

Greenwich: questions and answers

How should I spend a day in Greenwich?

Take the cruise from Westminster, then see the Cutty Sark and the free National Maritime Museum. Walk up through Greenwich Park. End with the ghost walk in the evening.

Is Greenwich worth visiting?

Yes, for a day by the river. You get a cruise, a famous ship and free museums in one trip. Note that the Royal Observatory closes from 2 November 2026.

What happens at 1pm in Greenwich?

A red Time Ball drops on Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory. It has done this since 1833. It does not run in high wind, and it may not run during the closure.

Is the Royal Observatory free?

No. It costs £24 for an adult and £12 for a child. It closes on 2 November 2026 until summer 2027.

Is Greenwich a good place to stay?

It depends on your plans. Greenwich is a short train ride from London Bridge. Our guide to where to stay in London compares the main areas. To compare it with other areas, see our guide to london neighbourhoods.

More Greenwich tours, live

More options with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.

See all of these with today's prices and open dates on GetYourGuide.

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